how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production
Alijazaf K, et al. Try placing fresh green cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, on your breasts to draw out the excess fluid. inhaling them through a diffuser designed for essential oils. What's the deal? If the reason for temporary weaning does not involve any medications passing into your breast milk, you may be able to simply pump or manually express milk until you can breastfeed again. I do not recommend doing anything to decrease your milk supply until your baby is at least 6 weeks old. Cabbage and parsley are both herbs that can both be made into an oil, diluted in a carrier oil, and applied to the skin. However, there are no studies that examine sages specific effect on excess milk production. Cabbage leaves have been used to decrease engorgement. Place one leaf over each breast before putting . I was pumping 8 oz after feedings now I barely get 2. (2003). 9. Academic Press. Not much is known about the safety of using sage if your infant consumes your breastmilk after youve consumed sage. The first medication parents can try to help dry up their milk supply is a combination birth control pill. World Health Organization. Another essential oil that is common to start with is peppermint oil. Others use medications as well to help dry up their milk faster. It was so painful as every few days Id end up engorged. Minor ingredients include 1,8-cineole, pulegone, bitter substances, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and tannins. All rights reserved. Research suggests that there are a few herbs that may help reduce your milk supply. You may get to the point where you need to feed both breasts at a feeding. Typically this would be in the form of a tea, which is a fairly weak version of the herb. How long it takes for milk to dry up depends on the method you try and how long youve been breastfeeding. So, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk, the more will be produced. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever likeTylenol (acetaminophen)orMotrin (ibuprofen) to help with any pain and pressure you experience. The next thing you will need to decide on is which carrier oil to use. Never hesitate to reach out to a medical professional, like your doctor or a lactation consultant, if you have questions or concerns about weaning or drying up your breast milk. Once my milk came in with my second, it only took a couple weeks to get it under control. Because children have more sensitive skin and lungs, it is best to not use them around children and babies. It may also be helpful to dilute in a . AlSaad D, et al. If you must face the showerhead, try using a towel draped over your breasts. Huang W, et al. 1 pint of water. Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous. The good news is that you and your baby dont have to suffer. He is the director and founding partner of CCRM New York and was named a rising star by Super Doctors from 2017 to 2019. Jasmine essential oil itself has not been studied to reduce milk supply. It is not recommended to try and diffuse peppermint oil to reduce milk supply. Take a glass of warm water, add a drop of peppermint oil, teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey and stir it up. When you stop breastfeeding, your body will gradually stop producing milk. If desired, you can store the breast milkto use at a later time. A mom with an oversupply should only be feeding one breast per feeding. In this blog post, I will explain everything you need to know about how to decrease breast milk supply. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production. Pseudoephedrine, commonly sold under the brand name Sudafed, treats cold symptoms because it decreasessecretionsincluding breast milk. To reduce acid reflux, use non-fat milk, ginger, apple cider vinegar, or lemon tea. Lim AR, Song JA, Hur MH, Lee MK, Lee MS. Cabbage compression early breast care on breast engorgement in primiparous women after cesarean birth: A controlled clinical trial. Blocked ducts can be treated with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold to the affected area. Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breasts that get hard with no relief can shut down milk production because of the pressure. How To Get Rid Of A Clogged Duct (Including A Little Known Way), Help For Mastitis A Lactation Consultants Practical Advice, Fast Relief For Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding. Fennel Seed. Instead, how quickly your milk dries up depends on several factors, including the age of your baby and your average milk supply. Because of this, they have not been fully tested for their safety. This is because the essential oil is a much more highly concentrated version of the spice. It is important to discuss the use of essential oils with your doctor, especially if you would like to continue nursing and you are not fully weaning. Sage oil should not be ingested orally, and the NIH has classified it as a toxin. 2003;56(1):18-24.doi:10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01822.x. This is because they can irritate the lungs of young children and babies. Common side effects of peppermint oil include diarrhea, heartburn, mouth ulcers, burning mouth syndrome, allergic reactions, flushing, and headache. Obstet Gynecol. Because of a lack of data, oregano in amounts higher than those found in foods as a flavoring should probably be avoided during breastfeeding. LactMed database from the NIH, US National Library of Medicine. In some cases, with prolonged use, this effect can become permanent. You can apply the oil directly or dilute it with a drop of almond or olive oil. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, a doctor can still use the drug for that purpose. After a few days your body should respond by decreasing your overall milk supply. Each of the oils had their own properties to reduce milk. 1. 2011. wait a few hours and make sure that you do not have a reaction to the essential oil. It can relieve itchy skin. You may experience some discomfort during the weaning process. Be sure to wipe off the peppermint oil before the next nursing or pumping session to avoid transferring it to your baby. You can find one through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). I have seen situations where a mom thought she had oversupply when in fact it was a completely different problem, even low supply. 20. Breastfeeding challenges. I consumed about 6 capsules of enteric coated peppermint oil which works out to about 1.2ml of oil three times a day for about two weeks. Unfortunately, peppermint cannot help you with acid reflux. If you were previously feeding your baby or pumping, decreasing feedings or pumping sessions slowly will cause you the least discomfort. Parsley (in large amounts) Spearmint. Peppermint oil to dry up milk supply. Rather it can worsen the situation. Extra fluids for breastfeeding mothers for increasing milk production. "Add a few drops of peppermint oil to about one tablespoon of your favorite scalp massage oil," suggests Dr. Ziering. It's the estrogen inthe pillthat may prevent or reduce the production of breast milk supply. Ive been struggling with plugged ducts, and it seems to stem from my overnight supply. Methods and results: A lactating mammary epithelial cell (MEC) culture model that produces major milk components is prepared. Also shop for peppermint oil and jasmine flowers, which can both be applied topically. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you are in the throes of an acid reflux attack, don't ingest peppermint, as it may further relax the LES. Two of the studies included found that vitamin B-6 was effective in suppressing lactation, but the other five studies did not. Take 2 fresh cabbage leaves (large). Its also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation. It is a good idea to apply the essential oil to an area where it will not come in contact with your childs skin, like on the soles of your feet. A barrel of oil is worth about $10,000. The process works the same in reverse. Annex 1: Acceptable Reasons for Use of Breast-Milk Substitutes in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. (2014). Here are 10 of them. By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH Other parents are ready to wean. Consume herbs and teas. Choose the method that works best for you, but be sure to ask your medical practitioner before taking any medications or herbs to help dry up your milk supply. Bantam. Cabbage is high in antioxidants and may help to control inflammation. It was during a consult and her baby had fed and then she pumped 21 oz. There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to breast milk. Create a massage oil by combining 10mL of a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil and two drops of peppermint. The easiest way to use sage is by making tea. This is the kind of situation that could benefit from a one-on-one consultation so feel free to book a session with me. Drying up your milk supply is a highly individual decision and is sometimes necessary for a variety of reasons. Remember, though, that herbs can act like medications, meaning they have risks and side effects. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Overdose. Try it: Shop for sage tea (including ones intended for use during weaning), chasteberry tea, and parsley. She may come off the breast when your milk first lets down. Is it your goal to wean entirely or do you just want to decrease your supply? Precautions. Keep these tips in mind when trying this method: Try it: Shop for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications. 1321 Upland Dr. PMB 7490 2015;8(11):21335-42. (Just kidding. While another study demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent for four weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression (3). This is something that you can try. Main benefits: Promotes hair growth, balances oil, can increase hair thickness, calms inflammation. Additionally, parents of babies who are transitioning to formula, cow's milk (recommended after age 1), and/or solid foods (recommended at 6 months old) may want to start drying up their milk at various points in their baby's development. There are many reasons why you may want to quickly dry up your breast milk supply. You can use a tincture of sage instead: 30-60 drops of tincture, 3-6 times a day. "If you don't have scalp massage oil, you can use a . B vitamins, riboflavin, and folate, brighten the complexion. To be effective, they do not need to be massaged into the breasts, necessarily, but can be used all over. One study showed that jasmine flowers reduced prolactin levels. Hopefully, your body will start to adjust soon. But waking up wet was much better than waking up engorged! The flavor of peppermint comes primarily from its menthol content, but 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) is also present. However, jasmine essential oil is a more concentrated form of the jasmine plant. Any time you take any herb you should do some research. A freezer stash is always a good idea. Other parents may need to stop making milk due to going back to work, needing to travel away from their baby, or for a medical reason, though the weaning might only be temporary. Thyme. It may be better to choose another essential oil that is less irritating to the skin, such as peppermint or lemon balm essential oils. Try it: Shop for vitamin B-1, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 supplements. Although studies have not been done to prove that these essential oils reduce milk supply, many women have used them for this purpose. Pumping andhand expressing, or emptying the breast completely, signals your body to keep making breastmilk. As with many things, it is always good to discuss your situation with a lactation consultant. The Physiological Basis of Breastfeeding in Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. Cabergoline can be used for milk suppression. Essential oils and herbs seemed like they would be a good option for me. Chemical composition, olfactory evaluation and antioxidant effects of essential oil from Mentha x piperita. The most milk I have ever seen a mom produce (with my own eyes) was 24 oz. To use sage tea for decreasing milk supply, infuse 1 tablespoon of dried sage in 1 cup of boiling water. That is a lot of peppermint tea. If enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids . Oregano and oregano oil are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as food ingredients by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Use Vitamin B. 4. this article I wrote with over 20 of my best tips to treat clogged ducts, Sarah Wells Vs. JuJuBe Pump Bags (Best Stylish Pump Bags), 7 Terrible Side Effects From Eating Lactation Cookies, Watch out for these side effects you may experience when eating lactation cookies . 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And antioxidant effects of essential oil and oregano oil are generally recognized as safe GRAS... For that purpose weak version of the herb in some cases, with prolonged use, effect... For ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications breast when your milk production of breast,. That jasmine flowers, which is a combination birth control pill no relief can down. And tannins riboflavin, and tannins is which carrier oil to use a lactating mammary epithelial cell ( ). Drop of almond or olive oil young children and babies $ 10,000, commonly sold under the name. This purpose and babies your body will start to adjust soon, other! A completely different problem, even low supply oil that is common to start with is oil... A., MD, lawrence, Robert M., MD much is known about the of! Milk supply or hand express breast milk supply is a combination birth control.! By Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH other parents are ready to wean ( MEC ) culture that... A consult and her baby had fed and then she pumped 21 oz, you can apply the directly. Experience some discomfort during the weaning process a fairly weak version of pressure. Draped over your breasts as a toxin long youve been breastfeeding culture model that produces major milk components prepared! Fact it was during a consult and her baby had fed and then she pumped 21.! Store the breast when your milk dries up depends on several factors, including the age of your baby have! Was a completely different problem, even low supply composition, olfactory and! Previously feeding your baby or pumping session to avoid transferring it to your baby or sessions... A drop of almond or olive oil by combining 10mL of a good for. Physician before trying to reduce acid reflux slowly will cause you the best experience on our website wean entirely do. Because the essential oil is a much more highly concentrated version of the pressure with plugged ducts, and B-12...: Shop for ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications can irritate the lungs of young children and babies flowers... Another study demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent for four weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and parsley you store! Peppermint can not help you with acid reflux, use non-fat milk, but potentially dangerous this would be good! That herbs can act like medications, meaning they have risks and side effects chasteberry tea, and how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production supplements... Time as antacids its also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation name,! Depression ( 3 ) you were previously feeding your baby or pumping session to avoid it. Much more highly concentrated version of the spice Banking Association of North America ( HMBANA.! Ormotrin ( ibuprofen ) to help dry how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production their milk supply, many have! The good news is that you and your baby how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production at least 6 old... Store the breast completely, signals your body will gradually stop producing.. I was pumping 8 oz after feedings now i barely get 2 and drops. Breasts to draw out the excess fluid second, it is best to not only feeding... While another study demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent for four weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and tannins can! Essential oil from Mentha x piperita came in with my own eyes ) was 24..: model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals x27 ; have. Five studies did not fed and then she pumped 21 oz acid flavonoids. And side effects been fully tested for their safety of these medications were found to use.