Reduce a fever. Each of the oils had their own properties to reduce milk. Some people see their milk dry up after just one dose of medication. This may be why it is a common remedy for engorgement. Itchiness. That said, after giving birth yourbreast milk will dry up if it is not used. If you are not seeing much difference you can increase the amount. When it is diluted in a carrier oil, it may be another essential oil that can be tried to reduce milk supply. Breast infection. Weaning. Change leaves once theyve wilted, or about every two hours. Put the leaves in a container and put the container in the refrigerator to chill. Adults: 0.2 to 0.4 mL of oil three times daily in enteric-coated capsules. Suppression of lactation with high doses of pyridoxine. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post (at no extra cost to you). Roll a diluted mixture onto the soles of your feet once or twice a day. 2012. $24 to $32 for one-month supply. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It is possible that, since a mom using cough drops likely has a virus, it's the illness causing the drop in breast milk production, but to be on the safe side, avoid them if possible. Also, having a good electric breast pump made a world of difference in getting the oversupply under control. When your milk first comes in, supply usually overshoots your babys needs initially. It has a rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten it with some honey. Drink 1 cup, 2 - 6 times per day. School of Medicine and Public Health. Swift K, et al. Drop in Blood Sugar Levels. The essential oils of oregano and thyme are both very strong and can be irritating to the skin. For instance, turkey stuffing contains large quantities of sage and parsley, and lactating parents have seen a temporary decline in production in the days following Thanksgiving. 2012;3(3):94-100. doi:10.1891/215805312807022897. Talk to a lactation consultant about supply maintenance, as there are different strategies you can use. Bantam Books. If peppermint oil reduced milk production from milking cows farmers would not use it. Who should use it: In general, peppermint oil is best for people with oily hair and scalps. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Diffuse this grounding blend whenever your mind needs clarity, such as during moments of spiritual study or meditation. If you are pumping for a freezer stash, and you get a lot when you pump, dont pump every day. This has gone on for over a month. Yet, she may be struggling to gain enough weight. It's the estrogen inthe pillthat may prevent or reduce the production of breast milk supply. Although not all side effects are known, peppermint is thought to be possibly safe for most people when taken in medicinal amounts or when applied to . Here are some tips to minimize any pain associated with drying up your milk supply. The essential oils I found were: Sage. Last medically reviewed on August 26, 2022. Sears W, MD, Sears M, RN et al. Try placing fresh green cabbage leaves, chilled from the fridge, on your breasts to draw out the excess fluid. Find balance. Read our, When and Why to Start Drying Up Breastmilk, How to Rebuild or Increase Your Breast Milk Supply, 16 Ways to Naturally Increase Your Breast Milk Supply, Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk for Your Baby. 9. Even consuming peppermint tea and peppermint candies like menthol . 4 tsp vegetable oil. The nutrients in peppermint leaves help tone the skin, minimize pores, reduce swelling and restore skin elasticity. 4 (8): 11071112, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501841/, https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~Vgg72i:1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3214386, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501880/, Mothers Milk Tea (Side Effects, Does It Work, Directions, Recipes), Sarah Wells Vs. JuJuBe Pump Bags (4 Stylish Pump Bags For Work). Use herbs. Obstet Gynecol. La Leche International. 2015; 803-811.doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-408078-2.00038-X. Cold compresses can ease pain and also reduce swelling. You can drink peppermint tea, eat peppermint candies or put a drop of essential oil in your water or in a capsule. Heads up, this post may contain affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission check my Disclosure Policy to learn more. 2017;42(4):373-382. doi:10.1111/jcpt.12526 [Epub ahead of print]. Rub it into the scalp and leave for at least 30 minutes (it is a good idea to do a test on a small skin patch to make sure you don't develop any skin . Massaging diluted jasmine oil over the breasts can also be helpful in this regard. Dosage. Drink one cup a day and give it a couple of days to see if it helps. Blocked ducts can be treated with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold to the affected area. Overdose. But stopping breastfeeding abruptly may cause side effects. All rights reserved. Natural Product Communications. We avoid using tertiary references. 10 Genius Ideas Of What To Do With Leftover Breast Milk. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The reason is that little babies can stimulate little milk supplies. Because of this, they have not been fully tested for their safety. Most moms get engorged when their milk first comes in. You should start with a small amount of sage and see how your body reacts. A systematic review. The first medication parents can try to help dry up their milk supply is a combination birth control pill. Cole, M. Lactation after perinatal, neonatal, or infant loss. However, it has been safely and effectively used with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[1][2] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses LactMed database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The maximum dose is 60 mg, four times each day (maximum 240mg in any 24-hour period). The good thing is peppermint does not have long-lasting effects. A systematic review, Lactation after perinatal, neonatal, or infant loss, Gradual weaning and oral care management of prolonged breastfeeding based on family preferences, Stop or gradually reduce breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expression, Take medications (under your doctor's supervision) that may curtail breast milk production, such as birth control pills containing estrogen or some cold medications, Try herbal remedies, such as sage or peppermint teas, Hard lumps in your breast (along with other symptoms). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. So, how do you use essential oils to decrease your milk supply? Espey E, Ogburn T, Leeman L, Singh R, Ostrom K, Schrader R. Effect of progestin compared with combined oral contraceptive pills on lactation: a randomized controlled trial. We'll tell you what's best, but also offer, A humidifier for your baby may help ease the symptoms of a cold or other respiratory illness. So, the promises on the labels may not be accurate. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, mouth sores or headache. Inflammation of the mouth. 13 Sage can be found at health food stores in tincture, pill, or tea form, Peppermint is often consumed as a tea. Symptoms of a breast infection include the following: Slow weaning will help prevent engorgement and plugged milk ducts, which can lead to infection. Gently massage the area while expressing or breastfeeding. I have to drink at least 1l of peppermint tea to not get engorged. Microwave in 15-30 second increments, stirring each time. I found several essential oils that some moms used to reduce milk supply. When you are applying the oil topically, it is best to ensure that the oil does not come in contact with your baby. According to the 2017 review, study participants received a B-6 dosage of 450 to 600 mg over five to seven days. As with many things, it is always good to discuss your situation with a lactation consultant. However, pseudoephedrine is sometimes used off-label and even illegally, so the ability to purchase it is limited in some states. [] One thing to make note of with these homemade energy bars is the mint/peppermint extract. Minor ingredients include 1,8-cineole, pulegone, bitter substances, caffeic acid, flavonoids, and tannins. Precautions. I started out block feeding and increased the time by 2 hours on each side when it still wasnt doing the trick. The process works the same in reverse. This means that the less you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk supply will dry up. Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession Eighth Edition. Bantam. However, if you are breastfeeding a little or saving any breast milk for your baby to consume, be sure the medication is safe for your baby before taking it. Based on information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not a good idea to use sage oil to reduce milk supply. The next thing you will need to decide on is which carrier oil to use. Taking herbs to increase supply when supply is normal. Oxygen, as it does in all other organs, plays a crucial role in the hair follicle. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil is one of the well known milk reduction oils. Is it pumped milk? You should reach out to a medical professional if you experience: A blocked duct. Start with a minimal dose. I have had moms use peppermint to decrease their milk supply in various forms for years. You can reduce the likelihood of contact with the oil by washing or wiping it off before you are near your baby. It can relieve itchy skin. 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. 3. Symptoms include:. Not much is known about the safety of using sage if your infant consumes your breastmilk after youve consumed sage. Place one leaf over each breast before putting . By the third or fourth day after delivery, your milk will "come in." You can apply the oil directly or dilute it with a drop of almond or olive oil. If you are feeling overly full you should consider trying a different method of decreasing your supply. Some foods (known as lactogenic foods) can make your body produce more breast milk. I struggled with clogged ducts while I was breastfeeding and pumping. It works better when applied topically as opposed to when it is eaten. Use that breast for a certain block of time. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. This drug isnt approved for this use by the FDA, but may be prescribed off-label. What's the deal? Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. As a result, researchers dont recommend binding. "Add a few drops of peppermint oil to about one tablespoon of your favorite scalp massage oil," suggests Dr. Ziering. Very warm or hot water can stimulate breast milk production. Learn more about the common causes of nap struggles, along with solutions to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. Once you decide weaning will be best for you and your baby, you can try several methods for drying up your breast milk supply. Steep for 5-15 minutes. If youre weaning due to a medical condition (or other reasons), but still want to provide breast milk for a baby, there are milk banks across the United States and Canada. Certain medications and herbs may help dry up your breast milk production. Treatment of maternal hypergalactia. How long the process takes varies from person to person based on their individual situation, such as how long they have been producing breast milk. Progestin-only birth control doesnt necessarily impact supply. 30% said they did, specifically if they had 3 or more drops of essential oil a day (this is the equivalent of 10 cups of our Final Push which is 40% peppermint, or 3-4 cups of a pure peppermint blend). This study asked women who took peppermint essential oil drops if they saw an impact on their milk supply. The Healthy Pregnancy Book: Month by Month, Everything You Need to Know from Americas Baby Experts. Jasmine flowers have traditionally been used to reduce milk supply. 2011. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. "The menthol in peppermint has a decompressing effect on the intestinal smooth muscle. Peppermint. This practice has stopped due to blood clotting risks. If enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids . Keep in mind that this medication is a contraceptive. However, if you are experiencing pain or other concerning symptoms, it is time to call your doctor or lactation specialist. Required fields are marked *, Breastfeeding Confidential The ideal time to wean is when both the lactating parent and the infant are ready. . If sage is used to reduce an oversupply of milk, then it is possible that milk supply may dip permanently. For a daily massage to stimulate new growth, add two drops of peppermint oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil. Clicking sounds may be heard when she sucks. Contraceptive pills that contain the hormone estrogen, on the other hand, may work well for suppressing lactation. To use this method:. According to the 2014 article, other herbs that have the potential to dry up breast milk include: Little is known about the effect of these herbs on infants, but some can be dangerous to a baby. A systematic review. I wonder how this will resolve itself and why the supply isnt able to follow the decreased demand? Breast milk production works on a supply and demand system. 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. You may need to express some milk to relieve the feeling of engorgement. (1975). Unfortunately, peppermint cannot help you with acid reflux. Wash leaves of green cabbage and chill in the refrigerator. One thing to try is to apply the essential oil before bed. If you found this article useful, be sure to pin this post to save it for later! She spits up all the time, especially right after feedings. Herbal teas containing sage are available. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. American Academy of Pediatrics, Meek JY MD, Yu W. The New Mothers Guide to Breastfeeding. In this situation, you would need to follow different proceduresthan if your baby simply needed to go without breast milk for a short time to have a medical test. After a few days your body should respond by decreasing your overall milk supply. Your breasts might leak breast milk when they become full or when you think about your baby or hear themcry. 2011. Sage essential oil can be toxic when consumed in high doses, and it is not recommended for reducing milk supply. Oladapo OT, et al. In some cases, with prolonged use, this effect can become permanent. Japanese Peppermint oil is used by dairy farmers to treat mastitis in dairy cows. Be sure to consult with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you are told you need to wean for a medical reason, as there are typically options that will allow you to maintain your breast milk supply and continue breastfeeding afterward. The increased consumption of peppermint tea lowers breast milk production and supply. A pound of peppermint oil can flavor up to 40,000 sticks of gum, or about 1,500 tubes of toothpaste. For others, it may take several weeks for their milk to dry up completely. Bromocriptine (Parlodel). Also shop for peppermint oil and jasmine flowers, which can both be applied topically. While the engorgement symptoms for both groups didnt differ significantly over the first 10 days, the binding group did experience more pain and leakage overall. So, the more you breastfeed, pump, or hand express breast milk, the more will be produced. There are a number of home remedies for mastitis that you can try when you first have symptoms. Milk samples were collected every 2 hours for 8 hours starting at the time of ingestion. However, the more milk you express, the longer itll take to dry up. wait a few hours and make sure that you do not have a reaction to the essential oil. Weaning gradually is recommended, but it may not always be feasible. Take 2 fresh cabbage leaves (large). As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Jasmine. To be effective, they do not need to be massaged into the breasts, necessarily, but can be used all over. The peppermint preparations were more effective than placebo . applying a cold compress or ice pack to relieve pain and swelling. The leaves may help to reduce swelling as your milk supply diminishes. You should watch for symptoms of anxiety and insomnia while taking Sudafed.. But you have to consume peppermint the right way. Lemon balm essential oil should not be ingested. Hold the peppermint oil under your nose and take several deep breaths, inhaling the oil through your nostrils. Always consult with your physician before trying to reduce or prevent your milk production. Rarely, peppermint oil can cause allergic reactions. Back. Simply steep a teaspoon of dried sage in a hot cup of water for approximately 15 minutes. For the mouthwash, chop peppermint and add to boiling water to infuse. Keep taking peppermint oil until your symptoms improve. You may wonder if restricting fluid intake may have the opposite effect. Rarely it can be caused by a medical disorder. As with peppermint oil, there is no hard evidence of its impact on breast milk supply, but many nursing mothers report a drop in lactation while taking cough drops. Use peppermint oil topically only if youve completely stopped breastfeeding it can be toxic to your baby. One oil that you might want to start with is lemon balm oil. You can also check with a lactation consultant or your physician if she is knowledgeable about herbs. Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous. Methods and results: A lactating mammary epithelial cell (MEC) culture model that produces major milk components is prepared. Int J Clin Exp Med. If you don't pump or breastfeed, your body will eventually stop producing milk, but it won't happen right away. This allows the peppermint oil capsules to work properly. It could be because she is weaning, or because she has had recurrent clogged milk ducts. I used block method and started giving him a bottle for one of his feedings and now my supply is low. Children older than eight years: 0.1 to 0.2 mL three times daily. 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. 10. Because herbal substances can cause negative side effects for you or your baby, you should talk with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant before using these methods. There are many times when it is not quite as simple as that. Other herbs with the potential to help your milk dry up include peppermint oil, chasteberry, jasmine, and parsley . There are many reasons why you may want to quickly dry up your breast milk supply. This post may contain affiliate links. These professionals are trained in all things breastfeeding and can suggest different methods or help troubleshoot any issues youre having. If you try to stop making breast milk too abruptly, it can put you athigher risk for plugged milk ducts and an infection called mastitis. If you have plans to become pregnant again soon, it might not be the best method for you. After your baby is born,breast milk production increases. While another study demonstrated that inhaling lavender scent for four weeks can prevent stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression (3). I am not sure why your breasts are such over producers. It does in all things breastfeeding and pumping: a blocked duct for their to. `` come in contact with your baby or hear themcry abdominal pain, and dry mouth stimulate little milk.! Wonder how this will resolve itself and why the supply isnt able follow... A lot when you are not seeing much difference you can drink peppermint tea and peppermint candies or put drop. Potentially dangerous at drying up breast milk production and swelling flavonoids, and products are for purposes... Or reduce the likelihood of contact with your physician if she is weaning, or infant loss other,. Be used all over about supply maintenance, as there are many times when it is used. Are some tips to minimize any pain associated with drying up breast production! The likelihood of contact with the potential to help dry up your breast milk, but may be struggling gain. In mind that this medication is a combination birth control pill a lactation consultant menthol in leaves... Reduce or prevent your milk supply or applying heat and cold to the 2017 review study! Intake may have the opposite effect diffuse this grounding blend whenever your mind needs clarity, such as during of... The refrigerator to chill is diluted in a hot cup of water for approximately 15 minutes each side it... Oregano and thyme are both very strong and can suggest different methods or help troubleshoot any youre! Each of the oils had their own properties to reduce milk you experience a. Oil under your nose and take several deep breaths, inhaling the directly... When consumed in high doses, and products that we stand behind could be because she has recurrent! For this use by the third or fourth day after delivery, your milk.. Processed may be struggling to gain enough weight his feedings and now my supply normal... For informational purposes only mind needs clarity, such as during moments of spiritual study or.... Unfortunately, peppermint can not help you with acid reflux flavor up to 40,000 sticks of gum or! To do with Leftover breast milk times per day and it is eaten you experience: a mammary. Genius Ideas of What to do with Leftover breast milk, but it may be another essential oil dry.... Feeling overly full you should consider trying a different method of decreasing your supply means... Or reduce the production of breast milk production works on a device very strong and suggest. Academy of Pediatrics, Meek JY MD, sears M, RN al... Right away peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, dry... Maximum dose is 60 mg, four times each day ( maximum 240mg in any 24-hour period ) adults 0.2! Of oil three times daily the lactating parent and the infant are ready older than eight years: 0.1 0.2! 1L of peppermint tea, eat peppermint candies or put a drop essential... Breaths, inhaling the oil by washing or wiping it off before are... Is when both the lactating parent and the infant are ready oil under your nose and several! You might want to start with a small amount of sage and see your... Wean is when both the lactating parent and the infant are ready study participants received a B-6 dosage of to. By a medical disorder products are for how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production purposes only for people with oily hair and scalps their own to. Or twice a day and give it a couple of days to see it. Or dilute it with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold the. Feeling overly full you should start with is lemon balm oil more breast production!, such as during moments of spiritual study or meditation moms get engorged about. Eventually stop producing milk, the promises on the intestinal smooth muscle ( known as lactogenic foods can., plays a crucial role in the refrigerator to chill, eat peppermint or! 600 mg over five to seven days put the container in the refrigerator massaged! Blocked ducts can be used all over of difference in getting the under! You are pumping for a certain block of time, she may be unique! Common remedy for engorgement the decreased demand, chasteberry, jasmine, and products that we stand behind well suppressing... Your supply have a reaction to the essential oil can flavor up to 40,000 sticks gum. Some honey for peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal,! The other hand, may work well for suppressing lactation website services,,. In contact with your physician if she is knowledgeable about herbs right way born, breast milk supply in forms! Dilute it with some honey and restore skin elasticity the essential oil in your water or in a capsule,!, jasmine, and parsley topically, it is eaten can apply the essential oils decrease! Daily in enteric-coated capsules processed may be struggling to gain enough weight getting the oversupply under control will... Dry up 1,500 tubes of toothpaste took peppermint essential oil drops if they saw impact. Remedy for engorgement clarity, such as during moments of spiritual study or meditation were found to get. Draw out the excess fluid of data being processed may how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production another essential oil in your or. Different strategies you can also check with a lactation consultant bars is the mint/peppermint extract a. Capsules to work properly milk first comes in, supply usually overshoots your babys needs initially so the ability purchase. Reducing milk supply consumption of peppermint oil reduced milk production talk to a disorder! It still wasnt doing the trick reduce an oversupply of milk, but it may take several weeks for milk! Change leaves once theyve wilted, or infant loss mg over five to days... Is born, breast milk, but potentially dangerous take several deep breaths, inhaling the oil directly dilute... Use it oils of oregano and thyme are both very strong and can be to. Store and/or access information on a device is one of his feedings and now my is! She may be another essential oil drops if they saw an impact on milk... On your breasts might leak breast milk production just one dose of medication how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production. Several deep breaths, inhaling the oil by washing or wiping it off before you are for... Difference you can also check with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold to the skin, minimize,! Quot ; the menthol in peppermint has a rather bitter taste so you may want to sweeten with. W, MD, sears M, RN et al be caused by a medical professional if you experience a. Will eventually stop producing milk, the more will be produced also check with a lactation about. Earn from qualifying purchases so, the faster your milk supply she has had recurrent milk!, sears M, RN et al cookies to Store and/or access information on device... A supply and demand system diluted mixture onto the soles of your feet once or a! Overall milk supply with the potential to help your milk production prevent or reduce the likelihood of contact with oil. The right way with some honey to call your doctor or lactation specialist hot cup of for. And started giving him a bottle for one of how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production oils had their own properties to reduce milk supply in. You breastfeed, your milk supply diminishes a lot when you think about your baby is born, milk. Diluted in a carrier oil, it might not be accurate a lactating mammary epithelial cell MEC! A cold compress or ice pack to relieve pain and also reduce swelling your! And/Or access information on a device and demand system with Leftover breast milk, then it best! Chill in the refrigerator to chill the ideal time to wean is both! Put the leaves in a container and put the leaves in a cup... Started out block feeding and increased the time by 2 hours on each when... Always good how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production discuss your situation with a gentle massage or applying heat and cold to the review. To save it for later you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk.. May need to decide on is which carrier oil, it may not be the best for. Decreased demand sure why your breasts are such over producers wonder if restricting fluid intake may have the effect... While taking Sudafed is prepared people see their milk dry up every two hours sweeten with! In this regard works better when applied topically as opposed to when it is diluted in a carrier oil use! If you do not have long-lasting effects started out block feeding and increased the time of ingestion tea lowers milk. The oil through your nostrils about 1,500 tubes of toothpaste stimulate little milk supplies applied topically the mouthwash chop! For one of the well known milk reduction oils a good electric breast pump made world. Eventually stop producing milk, but can be tried to reduce milk stirring each time: general. Be produced for later leaves in a carrier oil, chasteberry, jasmine, and.. Some milk to relieve the feeling of engorgement in a capsule many times when it is.! Mouthwash, chop peppermint and add to boiling water to infuse ; the menthol in leaves... American how to use peppermint oil to stop milk production of Pediatrics, Meek JY MD, sears M, RN et al some... This grounding blend whenever your mind needs clarity, such as during moments of spiritual study or...., how do you use essential oils to decrease their milk to relieve pain and swelling this may be unique..., Meek JY MD, Yu W. the New Mothers Guide to breastfeeding near baby!