Can spearmint gum affect milk supply?

The Impact of Spearmint Gum on Milk Supply
The question of whether spearmint gum can affect milk supply is a nuanced one, rooted in the broader discussion about mint and its potential influence on breastfeeding. While there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence and some expert opinions, scientific research specifically addressing spearmint’s effects on lactation remains limited.
Mint and Lactation: The General Consensus
Mint, particularly peppermint, has been frequently discussed in the context of breastfeeding. Some studies and expert opinions suggest that mint may have a negative impact on milk supply. For instance, peppermint is known to contain menthol, which has been associated with a decrease in lactation for some women. This has led to a general caution among breastfeeding mothers regarding the consumption of mint-flavored products, including gum.
Spearmint vs. Peppermint: Are They Different?
While peppermint and spearmint are both members of the mint family, they have different chemical compositions and effects. Spearmint contains lower levels of menthol compared to peppermint, which raises the question of whether it might be less likely to affect milk supply. However, the existing literature primarily focuses on peppermint, leaving a gap in understanding spearmint’s specific effects.
Expert Opinions and Anecdotal Evidence
Experts have expressed varying opinions on the matter. Some suggest that while peppermint may indeed reduce milk supply, there is insufficient evidence to definitively state that spearmint has the same effect. A poll conducted by the Tisserand Institute indicated that many breastfeeding mothers are concerned about mint’s potential impact, but concrete research is lacking.
Conversely, some sources argue that moderate consumption of spearmint, such as through gum, is unlikely to significantly affect milk supply. This perspective is bolstered by the fact that many women consume mint in various forms without noticing a decrease in lactation.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
In summary, while there is a prevailing belief that mint, particularly peppermint, can decrease milk supply, the evidence surrounding spearmint is less clear. For breastfeeding mothers, it may be wise to monitor their own experiences with spearmint gum and consult healthcare providers if they have concerns about their milk supply. As with many dietary choices during breastfeeding, moderation and personal observation are key.

What foods make your milk supply drop?

Foods that Decrease Milk Supply

• sage.
• peppermint.
• spearmint.
• parsley – antidotal.
• jasmine tea.
• alcohol – inhibits letdown, decreases production, and can reduce transfer due to difference in taste.
• cabbage when used on the body is thought to decrease engorgement but there is mixed evidence on this one.

Do thin mints affect milk supply?

Or what about thin mints while breastfeeding or chestfeeding? The possibly concerning ingredient in both mint chocolate chip ice cream and thin mints, is the mint which has been known to decrease supply though it isn’t otherwise dangerous for babies who ingest the human milk.

Does peppermint oil dry up milk supply?

Peppermint essential oil has been used traditionally for decreasing milk supply. Peppermint tea is a very weak form of peppermint and only large amounts (quarts) would be expected to decrease milk supply.

Does spearmint decrease milk supply?

Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You’d have to drink very large amounts daily (think quarts!) to decrease your supply. Altoids and other candies made from peppermint oil are a different story.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Does spearmint affect hormones?

For women with hormone imbalances, spearmint tea may provide relief. Studies in women have shown that it can decrease male hormones like testosterone while increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol.

Can I have mint gum while breastfeeding?

-Peppermint: Peppermint Essential Oil is often used when a mother wants to dry up her milk supply! It is effective at doing so and should be avoided. Most people don’t realize that peppermint oil is in mint-flavored candies, gums, and even menthol cough drops!

Why avoid peppermint while breastfeeding?

The herbs parsley, sage, and peppermint are in a class called anti-galactagogues, because they are known to decrease breast milk production. However, you’d need to eat a large amount of these herbs for them to interfere with the amount of breast milk you produce.

Does peppermint cause oversupply breastfeeding?

Herbs shown to help decrease milk supply safely, e.g. sage. Foods helpful with reducing milk supply e.g. peppermints or foods high in peppermint oil. Medical approaches, such as over-the-counter products e.g. cold remedies with pseudoephedrine or prescription medications e.g monitored short use of birth control pills.