Does mint decrease your milk supply?

The Impact of Mint on Milk Supply: A Closer Look
The question of whether mint can decrease milk supply is one that has garnered attention among breastfeeding mothers and healthcare professionals alike. The consensus from various sources suggests that mint, particularly peppermint, can indeed have an impact on lactation, but the extent of this effect varies based on the amount consumed.
Understanding the Mechanism
Mint contains menthol, a compound that has been linked to a decrease in milk production. A study highlighted in *Natural Product Communications* found that peppermint has a significant amount of menthol, while spearmint does not. This distinction is crucial because it suggests that peppermint is more likely to affect milk supply negatively.
Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Experiences
Many breastfeeding mothers have reported noticeable decreases in their milk supply after consuming peppermint in various forms. For instance, one mother shared her experience of diffusing peppermint oil at work, which led to a significant drop in her ability to pump milk. Such personal accounts underscore the potential for mint to impact lactation, even when used in small amounts.
Moderation is Key
However, not all experts agree that mint should be completely avoided. According to *Breastfeeding Perspectives*, consuming peppermint in moderation—such as enjoying an occasional mint candy or mild peppermint tea—is unlikely to significantly affect milk supply. The key takeaway here is that excessive intake should be avoided to mitigate any risks.
Broader Context of Lactation
It’s important to consider that milk supply can be influenced by a variety of factors beyond diet, including stress, hydration, and overall health. Therefore, while mint may play a role, it is one of many elements that can affect breastfeeding success.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is evidence to suggest that mint, particularly peppermint, can decrease milk supply, the effects are often dose-dependent. For breastfeeding mothers, moderation appears to be the best approach. If concerns about milk supply arise, it may be wise to monitor mint consumption and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Will thin mints hurt my milk supply?

That night I noticed I was pumping only about half my normal volume, then I realized that thin mints of course have peppermint in them. Peppermint is known to decrease milk supply and that is exactly what happened. Now I’m into my second night after my cookie binge and my supply is still tanked.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

What foods cause low milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc.
• Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.)

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

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.

What shortens your milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What food dries up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

What lowers 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 mint affect breast milk supply?

Peppermint and sage are reputed to decrease milk production when consumed in large or concentrated amounts. Frequent brushing with toothpaste containing real peppermint oil or even eating potent peppermint candies has caused trouble for some mothers.