Does peppermint affect breast milk?

The Impact of Peppermint on Breast Milk Supply
As the holiday season approaches, many mothers may find themselves indulging in peppermint-flavored treats and beverages. However, a growing concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether peppermint affects milk supply. The answer is nuanced, with various studies and anecdotal evidence suggesting that peppermint can indeed have an impact on lactation.
Understanding Peppermint’s Composition
Peppermint, scientifically known as *Mentha x piperita*, contains several active compounds, including menthol and menthone, which are primarily responsible for its characteristic flavor and aroma. While peppermint is often celebrated for its soothing properties, particularly in digestive health, its effects on breastfeeding mothers are more complex.
Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Experiences
Many breastfeeding mothers report a decrease in milk supply when consuming peppermint. For instance, one mother noted a reduction of up to three ounces in her milk production after using peppermint essential oil in a homemade deodorant. She observed that her supply returned to normal within a week of discontinuing its use. This sentiment is echoed by numerous women who choose to avoid peppermint tea and other peppermint products during breastfeeding due to concerns about milk supply.
Scientific Insights and Studies
While anecdotal reports are compelling, scientific studies provide a more balanced view. Some research indicates that peppermint may indeed reduce milk supply, particularly when consumed in large quantities. However, moderate consumption—such as the occasional peppermint candy or mild peppermint tea—may not significantly affect lactation. Interestingly, peppermint oil has been shown to help with nursing-related nipple pain, which could potentially improve breastfeeding duration and, by extension, milk production.
The Bottom Line for Breastfeeding Mothers
In summary, while peppermint can potentially decrease milk supply, the extent of its impact varies among individuals. For most mothers, moderate consumption is unlikely to cause significant issues. However, those who notice a drop in their milk supply after consuming peppermint may want to limit their intake. As always, it’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to listen to their bodies and consult healthcare professionals if they have concerns about their milk supply or dietary choices.

Does mint dry breast milk?

Other herbs that have the potential to dry up breast milk include: peppermint.

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.

What teas should I avoid while breastfeeding?

Some types of tea can affect breastmilk production and cause side effects in the baby. Teas that should be avoided include lemongrass, oregano, parsley, peppermint, ginseng, kava andillicium verum. They should be avoided whenever possible, or consumed only under the supervision of a doctor.

Is peppermint tea safe while breastfeeding?

Studies have shown it doesn’t harm you or your baby. You should avoid very large amounts of peppermint tea.

Does eating candy affect breast milk?

This is unhealthy for everybody, but when you’re breastfeeding the sugar gets passed into your breast milk too and can do irreversible harm to a nursing baby.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

What food dries up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

Is peppermint bad for breastmilk supply?

Peppermint, Parsley, and Sage
But some herbs may affect how much milk your body makes. For instance, eating a lot of parsley could curb lactation. And too much sage and peppermint may cut your milk supply. For some nursing moms, even peppermint-flavored toothpaste and candies are a problem.

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.

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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