Does peppermint cause oversupply breastfeeding?

The Impact of Peppermint on Breastfeeding: A Closer Look
As new mothers navigate the complexities of breastfeeding, many are keenly aware of how their diet can influence milk supply. Among the various foods and herbs that have been scrutinized, peppermint has emerged as a topic of interest, particularly regarding its potential to reduce breast milk production.
Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Experiences
A significant amount of the discourse surrounding peppermint and breastfeeding is rooted in anecdotal evidence. Many mothers have reported experiencing a decrease in milk supply after consuming peppermint products. For instance, a poll conducted by the Tisserand Institute revealed that some women who ingested peppermint essential oil noted a drop in their milk production. Similarly, discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight personal stories where mothers connected their reduced milk supply to peppermint consumption, suggesting that even small amounts could have an impact.
One particular anecdotal study indicated that approximately 30% of women who used peppermint essential oil drops—equivalent to consuming several cups of peppermint tea—experienced a decrease in milk supply. Notably, these effects were reported to be reversible within a couple of days after discontinuing the oil. This suggests that while peppermint may influence lactation, the effects are not permanent and can be managed by adjusting dietary habits.
Scientific Insights and Lack of Clinical Trials
Despite the anecdotal reports, scientific literature on the subject remains sparse. The Lactation Database notes that while peppermint has historically been used to suppress lactation, there are no clinical trials that definitively demonstrate its effectiveness in this regard. This gap in research leaves many questions unanswered, particularly about the mechanisms through which peppermint might affect milk supply.
Moreover, some sources indicate that peppermint’s potential to reduce milk supply is not universally accepted. For example, while some mothers report a decline in milk production after consuming peppermint, others do not notice any significant changes. This variability suggests that individual responses to peppermint may differ widely, influenced by factors such as the quantity consumed and personal physiology.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Given the mixed evidence, many lactation consultants and health professionals recommend caution. Mothers are often advised to limit their intake of peppermint, especially if they are experiencing issues with milk supply. For instance, it is commonly suggested that nursing mothers avoid peppermint tea or products containing high levels of peppermint oil if they are concerned about their milk production.
In cases where mothers are dealing with an oversupply of breast milk, peppermint may be considered as a dietary adjustment to help regulate production. However, it is essential for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before making significant changes to their diet, ensuring that any adjustments align with their individual breastfeeding goals and health needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that peppermint can reduce breast milk supply, scientific research is limited and inconclusive. Mothers should be mindful of their peppermint consumption, particularly if they notice fluctuations in their milk production. As always, personalized advice from healthcare professionals is invaluable in navigating the challenges of breastfeeding.

What teas should you 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.

Are Thin Mints good with milk?

Which is what I’m about to do put the bit end in one. And then suck through it that milk is so Club cookie. You can eat the whole thing in one bite milk’s.

What can suddenly decrease milk production?

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.

Does peppermint affect breast 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 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 does peppermint oil do to nipples?

Women who used the peppermint water on a daily basis were less likely to have a cracked nipple than women who did not use peppermint water (relative risk 3.6, 95%CI: 2.9, 4.3). Nipple pain in the peppermint water group was lower than the expressed breast milk group (OR 5.6, 95% CI: 2.2, 14.6; p < 0.005).

What causes oversupply of breast milk?

Many women naturally make more milk than their infant needs. Sometimes an oversupply is created by over stimulating the breasts by doing both breastfeeding and pumping. Having an oversupply of breast milk can be uncomfortable for both a mother and infant.

Will thin mints decrease my milk supply?

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.

How many oz of breast milk is an oversupply?

If average is three to five ounces combined and you are getting that from each breast, you have an oversupply. If you are getting more than five ounces from each breast (and, ahem, you don’t have twins) then you have, let’s call it, an aggressive oversupply.

Why is my milk supply suddenly so high?

Sometimes, there’s no specific cause — your body may simply produce large amounts of milk, especially at first. This usually gets better if you only nurse or pump to meet your infant’s needs. Pumping more than your infant needs can cause breast milk oversupply.