How much parsley decreases milk supply?

The Impact of Parsley on Milk Supply
In the realm of breastfeeding, the delicate balance of milk production can be influenced by various dietary choices, including the consumption of herbs. One such herb, parsley (Carum petroselinum), has garnered attention for its potential effects on lactation. While parsley is widely recognized for its culinary uses and health benefits, its role in breastfeeding is more nuanced.
Understanding Parsley’s Composition
Parsley contains several active compounds, including volatile oils like apiol and myristicin, as well as flavonoids and vitamins A and C. These components contribute to its pharmacological activity, which can impact bodily functions, including lactation. Traditionally, parsley has been used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including treatments for breast engorgement, suggesting a complex relationship with milk supply.
The Evidence on Milk Supply
Research indicates that certain herbs, including parsley, may have the potential to decrease milk supply. While specific quantitative data on how much parsley affects milk production is limited, it is acknowledged among lactation experts that parsley can act as a galactagogue, meaning it may inhibit milk production in some cases. This is particularly relevant for breastfeeding mothers who may be consuming parsley in significant amounts, whether in cooking or as part of herbal remedies.
Practical Considerations for Nursing Mothers
For nursing mothers, moderation is key. While parsley can be a healthy addition to meals, excessive consumption—especially in concentrated forms like extracts or teas—might lead to a reduction in milk supply. This is particularly important for mothers who are already experiencing challenges with lactation or those who are looking to maintain or increase their milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while parsley is a nutritious herb with numerous health benefits, its potential to decrease milk supply should not be overlooked. Nursing mothers should be mindful of their parsley intake, particularly if they are concerned about maintaining an adequate milk supply. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance tailored to individual dietary needs and breastfeeding goals.

Does parsley get rid of water retention?

Some herbs and dietary supplements may help you excrete water (diuretic) and help with sodium and water retention. Examples include dandelion, ginger, parsley, hawthorn and juniper. But proceed with caution before taking any products that have a diuretic effect.

How many days does it take for milk supply to decrease?

It may take several days or weeks for your breasts to completely stop making milk. Breast fullness should decrease in 1-3 days. You may feel emotional during this time. Be sure to take care of yourself.

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 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 herb dries up milk?

Consume herbs and teas

• Sage: Many anecdotal sources recommend using sage teas to reduce or eliminate breast milk supply.
• Jasmine: Jasmine may lower levels of prolactin, a hormone that helps produce breast milk.
• Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil may reduce milk supply when a person applies it directly to the breasts.

What happens if I don’t breastfeed for 3 days?

You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is called engorgement. It usually gets better after several days. Over time, your body will stop making milk if you don’t breastfeed or pump.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Does parsley decrease milk supply?

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.

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.

How can I gradually decrease my breast milk supply?

Suppressing milk supply after weeks or months of breastfeeding

1. Start by expressing as many times as you had been breastfeeding, or less depending on your own comfort.
2. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you express each time and/or drop one expression every 3 to 4 days.
3. When you are ready, simply stop expressing.