Is peppermint bad for breastmilk supply?

The Impact of Peppermint on Breastmilk Supply
As the holiday season approaches, many new mothers find themselves indulging in peppermint-flavored treats, from lattes to chocolates. However, a growing concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether peppermint could negatively affect their milk supply. The answer is nuanced and rooted in both anecdotal evidence and emerging discussions in the lactation community.
Understanding the Concerns
The primary concern regarding peppermint and breastmilk supply centers around menthol, a compound found in peppermint. Some sources suggest that menthol may have a drying effect on the body, including the mammary glands, potentially interfering with the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production . This has led to a widespread belief that consuming peppermint in significant amounts could lead to a decrease in milk supply.
Anecdotal reports from breastfeeding mothers support this notion. For instance, one mother shared her experience of transitioning from an oversupply of milk to struggling with letdown after consuming large quantities of peppermint chocolates over a few days. Such personal accounts have fueled caution among breastfeeding mothers, prompting many to avoid peppermint altogether.
Scientific Perspectives
Despite these concerns, the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the effects of peppermint on lactation. According to the Tisserand Institute, there has been little research specifically investigating peppermint’s impact on milk supply, leaving many questions unanswered. While some studies suggest that peppermint is generally safe for ingestion and topical use during breastfeeding, the lack of extensive research means that definitive conclusions are hard to come by.
Moreover, the Drugs and Lactation Database notes that if peppermint is applied topically, it should be done after nursing and wiped off before the next feeding to minimize any potential transfer to the infant. This suggests that while peppermint may not be outright harmful, its effects on milk supply could vary significantly from one individual to another.
The Bottom Line
For breastfeeding mothers, moderation appears to be key. While occasional consumption of peppermint may not pose a significant risk, excessive intake could potentially lead to a decrease in milk supply for some women. As with many aspects of breastfeeding, individual responses can vary widely, and what affects one mother may not affect another in the same way.
Ultimately, if a breastfeeding mother is concerned about her milk supply, it may be wise to monitor her peppermint intake and consult with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant for personalized advice. As the holiday season brings an abundance of peppermint-flavored delights, being mindful of consumption could help maintain a healthy breastfeeding experience.

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 mint dry breast milk?

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

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Does peppermint decrease breast milk supply?

Peppermint and sage have properties that decrease milk supply. It’s not the only effective route to decrease supply but supplementing with other methods eating some can be really helpful.