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What can I eat to reduce breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Supply
For mothers who are breastfeeding, the topic of breast milk supply can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. While many seek to increase their milk production, there are also instances where a mother may wish to reduce her breast milk supply. This can be due to various reasons, including personal choice, medical advice, or lifestyle changes.
Foods That May Reduce Breast Milk Supply
Certain foods and substances are known to potentially decrease breast milk production. Here are some key dietary considerations:
1. Sage and Peppermint: Both sage and peppermint are herbs that have been traditionally associated with a reduction in milk supply. Sage, in particular, contains compounds that can inhibit lactation, making it a common recommendation for mothers looking to decrease their milk production.
2. Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, excessive intake can negatively impact milk supply. Alcohol can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for milk production, leading to a decrease in supply.
3. Caffeine: High caffeine intake may also affect breast milk supply. While moderate consumption is typically safe, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration and may inhibit milk production.
4. Certain Medications: Some medications, particularly those containing pseudoephedrine (found in many cold medications), can reduce milk supply. It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before taking any new medications.
5. Dairy Products: For some women, consuming large amounts of dairy can lead to a decrease in milk supply, possibly due to lactose intolerance or sensitivity. Monitoring dairy intake and its effects on milk production can be beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to dietary adjustments, certain lifestyle changes can also influence breast milk supply. Stress management is crucial, as high stress levels can negatively impact milk production. Ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition is essential, but if the goal is to reduce milk supply, focusing on a balanced diet without excessive fluid intake may be advisable.
Conclusion
Reducing breast milk supply is a personal decision that can be influenced by various dietary and lifestyle factors. Mothers considering this change should consult with healthcare professionals to ensure that their approach is safe and appropriate for their individual circumstances. By understanding the impact of certain foods and habits, mothers can make informed choices that align with their breastfeeding goals.

How can I reduce my breast milk quickly?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

  1. 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
  2. Cold turkey.
  3. Herbs.
  4. Cabbage.
  5. Birth control.
  6. Sudafed.
  7. Vitamin B.
  8. Other drugs.

What should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

Which foods reduce breast?

The best diet to help reduce breast size is one that actually reduces overall body fat. This means a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and protein (fish and chicken are best). Carbohydrates should be minimized as much as possible, along with fried, fatty, or processed food.

How to reduce breasts naturally?

The breasts mostly consist of adipose tissue, or fat. Losing body fat can reduce a person’s breast size. Maintaining a diet and lifestyle where energy expenditure is higher than calorie intake will cause a person to lose weight. This weight loss may lead to a reduction in breast size.

How can I reduce my milk supply in my breast?

How to decrease milk supply

  1. Try laid-back breastfeeding. Feeding in a reclined position, or lying down, can be helpful because it gives your baby more control.
  2. Relieve pressure.
  3. Try nursing pads.

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 can I eat or drink to stop breast milk?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Occasionally express milk to relieve breast engorgement.

  1. Use herbs. Research suggests that there are a few herbs that may help reduce your milk supply.
  2. Apply cabbage. Cabbage may help soothe engorged breasts as you stop breastfeeding.
  3. Take birth control.

Which foods decrease breast milk?

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.)

How do I stop excessive breast milk?

Burp frequently and give your infant breaks to pace him / herself. Firmly press the pinky side of your hand into your breast (like a karate chop) during the initial fast let down to slow the flow of milk. As your infant’s sucking slows down, release your hand to allow milk to flow.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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