What foods decrease breast milk?

Understanding Foods That Decrease Breast Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant nutrition, and many new mothers are keenly aware that their diet can significantly impact their milk supply. While certain foods are known to promote lactation, others can inadvertently decrease breast milk production. Understanding these dietary influences is essential for nursing mothers who wish to maintain a healthy milk supply.
Key Foods to Avoid
1. Sage and Peppermint: Both sage and peppermint are herbs that can negatively affect milk production. High amounts of these herbs, whether consumed in food or as teas, may lead to a decrease in breast milk supply. Interestingly, even peppermint-flavored products, such as toothpaste and candies, can have a similar effect on some nursing mothers.
2. Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption is often deemed acceptable during breastfeeding, excessive intake can hinder milk production. Alcohol can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for lactation, leading to reduced milk supply.
3. Caffeine: High caffeine intake can also be problematic. While moderate amounts may not significantly impact milk supply, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration and may affect the baby’s sleep patterns, which can indirectly influence a mother’s ability to produce milk.
4. Certain Vegetables: Some vegetables, particularly those in the cabbage family, such as broccoli and cauliflower, may cause gas and discomfort in infants. While they do not directly decrease milk supply, their potential to upset a baby’s stomach can lead mothers to limit their intake, which might affect overall nutrition and, consequently, milk production.
5. Processed Foods: Diets high in processed foods, which often contain unhealthy fats and sugars, can lead to overall poor health and may affect milk supply. A balanced diet rich in whole foods is essential for maintaining optimal lactation.
The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition
Interestingly, while many believe that increasing fluid intake will boost milk supply, this is not necessarily true. Hydration is important, but simply drinking more fluids does not guarantee an increase in breast milk production. Instead, a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of nutrients is crucial. Foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole grains are beneficial for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
For breastfeeding mothers, being mindful of dietary choices is vital. Avoiding certain herbs like sage and peppermint, moderating alcohol and caffeine intake, and focusing on a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy milk supply. Ultimately, each mother’s body is unique, and it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for personalized advice on nutrition during breastfeeding.

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 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.

What depletes breast milk?

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 to stop breast milk?

To utilize herbs for lactation suppression:

• Drink sage tea made with 1 to 3 grams of dried sage leaves.
• Appy jasmine flowers to your breasts.
• Take chaste berry orally.
• Eat parsley.
• Use peppermint oil topically only if you’ve completely stopped breastfeeding — it can be toxic to your baby.

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.

What foods lower breast milk supply?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

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

What shortens your milk supply?

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.

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).

What drinks increase milk supply?

Plain water, cow’s milk, herbal tea, smoothies, coconut water, and juice are good drink options during lactation. If you’re worried about your milk supply, speak with your obstetrician. You could also consider working with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

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.