What foods dry up breast milk?

Understanding Foods That May Dry Up Breast Milk
The journey of breastfeeding is often accompanied by a myriad of questions, particularly concerning the factors that can influence milk supply. While many are aware of foods that can enhance lactation, fewer know that certain foods may actually contribute to a decrease in breast milk production.
Foods That May Decrease Milk Supply
Research indicates that some foods can potentially dry up breast milk. These include:
– Sage: Often used in cooking, sage is known for its ability to reduce milk supply. It contains compounds that can inhibit lactation, making it a herb to avoid for breastfeeding mothers looking to maintain their milk production.
– Peppermint: Similar to sage, peppermint is another herb that may have a drying effect on breast milk. Consuming peppermint tea or using peppermint oil can lead to a decrease in milk supply, particularly when consumed in large quantities.
– Parsley: This common culinary herb is also noted for its potential to reduce milk production. While it can be a healthy addition to meals, excessive consumption may lead to a decrease in lactation.
– Cabbage: Interestingly, cabbage leaves are sometimes used as a remedy to relieve engorgement, but they can also have a drying effect on milk supply. Some mothers have reported that applying cabbage leaves to the breasts can help reduce milk production.
– Alcohol and Caffeine: While moderate consumption of alcohol and caffeine is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, excessive intake can negatively impact milk supply. Alcohol can interfere with the let-down reflex, while high caffeine consumption may lead to dehydration, which can further reduce milk production.
The Role of Diet in Lactation
It’s essential to understand that while certain foods can influence milk supply, the overall diet and hydration levels play a crucial role in lactation. A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients is vital for maintaining a healthy milk supply. Conversely, a diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to decreased milk production, regardless of the specific foods consumed.
Conclusion
For breastfeeding mothers, being mindful of dietary choices is important, especially if they are considering weaning or reducing milk supply. While some foods like sage, peppermint, parsley, and cabbage may contribute to drying up breast milk, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are key to supporting lactation. If there are concerns about milk supply, consulting with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

How to tell when breast milk is drying up?

If your milk supply is decreasing, you’ll notice:

1. Your baby stops gaining or begins to lose weight. Younger babies will gain between 1.5 and 2 pounds each month.
2. Your baby is showing signs of dehydration.
3. Your baby is fussy or lethargic and struggling to stay awake while breastfeeding.

Can ibuprofen dry up breast milk?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

What foods make you produce less milk?

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 to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

What is the fastest way to dry up 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.

What can I eat to dry up my breast milk?

To utilize herbs for lactation suppression:

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

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 causes dryness of breast milk?

“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.”

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.