What foods lower breast milk supply?

Understanding Foods That May Lower Breast Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant nutrition, and many new mothers are keenly aware that their diet can influence 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 an adequate milk supply.
Key Foods That May Decrease Milk Supply
1. Alcohol: One of the most commonly cited culprits is alcohol. Consuming alcoholic beverages can gradually lower milk supply over time. While moderate consumption might not have an immediate effect, regular intake can lead to a noticeable decrease in breast milk production.
2. Sage and Peppermint: Herbs such as sage and peppermint are also linked to reduced milk supply. Even small amounts found in flavored products, like toothpaste or candies, can potentially impact lactation. Nursing mothers are advised to be cautious with these herbs, as they may inhibit milk production.
3. Caffeine: High caffeine intake can lead to dehydration, which may indirectly affect milk supply. While moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, excessive amounts can lead to reduced hydration levels, potentially impacting lactation.
4. Certain Vegetables: Some vegetables, particularly those in the cabbage family (like broccoli and Brussels sprouts), may cause gas and discomfort in infants, leading some mothers to avoid them. While these vegetables do not directly lower milk supply, their avoidance can lead to a less varied diet, which is important for overall nutrition.
5. Processed Foods: Diets high in processed foods, which often lack essential nutrients, can negatively affect a mother’s overall health and, consequently, her milk supply. A well-balanced diet rich in whole foods is crucial for maintaining adequate lactation.
The Importance of Hydration and Nutrition
Interestingly, while many believe that increasing fluid intake will boost milk supply, this is not necessarily true. Simply drinking more water does not guarantee an increase in breast milk production. Instead, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is more effective in supporting lactation.
Conclusion
For nursing mothers, being mindful of dietary choices is vital. While some foods can help enhance milk production, others may hinder it. By avoiding alcohol, sage, peppermint, and excessive caffeine, and focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, mothers can better support their breastfeeding journey. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between diet and milk supply can empower mothers to make informed choices that benefit both their health and their baby’s nutrition.

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 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.

What reduces the flow 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 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 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.)

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 dry up breast milk naturally?

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).

Which fruits should I avoid while breastfeeding?

You may have heard that it helps to avoid certain foods while breastfeeding – such as citrus fruits, orange juice, spices (cinnamon, curry, chili pepper), spicy food, and “gassy” veggies (cabbage, onion, broccoli, cauliflower) – but there’s no convincing scientific evidence to support that advice.

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.

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.