Will thin mints decrease my milk supply?

The Impact of Thin Mints on Milk Supply
As a new mother, the desire to provide the best nourishment for your baby is paramount. However, many breastfeeding mothers often find themselves questioning how their diet might affect their milk supply. One common concern revolves around the consumption of Thin Mints, the beloved Girl Scout cookies that contain peppermint.
The Role of Peppermint in Lactation
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that peppermint, a key ingredient in Thin Mints, may have the potential to decrease milk supply. According to discussions among breastfeeding mothers, some have reported noticeable drops in their milk production after indulging in these minty treats. For instance, one mother shared her experience of consuming a full sleeve of Thin Mints and subsequently noticing that her pumping output was significantly reduced that night.
While the exact mechanism by which peppermint affects milk supply is not fully understood, it is widely believed that certain compounds in peppermint can influence hormonal levels related to lactation. This has led to a general caution among breastfeeding mothers regarding the consumption of peppermint-flavored foods and beverages.
Other Factors Influencing Milk Supply
It’s important to note that milk supply can be affected by a variety of factors beyond diet. Stress, dehydration, and inadequate breastfeeding or pumping frequency can all contribute to a decrease in milk production. Therefore, while enjoying Thin Mints might have a temporary effect on some mothers, it is crucial to consider the broader context of overall health and breastfeeding practices.
Conclusion
In summary, while indulging in Thin Mints may not universally decrease milk supply for all breastfeeding mothers, there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that peppermint could have an impact. If you’re concerned about maintaining your milk supply, it might be wise to monitor your intake of peppermint-flavored foods and observe how your body responds. Ultimately, every mother’s experience is unique, and staying attuned to your own body’s signals is key to ensuring both your health and your baby’s nourishment.

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 lowers 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.

Is spearmint safe while breastfeeding?

Avoid using large amounts of spearmint during pregnancy. Breast-feeding: Spearmint and spearmint oil are commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if larger amounts of spearmint are safe when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Can peppermint chapstick affect milk supply?

What are the benefits of using peppermint oil to dry up milk? No human studies indicate that peppermint or menthol can reduce lactation. No scientific evidence shows that peppermint or spearmint can affect your milk supply.

Do peppermint Altoids dry up milk?

For others who aren’t making much milk, it may take just a day or two. To help your breasts dry up faster, eat mints – like Altoids, Mint Chip Ice Cream, Peppermint candy, Peppermint tea, etc. Over-the-counter allergy medications, like Loratidine (Claritin) may help you dry up faster.

What foods make your milk supply drop?

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.

Does mint decrease 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.

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.

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.

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.