What foods decrease milk supply?

Understanding Foods That Decrease Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant nutrition, and many new parents are keenly aware that their dietary choices can significantly impact milk production. While certain foods are known to enhance milk supply, others can inadvertently decrease it. Understanding these foods is essential for breastfeeding parents who wish to maintain a healthy milk supply.
Key Foods That May Reduce Milk Supply
1. Mint: One of the most commonly cited culprits is mint, particularly in its concentrated forms like peppermint and spearmint. These herbs are often found in teas and candies, and while they are refreshing, they can potentially inhibit milk production. The menthol in mint is believed to have a drying effect, which may lead to reduced milk supply.
2. Sage: Similar to mint, sage is another herb that can negatively affect lactation. It has been traditionally used to decrease milk supply, especially in cases where a mother may wish to wean her child. The compounds in sage can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for milk production.
3. Parsley: Often used as a garnish or in salads, parsley is another herb that may have a diuretic effect, which can lead to decreased milk supply. While it is generally safe in small amounts, excessive consumption could pose a risk for breastfeeding mothers.
4. Caffeine: High caffeine intake can also be a concern. While moderate consumption is typically considered safe, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration and may affect milk production. It’s advisable for breastfeeding parents to limit their caffeine intake to ensure optimal hydration and milk supply.
5. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can have a dual effect on breastfeeding. Not only can it pass into breast milk, but it can also interfere with the let-down reflex, making it harder for milk to flow. This can lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply, especially if consumed in larger quantities.
6. Certain Vegetables: Some vegetables, particularly those in the cabbage family like broccoli and cauliflower, can cause gas and discomfort in infants. While they may not directly decrease milk supply, the potential for a fussy baby can lead to less frequent breastfeeding sessions, which in turn can reduce milk production.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
While it’s crucial to be aware of foods that may decrease milk supply, it’s equally important to focus on a balanced diet that supports lactation. Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can help maintain overall health and promote milk production. Staying hydrated is also vital, as dehydration can lead to a decrease in milk supply.
Conclusion
For breastfeeding parents, understanding the impact of dietary choices on milk supply is essential. While certain foods like mint, sage, and high caffeine can potentially reduce milk production, maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are key to supporting lactation. By being mindful of what they consume, parents can help ensure a steady milk supply for their infants.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

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.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

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.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

What decreases milk supply fast?

“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 foods decrease breast milk production?

Five Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding

• High-mercury fish. Fish can be a part of a healthy diet.
• Parsley, sage, and peppermint. The herbs parsley, sage, and peppermint are in a class called anti-galactagogues, because they are known to decrease breast milk production.
• Common food allergens.
• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.

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.

What causes breast milk to dry up?

Possible causes of low supply
Nearly all babies need to feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Your baby does not feed effectively at the breast. You have started using formula milk as well as breastfeeding. You have had breast surgery that is affecting 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.

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 drinks increase milk supply?

Drinks that can increase breast milk supply

• Breast milk contains 12 percent solids and 88 percent water.
• Lactation teas generally contain herbs known to be galactagogues.
• Fenugreek is one of the most common galactagogues.
• Barley water is a drink made from barley grain.