This mamma has plenty of milk.
You probably already know that certain foods and herbs can increase milk supply. Oatmeal, fenugreek* and blessed thistle* and many others all have a reputation for helping mothers overflow with milk.
But many people don’t know that some foods can actually decrease milk production. There is no need to worry about small amounts of any of the following foods, but if you’re struggling with low milk supply already, avoid ingesting large quantities of the following. On the other hand, if you are one of those mothers with an over-abundance of milk, or if you are in the process of weaning, you may find the following foods helpful!
Parsley is a diuretic. Nibbling on a sprig of parsley after a meal tastes refreshing and will not harm your milk supply. You may wish to avoid dishes with large amounts of parsley, however, if you are breastfeeding and you are concerned about milk production. One dish to avoid in the immediate postpartum period is tabouleh. Once your supply is established and everything is going well, and occasional plate of tabouleh is probably OK.
Peppermint and spearmint can adversely affect milk supply. Drinking an occasional cup of peppermint tea should not be a problem. You’d have to drink very large amounts daily to decrease your supply. Altoids and other candies made from peppermint oil are a different story. Mothers who enjoy many of these candies each day have noticed a drop in milk production.
Sage and oregano can negatively impact milk production. Sage tea is a common remedy for over-production.
The topical application of cabbage leaves. Cabbage can work wonders to relieve breast engorgement, but don’t over-do it! Applying cabbage more than once or twice a day can decrease your milk supply. Topical creams made from cabbage extract can have the same effect.
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are often touted as milk-supply boosters. “Have a beer! It will help you relax and make your milk come in.” Have you heard that one? It is absolutely false! In fact, alcohol inhibits your milk ejection (let down) reflex. This makes it harder for baby to get your milk. Over time, this can decrease your milk supply. Is an occasional drink ok? Yes! Just be sure to have that drink after you have fed your baby.
*Please seek the advice of a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) before experimenting with ANY herbs to help with milk supply issues. Herbs are medicines and many have potential side effects and even can cause severe allergic reactions. In addition, it is important to understand the history and underlying cause of your particular situation in order for any treatment to be effective.
This is such a great post! Glad to see someone touching on this. Although, the thing about the beer- what I have learned is that it isn’t so much about the relaxing part that makes milk flow and that there is in fact a certain type of beer that helps with production. I was taught that only dark german brews really do anything for you milk because the german hops that is used in them are a milk producing food.
I do agree about the milk ejection reflex though, so it’s a tough one for me. I have used dark german brews to help increase my supply, and I did notice a difference and felt like I did make a little more milk the next day. I guess it’s hard to tell if it was from that though, because I often would also be drinking lots of extra water and some extra calories as well as resting which is normally somewhat hard to do, and I think when we take the time to rest, it will promote milk production.
I apologize for my never ending commas but it is very late and I don’t think I have the energy to fix all my grammatical errors lol.
I would say it’s the rest that did it for you! no amount of hops is going to increase your supply in one day!! since beer includes alcohol, it can decease milk production!