It’s been a while since I used Marvelous Monday to give out my random tidbit of information, so I wanted to use this Monday to do so! Usually I would choose to focus on dwarfism, but this week there is something unrelated but as important in my life…
I was given the opportunity to review some essential oils (which I’m in the process of learning more about), and in the starter pack, I was given lavender, lemon and peppermint. With all of the information came this gem:
Peppermint can effect milk supply!
After some research I learned that peppermint is used by weaning mothers to lessen and dry up their milk! WOAH! This information may seem like no biggie, but I’m still breastfeeding and am also pumping for a family. I hope to keep our nursing relationship for at least 18 months, but ideally, 2 years or longer. At the time of reading this information, I was also starting back up with my running (hello 11 pounds GONE!), but saw a decrease in my supply- not enough for me to worry about having enough milk, but I attributed it to sweating more and not to what I was ingesting.
Fancy Water:
I’d been drinking this for weeks- about 48oz a day and a cup or two of tea with peppermint. At the same time, I was losing weight and pumping 28-32oz a day (and feeding Millie), down from 30-40oz. So there it is. Peppermint was not my friend. With that information, I altered my water by cutting out the mint and voila… my milk supply came back a bit. This got me to thinking… what effects supply that women may not know about?
You have to be taking in these items in excess, not just a dash here and there in cooking!
I hope this helps you and I ask- PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION! I was using an afternoon cup of tea to relax (plus I’d had peppermint leftover from the holidays and then in my water… OVERLOAD!). Essential oil users, just steer clear of the peppermint!
Lots of love and milky comas this Monday!!
xo
Who would have known? It’s good for moms to take this into account. Have a lovely week.
Traveling Cats recently posted…Cats from Seoul {South Korea}
What great info for those who are breast-feeding and, also, for those who are ready to consider weaning!
how great it is that you are using essential oils and herbs! 😀
CouponGal (Andi) recently posted…Pampers Rewards Program – Coupons, Rewards, and More!
oh my, I didn’t know that, but I’m over that stage in my life. This info needs to get out there for all mamas for sure!!!
Kim Croisant recently posted…Our Kitchen & Hallway Update – Pottery Barn Inspired!
What great tips! Thanks for sharing!
xo, Kyla
KyMarieC
Kyla Currier recently posted…Deep Red & Stripes
I had no idea, thank you for posting this! I’ve known a few mommas that were trying desperately to increase their supply — I wish I had known about peppermint (and all of those other things) then. I’m sure this list will help many mommas to come.
Megan Elford recently posted…Home Daycare: How To Run A Fire Drill
I will pass this on to a few people.. thanks for the great info..
Very informative for breast feeding mommies!
Crystal recently posted…Maleficent Costume Review
I’m still breastfeeding as well and had stopped my peppermint tea intake around 32 weeks pregnant because of worrying about it affecting my supply. It’s so crazy how much can affect our supply!
Shannon Peterson recently posted…Monday Introductions // Little Happenings + A Giveaway!
I didn’t breastfeed, so I am totally clueless about this sort of thing. I went back to normal as soon as I had my kids.
wow never knew this on peppermint Ive only heard of the positivities now I know a little more negative.
Wow. You know, I find it amazing how foods can affect our physical state in more ways that just weight gain and loss.
Jennifer recently posted…Breakfast Sandwiches Under 300 Calories
I think it’s kind of amazing that even breathing peppermint could reduce your milk output. That’s so wild!
I have 3 kids and I was only able to breast feed 2 of them. This is such a great list for nursing moms.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Shop Your Way Has What You Need For The Big Game And More
Good to hear you’re smart about your hydration! Lately I’ve been on the hot water with lemon. So good. 🙂
Nancy (@spiffykerms) recently posted…Outfit of the day: California Winter
My niece just had her first girl about a month ago and she’s been having nothing bust problems. Sending this to her – thank you!!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Five Ways to Introduce Chores to your Child
Wow! I had no idea peppermint could do such a thing! This is really important for other breast feeding moms. Thanks!
Melissa Pezza recently posted…Creating an Edible Football Stadium using Cheez-It Grooves for the Big Game!
I didn’t get the privilege of BF because my son would just not latch. But, hopefully when I have another child, I will get another chance. Thanks so much for sharing! <3
Shipra recently posted…Kat Von D Studded Kiss Cathedral Lipstick Photos, Swatches, and Review
Great resource for nursing moms! There is a great tea out there called Mother’s Milk I believe (its been awhile for me, so can’t remember too well). Anyway, its a great tea if you want to increase your supply. Try Whole Foods to find it.
Great info to know! I’m breastfeeding #6 going on 17 months now and I didn’t know about fancy waters! I just drink plain anyway!
Jeanine recently posted…Ways to Spruce Up Pinterest Interaction
I may not need this anymore, but I still find it fascinating. Thank you for sharing. I had no idea about the peppermint. Wish I knew that a few years ago!
Nicole recently posted…A Family-Friendly Romp in South Beach
Hope you’re having a fantastic long weekend.
Kakers recently posted…A Cleaning Lesson
This is great information. I did not know that peppermint decreased your milk supply. I will share this information with my nursing friend.
WOW, I had no idea peppermint wasn’t a friend to nursing moms! I am a HUGE peppermint user! And also always struggled with milk supply. No wonder! Good to know.
Amber Edwards recently posted…Cranberry Jello Salad is a perfect pair with Marie Callender’s Pot Pies #WarmthInACrust
Intriguing! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda recently posted…Hope you feel better!
I LOVE Kelly Moms! I recommend the site to all my new mothers (I’m a pediatrician)! They have great, factual information and their tips on storing breastmilk and pumping when you go back to work are SO good!
http://asideofsweet.com
Kelly – A Side of Sweet recently posted…Yogurt Brûlée Recipe (Opt. vegan)
This is great information! New mommies just wouldn’t know this stuff, heck I have 3 and didn’t know!
Maggie recently posted…Meal-Planning Monday
It’s amazing how natural products can be used to affect our bodies. Congrats on the 11 pounds lost!
Dede recently posted…Vehicle Magnetic Signs at Lowest Price from BestofSigns
Wow I didn’t know these things about breastfeeding. I breastfed both my boys for a year and with my oldest I experienced a drastic supply decrease right at a year of age and I could never figure out why because I wanted to continue breastfeeding. I pretty much dried up….I was so sad because it just meant that bond with my son was over, then once he had a bottle, he didn’t want to go back. 🙁
Heather recently posted…When I hear those giggles
What great tips, if I ever have another baby this will be good info to know.
Karissa recently posted…Motivational Monday + Linkup #11
I had no idea about peppermint decreasing the milk supply. I will share this info with anyone who is breastfeeding their babies.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…Cleaning a lamp shade
I had no idea peppermint could do that to women who are nursing. Good to know. I think it is awesome that you are helping another family too! You’re awesome! 🙂
Nancy L. recently posted…MONAT Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive: A Multi-Tasking Miracle Oil!
That’s so strange how much of an effect mint has. That’s really useful to know!
Liz Mays recently posted…How To Make Animal Shadow Puppets
This was really useful to know! I’ll have to share it with my friend who’s pregnant with her first baby 🙂
Jess recently posted…Weekly Wishes #48
I breastfed both my girls until they were almost 2. It is a great bonding experience. There are so many tips and tricks to keep up supply. Thanks for this! Good luck!
Tessa Smith recently posted…Try The World Subscription Box
I’m amazed that what we eat can affect our supplys so much. I’m glad you figured it out, too, it can be stressful (which isn’t good either!) trying to figure out what’s causing it and how to bounce back.
Chrissy recently posted…Grandma’s Lazy Daisy Cake
Wow I didn’t know all that! Very interesting too, thanks!
heather meads recently posted…going with the ebb and flow
This is good for moms out there that are still breastfeeding. I didn’t breastfeed my firstborn (my daughter) but I did breastfeed my son.
I wasn’t able to breastfeed my first because I didn’t know all of these things and my supply never came in. After becoming more informed I was able to breastfeed my second for 18 months. I think it is great that you are sharing this so more women can become informed of what may be affecting their milk supply.
Esther recently posted…Pigeon Forge-Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center
I had no idea about the things that cause your milk supply to lessen. I wish I would have been better informed when I tried to nurse my first child.
Tiffany (A Mom’s Take) recently posted…Sparkling Cider Etched Bottle and Love Printable
love this combo… Mint is so refreshing on everything.. it also helps disguise some of the bitterness of many green juices.. I love the ginger and mint combo thanks for sharing
yaitza recently posted…Ultimate Fitness #Giveaway with Undiscovered Kitchen & ActiveUSA
Such a great bunch of useful information for every mom, especially for the ones who breastfeed. Essential oils and herbs are so important for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Whoa… I didnt know this!! Thanks for posting all this info 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I will have to pass these on to my pregnant friends!
lisa recently posted…Quench Your Thirst With A Smoothie and Enjoy 100 Smoothie Recipes!
Those are some great tips for breastfeeding mamas!!
Lauren recently posted…January 2015 Stitch Fix Review
WHOA I had no idea! Thank you for the tips!
Winter White recently posted…Motivation Monday : Rumination’s on Passion & the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King
This is really great information for nursing moms. I will share your post with my friends that are pregnant.
I had never heard of this. How interesting. I had issues with milk production and dried up at about a year. I honestly never thought of my diet being a factor.
I know Peppermint. Who would have thought. I made sure I had a list of things not to eat/drink next to the fridge…
This is fascinating. Although I’m a long way off thinking about feeding kids or anything! At least you found out and can rectify it all!
Katie <3
Katie Matthews recently posted…Buckingham Palace Pastels
This is some great info that I did not know. I will definitely have to let my breastfeeding friends know.
Mistee Dawn recently posted…I will be attending Disney On Ice Worlds Of Fantasy next month in Columbus, Ohio!
I love the little tidbit of information. So fun to learn something new about milk and essential oils that I never knew before.
Becca Wilson recently posted…Let’s Talk Love #ValentinesDay
Yikes! Good thing you read the fine print and did further research. Mom’s do have to be careful while nursing, and do some reading and research before injesting anything.