Many mothers work hard to increase breast milk supply, but there are times when mothers may want to decrease breast milk production, such as weaning, medical conditions, medication issues or, in severe cases, the death of a baby. While there are supplements and foods that women can consume to reduce breast milk supply, it is important to know take these supplements. Improper approaches to reduced supply can cause unexpected health problems.
Instructions
1. Start with peppermint tea. Peppermint is a notorious anti-galactogogue and will help to reduce your breast milk supply. Drink at least 3, and up to 6, cups of peppermint tea each day.
2. Eat lots of cabbage. Cabbage is an anti-galactogogue as well, and if you are not providing breast milk to an infant, you do not have to worry about the gaseous properties that can pass into the breast milk. Do not eat too much cabbage; it can cause digestive distress for yourself! Also, take fresh cabbage leaves and place them inside your bra. Cover the entire breast. The cabbage leaves will help to reduce engorgement and decrease milk supply.
3. Drink "just enough" water. When you breastfeed, you drink extra water. If your body does not need to produce breast milk, don't provide it with the extra water. Drink no more than 64 oz. of water, juice and fluids per day.
4. Drink sage tea or eat sage as a spice in foods. You can buy sage capsules as well. Sage helps to dry up breast milk production.
5. Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Claritin. Just as antihistamines dry up your sinuses, so too they dry up breast milk. Do not overdo antihistamines, however; take the recommended dose for allergies, and this should be enough to decrease breast milk supply.
Tags: breast milk, milk supply, breast milk supply, breast milk, breast milk production, cabbage leaves, decrease breast