Milking It: Drying Up

Milking It: Drying Up | oliverandtara.com
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After last week (World Breastfeeding Week), my brain is still stuck on the topic. So I wanted to discuss a topic many mommies have questions about – how to encourage milk production. This is a topic I didn’t look much into before having Liam. I wish I had! Thankfully I had read about certain items and did throw them into my bag. Also, we were blessed that the hospital where Liam was born is quite “crunchy”. So the Lactation Consultants brought me some things to increase supply as well!

I am “blessed” with over production and have to pump to get some of the milk off regularly, especially after a few days of cluster feedings or a growth spurt (for Liam.. not me!). But I know plenty of moms who really struggle with production. And not just at the beginning! I was talking to a fellow mommy last week and her supply almost totally dried up after a few days with a low grade fever. Yikes! Other moms have a lot  of difficulty keeping production up when they have to do significant pumping (working moms, poor latch, sick babies, etc). Since Liam has been born, I’ve read and researched a TON. Our breastfeeding relationship is something very important to me. The thought of my milk drying up is heartbreaking!

This will be a series, so I am spreading the posts out of this week. Today I wanted to provide a list of things that COULD dry up your milk. Keep in mind, ever mommy’s body is different. So some things may dry up one mommy’s milk while not affecting someone else’s milk supply at all. But it’s better to be safe than sorry from my point of view!

Food/Drinks

Meds/Supplements

Actions

Sage
Peppermint (any form)
Antihistamines
Decongestants
High doses of B-6
Prescription pain-killers
Weight-loss supplements
Appetite inhibitors
Estrogen birth control
Vitex (for fertility)
Cabbage Leaves
(helps with engorgement)
Tight bras
Pumping patterns
Supplementing formula
Smoking
Rapid weight loss
Limited BF length
Pregnancy

 

Anything on this list I have missed? Let me know!

❤ Tara


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