Breastfeeding Moms: Increasing & Decreasing Milk Production Naturally
Our body’s natural milk production is powerful, mama…
We were designed to support babes and our milk is exactly what our baby needs! Just like our ancestors did before us, we get to harness the incredible power of the plant kingdom to support us on our nursing journey.
This is a quick guide to using doTERRA essential oils to support your lactation processes. Please reach out to me if you’d like to learn more about oils and schedule a free, private consult on zoom!
Start Lactation: Use Copaiba
Copaiba is an amazing oil for new moms and has many purposes. In fact, I use it for anxious feelings, stress, pain and more. One of its superpowers is the ability to help you begin lactating! After your labor, gently massage 2-3 drops of Copaiba essential oil into your breasts. This should help you begin your lactation process if you have been having trouble. Copaiba is a very safe essential oil for babies and is recommended in many teething oil blend recipes, and a small amount of Copaiba on the breasts will is okay for your baby. If you feel more comfortable removing it prior to feeding, just use a warm damp cloth with a little bit of coconut oil on it, as coconut oil removes essential oil more effectively than water.
Increase Lactation: Use Fennel
Fennel is the unsung hero of new moms everywhere! Fennel oil can be used to increase milk production to help you breastfeed your new baby. Simply grab your bottle of doTERRA Fennel essential oil and massage 2-3 drops of Fennel into your breasts. Wash off before feeding. Another great way to do this is to take your Fennel internally! Just put 3 drops of Fennel oil into an empty gel capsule and take it internally.
*Note: doTERRA essential oils are pure, potent plant extracts. Because doTERRA Fennel is sourced responsibly and tested thoroughly, the oil is safe for internal use! Reach out to me via email if you have questions about doTERRA’s purity standards.
Reduce Production: Use Peppermint
There are many wonderful ways to support and increase your milk production - but what happens when you’re ready to stop? Reach for your Peppermint! Peppermint essential oil from doTERRA is supportive to your body when you’re trying to decrease milk supply and/or when you get sore, tender breasts after finishing breastfeeding. Massage 2-3 drops of Peppermint into your breast tissue directly, avoiding the actual nipple area. If you have any skin sensitivity, dilute 1 drop of peppermint with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply a small amount of that mixture topically. You also have the option to use 2-3 drops of Peppermint internally in an empty gel capsule.
I hope this guide helps you!
I remember learning about oils for breastfeeding for the very first time and being in awe of how doTERRA oils can work to support new moms! We are so fortunate to be able to reach for natural tools any time we need them.