Just as at first all women struggle to establish lactation, then they look for ways to complete it with minimal discomfort. There are many ways, including the use of herbs. Often nursing mothers are interested in how to take sage to stop lactation. Today we will talk about this topic and figure out in what form and how to use the plant, what its benefits are, and who should not choose this method of ending breastfeeding.
Sage is a natural remedy for stopping lactation.
Benefits of sage
Sage is a medicinal plant whose properties have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. It contains a large number of vitamins, including A, K, C, E. It is rich in calcium, sodium, potassium, nicotinic acids, camphor, and essential oils. The fruits of the plant contain a lot of fatty oils that are beneficial for a woman’s health. Thanks to this composition, the plant has the following properties:
- dilates blood vessels;
- helps with constipation;
- strengthens tooth enamel and bones;
- reduces pain in the legs;
- softens the symptoms of menopause;
- improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- enhances brain function;
- has an antiseptic effect;
- helps in the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases;
- used in the treatment of dementia;
- normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- treats gums;
- strengthens the immune system;
- helps with viral diseases, sore throat, bronchitis, tonsillitis, etc.;
- improves urination;
- has an astringent effect, helps with diarrhea;
- helps against dandruff;
- relieves skin inflammation;
- helps to reduce excessive lactation;
- normalizes hormonal levels;
- normalizes sleep;
- stimulates ovulation;
- increases libido, etc.
Is it possible to use sage for a sore throat while breastfeeding and how to take it?
Since sage has a negative effect on lactation, namely, it reduces the production of breast milk, medications in which it is present are prohibited for breastfeeding. Almost all products contain contraindications regarding breastfeeding, including throat treatment products, for example, lozenges, lozenges or lozenges. Of course, if you take such medications by mistake several times, the milk will not be lost. But it is better to choose other drugs. Today there are enough analogues on the pharmaceutical market.
At all times
Medicinal plants are widely used by herbalists for healing. And simply in every family there live traditions of herbal medicine, which are carefully preserved and passed on through generations. Sage has been used by humans for thousands of years. It was necessarily included in most medicinal fees. But young mothers often ask therapists whether sage can be taken while breastfeeding. Today we will try to answer this question.
How to use sage to complete breastfeeding or reduce breast milk production?
The use of sage to stop lactation has been known for a long time. The most effective way is to use essential oil. This form of the product contains the largest amount of active phytohormonal components. In addition, sage can be used in the form of tea or infusion. And also in the form of compresses. In any case, you need to choose which method is right for you.
How to take tea bags?
Tea bags are perhaps the most convenient form of drink to use. To prepare it, brew 1 tea bag in a glass of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes. Take out the bag and squeeze it out. Divide the tea into 3 doses and drink throughout the day. Brew fresh tea daily. If you want a more concentrated drink, such as an infusion, let sit until cool. In this case, divide the consumption into 4-6 doses in the amount of 2 tablespoons.
Does the decoction help and how to prepare it?
Sage infusion was used more often in the past than now, since tea bags did not exist. Making this drink is quite simple.
Compound:
- Chopped dry sage leaves - 1 tsp.
- Boiling water - 1 glass.
Preparation:
- Cover the sage with water.
- Cook in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 30 minutes.
Application. Drink 2 tablespoons 4 times a day until lactation ends.
Does sage oil help in completing breastfeeding and how to take it?
Sage oil is the most effective remedy for ending breastfeeding. It can be used internally and externally. These methods are equally effective. You need to take this oil 3-4 drops three times a day. This method helps to stop lactation in a short time. It usually helps stop milk production within 2-3 days.
How to make a compress from sage oil at home?
The compress is no less effective than internal methods of using sage. It is prepared on the basis of oil. To prepare a compress, you need to mix 2-3 drops of sage oil with regular vegetable oil. You need to moisten gauze or a cloth in the mixture and apply a compress to your chest for 30–90 minutes. This reduces the flow of breast milk, which makes it easier to stop breastfeeding.
How many days to drink and how many times a day?
Usually, milk production when breastfeeding is stopped begins to decrease after 3 days of using sage. But it should be remembered that each body is individual, so some women stop feeling hot flashes and fullness in their breasts after just a day. And some need more than a week. The timing is affected not only by individual sensitivity to sage, but also by how the woman completes breastfeeding. If gradually, sage may only be needed for 1 day.
You need to take sage, like any medicine, regularly. Tea is usually drunk 3-4 times a day. More concentrated products, such as infusions and decoctions - 4-6 times in small quantities. Oil - 3 times a day, a few drops.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Opinions are divided regarding the possibility of using sage by pregnant women. Some believe that it is dangerous for women during this period, others believe that the plant will only bring benefits. It is best to avoid consuming sage during this period.
Sage causes uterine contractions, which can cause miscarriage. It improves blood flow in the placenta and lowers blood pressure, which is extremely dangerous for pregnant women.
Important tips for stopping breastfeeding
The need to stop lactation arises for various reasons: the mother’s health, the child’s refusal to breastfeed, etc. Pediatricians advise feeding a newborn with breast milk for at least 1 year.
The process of completing lactation can cause some problems, so you should listen to the recommendations:
- Weaning does not break the close relationship between mother and child. There comes a point when milk is replaced with vitamins and nutrients from other foods.
- A process initiated by the mother may be difficult for the child to perceive. It will take a lot of patience and time before the child's body gets used to the changes.
- Do not suddenly stop feeding. Gradually reducing the number of times your baby latches to the breast will benefit both of you. It is not recommended to bandage the breasts, as such actions can cause mastitis. To relieve discomfort, apply a cold compress or ice. You can express a small amount of milk if your breasts are very full. It is important not to provoke new milk production by such actions.
- It is recommended to skip 1 feeding and offer the baby to drink expressed milk from a bottle. You can also use a sippy cup or small cup.
- The baby can ask for the breast without feeling hungry. It is recommended to distract his attention with games or a walk.
- Breastfeeding mothers sometimes give breastfeeding to their baby, wanting to soothe him. You can improve your newborn's mood in other ways (hug, read a book, sing a song).
- To reduce the time. If the baby is attached to the breast for 5 minutes, stop feeding after 3 minutes. You can offer permitted fruit as a snack.
- The child drinks little, and the amount of milk does not decrease. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the amount of liquid consumed to a minimum. You should not take too hot a shower. To reduce pain, it is recommended to apply chilled cabbage leaves to the chest.
- You should teach your child to fall asleep while eating. After lunch, you can take a walk outside so that your newborn learns to fall asleep on his own. When putting your child to bed in the evening, you can turn on slow music, read a fairy tale, and put your favorite toys in bed. After some time, the newborn will get used to the new ritual.
- Wean your child off night snacks and set him up for uninterrupted sleep. If he wakes up at night, you should not give him the breast. It is best to rock the baby in your arms and sing a lullaby. You can offer to drink water.
- Once you are determined to stop lactation, you cannot give up when you hear a baby crying. It is recommended to be close to the child and try to comfort him. The mother's confidence and calmness are transferred to the child.
The child may not be ready for drastic changes. You should not start this process if the newborn is sick. If there is no urgent need, weaning can be postponed for a while.
We recommend that you read Garlic during pregnancy
Review of the drug Dostinex
Dostinex is one of the most famous drugs for stopping lactation. It is used if the mother does not want or cannot breastfeed the child. It inhibits the secretion of prolactin. This helps to reduce the amount of milk produced, which makes the mother's condition easier.
To interrupt established lactation, it is recommended to take half a tablet every 12 hours. It usually becomes effective on the second day after starting treatment.
Adverse reactions include nausea, headaches, vomiting, insomnia, and abdominal pain. The drug should not be taken if you are pregnant, have allergies or are hypersensitive to the components of the drug.
Sage with mint
Mint has many beneficial and harmful properties during breastfeeding. Peppermint is usually used in combination with sage, since together these plants help cope with hyperlactation or complete breastfeeding with minimal discomfort. These herbs enhance each other's effects. To prepare a remedy for lactation, you need to mix dried herbal leaves in equal quantities. After this, pour boiling water over a tablespoon, just like regular tea. Drink the drink chilled several times a day, and you will notice the effect after 2-3 days.
Contraindications and side effects
Sage is a very active medicinal plant, the use of which is accompanied by some risks. Like all greens during breastfeeding, sage can provoke an allergic reaction in the baby, therefore, when gradually completing breastfeeding, when the number of feedings is gradually reduced, or when treating hyperlactation, you should carefully take drinks from the plant. Sage is a phytohormonal plant, so it is not surprising that an allergic reaction to the plant is possible not only in children, but also in adults.
In addition, there is always a risk of individual intolerance. You should not use the product if you take anti-inflammatory drugs, as it may enhance their effect. The use of sage should not be combined with any other medications without first consulting a doctor.
Do not use the plant if you have the following diseases:
- kidney diseases;
- fibroids;
- cystic diseases, especially polycystic disease;
- hypothyroidism;
- pregnancy;
- hypertension;
- endometriosis, etc.
Adverse reactions with moderate use occur rarely, but in case of overdose the following may occur:
- hallucinations;
- epileptic seizures;
- headache;
- intoxication;
- cycle failure in women;
- irritability and mental disorders.
What effect does sage have on a child during breastfeeding?
Sage is a plant with a very active composition. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink it for up to 3 months during hyperlactation. It can cause allergies or tummy problems. It is best to drink sage when you have stopped feeding to prevent milk from coming in. This is one of the few plants that cannot be added to the diet of children under 3 years of age, even as a medicine.
Plant property
Sage leaves contain a large amount of healing essential oils, acids and other beneficial substances. Sage has a positive effect on sex hormones and conception. The possibility of taking it during pregnancy cannot be ruled out. Many, remembering this, decide to take it even after it ends. But it is recommended to take sage during breastfeeding only after the child is one year old. That is, when breast milk ceases to be vital. We'll talk more about this below.
Sage has a tonic effect on the heart muscle, hematopoietic functions and the nervous system. It is indicated for exhaustion and loss of strength. Doesn't a long pregnancy and childbirth fit this description? It turns out that sage during breastfeeding should be shown to every mother to restore strength. But take the time and consult a specialist. He will explain that the plant does not harm mother and baby, but it reduces milk production. Therefore, the younger the child, the less advisable it is to take decoctions and infusions of this plant.
Reviews of women who completed breastfeeding with sage
Oksana, 33 years old
I had to abruptly end breastfeeding, as I had to be treated with antibiotics that were incompatible with breastfeeding. I drank sage by the gallon. Did not help. I had to take pills. In general, I have little faith in folk methods.
Lydia, 29 years old
We gradually completed breastfeeding for up to 10 months. But I didn’t feed the baby, but the milk came. I drank tea with sage for a couple of days. The milk is completely gone.
Kira, 23 years old
Sage just didn’t help me the first time. With my second child I brewed it with peppermint, the milk was gone within a day.
The healing power of the plant
This is a southern plant that is imbued with life-giving properties from the sun itself. It is worth noting that in nature there are more than 500 varieties of this plant, but only one variety is suitable for medicinal purposes. The healing power of the plant is concentrated in the leaves and stem. This is primarily a large amount of vitamins B, C and A. In addition, the composition contains many microelements. These are potassium and fluorine, calcium and magnesium, sodium and manganese. It is distinguished by a high content of flavonoids and phytoncides, fatty and essential oils, tannins and alkaloids. But therapists do not recommend drinking sage while breastfeeding.
