To dry up breast milk supply, several methods can be used, often depending on how quickly you want to stop lactation and your personal comfort. Here are effective approaches:
Gradual Weaning (Preferred Method)
- Gradually increase the time between breastfeeding or pumping sessions (e.g., pump every 4 hours instead of every 3, then extend further).
- Decrease the duration of pumping gradually.
- Wear a supportive, comfortable bra to reduce breast movement and discomfort.
- Use ice packs or cold cabbage leaves on the breasts for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day to reduce engorgement.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
- Avoid fully emptying the breasts to prevent stimulating more milk production.
- Monitor for signs of blocked ducts or infection and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms arise
Abrupt Weaning (Cold Turkey)
- Stop breastfeeding or pumping suddenly.
- Wear a tight, supportive bra continuously to minimize breast stimulation.
- Use ice packs and pain medication to manage discomfort.
- Hand express milk only sparingly to relieve severe engorgement, avoiding full emptying of breasts.
- Be aware that this method can be uncomfortable and may take days to weeks for milk to dry up completely
Herbal and Medicinal Aids
- Drink sage or peppermint tea 3-4 times daily for 2-3 days to help reduce milk supply.
- Some mothers use chasteberry or parsley, but always consult a doctor before using herbs.
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can reduce milk production but should only be used under medical supervision due to possible side effects.
- Estrogen-containing birth control pills may help suppress lactation if prescribed by a doctor
Additional Tips
- Avoid warm water directly on breasts during showers; instead, let water run over shoulders.
- Avoid breast massage or stimulation except gentle relief if very uncomfortable.
- Use cold cabbage leaves placed under the bra and changed every few hours to soothe breasts
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any method to dry up breast milk, especially when considering medications or herbs, to ensure safety for you and your baby
