The Best Ways to Dry Up Your Breast Milk Supply

Best Ways to Dry Up Your Breast Milk Supply

Weaning is tough for even mother. Weaning slowly and without stress is what is suggested. But there may be reasons you may want your breast milk to dry quickly. The best time for weaning is when both infant and mother is ready for it. However, sometimes, even without your wish, you need to discontinue breastfeeding.

Many factors such as baby’s age or mother’s diet and health affects the time taken by breast milk to dry. In some women, milk production stops just after a few days of weaning, but in some, it takes several weeks. Abrupt weaning is no doubt uncomfortable and may lead to infection so better consult your doctor, and then you can try the methods discussed below to dry up breast milk.

1.Do Not Nurse Baby To Dry up Breast Milk –

It is a rule, more you breastfeed more milk is formed so do not breastfeed or stimulate breast. The time for the breast to dry up depends on how long you have breastfed. You may try following tips discussed below:
Wear a supportive bra that will hold breast at its place.
To ease pain and inflammation use ice packs.

2. Sage to Dry up Breast –

Sage is a herb that helps with suppressing oversupply and weaning. However, not much is known if sage is safe for infants who consume breast milk after you take sage. So consult your doctor, and then you may start with a small amount of sage tea.

Other herbs that may help dry up breast are parsley, peppermint and jasmine. Consume them only after consulting your doctor.

3.Cabbage to Dry up Breast-

If cabbage leaves are used for a long duration, it suppresses breast milk.
Wash the green leaves of cabbage. Freeze it in the refrigerator. Place chilled cabbage leaves over each breast and then put your bra. Change leaves every 2 hours.

In addition, cabbage leaves reduce swelling and ease the symptoms of engorgement.

4.Vitamin B to Dry up Breast –

High doses of vitamin B1, B12 and B6 also suppress lactation. However, there is not much known about the side effects of taking high doses of vitamin B1, B6 and B12 for long. So again, talk to your health care provider about it.

5.Avoid Hot Showers to Dry up Breast-

If you are trying to dry up breast milk hot shower is the wrong choice as hot shower may temporarily ease engorgement but also stimulates the breast milk production. So better, avoid it.

6.Birth Control Pills to Dry up Breast –

Contraceptive pills containing hormone estrogen suppress lactation. May, not all women experience notable suppression but mostly does. Do not start the birth control pill on your own. Consult your doctor about timing to start the medicine.

*Some also may advise you to restrict fluids to dry up breast milk. However, we do not recommend this because it is essential for a nursing mother to stay hydrated.

*Some may advise you to get pregnant. However, let me tell you pregnancy is not a reliable way to dry up the breast milk and not a wise choice if you are not healthy enough and mentally prepared to deliver another baby.

Lactation suppression may be uncomfortable. Abruptly stopping nursing may lead to infection or blocked milk duct. In the case of engorgement express little milk for relief. If you experience pain or low fever, call your doctor. The plugged duct may cause breast tenderness. It is advised to gently massage the area for relief. In the case of mastitis where due to breast infection, there is redness, warmth, breast swelling and malaise antibiotics may be prescribed.

*For drying up breast milk, it is always better to consult a certified lactation consultant to avoid any discomfort and prevent infection.