Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It’s ProducedDrying Up Breast MilkWhen to StartHow Long It Takes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It’s Produced
Drying Up Breast Milk
When to Start
How Long It Takes
Whether you have decided not to breastfeed or are ready to stop the lactation process, experts recommend various ways to dry up your breast milk supply, including avoiding nursing, taking certain medications, consuming certain herbs, and more.
This article discusses decreasing your breast milk supply safely and effectively.
Emilija Manevska / Getty Images
How Is Breast Milk Produced?
The body starts preparing for breast milk production duringpregnancy, starting with changes that make the breasts fuller, larger, and usually more tender.
Breastfeeding is an individual decision, and everyone’s situation is unique. Many people face challenges that complicate breastfeeding, whether it’s an issue with lactation, experiencing a medical condition, or having to take certain medications.Plenty of others may choose not to breastfeed for personal reasons. Formula or donor breast milk is also a nutritious option.
Ways to Dry Up Breast Milk
Stop Breastfeeding
A main method for drying up your milk supply is to avoid breastfeeding or pumping. Milk production will start to decrease if there is no demand for it.
Avoid Nipple Stimulation
Any activity that stimulates the nipple (sexual or otherwise) could prompt breast milk production.During the milk drying process, avoid squeezing the breast or nipple area when checking to see if breast milk is still being made, as this could have a counter effect.
Medications
There are different medication options that a healthcare provider may recommend to people interested in decreasing their milk supply. These include:
Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any medication to decrease your milk supply.
Herbs
Certain herbs are thought to help reduce breast milk supply and may be consumed in tea or supplement form, including:
Some experts have recommended placing cold cabbage leaves on the breasts to help with discomfort from engorgement.
Diet and Lifestyle
There’s no solid scientific evidence behind claims that certain foods may help promote breast milk production. Some anecdotes have floated the idea of oats and flax as being potential breast milk-inducing foods.Ask a healthcare provider if it might be worth trying.
In addition, because warm and steamy environments can encourage lactation, some experts recommend staying away from a direct stream of a hot shower can help with not overstimulating breast milk production.
When Should You Start the Drying Process?
For the first six months after birth, infants only need breast milk or formula. If you are breastfeeding, try weaning gradually, if possible and feasible for your situation.
Remember that trying to complete the drying process too quickly can lead to risks of plugged milk ducts and a breast infection calledmastitis.
How Long Does It Take to Dry Up Breast Milk?
Check with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant about your options and their recommendations for starting this process.
Summary
Also known as suppressing lactation, drying up your breast milk is a process that will look different for everyone. Some people choose to dry up their breast milk if they’re experiencing a breastfeeding or health issue, are taking medication, or decide to not breastfeed. This process can be done gradually over several weeks or months or may happen quicker depending on several factors. Methods for ceasing breast milk production include decreasing breastfeeding, taking certain medications, or exploring herbal options.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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