As a mom, there comes a time when you have to completely wean the baby off the breast. This could be due to a medical condition, going back to work or school, or it could be that you want to switch to baby formula.
The decision on when to stop breastfeeding is a personal choice and only you can make that resolution.
I know you are here because you are looking for ways on how to dry up breast milk fast and safely. As always, I have your best interests at heart and will help you find the best approach that will be pain-free.
I have been there and I know how frustrating it is for a mom looking for solutions on how to dry up milk supply without getting mastitis or clogged milk ducts.
I have two boys, and both of my breastfeeding experiences were totally different. During those times, I’ve learned different things when it comes to drying up breast milk.
Hopefully, these tips I’m sharing will help you avoid some of the things I went through like engorged breasts that were extremely painful.
How to dry up milk supply safely
Let’s look at the following tips on how to dry up breast milk without risking your health.
Start slow and be realistic in your expectations
The safest way to stop breastfeeding and dry up milk supply is wean the baby or breast pump off the breast gradually.
This will help your body to adjust and also the baby will get accustomed to reduced feedings. Breast milk is usually produced in terms of demand and supply.
So, the fewer the feedings, the less milk is produced. Do not set expectations of drying up as soon as you minimize your breastfeeding sessions as this may disappoint you.
Cold packs
A cold pack will go a long way in alleviating pain and the swelling that comes with breast engorgement. Of course, cold packs will not directly dry up breast milk, but they will offer you some comfort in your weaning journey.
If you are trying to dry up your milk supply, hop over to amazon and grab this awesome cold pack. Alternatively, a bag of frozen peas can get you the same results; pain relieve.
Use your hands to express
Don’t have a pump? No worries! Use your hands to express and dull your breast pain. The goal here is to only express a little for relieve, not much that will stimulate more milk production.
Get on a birth control pill
If you are already on one, I’m pretty sure it’s a progestin-only type. This is because birth control pills that contain estrogen have been linked to decreased milk supply.
You want to get on a pill that contains estrogen to help in drying up your milk. However, before you get on the contraception, consult with your doctor.
Drink plenty of water
I know you are probably wondering water, again? Reducing the amount of water you are taking will not help your breast milk to dry up.
So, hydrate as much as you need to. Do not dehydrate yourself. You can also hydrate with good electrolytes, not those found in sports drinks.
How to dry up breast milk naturally
Cabbage leaves to dry up milk supply
Ensure the crushed cabbage veins are against the skin. Leave them for around one hour then repeat the same procedure with other frozen leaves.
This treatment also helps in reducing breast engorgement. Although there is little scientific study that says cabbage leaves will help dry up milk supply, a lot of moms over the years swear by it.
If you’d rather take the lazy way out like me, then try this Cabo crème Breast Cream. You will need to apply it every 3 to 4 hours and it works just like those cold cabbage leaves. Pretty a better idea!
Peppermint oil to dry up breast milk
Over the years, peppermint has been used to dry up breast milk naturally. Simply rub it between and around the breasts. If you have some peppermint oil in your house, try using it to reduce milk supply.
Use sage
Sage is one of the best herbs used to dry up breast milk. It has an estrogen effect on women and for that reason, it helps to reduce breast milk supply. You can take it in your tea or boiled in broths.
I prefer my sage in tea and that worked for me when I was weaning my sons. You will find sage tea in your local health food store.
Herbs have been used for years as medications and one of my favorite sage and peppermint teas is the Pink Stork No Flow. Get it on Amazon and you will love its unique taste.
Get a comfortable bra and a loose shirt
When you are trying to dry up breast milk, your breasts will become hard. They will feel like rocks and that’s breast engorgement. Therefore, it is important for you to get a comfortable nursing bra for the extra support needed.
You will also need a loose button down shirt so that your nipples are not stimulated in any way. On those few days you will be weaning your baby off the breast, there’s bound to be some level of discomfort.
What to avoid when trying to dry up your milk supply
There are a few things you want to steer clear off when you are trying to stop breastfeeding. Some of this practices may be great to help you with the pain, but right now, they will interfere with the process. You don’t want that to happen!
Avoid hot long showers
Heat stimulates the production of milk. Therefore, it is important to avoid long hot showers while trying to dry up your milk supply. I’d recommend you do short quick showers while avoiding direct contact with hot water to your breasts.
Pumping
As you decrease your nursing sessions, your breasts may feel engorged. It can really be tempting to pump to get relieve, but that will only signal the breasts to produce more milk.
I recommend hand expressing and only get out just a little milk to keep the pain manageable. Remember the end goal during such times.
Breast Massage
When you touch your breast, you are sending signals that milk needs to be produced. I know sometimes the breasts can feel so sore you just want a massage to numb the pain.
However, touching them will just encourage milk flow. It is best to keep your hands off the breast(even your partner) while you are trying to reduce your breast milk supply.Drying up milk supply cold turkey
I know this may seem like the easier way out, but it’s actually the hardest. And I strongly do not recommend it. You will experience lots of pain and breast engorgement.
Rather than stop pumping or breastfeeding your baby abruptly, extend the hours between feedings and pumping sessions. Once your body adjusts to that, you can go longer. Eventually, you will end up drying up your milk supply.
However, if you do not have a choice and want to dry up your milk supply cold turkey, here are some tips to help you.
- Take acetaminophen or ibruprofen every 4 hours during the first days to help you manage the pain
- Use cold compress to assist with breast engorgement
- Use breast pads to absorb any leaking milk and be sure to change them regularly
- Keep your cold raw cabbage leaves or Cabo cream close to help with the discomfort when you need them.
- Hand express just a little for relieve.
- Remember to be careful in the way you handle your breasts as they will be very hard and tender.
- Talk to your lactation consultant before you decide to dry up milk supply cold turkey
Trouble signs to watch out for when drying up milk supply
Weaning is a stressful period full of emotions. Whether you have been forced to wean or have decided on weaning, you need to prepare yourself to deal with the emotions that come with this period of time.
Some moms have to deal with depression and anxiety, while babies will struggle trying to self soothe. Contact your primary health care giver if you notice the following;
- Your breasts become red or hot.
- You develop fever
- You have some foul smelling discharge from your breasts
- You feel depressed or anxious
How long will it take to dry up breast milk?
Well, there is no definite answer for this question. Sorry! There are so many factors that will come into play such as how long you have been breastfeeding, your milk supply, and how often you have been breastfeeding your baby.
For most moms, it will take about two to three weeks to dry up breast milk, while others, it will be a matter of few days.
And there other moms for whom the process of trying to dry up breast milk will take a little longer. Drying up milk supply is a different experience for every mother. Patience will go a long way in helping you safely reduce your milk supply without getting mastitis.
The above tips are a sure way to help you as you wean your little one off the breast. And if you are looking for ways to ease your breast pain because of engorgement or clogged milk ducts, use some of the above recommendations.
Do you have some ideas on how to dry up breast milk? I’d love to hear them in the comments.
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