Whether you choose to breastfeed for a month or a year, you will eventually stop doing it. Milk production in some women may stop naturally, but in most women this is not the case. Keep reading to learn some tricks to help speed up this process.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Doctor-Recommended Advice
Step 1. Wean gradually, if possible
Start switching to one or two feedings per day, and slowly stop completely. This is the safest and least painful way because your body will slowly stop producing milk.
- Breasts that are weaned suddenly, rather than gradually, can become painful, swollen, and can even lead to mastitis.
- If you've been pumping milk for a while and want to stop, here's an example of a schedule that will let you off the pump slowly but surely:
- Day 1: pump for 5 minutes every 4-5 hours
- Day 2: pump for 5 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Days 3-7: pump as long as needed to reduce discomfort
Step 2. Take a pain reliever that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen
This will reduce discomfort and some swelling.
Step 3. Avoid nipple stimulation, as it will trigger milk production
Wear a bra that is supportive but not too tight. Choose clothes that are loose and less likely to show breast milk stains; consider wearing breast pads to absorb leaking milk.
Take a warm shower. Although it causes some unavoidable stimulation, a warm bath can help reduce pressure on the breasts and relieve discomfort. Avoid direct stimulation from water, if possible
Step 4. Avoid pumping breast milk as this signals your body to produce more
If your breasts start to feel full, pump with your hands as needed to reduce discomfort.
Step 5. Drink lots of water
If you're dehydrated, you start to produce more milk, and you feel more and more uncomfortable.
Step 6. In severe cases, talk to your doctor about estrogen injections
Estrogen injections are less supported these days, although they were once used to promote estrogen suppression. Some estrogen injections are known to contain carcinogens.
If you have persistent problems with stopping lactation, ask your doctor about taking medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel). Doctors usually do not recommend taking Parlodel because it increases the chances of hypertension, stroke, and heart attack
Step 7. Prepare mentally
Hormone levels will change drastically when milk production slows down, which will trigger mood swings. Many women feel guilty, feel inadequate, and sad. Getting through these emotions may be the hardest part of the whole process, but having supportive people will help you.
Method 2 of 2: Unconfirmed Home Healing
Step 1. Drink sage tea
Sage contains natural estrogen which is known to dehydrate your milk supply. You can find sage in two forms:
- Tea: buy sage tea at your local health product store, and brew it with milk and honey.
- As a tincture: buy a sage tincture, pre-mixed with a small amount of alcohol, at a health food store. Tinctures are known to be slightly more efficient than sage tea at draining breast milk supply.
Step 2. Use a cold compress or cabbage on your breasts
Cabbage leaves are great because they are cool and have elements that dry out your breast milk naturally. Place them all over your breasts and replace them when they wilt.
Step 3. Take vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is known to stop the production of plasma prolactin in the body, which causes the production of breast milk. However, a number of studies have found no statistically relevant data that vitamin B6 actually helps women stop lactation.
Tips
- Use inexpensive long pads to help absorb leaking milk. As odd as it may sound, it can keep your clothes dry. Just cut it in half and glue it to your bra. Don't cut into quarters, threes, etc. because the cotton will fall apart.
- For the first few nights, your milk may leak a lot. Try rolling up a towel and placing it along your bust while wearing a t-shirt that fits snugly against your body. This will absorb the milk so it doesn't seep out. The extra cushioning will also help you get a comfortable sleeping position.
Warning
- Do not apply heat to the swollen breast. This will increase the pain and can trigger milk production.
- Don't tie your breasts.
