Safe Methods to Dry Up Your Milk Supply

There are many reasons why a mother may choose not to breastfeed or may need to stop—whether due to personal choice, health concerns, or difficult circumstances like infant loss. Whatever your reason, know that your decision is valid and you deserve support during this time.

Understanding what happens to your body is an important first step. Approximately 48-72 hours after birth, your body naturally begins producing more milk. If you're not nursing, this can lead to uncomfortable engorgement. Fortunately, there are several safe, effective methods to ease discomfort and help your milk supply decrease gradually.

What to Avoid

You may have heard older advice about tightly binding your breasts or getting a "dry up shot." We now know these methods can actually be harmful. Binding the breasts too tightly can lead to mastitis (a painful breast infection), and bromocriptine injections have been associated with serious health problems.

Safe and Effective Methods

Comfort Measures

Choose the Right Support

Wear a comfortable, supportive bra—but avoid anything too tight. You want gentle support, not compression.

Cool Things Down

Apply ice packs to your breasts to reduce swelling and discomfort. A helpful tip: frozen vegetables like peas or lima beans work beautifully because they mold to the shape of your breast.

Try the Cabbage Leaf Remedy

This might sound unusual, but it's a time-tested method! Take a few leaves from a head of raw cabbage, squeeze them gently in your hand to release the juices, and apply them directly to your breasts. Replace with fresh leaves after 45 minutes or when they wilt.

Managing Pain and Production

Pain Relief

Ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for dosage.

Consider Medications

Talk to your healthcare provider about antihistamines or decongestants. For example, 60-120mg of pseudoephedrine every 4-6 hours may help reduce milk production when needed.

Natural Remedies

Some mothers find drinking 1-4 cups of sage tea daily helpful. Peppermint has also been shown anecdotally to reduce milk production—specifically, peppermint Altoids, which you can either suck on or swallow.

When You Need Relief

Gentle Expression

If your breasts become severely engorged and other techniques aren't helping, it's okay to hand express just a few drops to relieve pressure. This small amount won't significantly increase your supply, and the expressed milk can still be given to your baby if desired.

Medical Intervention

In rare cases where abrupt weaning is medically necessary for your health and safety, discuss medication with your doctor.

Important Things to Remember

Avoid Nipple Stimulation

This sends signals to your body to produce more milk, which is the opposite of what you want right now.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your primary care provider if you experience:

• A fever over 101°F or 38.3°C
• Pain and/or redness in a specific area of the breast
• Flu-like symptoms

These could be signs of a breast infection or other complications. You may need to temporarily express most of the milk from your breasts (by hand or with a pump) along with antibiotics to help clear the infection.

You're Not Alone

Whatever your circumstances, please be gentle with yourself during this time. Your body is going through significant changes, and both physical and emotional support are important. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

---

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your or your infant's medical condition.