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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I STOP my breasts producing milk?

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    Breastfeeding Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
    12 days ago today, I had to stop breastfeeding after 7 months, as I had to start taking medication which I am not allowed to breastfeed with. One of my breasts is pretty much back to normal size and isnt sore at all (milk still comes from it if I press it in the right spot). But unfortunatly the other one is huge and rock hard, bigger than what it was when I was still breastfeeding (exactly like at the very start when they became engorged) and its nice and sore (but only if I try to sleep on my tummy).

    So I have been drinking less water, more coffee, and I have tried the “cabbage-leaves-in-bra” theory but to no avail. The only thing that helped with the engorged feeling was massaging it, in a reeeeally hot shower, but I am a bit scared to do that again too, just incase it ends up producing MORE milk… Any tips would be grately appreciated! :)
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Tony Bushati
    • Joy Anderson
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  • 17

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    Dr Tony Bushati

    Gynaecologist, Obstetrician

    Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Tony Bushati is a specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with a particular interest in general and high risk obstetric, miscarriage, laparoscopic surgery … View Profile

    Attempting to stop breast milk, when it’s no longer required, has been a concern of women for years. There is a lot of information available on this topic so I will touch on the best recommended ways of stopping breast milk.
    Non-medical methods:
    - One of the most important steps it to use a supportive bra.
    - Cabbage leaves placed on the breast is a home remedy that has been used for over a hundred years to reduce engorgement and dry up milk
    - If the pain of engorgement becomes unbearable then, don’t be afraid to relieve your discomfort by expressing some milk
    - Cutting down salt intake and reducing fatty foods may offer some relief, however, do not restrict fluids as this is quite important for your wellbeing.
    - Some women find comfort from a warm shower for reliving the discomfort of full breasts or the use ice packs.
    It is important to understand that if you have a full supply of milk then you must wean it off gradually. It may take up to 3 week to fully wean off.
    In the unfortunate case of a loss of baby, and if you are willing to donate, there are several milk banks around the country. Details can be easily located on the internet.
    Medical treatment
    - Taking vitamin B6 will help to relieve breast engorgement. You take B6 daily for 1 week.
    - Bromcriptine (Parlodel) can be used however, because of the side effects, you should be seen by a doctor to determine the risk versus benefits for your case.
    - A newer drug, Cabergoline (Dostinex), has less side effects compared to Parlodel and is the most preferred of the two drugs. It works by reducing the prolactin levels which stimulate milk production. Again before taking any medication you should consult with your doctor.

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    Joy Anderson

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Joy is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist, as well as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has a special interest in … View Profile

    Drinking less water or more coffee, etc will not affect breastmilk supply. Neither will cabbage leaves, although they may make you more comfortable. Also, medications marketed for drying up milk supply only really work properly in the early days of lactation, as they work by suppressing prolactin. Once milk supply is well established, this hormonal control has only a minor influence. The driver for milk production after the early weeks is how much milk is removed from each breast. What is taken gets replaced.

    The best way to avoid or treat engorgement during sudden weaning is to express for comfort as often as needed. As long as you don't empty the breast, but only take enough to be comfortable, this will not cause more milk to be made (compared to remaining engorged) or prolong the process.

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