Suppressing or drying up your milk supply can be overwhelming when you’re a first time mom still trying to figure out how to care for a newborn. It may take your body some time to stop producing milk, and there are things you can do to help make yourself more comfortable. Little things like wearing an infant carrier to hold your baby close while you rest or recover can help make the experience just a bit easier and a bit more comforting.
In this article, you will get safe and effective methods to dry your milk supply. You’ll find tips for gradual weaning, maternity bras, cold compresses, natural remedies and managing engorgement and other complications to help you feel more comfortable as you care for your baby.
Gradual Weaning: The Safest Method to Slow Milk Production
Gradual weaning is also one of the most gentle way to slow your milk production. Slowly reducing the number of times you feed or pump over a period of weeks can help your body make the transition naturally and reduces the risk of engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis. A good bra and an infant carrier will help make the adjustment easier for both you and your baby.
As you are drying up your milk, it’s best to drop one feed at a time, beginning with the one your baby is least interested in or the most inconvenient for you. You may even cut feeds short, or pump just enough milk to take the pressure off. Providing your baby with more attention will also help you stay connected while they get used to the new routine.
Physical Relief: Using Supportive, Tight-Fitting Bras or Binders
A supportive bra or a soft binder can help while you’re drying up your milk supply. Select a bra that does not exert too much pressure on your breasts, so you won’t get any pain, blocked ducts, or infection. Wearing a soft, comfortable bra also enables you to carry your baby in an infant carrier without added pain.
Cold compresses, refrigerated cabbage leaves or over-the-counter pain relief may relieve swelling and pain while you wean. Hand expressing some milk to relieve pressure will not tell your body to make more milk, and it won’t increase your milk supply. Using a combination of these techniques will allow your milk supply to dwindle more safely and comfortably.
Applying Cold Compresses and Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling and Production
Applying cold compresses or ice packs is a safe and straightforward measure to relieve swelling and soreness as you are drying up your milk. The cold works to decrease inflammation and reduce milk production, which can help your body feel better during weaning. They can also help to prevent complications such as blocked ducts or mastitis.
To help you make the most of cold therapy, here are some useful tips:
- Wrap for safety: For best results, wrap the ice packs, frozen vegetables or gel packs in a thin layer of cloth before applying them to your breast.
- Time it right: If you need to, apply cold packs for 10 to 20 minutes several times a day for comfort.
- Do it between sessions: Use cold therapy between feedings and quick pumping sessions.
- Use cold cabbage leaves: Place clean, cold cabbage leaves inside a bra (one leaf on each side) for a natural way to relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Comfort while holding baby: A soft, supportive bra and an infant carrier let you keep your baby close safely while using cold therapy and provide some comfort.
Strategic Pumping or Expressing for Comfort (But Not for Full Emptying)
When drying up your milk, expressing or pumping is meant only for comfort, not full removal. Taking just enough milk to relieve pressure helps your body produce less over time while avoiding pain and engorgement. Gentle hand expression or a brief pump session can make you feel more comfortable while carrying your baby in an infant carrier.
It is necessary not to fully empty the breasts completely, as full emptying tells your body to keep making milk. Tapering off the pumping time and amount gradually lets your supply wind down naturally and safely. Supplementing brief hand expression sessions with cold packs or a supportive bra relieves engorgement and makes drying up your milk supply easier and more manageable.
Herbal and Natural Remedies (Including Sage and Peppermint) to Slow Supply
Some mothers find drinking sage or peppermint tea helpful but scientific evidence is limited and safety is not well-established. While using these remedies and carrying your baby in an infant carrier, be sure to wash your hands and breasts to avoid any contact with the herbs or oils. Speak to a healthcare professional, or lactation consultant prior to consuming any herbs or supplements for drying up your milk supply.
Gradual weaning combined with soothing treatments brought on by cold compresses and occasional hand expression remains the best way to go. Knowing about the herbal options can give you a few alternatives to try, but the advice of a professional is what really keeps your baby safe.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief for Managing Discomfort and Engorgement
Some pain relievers sold at pharmacy stores can be useful for helping you handle pain and engorgement as you are drying up your milk supply. As always, consult a health professional before starting a new medication and exercise caution with the dosage instructions. A properly used medication makes the weaning process easier.
Here are some practical tips to help you use OTC pain relief safely:
- Consult your doctor: If you are planning to take any medication, it is better to first ask your doctor or pharmacist for the most appropriate guidance for your case.
- See the directions for use: To be free of any negative side effects, it is better that you only take the medication dose as directed by the label or your doctor’s instructions.
- Timing is key: Administering meds right after a feeding or a brief pumping session reduces the baby’s exposure. If you’re breastfeeding, bring your baby along in the infant carrier so you can nurse and comfort them as soon as you’re able.
- Opt for single-ingredient products: Single-ingredient pain relievers are also safer than multi-symptom medicines, which may include ingredients that interfere with milk supply or affect the safety of the baby.
Medication Options for Suppression (Consulting with a Healthcare Provider)
There are some medication you can take for more rapid milk suppression if you are drying up your milk supply. Consultation with a physician is required to confirm it is safe for you, to review your medical history, and to ascertain if the potential benefits are greater than the risk. Your doctor can also monitor any side effects and help you develop a plan that includes medication and comfort measures so you get the most relief.
Trying natural means and gradual weaning is still the best solution to diminish milk production, but medication can be considered in case of need. Cold packs, minimal hand expression, and supportive bra are all you need to take the edge off your discomfort, along with medical supervision. You can even use an infant carrier as you apply these strategies to yourself.
Recognizing and Preventing Mastitis and Other Complications
It is important to identify the early symptoms of blocked milk ducts or mastitis when you are drying up your milk, as changes in the flow of milk can make your breasts more sensitive. Weaning gradually decreases the likelihood of engorgement, redness, or feeling like you have a flu. Watching your body for signs of trouble allows you to catch problems early.
Preventative measures can help ease the transition and make it a little more comfortable. Gentle expression for pressure relief, supportive bras and good hygiene can help support breast health during this phase. You can even use an infant carrier to keep your baby close while you rest, which can help you stay relaxed as your body adjusts.
