how to dry up milk?

Question

I'm slowly transitioning my 3 week old to formula due to me having such high anxiety levels with breastfeeding/pumping. I feel terrible about stopping, but I have to make sure I have my sanity in order to better take care of my daughter. My question is, what is the best way dry up my milk supply with the least amount of damage done to my boobs? Anyone with experience? Thanks in advance!!

Answer

Oh man, I felt the same way at 3 weeks. My little man wouldn't latch, my breastpump flanges were 7mm too big and KILLED my already tender breasts, I had mastitis, plugged ducts every 3 days or so... I know how you feel. The guilt is real. The pain is inside and outside. I cried every single day. I exclusively pumped and bottle fed for about 6 weeks. We'd try breastfeeding everyday at least once. Both my son and I were crying each time.

When things were at their worst, they started getting better. 
(1) He had his lip tie and tongue tie revised. (2) I bought pump flanges from Maymom that actually fit me (they have a measuring tool you can print!). 
(3) My mastitis cleared up with antibiotics and much needed rest. 
(4) I took lecithin pills to prevent plugged ducts.

Even with all of this being resolved at about 4 weeks, it still took us until 6 weeks for my son to latch deeply enough to effectively eat. I went to breastfeeding circles and the lactation consultant helped me with positions. Even more than her direct help, being there helped me see how normal the struggle was. Helping those with similar problems as me was therapeutic, and the advice and stories from those who were past these problems gave me the hope and relief of expectations I needed to finally relax.

That's my story. I'm not trying to guilt you into continuing if it's not best for you and your baby. I just wanted to share that it might take longer than you'd expect. I always thought it would work instantly. I now know from talking to moms that 6-8 weeks is totally fine. I know it hurts you in more ways than one. Know you're not alone and how you feed your child doesn't mean you're any more or less of a good mama to that beautiful baby. You obviously love and care for them a great deal. Warmest wishes for you both.

Answer

My doc suggest an Anti-Histamine to help dry up.

Answer

I took anti histamines for a cold and was shocked to find my milk supply almost disappeared completely. Since I didn't intend on doing that I stopped taking them and it's back to normal.

Answer

Pineapple juice!!!! When i quit breastfeeding i drank 100% pineapple juice every day (like a huge can of it a day) and my milk was all dried up in 2 days.

Answer

Sage and cabbage leaves worked for me! And I only hand expressed enough to be comfortable.

Answer

Tight bras and do not stimulate your boobs!

Answer

Sage will dry it up nearly over night. Just Google it!

Answer

Cabbage and tight fitting bras

Answer

My baby is 3 weeks old and we started formula a week ago due to bf anxiety. I pump every 5-6 hours to reduce engorgment..eventually will increase the time between pumping...

Answer

Are you dead set on stopping cold turkey? For the past week I've been giving more bottles, less boob, and I have noticed a huge decrease in supply. The only time he seems full after a pure boob feeding is in the morning after 6+ hours of not using them, and once at night again after a long stretch. They are a bit full and painful for the morning feedings but not engorged. It should decrease fairly quickly or maybe you could hand express to comfort level without fully emptying them, to signal your body to produce less.

how to dry up milk?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products