How to Dry Up Your Breast Milk Naturally (Without Breastfeeding)

Every lactating woman faces a moment when you begin to think about drying up your breast milk.

Whether you're ready to end your breastfeeding journey or have decided it's not the path for you, here are a few tips that can help you dry up your breast milk more quickly without nursing (and without the pain of engorgement). 

Take Warm, Not Hot Showers

Hot water often makes a lactating mother eject milk which may increase milk production. For mothers trying to dry up breast milk, avoid hot showers and stick to warm ones for a while.

Avoid Lactogenic Foods

Mothers who need to increase their milk production often eat lactogenic foods such as dark, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, or fennel seeds. To help dry up breast milk, avoid lactogenic foods.

Use CaboCréme

Studies have shown that fresh cabbage leaves can help reduce the discomfort and tenderness from breast engorgement.

However, instead of putting cabbage leaves in your nursing bra (because who actually wants to waltz around like that), using a cream like CaboCréme made from cabbage leaf extract can be just as effective.

Applying CaboCréme can help reduce engorgement so you can gently dry up your breast milk and find fast relief.

Sip on Herbal Teas

A warm cup of sage tea can help with milk suppression. Sage has natural estrogen that can help decrease your milk supply. Always speak with your physician about lactation advice, such as drinking sage tea.

Take Vitamin B6

Taking vitamin B6 can help suppress and limit lactation and milk production. While vitamin B6 is generally safe to take, speak with your primary care provider to learn about safe amounts to take.

Express Milk

Expressing milk will provide some much needed relief. With a breast pump or simply with your hands, you can express your milk in stages 

Wear a Supportive Bra

While a supportive bra may not help dry up breast milk, heavy breasts filled with milk will feel more comfortable in a supportive bra. The supportive bra should not bind the breast too tightly, just be supportive enough for relief.

We hope these tips help! Again, we can't stress enough how many women have seen relief and results using CaboCréme.

If you're looking to find more support as you dry up your breast milk, be sure to join our community on Instagram.