How to Dry Up Your Breast Milk Naturally
Every lactating woman faces a moment when they begin to think about drying up their breast milk.
Whether you're ready to end your breastfeeding journey or have decided it's not the path for you, knowing how to dry up your breast milk naturally can make the process easier and more comfortable. Here are a few tips that can help you dry up your breast milk quickly without nursing and without the pain of engorgement.
Slow Weaning vs. Rapid Weaning
The first step you’ll want to take is to decide how quickly you’d like to dry up your breast milk. Do you want to stop immediately and go cold turkey or wean more slowly?
Either way, you’ll need to start getting comfortable with the idea of dropping a feeding and have a plan for engorgement. Whether you're weaning from the breast or the pump, check out this helpful guide from IBCLC Katie Clark for inspiration.
Take Warm, Not Hot Showers
Hot water often stimulates milk production. If you're actively trying to dry up breast milk, avoid hot showers and stick to warm ones for a while. The warmth will provide comfort without stimulating milk production, helping you manage the drying up process more effectively.
Consider Our Cabbage Extract Cream, CaboCréme
When a feeding is dropped, CaboCréme can be used to relieve engorgement and reduce your milk supply. It’s made from concentrated cabbage leaf extract so you can ease discomfort and gently dry up your breast milk. When you’ve finished nursing or pumping, apply as many times a day as needed to completely dry up. Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling 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. Herbal remedies can provide a gentle way to manage your milk supply while also offering a soothing routine.
Use Ice/Cool Packs
Traditionally, heat was recommended to alleviate the discomfort of engorgement but recent studies show cool packs are more effective. Whether you use frozen peas or commercial cool packs, cooling your breasts down between feedings can bring you some soothing relief.
Wear a Supportive Bra
While a supportive bra may not help dry up breast milk directly, 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. Wearing the right bra can make a big difference in how you feel during this transition.
Celebrate Your Journey
No matter how long your breastfeeding journey has been, it's important to celebrate the accomplishment of providing your baby with exactly what they needed as you move on to the next chapter.
We hope these tips help! If you're looking to find more support as you dry up your breast milk, be sure to join our community on Instagram. By following these natural methods and seeking support, you can make the process of drying up your breast milk a more comfortable and manageable experience.
