Many women stop breastfeeding at different stages of their child’s life. Some moms may never breastfeed, while others may have been breastfeeding for years. Either way, moms will need to dry up their milk supply after pregnancy, and we have some tips to help avoid discomfort.
Ideally, you should stop breastfeeding over a few weeks or even months to allow your milk supply to slowly decrease. Start by dropping one breastfeeding session at a time to gradually reduce your body’s milk production. Many people keep the morning and bedtime sessions longer than the mid-day breastfeeding sessions. You can also only offer your child one breast per feed. Babies may feel anxious and clingy during the weaning process, so spend extra time with them to reduce stress.
If you are trying to dry up your milk supply quickly, you can talk to your doctor about using birth control or Sudafed to reduce milk production.
While trying to slow your milk production, your breast may become engorged and painful. You may want to empty your breasts but try to use a hand pump until you feel comfortable. If you overpump, it may trigger an increase in the milk supply. Moms can also use cold packs and over-the-counter pain medications to help with the pain. Many women report that applying cold cabbage leaves to the breasts relieves discomfort. Wearing a supportive bra that is not too tight can also help. It is also important to massage your breasts to reduce the risk of clogged milk ducts.
Stopping breastfeeding can be hard for both the child and the mother, so it is crucial to have an emotional outlet. Whether it is talking to your friend, mother, or an online group, other people are going through and who have gone through very similar feelings.
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