How to Dry Up Breast Milk Supply

Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD

Breast milk production (or lactation) is a natural process that starts during pregnancy and continues after birth. Hormones in the body prompt milk to be created in the breast’s mammary glands, which is then secreted through the nipples to feed a baby.

Whether you have decided not to breastfeed or are ready to stop the lactation process, experts recommend various ways to dry up your breast milk supply, including avoiding nursing, taking certain medications, consuming certain herbs, and more.

This article discusses decreasing your breast milk supply safely and effectively.

How Is Breast Milk Produced?

The body starts preparing for breast milk production during pregnancy, starting with changes that make the breasts fuller, larger, and usually more tender.

Around the third month of pregnancy, hormones signal parts of the breasts to get ready to start producing milk. Eventually, the breast milk can be passed into the milk ducts, then secreted through the nipples during the breastfeeding process. This ability should be fully developed by the end of the second trimester of pregnancy.

Lactation continues after the baby is born, too. Nursing signals the brain to release the hormones prolactin and oxytocin that encourage milk production. The more milk is expressed, the more milk the body produces.

Takeaway

Breastfeeding is an individual decision, and everyone’s situation is unique. Many people face challenges that complicate breastfeeding, whether it’s an issue with lactation, experiencing a medical condition, or having to take certain medications. Plenty of others may choose not to breastfeed for personal reasons. Formula or donor breast milk is also a nutritious option.

Ways to Dry Up Breast Milk

Whether you’re ready to wean your baby from breastfeeding or are planning to feed your baby formula from the beginning, there are several ways that you can dry up your breast milk supply.

Stop Breastfeeding

A main method for drying up your milk supply is to avoid breastfeeding or pumping. Milk production will start to decrease if there is no demand for it.

Because stopping abruptly may be uncomfortable, consider starting this by cutting back on how long you would typically breastfeed or pump. Experts recommend the following tips:

• Express a small amount of breast milk if you feel the urge: Try not to express the full feeding amount, as this will stimulate more milk production.

• Check with a healthcare provider about an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever: This helps if your breasts become painful throughout the process.

• Don’t try binding your breasts: This can cause an infection in the breast or clogged milk ducts. 
  

Avoid Nipple Stimulation

Any activity that stimulates the nipple (sexual or otherwise) could prompt breast milk production. During the milk drying process, avoid squeezing the breast or nipple area when checking to see if breast milk is still being made, as this could have a counter effect.

Medications

There are different medication options that a healthcare provider may recommend to people interested in decreasing their milk supply. These include:

• Birth control pills: A combination pill with estrogen and progestin hormones can interfere with the other hormones involved in breast milk production. You’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider to receive this type of birth control.

• Decongestants: OTC decongestants like pseudoephedrine can help decrease bodily secretions, including breast milk. Keep in mind that some state regulations will require ID to purchase, as this medication can have some side effects.

Takeaway

Always check with a healthcare provider before starting any medication to decrease your milk supply.

Herbs

Certain herbs are thought to help reduce breast milk supply and may be consumed in tea or supplement form, including:

• Sage

• Peppermint

• Parsley

• Jasmine

Some experts have recommended placing cold cabbage leaves on the breasts to help with discomfort from engorgement.

Takeaway

Herbal supplements or other products containing herbs aren't tested for their safety or effectiveness by federal regulators the way medications are. Always check with a healthcare provider before adding herbs to your routine for lactation suppression.

Diet and Lifestyle

There's no solid scientific evidence behind claims that certain foods may help promote breast milk production. Some anecdotes have floated the idea of oats and flax as being potential breast milk-inducing foods. Ask a healthcare provider if it might be worth trying.

In addition, because warm and steamy environments can encourage lactation, some experts recommend staying away from a direct stream of a hot shower can help with not overstimulating breast milk production.

When Should You Start the Drying Process?

The timing for starting to decrease breast milk production will vary by person and individual situation.

For the first six months after birth, infants only need breast milk or formula. If you are breastfeeding, try weaning gradually, if possible and feasible for your situation.

Remember that trying to complete the drying process too quickly can lead to risks of plugged milk ducts and a breast infection called mastitis.

How Long Does It Take to Dry Up Breast Milk?

Breast milk will eventually dry up on its own when breastfeeding is stopped. How long this process takes depends on several factors, like the baby's age, how much milk is currently being produced, and how long you've been producing breast milk.

Since decreasing breast milk production can take days, weeks, or months, experts often recommend gradually weaning your baby off breast milk (if possible and applicable to your situation). This might look like:

• Weaning over several weeks or longer

• Replacing breast milk feeding with a bottle of formula for babies younger than 12 months old, or a cup of milk for babies older than 12 months

• Continuing to replace more breast milk feedings over time

Check with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant about your options and their recommendations for starting this process.

Summary

Also known as suppressing lactation, drying up your breast milk is a process that will look different for everyone. Some people choose to dry up their breast milk if they're experiencing a breastfeeding or health issue, are taking medication, or decide to not breastfeed. This process can be done gradually over several weeks or months or may happen quicker depending on several factors. Methods for ceasing breast milk production include decreasing breastfeeding, taking certain medications, or exploring herbal options.