Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: What the doctor says
• Method 2 of 2: Home remedies
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether you're breastfeeding for a month or a year, you'll eventually want to stop. In some women, breast milk production stops on its own, but it usually doesn't. Here you can find a few tips on how to speed up the process.

To step

Method 1 of 2: What the doctor says

1. Gradually decrease. If possible, you do the weaning gradually. Start by replacing one or two feedings a day, and keep doing this until you've switched to something else for all feedings. This is the safest and least painful way: your body automatically produces less and less milk.
   • If you don't taper off gradually, you can develop sore and / or swollen breasts, and even put you at serious risk of breast infection.
   • If you've been pumping and want to stop, here's an example schedule:
     • Day 1: Pump for 5 minutes every 2-3 hours
     • Day 2: Pump for 5 minutes every 4-5 hours
     • Day 3-7: pump just long enough to release the pressure
   EXPERT TIP

   Take painkillers. Take a pain reliever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will reduce swelling and discomfort.

2. Avoid nipple stimulation. When the nipple is stimulated, you also stimulate milk production. Wear a well-supportive but not too tight bra. Choose clothing that is loose and does not show any leakage too clearly. You can also use nursing pads to catch any leaking milk.
   • A warm shower can help relieve pressure from your breasts and relieve discomfort. Since the water jets inevitably stimulate your breasts, it is best to ensure that the jets are not directed too much at your breasts.
3. Express as little as possible. By expressing your body receives the signal that more milk must be made. If your breasts are too swollen, pump just enough to release the tension.
4. Drink lots of water. If you become dehydrated, you will really make more milk, and your discomfort will only increase.
5. In severe cases, contact a doctor. Perhaps an estrogen injection will help. Estrogen injections are not so popular these days, but they were once used to suppress estrogen production. NOTE: Some versions contain carcinogenic substances.
   • If you continue to have trouble tapering off, you can ask your doctor for medication such as bromocriptine (brand name Parlodel). Doctors are usually reluctant to prescribe this medicine because of the possible side effects: high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks.
6. Prepare emotionally. Your hormone levels will change drastically as your milk production decreases, and that can lead to emotional outbursts. Many women feel guilty, sad, or feel inadequate. The emotional part may be the most difficult part of this whole process, but it helps if you are supported by your environment.

Method 2 of 2: Home remedies

1. Drink sage tea. Sage contains a natural estrogen that is known to reduce your milk production. Sage is available in two forms:
   • As a tea: buy sage tea from the organic shop and let it steep with some milk and honey.
   • As a tincture: you can buy sage tincture (with a little alcohol in it) at the bio shop. It appears that this tincture has a slightly stronger effect than sage tea in drying up your breast milk.
2. Apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves to your breasts. Cabbage leaves do well because they are cool to the touch and contain a natural component that reduces your milk production. Place them all over your chest and replace them when they have wilted.
3. Use vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is known to suppress the production of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is the substance that stimulates breastfeeding. Unfortunately, scientific research has not yet yielded statistically relevant data indicating that vitamin B6 does indeed reduce milk production.

Tips

• The first few nights you can leak a lot. You can try keeping a rolled up towel on your breasts with a tight T-shirt. The leaked milk can therefore be absorbed without too much discomfort. This extra layer may also help you find a comfortable sleeping position.
• Use cheap sanitary pads to catch your leaking milk. It may sound a bit strange, but it does help to keep your clothes dry. Just cut it in half and put it in your bra. Do not cut smaller pieces as they will fall apart too easily.

Warnings

• Never use heat for swollen breasts. You will only get more pain, and you may actually stimulate milk production with it.
• Don't tie up your breasts.