How can I reduce my breast milk supply?

Understanding Breast Milk Supply Reduction
For mothers who find themselves producing more breast milk than needed, reducing milk supply can be a necessary step. This situation, often referred to as oversupply, can lead to discomfort for both mother and baby. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to help manage and decrease breast milk production.
Key Strategies for Reducing Milk Supply
1. Gradual Weaning:
One of the most effective methods to reduce breast milk supply is to gradually wean your baby from breastfeeding. This can be done by limiting the number of breastfeeding sessions throughout the day. The principle of supply and demand plays a crucial role here; the less frequently you breastfeed, the less milk your body will produce. For instance, if you typically nurse your baby 8 to 12 times a day, reducing this frequency will signal your body to decrease milk production.
2. Discontinuing Breastfeeding:
If you are looking to stop breastfeeding altogether, discontinuing nursing sessions is the most straightforward approach. However, it’s important to manage this process carefully to avoid engorgement. Some mothers find relief by expressing just enough milk to alleviate discomfort without stimulating further production.
3. Herbal Remedies:
Certain herbal remedies can also assist in reducing milk supply. For example, sage tea is noted for its effectiveness in this regard. While it may not be the most palatable option, many mothers have reported significant decreases in milk production after consuming it. Caution is advised, as excessive intake can lead to the opposite problem of insufficient supply.
4. Medication Considerations:
Some medications can inadvertently affect milk supply. Antihistamines, decongestants, and hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen are known to potentially decrease milk production. If you’re considering medication for other health issues, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider about alternatives that won’t impact your milk supply.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments:
Stress and dehydration are factors that can influence milk production. Ensuring adequate hydration and managing stress levels can help in regulating milk supply. Additionally, avoiding smoking is crucial, as it can interfere with the letdown reflex and subsequently reduce milk supply.
Conclusion
Reducing breast milk supply is a manageable process that can be tailored to individual needs. Whether through gradual weaning, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes, mothers can find effective ways to adjust their milk production. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to breastfeeding practices or introducing new remedies.

How to reduce the amount of breast milk?

Tips for making suppression more comfortable
Handle your breasts very gently as they can bruise easily. Express some milk if your breasts are sore, but only enough to soften them – not empty them. Aim to reduce how often and how much you express gradually. Milk production will decrease as you remove milk less often.

What triggers breast milk let down?

The let-down reflex (or milk ejection reflex) is an automatic natural reaction that happens in your body when your baby starts to breastfeed. There are nerves in your nipples that are triggered by your baby’s sucking. These nerves cause two hormones to be released into your bloodstream.

Which food decreases breast milk?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

How can I slow down my breast milk flow?

Hold your nipple between your forefinger and your middle finger. Or gently press your hand into the side of your breast during let-down to slow the rapid flow of milk.

How long does it take for milk supply to decrease?

It may take several days or weeks for your breasts to completely stop making milk. Breast fullness should decrease in 1-3 days.

What is the fastest way to dry up breast milk?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

How can I stop producing milk naturally?

To stop making milk you will need to limit how much you remove from your breasts. This will send a message to your body to make less milk. It may be more comfortable for you to suppress your milk supply gradually. Your hormone levels will reduce and your breasts will return to ‘normal’ more slowly.

How can I make my breast milk go down?

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1. Use herbs. Research suggests that there are a few herbs that may help reduce your milk supply.
2. Apply cabbage. Cabbage may help soothe engorged breasts as you stop breastfeeding.
3. Take birth control. Taking estrogen as a part of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation.

Does drying up breast milk hurt?

If your breasts do become engorged, they may feel hard, tight and painful. We have included some tips below to help minimise any discomfort you may experience when drying up your milk supply. Cold compresses, such as cooling gel breast pads, can be placed in your bra to help relieve symptoms of breast engorgement.

How can I reduce my milk supply?

‘Block feeding’ is a method that can help reduce your milk supply in just a few days.

1. Feed your baby from only one breast at each feed.
2. Space feeds out — at least 2 ½ hours apart.
3. At your next feed, change to your other breast.
4. Continue this pattern for a few days.