How can I reduce my milk supply in my breast?

Understanding Milk Supply Reduction
For mothers looking to reduce their breast milk supply, whether due to personal choice or medical advice, it’s essential to approach the process thoughtfully. The body’s milk production operates on a supply-and-demand basis, meaning that the more frequently milk is removed from the breasts—either through breastfeeding or pumping—the more milk is produced. Therefore, reducing the frequency of these activities is a primary method for decreasing milk supply.
Key Strategies for Reducing Milk Supply
1. Limit Breastfeeding Sessions: One of the most effective ways to decrease milk production is to gradually limit the number of breastfeeding sessions. Instead of feeding on demand, which encourages higher milk production, mothers can start to space out feedings. This can be done by reducing the number of times the baby is breastfed each day, allowing the body to adjust to the decreased demand.
2. Introduce Formula: Replacing some breastfeeding sessions with formula can also help in reducing milk supply. By substituting breast milk with formula, the body receives signals to produce less milk over time.
3. Gradual Weaning: If the goal is to stop breastfeeding altogether, a gradual weaning process is recommended. This involves slowly reducing the number of breastfeeding sessions over days or weeks, allowing the body to adjust without causing discomfort or engorgement.
4. Avoid Pumping: If mothers are pumping milk, reducing or eliminating pumping sessions can significantly impact milk supply. Each time milk is pumped, it signals the body to produce more, so cutting back on pumping is crucial.
5. Manage Stress and Hydration: Interestingly, factors such as stress and dehydration can also influence milk supply. While these are typically associated with low supply, managing stress levels and ensuring adequate hydration can help stabilize the body’s response to reduced breastfeeding.
6. Natural Remedies: Some mothers find that certain herbal remedies, such as sage or peppermint, may help in reducing milk supply. These herbs are thought to have properties that can decrease lactation, although it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any herbal solutions.
Important Considerations
It’s crucial to approach the reduction of milk supply carefully to avoid complications such as mastitis or engorgement. If a mother experiences discomfort or any unusual symptoms during this process, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is recommended. Additionally, every mother’s body responds differently, so what works for one may not work for another.
In conclusion, reducing breast milk supply is a manageable process that involves careful planning and consideration of both physical and emotional health. By gradually limiting breastfeeding sessions, introducing formula, and being mindful of the body’s signals, mothers can effectively navigate this transition.

How can I reduce the amount of breast milk I produce?

Avoid nursing or pumping
Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk. People who feel that they must express milk should express a small amount and avoid doing anything that stimulates the nipples or breasts.

How can I reduce the flow of milk to my breast?

Firmly press the pinky side of your hand into your breast (like a karate chop) during the initial fast let down to slow the flow of milk. As your infant’s sucking slows down, release your hand to allow milk to flow.

How can I reduce my milk supply quickly?

‘Block feeding‘ is a method that can help reduce your milk supply in just a few days. Feed your baby from only one breast at each feed. Space feeds out — at least 2 ½ hours apart.

What counts as an oversupply?

An oversupply of breast milk generally refers to a mother who is able to nurse her infant, or multiples, and is still able to produce a significant amount of breast milk (more than 4-5 oz) in a pump session after a feeding.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

What happens if I don’t breastfeed for 3 days?

You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is called engorgement. It usually gets better after several days. Over time, your body will stop making milk if you don’t breastfeed or pump.

What foods dry up breast milk?

Which Foods Might Decrease Your Breast Milk Supply?

• Alcohol.
• Sage, Parsley, and Peppermint.
• Chasteberry.
• Pseudoephedrine, Methylergonovine, and Bromocriptine.

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 many ounces is an oversupply?

An oversupply of breast milk generally refers to a mother who is able to nurse her infant, or multiples, and is still able to produce a significant amount of breast milk (more than 4-5 oz) in a pump session after a feeding.

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.