What medication can you take to dry up breast milk?

Understanding Medications to Dry Up Breast Milk
For new parents looking to reduce or stop breast milk production, several medications can assist in this process. It’s essential to approach this decision with care and consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Common Medications
1. Pseudoephedrine: Often found in over-the-counter cold medications, pseudoephedrine is used off-label to help dry up breast milk. It works as a decongestant and can reduce milk supply, but it may also cause irritability in nursing infants, making it crucial to discuss its use with a healthcare provider.
2. Bromocriptine: This medication has been historically used to suppress lactation. However, it has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects, leading to a reevaluation of its safety and efficacy for this purpose. While it can be effective, the risks associated with its use should be carefully weighed against the benefits.
3. Antihistamines: Medications like diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl) may also contribute to drying up breast milk. However, their effectiveness can vary based on individual circumstances, and they are not primarily intended for this purpose.
4. Hormonal Birth Control: Certain hormonal contraceptives can also help reduce milk supply. These medications work by altering hormonal levels in the body, which can lead to decreased lactation.
Considerations and Recommendations
When considering medication to dry up breast milk, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on individual health needs and circumstances. Additionally, some women may prefer to explore non-pharmaceutical methods, such as gradually reducing breastfeeding or pumping sessions, which can also effectively decrease milk supply without the potential side effects associated with medications.
In summary, while there are several medications available to help dry up breast milk, each comes with its own set of considerations and potential side effects. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the chosen method aligns with the individual’s health and parenting goals.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

What can I use if I want to stop breastfeeding?

Combining breast milk and formula
You can start by replacing 1 of your baby’s regular daily breastfeeds with a bottle (or, if your baby is over 6 months, a cup or beaker) of formula, instead.

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.

What medication dries up breast milk supply?

Cabergoline works by stopping your body’s production of prolactin (a hormone that the body releases to help maintain the milk supply). It comes in the form of a tablet that you take by mouth. Most women only need one dose of the medication before their milk supply dries up.

What is the fastest way to stop breastfeeding?

Reduce breast-feeding sessions slowly
An easier strategy is to reduce breast-feeding sessions slowly over several weeks. Start with the session that seems least important to the baby or the one in which the baby eats the least. Give the baby a few days to adjust before stopping the next feeding session.

What vitamin dries up breast milk?

PIP: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) is contained in most prenatal and multivitamin preparations. Available research states that pyridoxine blocks lactation and inhibits the secretion of breast milk in nursing mothers by suppressing the normally elevated prolactin hormone levels encountered during puerperium.

How to stop breastfeeding quickly?

Suppressing milk supply after weeks or months of breastfeeding

1. Start by expressing as many times as you had been breastfeeding, or less depending on your own comfort.
2. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you express each time and/or drop one expression every 3 to 4 days.
3. When you are ready, simply stop expressing.

Does Benadryl dry up breast milk?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Which drug is used to stop lactation?

Two trials (107 women) reported that taking bromocriptine was better than no treatment in suppressing lactation in the first week after giving birth. The 11 trials using oestrogen preparations (diethylstilbestrol, quinestrol, chlorotrianisene, hexestrol) also showed suppression of lactation.

Is there a pill to dry up milk supply?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).