What medications dry up the breast milk supply?

Understanding Medications That Can Dry Up Breast Milk Supply
For new mothers, the decision to breastfeed is often accompanied by a myriad of challenges, including the management of milk supply. While some women may wish to continue breastfeeding, others may seek to reduce or completely stop their milk production. Various medications can influence breast milk supply, and understanding these options is crucial for those considering this path.
Key Medications That Affect Milk Supply
1. Estrogen: This hormone is known to significantly reduce breast milk production. It is often used in hormonal contraceptives and can be prescribed to help manage milk supply shortly after delivery. However, research on its effectiveness during later stages of lactation, such as when weaning a toddler, remains limited.
2. Bromocriptine: Historically, bromocriptine has been used to suppress lactation, particularly in the immediate postpartum period. However, it has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects, leading to a reevaluation of its use. While it can effectively reduce milk supply, the risks associated with its use have prompted healthcare professionals to consider alternative methods.
3. Decongestants: Over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine are commonly used to relieve nasal congestion but can also decrease breast milk production. This is due to their mechanism of action, which reduces bodily secretions, including those in the breast. However, it is essential for mothers to consult with healthcare providers before using these medications, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
4. Other Medications: Certain drugs, such as domperidone and metoclopramide, are typically used to treat gastrointestinal issues but can also influence milk supply. While they may increase milk production in some cases, their effects can vary widely among individuals.
Considerations and Recommendations
When considering medications to dry up breast milk, it is vital for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals. Each individual’s health circumstances are unique, and a doctor can provide tailored advice based on personal health history and breastfeeding goals. Additionally, non-pharmacological methods, such as gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions or using cabbage leaves to alleviate discomfort, may also be effective in managing milk supply without the need for medication.
In conclusion, while several medications can assist in drying up breast milk supply, the decision to use them should be made with careful consideration and professional guidance. Understanding the implications of these medications can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey more effectively.

What medications cause low milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

What pills stop breast milk?

Using medication to stop your breast milk
Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

What drugs cause lactation as a side effect?

Possible causes of galactorrhea include:

• Medicines, such as certain sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs.
• Opioid use.
• Herbal supplements, such as fennel, anise or fenugreek seed.
• Birth control pills.

What dries up the milk supply?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

• 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
• Cold turkey.
• Herbs.
• Cabbage.
• Birth control.
• Sudafed.
• Vitamin B.
• Other drugs.

What medications dry up milk supply?

Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.

What drugs stop breast milk secretion?

Using medication to stop your breast milk
Taking drugs such as Cabergoline or Dostinex® to stop breast milk works best for mothers who have not been breastfeeding for long. Talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse if you would like more information about these drugs.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

What would cause a decrease in the supply of milk?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

How to tell when breast milk is drying up?

If your milk supply is decreasing, you’ll notice:

1. Your baby stops gaining or begins to lose weight. Younger babies will gain between 1.5 and 2 pounds each month.
2. Your baby is showing signs of dehydration.
3. Your baby is fussy or lethargic and struggling to stay awake while breastfeeding.