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What supplements should I take to stop breastfeeding?

Understanding Supplements for Weaning from Breastfeeding
As mothers consider the transition away from breastfeeding, the question of whether to take supplements during this period often arises. While the primary focus should be on a balanced diet, certain supplements can support both the mother’s health and the weaning process.
Key Nutrients to Consider
1. Vitamin D: It’s crucial for breastfeeding mothers to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function. The NHS recommends a daily supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D for breastfeeding mothers, especially if they have limited sun exposure. This is important not only for the mother but also for the baby, as vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone development.
2. Calcium: The recommended daily intake of calcium for breastfeeding mothers is 1,300 milligrams. This mineral is vital for maintaining bone density and overall health. If dietary sources are insufficient, a calcium supplement may be beneficial.
3. Vitamin C: This vitamin plays a significant role in tissue repair and iron absorption. Breastfeeding mothers should aim for about 120 mg of vitamin C daily, which can typically be achieved through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Supplements to Support Weaning
As you begin the weaning process, certain herbal supplements may help ease the transition:
– Moringa and Fenugreek: These herbs are often touted for their milk-boosting properties, but they can also be used strategically to help reduce milk supply when you are ready to wean. Fenugreek, in particular, has been noted for its ability to influence milk production.
– Fennel: Similar to fenugreek, fennel is another herb that can be used to help manage milk supply. It is often available in various forms, including teas and capsules.
Caution with Supplements
While many supplements can be beneficial, it’s essential to approach them with caution. Some herbal remedies lack sufficient research regarding their safety during breastfeeding. For instance, collagen supplements are not well-studied in breastfeeding contexts, and it may be wise to avoid them until after weaning. Additionally, certain seaweed supplements, like kelp, may contain harmful heavy metals, raising concerns about their safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while transitioning away from breastfeeding, focusing on a nutrient-rich diet supplemented with vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C can support both the mother’s health and the weaning process. Herbal supplements like fenugreek and fennel may assist in managing milk supply, but caution is advised due to the limited research on many herbal products. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially during this significant transition.

How do I dry up breast milk asap?

Tips for Drying Up Your Breast Milk

  1. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
  2. Put cold packs on your breasts.
  3. Use cold cabbage leaves (wash fresh cabbage and refrigerate; pull off one leaf at a time and lay them over your breasts; keep the leaves on your skin until they get soft).

What can I take to stop breastfeeding?

Birth control pills that contain the hormone estrogen, on the other hand, may work well for suppressing lactation. These effects are even notable after milk supply is well-established. Not everyone will experience these suppressive effects, but many will.

How to stop lactation naturally?

The aim is not to empty your breasts completely, but enough to be comfortable. For the next few days express every 5 hours, but only for 3 to 4 minutes. Then just express a few times a day to keep your breasts from feeling full. It may take from several days to weeks for breast milk to stop being produced.

How do I stop breastfeeding straight away?

If you need to stop nursing your baby immediately, you can use an automatic or semi-automatic electric breast pump or hand expression to relieve discomfort while you decrease your milk production. This will mean the hormonal changes are more gradual.

Is there a pill to stop breastfeeding?

Lactation suppression
To prevent your body naturally producing breast milk after the birth of your baby, we can prescribe you a medication called Cabergoline.

Which medicine is best to stop breast milk?

Taking estrogen as a part of a combined birth control pill can help stop lactation. Most mothers see a drop in milk production after taking one pill a day for one week. Birth control should only be taken under the close supervision of your doctor.

How long does it take to wean off breastfeeding?

The best way to wean is gradually moving toward other forms of nutrition and closeness. Ideally, the number and length of breastfeeding sessions should taper off over weeks or even months.

What is the fastest way to stop breastfeeding?

Phasing out breastfeeding gently will give you both time to get used to the idea. Stopping gradually will also help prevent problems like overfull, hard (engorged) breasts and mastitis. You’ll probably find it easiest to drop 1 feed at a time.

How can I stop lactating when not pregnant?

But there are a few things you can do at home to reduce your likelihood of lactating while not pregnant, including:

  1. avoiding bras or clothing that irritate your nipples.
  2. avoiding stimulating breasts too often.
  3. practicing healthy ways to relieve stress.

Will I lose weight after I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal to store extra fat during pregnancy to be used up while breastfeeding. Mothers vary in when they lose this extra weight. For some it is in the early weeks, some later and for others it’s not until after they have stopped breastfeeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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