What to do when your milk comes in and you dont want to breastfeed?

Understanding Milk Production Postpartum
When a woman gives birth, her body naturally begins to produce milk, typically within the first few days. This process is driven by hormonal changes that occur during and after delivery. However, for those who choose not to breastfeed, this sudden influx of milk can lead to discomfort and confusion about what to do next.
The Reality of Engorgement
If you decide not to breastfeed, you may experience engorgement, which is when the breasts become swollen and painful due to the accumulation of milk. This condition can occur even if you have no intention of breastfeeding. Engorgement usually peaks around the third to fifth day postpartum and can be quite uncomfortable.
Managing Discomfort
To alleviate discomfort from engorgement, there are several strategies you can employ:
1. Cold Compresses: Applying cold packs to your breasts can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. This method is particularly effective in the early days when engorgement is at its worst.
2. Supportive Bras: Wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra can provide comfort and help manage the heaviness of engorged breasts.
3. Avoiding Stimulation: It’s important to avoid any stimulation of the breasts, including warm showers or breast pumps, as these can signal your body to produce more milk.
4. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation.
The Process of Milk Drying Up
If you choose not to breastfeed, your milk supply will eventually dry up on its own. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on individual circumstances. The body typically adjusts to the lack of breastfeeding or pumping by gradually reducing milk production.
Emotional Considerations
Choosing not to breastfeed can come with its own set of emotional challenges. It’s essential to acknowledge any feelings of guilt or sadness that may arise. Remember, the decision to breastfeed or not is deeply personal and should be made based on what feels right for you and your baby. Support from healthcare providers, family, and friends can be invaluable during this time.
Conclusion
Navigating the postpartum period without breastfeeding can be challenging, especially when your body is still producing milk. By understanding the process of engorgement and employing strategies to manage discomfort, you can make this transition smoother. Ultimately, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being and make choices that align with your personal circumstances and preferences.

How can I get my milk to come in without breastfeeding?

Stimulate your milk supply
You can do this by making a C-hold with your thumb and index finger and compressing your breast from behind the nipple to simulate what a baby would do when suckling. You’ll want to try and stimulate your breasts for 10 to 15 minutes on each side at least eight to 10 times every day.

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).

How to deal with milk coming in when not breastfeeding?

Don’t pump or remove milk from your breasts by hand. Wear a bra that fits well and provides good support. You may find that it helps to wear a bra even while you sleep. Apply a cold pack to your breasts for 15 minutes at a time every hour as needed.

What to do when milk comes in but not breastfeeding?

How can you care for yourself at home?

1. Don’t pump or remove milk from your breasts by hand.
2. Wear a bra that fits well and provides good support.
3. Apply a cold pack to your breasts for 15 minutes at a time every hour as needed.
4. Take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to reduce pain and swelling.

Will my breasts go back to normal if I don’t breastfeed?

If you’re not nursing, your breasts should start to shrink within a few days. If you are nursing, your breasts will probably continue to stay large, although you might notice they feel smaller after each feeding.

How long does engorgement last when drying up?

Breast engorgement often occurs around three to four days after giving birth and can last about 48 hours. 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.

What to do if you don’t want to breastfeed?

Carrying on breastfeeding while giving your baby some formula can work very well. Babies breastfeed for comfort as well as food. 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.

How long does it take for milk to dry up if you don’t breastfeed?

Some women’s breast milk supply dries up in a few days. Others will still express a few drops of milk months later. Most women who have breastfed or pumped and begin to wean will see their milk supply drop in two to three weeks, though this can vary depending on your baby’s age and the amount of milk you were making.

How do you deal with milk coming in when not breastfeeding?

How can you care for yourself at home?

1. Don’t pump or remove milk from your breasts by hand.
2. Wear a bra that fits well and provides good support.
3. Apply a cold pack to your breasts for 15 minutes at a time every hour as needed.
4. Take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to reduce pain and swelling.

How do I stop breastfeeding after milk comes in?

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.