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Home Breastfeeding

How To Dry Up Breast Milk Naturally – 9 Easy Tips

by Renee Kam IBCLC
Last updated January 11, 2021
Reading Time: 7 min
how to dry up breast milk

Wondering how to dry up milk supply without getting mastitis?

A child has weaned when she has drunk breast milk for the very last time.

Natural weaning takes places over many months or years.

This sort of weaning tends to occur gradually over time and gives a mother and her child a chance to readjust physically and emotionally.

How to dry up breast milk

Gradual weaning is often the ideal for mother-baby pairs.

However, for a variety of reasons gradual weaning might not be possible for every breastfeeding mother and child.

Unfortunately, drying up milk supply cold turkey, or sudden weaning, can have physical and emotional consequences.

For example, sudden weaning increases a mother’s risk of blocked ducts and mastitis, as well as a deep feeling of sadness.

Therefore, it’s important to have effective strategies for drying up milk quickly for situations that require a mother to do so.

Sudden weaning can become necessary if a mother needs urgent medical attention that requires her to cease breastfeeding. Some examples are needing to start chemotherapy, or in the tragic event of a child’s death (at birth, during infancy or later).

The following information is about how to dry up breast milk in these sorts of situations, where needing to wean suddenly becomes a necessity.

How to dry up breast milk naturally

Here are 9 helpful tips and facts about how to dry up breast milk naturally.

#1: Medication to dry up breastmilk is no longer routinely used

You may have heard about using medications like Sudafed to dry up milk.

Medications used in the past to prevent a mother’s milk from coming in are rarely used these days.

This is due to their possible side effects such as extreme nausea (or much worse).

These medications are also not effective at drying up milk if given after the first few days.

It’s usually unnecessary to take anything to dry up your milk other than following the tips below.

However, there are certain medications (e.g. pseudoephedrine and some forms of hormonal contraception) that some mothers find help to dry up their milk.

Discuss the use of such medications with your doctor if you wish.

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#2: Binding breasts is no longer recommended

When researching how to dry up breast milk, you may come across breast binding.

Binding breasts is an outdated way to try to dry up milk.

It can make mothers very uncomfortable and could increase their risk of blocked ducts or mastitis.

Wearing a supportive and well-fitted (not tight) bra is a better idea.

#3: Drink according to thirst

Restricting the amount of fluids you drink does not help your milk to dry up.

So, drink when you need to, so you don’t become dehydrated.

Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued and foggy.

Something even better than just drinking water (with a lemon in it is great!), is drinking electrolytes.

Not sugary sports drinks, but quality electrolytes from a health food store.

Electrolytes are beneficial during pregnancy and in the post-natal period.

#4: Drink sage tea

sage tea to dry up breast milk

Although the use of sage to dry up milk has not been researched, some mothers find consuming sage (e.g. in the form of a tea) helps their milk to dry up.

You can find sage tea at any health food store.

It’s important to remember that herbs can act like medications, so speak with a healthcare provider before taking any herbs.

Here’s a review about Pink Stork No Flow, which is Amazon’s Top Choice for sage tea:

“I used this tea to help reduce my milk supply for weaning my 3-year-old. He struggled with constant ear infections and was unable to wean earlier. Thankfully he is finally well, but he was really struggling to let nursing go. I decided to try this tea to reduce my milk supply, and maybe help him begin the process of weaning. This tea helped tremendously!

I could tell a huge difference after just two servings. My son is finally starting to accept weaning since he is getting less milk, along with our constant encouragement. This has been a Godsend for me. It is tasty too!”

#5: Cabbage leaves to dry up milk

Cabbage leaves have been used for a long time to relieve engorgement and help to dry up milk.

Scientifically, it’s unknown if cabbage leaves truly help with drying up breast milk or relieving engorgement.

But there is anecdotal support as some mothers have found their use helpful for these reasons.

If you wish to use cabbage leaves to dry up milk, wash and dry the leaves and cut out any large lumpy veins.

Cool the leaves in the fridge before placing the leaves inside your bra.

Change the leaves every couple of hours and continue to use them until your breasts stop feeling full.

#6: Express for comfort

Expressing no more than needed for comfort will help your milk to dry up.

A warm shower will often help relieve the pain of full breasts.

The shower is also a good place to hand express a small amount of milk to make you feel comfortable.

Initially, you may find you have to remove some milk every few hours.

But as time goes by and your supply reduces, you can go longer between removal sessions and remove less each time.

#7: Use cold packs for pain relief

If you experience any pain in the process of drying up breastmilk, cold packs can be a huge help.

Ice packs, cold compresses or a frozen bag of peas can help to relieve pain and reduce any swelling.

#8: Anti-inflammatory medication may help

Some anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen can help to relieve pain associated with drying up breast milk.

Speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.

#9: Help is there for you if you need it

To prepare yourself for any emotional challenges, see BellyBelly’s article about post-weaning depression.

Depending on your individual circumstances, there are organisations that may be of some help to you.

  • SANDS (Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support)
  • SIDS and Kids
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association
  • PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
  • La Leche League

Sudden weaning often means a difficult situation is happening.

In the situation where a mother has to dry up her milk (e.g. due to a medical reason that precludes breastfeeding), it’s possible for her baby to continue to receive breastmilk, if that’s what the mother wishes.

There are organisations, such as Eats on Feets or Human Milk 4 Human Babies that share milk on a mother-to-mother basis.

If a baby dies, or cannot receive their mother’s breastmilk for a medical reason, some mothers may choose to express and donate their milk to such organisations.

For some, this is a healing experience as well as one that allows for a more gradual reduction of supply which can reduce some of the pain and discomfort.

How long does it take to dry up breast milk?

If you’re wondering how to dry up breast milk, your next question will likely be, how long does it take to dry up breastmilk?

Most mothers find it usually takes a few weeks to dry up milk supply.

Others will be over the worst of it in a few days. For others, it will take a bit longer. Every mother will have a slightly different experience. If you have any further questions about how to dry up breast milk, leave a message in the comments below.

* This article, how to dry up breast milk, contains affiliate links to quality products we recommend. Rest assured, it won’t cost you extra. It just means we may be paid a commission if you decide to buy something. BellyBelly would never link to products we wouldn’t use ourselves. We appreciate your support purchasing items via these affiliate links.

People also ask:

Q: When do babies start talking?

A: The majority of babies will say their first word between months 11 and 14. While ‘mama’ and ‘dada’ tend to be the most commonly heard first words, your baby could say anything he or she has heard often enough.


+ Popular Questions Our Readers Ask

Q: What do you do to not get a faint pregnancy test outcome?

A: If you don’t want to get a faint pregnancy test outcome, then you should take your pregnancy test on a day after your period should have occurred. Taking a pregnancy test too soon can result in a faint line, or even a false negative result.

Q: What are the sex positions to choose from to conceive a baby boy?

A: If you want to conceive a baby boy, it’s suggested to adopt any of the following sex positions during intercourse: standing up, straddling or doggy style. The faster male sperm takes advantage of the deep penetration these positions allow for.

Q: When should babies start talking?

A: Babies should start talking around the time between 11 months and 14 months. Most babies’ first words are ‘dada’ and ‘mama’.

Q: Is it safe to continue drinking hot tea during pregnancy?

A: Teas are often considered to be beneficial beverages. However, during pregnancy, it’s best if you consume herbal teas, as these do not contain caffeine. Those that have caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine crosses the placenta.


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Renee Kam IBCLC

Renee Kam is a mother of two daughters, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), a graduate research student, a physiotherapist, and author of 'The Newborn Baby Manual'. Renee also has a Cert. IV in Breastfeeding Education (Counselling). In her spare time, Renee enjoys spending time with family and friends, horse riding, running and reading.

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Rust Never Sleeps... Nor Does Endometriosis

Rust Never Sleeps... Nor Does Endometriosis

Comments 18

  1. Mia says:
    2 years ago

    I just had my baby for 2 weeks. I plan to breast feed and pump however things didn’t go accordingly so I decided to just pump. I am so tired and irritable with pumping. So far I became real sick with fever and chills and now I’m having burning and shooting pain. I am sad to say that I will be stopping breast pumping. Can I dry up my milk quicker then cabbage or with the recommended things? I also have 2 younger children that I’m losing my patience with pumping. It’s driving me insane and I can’t take the soreness or enforcement anymore. Please help!

    Reply
    • Amanda says:
      2 years ago

      I recently stopped breastfeeding my 22 month old son and I did it cold turkey. I had to do it that way but I was desperate to make sure I was completely done before he was 2. No good reason except I think two years old is good enough. Plus he’s my last child as I have 3 kids. I had recently read where this mother told her child that mommy’s milk is on the airplane. And she said her child would even say airplane etc… So anyway I tried that. I just decided to not give in. I started the Saturday before Memorial Day and I am now on day 9. It gets easier everyday but he does still try to pull up my shirt sometimes but I still say its on the airplane. There’s no more right now. I always try to change the subject. It was only for about the first 5 days that during the night he would wake up asking for it and I would just be stern and say lay down and go night night. There were a few rough nights but we got through them together. Now he’s so much better. He sits in my lap and doesn’t even think about it. I always tell him, you’re Mommy’s big boy. Good luck.

      Reply
  2. Victoria says:
    2 years ago

    I have a question about reducing my supply while nursing twins:
    I have reached my goal of breastfeeding my twins for 18 months. This was my goal because at 18 months they can make their own IgA. I struggle with depression and anxiety. It was debilitating with my first during and after pregnancy. It has been better with the twins but lack of sleep (perpetually on opposite sleep/wake cycles) is starting to set me up for issues. I do not want to abruptly wean but I’m ready to start working toward it. Are there ways to reduce milk supply while I am still nursing? It just seems to me like if I could reduce my milk supply they would lose interest. Is this even a possibility?

    Reply
  3. Jodie j says:
    3 years ago

    I recently lost my baby in an accident at 21 weeks. My breasts have reached maximum capacity and it’s so painful. It’s so upsetting to see them leak. Is there any way I can make them go down quicker

    Reply
  4. Ngozi says:
    3 years ago

    My breast is still coming out up to this day after one year and that I lost my child am not comfortable making love with my partner I want to dry it up help me please

    Reply
  5. Jacqueline says:
    3 years ago

    I’ve been trying to dry up my breast milk since Saturday 8/12/17 since noon. I’ve been hand expressing for comfort. My left breast has a bard ball (clogged duct) under my armpit and I can’t seem to get it out. I’ve also been using cabbage and ice packs for the engorgment but, my breasts keep getting hard and uncomfortable. What else can I do?

    Reply
  6. Lee says:
    4 years ago

    I have too much milk. Wish I could donate some. My whole day revolves around expressing milk. What can I do to make it less. I dont necessarily want to stop breastfeeding but its so irritating having to pump the whole time since im a working mom.

    Please HELP???

    Reply
    • Kelly Winder says:
      4 years ago

      This one would be for you then Lee! 🙂

      https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/too-much-milk/

      Reply
  7. Msilb says:
    4 years ago

    I have to stop breastfeeding as I have been diagnosed with cancer and must start chemo next week. I have cried lots and I on lots of pain- my little guy is 15 months old and it’s not an easy age to wean as he doesn’t understand what is happening. I have tried the cabbage leaves but I’m not really sure if they are helping much

    Reply
    • JG says:
      4 years ago

      I wish you best of luck with chemo. I have a son who is 12 month old and start wean recently. I didn’t try cabbage leaves but warm shower works great.

      Reply
    • Angie says:
      4 years ago

      Hello, I’m so sorry. I too was diagnosed with cancer mid September this year and had surgery in October. I will have to go through Radiation(Radioactive Idodine) which will keep me away from my 14 month old daughter for at least 5-7 days. I will not be able to resume nursing so I have to dry out. I have started the weaning but is going so slow. It pains me to not nurse her, specially during the nights. If you have any tips please share.

      Reply
    • Sarah Hansen says:
      4 years ago

      Mine will be 6 months old when I have to do chemo I do not want to at all.

      Reply
  8. Kelly Winder says:
    4 years ago

    Here are a few good articles for you!

    Why Your Toddler Is Breastfeeding So Often
    Gently Weaning A Toddler
    Why Breastfeed A Toddler? (Benefits)

    Reply
  9. Q says:
    4 years ago

    I feel bad for having to wean. My daughter is 20 months, and her breastfeeding dependency makes it hard for others to be able to watch her. Along with me looking for employment, so some time soon she will be in daycare. I just started no breastfeeding 2 days ago, which is hard mostly at night. Now I’m dealing with the painful engorging.

    Reply
  10. Uttara Patnaik says:
    4 years ago

    I want to stop my baby who is 2yr4mnt baby from weaning. It is very difficult for me because he is asking when he fall asleep n with out he is unable to sleep. And more over he is asking for it 2to 3 times in between the sleep. Please help me.

    Reply
    • Kelly Winder says:
      4 years ago

      This one might help:

      https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/why-toddler-breastfeeds-often/

      Reply
  11. Nilima gupta says:
    5 years ago

    I have not sufficient milk in my breast. Pls advice me medicine.

    Reply
    • Karen J says:
      4 years ago

      Actually the best thing that worked for me was feeding more. The more you feed the more breastmilk your body will produce. I hope you found a natural way since your post was a few months ago.

      Reply

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