When does breastmilk dry up?

[Lily Dust]

For anyone who has breastfed for what is considered an 'extended' period, or anyone who knows..... How long does it take breastmilk to dry up completely? Does it ever fully disappear?

I understand if you have children closer together you may never have empty breasts between babies. But what about after you finish your family?

I assume it would be a case by case scenario but there must be a ball park range? Would it be longer for someone with an oversupply vs normal supply?

[jellybean88]

I had a huge amount of milk but was too unwell and stopped cold turkey it took about 2 weeks for things to start settling down and I had only been expressing only for 4 days I also had a tablet to help it dry up but I think it's really only effective in the first week after birth

[black_rose]

I still have milk 20 months after finishing bfing, it seems to leak around AF and in the shower sometimes.

[Traveller]

I had milk for about 4 months after stopping feeding at 22 months with the twins. It was less and less each day though, but TBH they are almost 5 now and I still think I could get some milk out especially after a day on the postnatal ward helping new mums breastfeed.

[jlk]

I gave up feeding in Feb an still
Have milk occasionally

[MantaRay]

I think there is quite a big range actually. It will also depend on how many feeds the little one has been having before weaning. I found it took about 8 weeks to completely go away, but each of my boys was only down to one feed a day by then. Over a year is not uncommon either.

[LittleGem]

I'm still feeding my first, but my Mum fed until about 18 months and didn't completely dry up until she hit menopause. No idea when I will, but as I'm lucky enough not to leak, I'm not fussed how long it takes