How to Stop Lactating After Finishing Breast Feeding

The process of no longer lactating varies according to how the mother stops breastfeeding. If stopped suddenly, the process may involve more discomfort. With gradual weaning, difficulties may be minimal. There are a variety of techniques to use at home that will help make a smooth transition from breastfeeding to no longer lactating. It is the choice of each individual mother of when to stop breastfeeding. Jeanne L. Ballard, MD from the University of Cincinnati Children's Hospital offers practical advice on how to stop lactating no matter the situation.

Things You'll Need

• Breast pump
• Cold/hot compresses
• Cabbage leaves
• Sage or mint tea
• Sudafed
• Cup or bottle

Instructions

Sudden Stop

1. Use a breast pump to express only enough milk to relieve discomfort and engorgement. Do not empty the breasts.

2. Apply cold compresses or take a cold shower to ease the pain after pumping. Placing cabbage leaves inside the bra for about 20 minutes every four to six hours is also helpful.

3. Pump less often; milk supply continually decreases.

4. Continue this gradual cycle until your body stops producing milk.

5. Sage and mint teas are natural remedies to help speed up the process. Sudafed is also known to work well, but should not be taken by women with hypertension. Take one dose of 60 mg daily.

Gradual Weaning

1. Make sure baby is comfortable using a bottle or cup instead of the breast.

2. Slowly cut back on the number of breast feedings. Start by dropping one feeding at a time.

3. Wait a week, if possible, before dropping another feeding. This allows both the baby and mother's milk supply time to adjust.

4. Lessen the duration of each feeding, which will increase the time between feedings.

5. Be patient; this gradual process will allow the mother's milk supply to slowly decrease. It usually takes four to six weeks to completely stop lactating, but the time can vary depending on the weaning process.

Tips & Warnings

• Weaning is not only a difficult process for mothers but also for babies. Parenting expert, Heidi Murkoff, suggests being patient with your baby and giving her plenty of extra love and cuddles while weaning, especially if you have to stop suddenly.

• If during the weaning process you are extremely engorged and also have fever and flu-like symptoms, use Tylenol and hot showers to ease the pain. If symptoms do not subside within 24 hours contact your doctor as the chance of infection or complications is high.

References

• University of Cincinnati Tips
• University of Cincinnati Expert
• "What to Expect the First Year;" Heidi Murkhoff; 2003