Breastfeeding is a practice full of love and health for both mother and baby. However, there are situations when breastfeeding becomes unfeasible, whether for personal reasons, the need to wean, or simply due to any other event in a woman’s life that requires drying up breast milk1. So, how can you dry up breast milk in a way that does not harm you? First, it’s important to state that the at-home process is simple, but any painful or unusual changes such as fever, redness, or cracks should be assessed by a professional, and nothing should be done without guidance, okay?

First Step to Dry Up Breast Milk

Once you decide to stop breastfeeding or even to dry up breast milk, the very first measure is to stop stimulating milk production. That means: Do not breastfeed: The sucking action by the baby or child will stimulate the production of milk, and therefore, the milk will not dry up. Make sure the baby is already weaned before starting the process to dry up breast milk. Do not use breast pumps: Just like breastfeeding, using a breast pump to express milk will stimulate the production of breast milk. Manual expression is recommended only to relieve excess milk and avoid problems like mastitis.

Drying Up Breast Milk Naturally

There are some lesser-known home techniques to dry up breast milk without much effort, but it’s important to note it may take a few days and can cause symptoms like heavy or even sore breasts. To ease symptoms, it’s recommended to express excess breast milk whenever you feel uncomfortable2.

Cold Compress

Cold Compress: Do the procedure for 15 minutes several times a day, it is suggested 3 to 6 times daily. This technique will constrict the milk-producing vessels and, consequently, stop production until it ceases completely. Try to put the ice pack wrapped in a cloth and never for more than 15 consecutive minutes to prevent burns on the breasts due to direct or prolonged contact with ice. Try to use gel packs, they work great and help avoid problems like burns.

Binding the Breasts with a Bandage

Compressing the Breasts Against the Body: Tying a bandage around the breasts to keep them close to your body will help dry up the milk. This compression can be helpful, but you need to be very careful when tightening the band. The desired result can be achieved, but other issues may arise. Tie with gauze or a firm cotton cloth, but not too tightly, always in a breathable manner and giving breaks for the breasts to rest.

Teas that Help Dry Up Breast Milk

Mint: Mint tea or essential oil is an important ally to help dry up breast milk. Besides being tasty, the tea will help dry out the breasts, reducing breast milk production. Sage: With an effect similar to mint, sage will help stop breast milk production. It’s recommended to drink the tea 2 to 3 times a day or ingest the dried herb or oil mixed in meals during the drying-up process.

Medications to Dry Up Breast Milk

There are some medications that can help dry up breast milk, but all, without exception, must be prescribed by a gynecologist. You never know how your body will react to medication or even if it’s the best option for your situation.

  • Dostinex: medication indicated for controlling prolactin hormone production in women3.
  • Ibuprofen: an analgesic that may help dry up milk more quickly, but its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.

A good tip is to use breastfeeding ointments, as they will relieve breast pain. Massage the breasts under the shower to loosen lumps and remove excess milk more easily. Do not use breast shells, as they will stimulate milk production. Choose cotton breast pads. See also: Manual Breast Milk Expression – How To Do It?