How to stop lactation

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is good for a baby and there is nothing better for him than mother's milk. But sooner or later the time comes when the baby needs to be weaned. How and when to do it?

How much to breastfeed

There are different opinions about breastfeeding. Child health experts are unanimous in saying that a baby should be fed breast milk until at least six months of age. The opinions of the mothers themselves on this issue differ. Some believe that breastfeeding should be continued up to three years, others are confident that with the introduction of complementary foods, lactation can be stopped.

According to statistics, most modern mothers in our country breastfeeding their babies up to a year or up to one and a half years. This is no coincidence. It is by this age of the child that many mothers leave maternity leave and return to an active social life.

In any case, it is up to you to decide when to stop breastfeeding. No grandmothers, grandfathers, other relatives, and even more so acquaintances in this matter should not be an authority for you.

How to stop lactating

The most correct way to stop lactation is to gradually wean your baby and gradually decrease milk production. This entire process will take approximately three weeks. Sometimes it takes longer for the milk to “burn out” completely. These days, your breasts will no longer be tight from milk, but some amount will still remain.

Here are some tips on how painlessly it is for mom and baby to stop breastfeeding:

• Before weaning your baby from mother's milk, take care of the introduction of complementary foods. Your baby will need less milk if you give him formula.
• For a natural completion of lactation, feedings should be gradually reduced.
• Gradually increase the amount of infant formula, then the baby will need less breast milk. Over time, the baby himself will stop asking for breasts.
• Express milk during this time to reduce breast swelling and soreness. To avoid provoking new milk production, do not express your breasts completely.
• Wear underwear that supports your breasts well, but doesn't squeeze them.
• Apply cold compresses briefly to your chest to reduce swelling.
• Try not to drink a lot of fluids during this time. Milk comes especially strongly after hot sweet tea. Therefore, give up this drink in the first place.

Pills that stop lactation

Many women know that increase the amount of milk it is possible with the help of special medicines. But not everyone is aware of the fact that there are pills with the opposite effect. These products are sold in pharmacies, but you need to use them only with the permission of your doctor.

These milk-reducing drugs act on the brain by causing the pituitary gland to slow down. You need to take such drugs from 1 day to 14, depending on the type. All of them contain one or another dose of hormones in different concentrations. This explains the different terms of their admission. Each such drug, like any other medicine, has side effects and is harmful to the female body. Therefore, before deciding on such drastic measures, do not be lazy to go to the doctor's office.

Usually, the doctor prescribes these funds in extreme cases, when it is required to stop milk production in any way: with mastitis, prolonged pain in the mammary gland, prolonged compaction. If you notice one of these signs in yourself, be sure to see a doctor. You will be prescribed one of the following drugs: Dufaston, Parlodel, Microfollin and others.

How to Stop Lactating Quickly

One of the most effective ways to reduce and then completely stop milk production is a sharp decrease in the amount of fluid you drink. In addition to water, the concept of "liquid" also includes tea, soup, juice and liquid yogurt. If you are thirsty, do not quench it with water or tea. For this purpose, it is best to use a decoction of the herb with a diuretic effect. It can be a decoction of parsley, basil or bearberry.

Reduces the production of breast milk with sage or mint tea. Already on the second day, you will notice that there is significantly less milk. After a couple of weeks, lactation will stop altogether.

We have described several ways to stop lactation. In any case, it is up to you to decide which of the proposed methods to adopt, after consulting with the supervising doctor.