How to stop milk from coming in/drying up milk?

[babytoo]

Hi Ladies
Hope I might find some answers in this thread....Bub #2 is arriving on Wednesday and this time, I have decided not to breastfeed.

Just wondering if anyone knew any tricks of drying up milk supply when it comes in? Or are tablets still prescribed - I had heard that these are no longer used? Can you actually stop your milk from coming in - god it hurts!!!

Thanks ladies, hope there is some info or advice from others who have been through out there for me!

[moonblossom]

Well at my hospital they used to put cabbage leaves on the breasts and bind them pretty firmly. dont know if this is still in practice, but the best of luck to you :)

[MissSparkle]

I did abrupt weening only 3 weeks ago and I used cabbage leaves. U need to change them regularly as they "cook" pretty quick but it worked for me. 2 weeks later not a drop would come out!
I have heard there is tablets but as you said Im not sure if they use them anymore. U would have to ask your GP

[Madi]

Hi

I was given tablets with my first baby to stop my milk coming in, but as far as I know they need to be taken within 24 hours of birth. I had no milk come through whatsoever, but I didn't have a baby around so that may trigger things anyway, IYNWIM.

Madi.

[~Chick79~]

I stopped trying to breastfeed ryan when he was two weeks old and after spending a weekend cooking cabbage leaves my gp gave me some tablets that i had to take for 5 days and it was completely dried up - and best of all no pain!

[CrazyBeautiful]

Sometimes women who don't intend to breastfeed are prescribed a medication called 'Dostinex'. This has to be given soon after birth. For a natural/drug-free way would be to use cabbage leaves like previous ladies have stated or frozen disposable nappies. Best of luck.

[Mum2Lucas]

I asked my doctor for tablets to dry my milk up when DS was 3 weeks old. I think you can ask for them at the hospital depending on which hospital you go to. Might be a good idea to ask your midwife about it.

[ETsMum]

A friend of mine had a baby in July 05 and she got tablets from the hospital. She was at a private hospital. I don't know if this makes any difference but I went to a public hospital and I wasn't offered any (but I didn't ask for any either.) I didn't do anything. I just leaked for a few weeks (like when bub cried, had a bottle or I packed the dishwasher - LOL!!! Sorry TMI :D ) But I wasn't sore and didn't feel any pressure etc... Maybe it is different if you don't actually start BF, than if you suddenly stop??

[reAllytee]

I gave up after the 4th day or so & just made sure i didnt "stimulate" my breasts so when i showered i only let the water come over my shoulders as well as not soaping them up IYKWIM. I used a pre-pregnancy bra also as this kept things tight & i found this to be great also but that may have just been me as i didnt really get my milk through even by then.
Id probably get the tablets in case but maybe try doing in naturally at first & if that doesnt work use the tablets.
Good luck :D

[Kirstlea]

The advice given to me direct from a midwife was wear a firm bra, drink lots of coffee and take panadol if too painful. Also use ice packs for short periods of time if necessary.

Worked a treat :D

I b/f with db 1 but db 2 didn't make it so had to find a way to stop it.

Coffee dehydrates you that is why they say not to drink too much coffee when b/fing and to drink lots of water to keep your milk coming. So it makes sense to try the above.

Goodluck

:)