How can I make my milk dry up faster?

[pinkandblue]

Hi

I stopped breastfeeding my 5 month old DS on saturday and now my boobs are full and hard. I am trying not to express too much because I know that will only produce more, but what can I do to make it dry up faster? Any how long should it take to dry up?

Thanks
Natalie

[xkwzit]

Hi MLN
I'm not sure whether you chose to wean abruptly, but ideally you should drop one feed every 2 - 3 days, or however ever long before you boobs take to adjust. You risk mastitus if you just stop. This is the way I weaned my girls (at 6 - 7 months, not much older than your son) and never felt uncomfortable at all.

Definately express off for comfort (or you could feed your baby instead). It is best to wean gradually if you can to give your breasts time to adjust. Your milk supply will naturally drop as you feed your baby less.

Cheers

[Mamina]

Hi MLN
wet face washers in the freezer section of your fridge (wring them out first), until almost frozen, then place them on your chest for as long as you can handle it and as often as possible, warn the surrounding people (eg DH) it's not a pretty look. works like a charm.

Mamina

[Kirstlea]

What xkwzit said :thumbsup:

Also lots of coffee and a firm bra.

[Tillysmum]

hi,
Having had to wean on 2 occassions with alot of pain - the best advice I was given was to use a cold cabbage leaf in your bra - leave on for an hour and replace 2-3 times a day. It worked for me. Just a suggestion. goodluck!

[pinkandblue]

Hi

Thanks everyone for your replies. My boobs have settled down now, they are still hard but I haven't had to express since Monday so hopefully it should dry up soon. I was going to drop the feeds slowly but I took some medication which said dont breastfeed for at least 3 days so I just stopped suddenly.

Thanks
Natalie

[xkwzit]

Hiya Natalie
Good to hear that things are settling down for you. I understand so much better now :o . Thanks for the update :thumbsup:

Cheers