How To Dry Up Breast Milk Without Cabbage Leaves
Edward R. Forte
May 13, 2022
Cabbage
This process of drying up breast milk is called lactation suppression.That said, abrupt weaning may be uncomfortable and lead to infection or other medical issues. .
How to Quickly Dry Up Your Breast Milk Supply
Once you decide weaning will be best for you and your baby, you can try several methods for drying up your breast milk supply.Always consult your doctor before attempting to dry up your breast milk supply.The lack of stimulation tells your body to stop lactating. .
How to dry up breast milk: Methods and timelines
Lactation in a person who does not breastfeed or pump can cause pain, engorgement, leaking breasts, and sometimes an infection called mastitis.This article will look at some home remedies and medications that may help reduce breast milk, as well as some safety considerations and risks.The following techniques are popular for drying up breast milk, though research into their benefits has yielded mixed results.Avoiding nursing or pumping, even if a person feels uncomfortable, tells the body to produce less milk.Additionally, high doses can lower blood sugar and cause nausea or dizziness, so a person should follow the package instructions and stop using it if any symptoms appear.Many anecdotal sources recommend using sage teas to reduce or eliminate breast milk supply.Additionally, high doses can lower blood sugar and cause nausea or dizziness, so a person should follow the package instructions and stop using it if any symptoms appear.However, the oil is toxic at moderately high doses, so people should never use it if they are still nursing or putting an infant on the chest for skin-to-skin contact.However, the oil is toxic at moderately high doses, so people should never use it if they are still nursing or putting an infant on the chest for skin-to-skin contact.In fact, one 2012 analysis of existing research found that this method increased pain rather than reducing weaning-related discomfort.A 2014 paper emphasizes that milk supply should dry up within 5–7 days, making birth control a viable short-term strategy even for those who hope to get pregnant soon.Decongestants do get into breast milk, so people trying this option should stop nursing and not use this method to merely reduce supply.A person who is still nursing, even just occasionally, should talk to a doctor or lactation counselor about the risks associated with using various remedies to reduce or eliminate supply.they have symptoms of a reaction to treatments that reduce milk supply, such as a rash, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. .
Cabbage Leaves for Breast Pain, Engorgement, and Weaning
Here's how to use cabbage leaves to relieve pain when your breasts are sore from engorgement. Then, pull off two of the inner leaves and place the head of cabbage back into the refrigerator, so it will be ready the next time you need it.Remove excess water from the leaves by gently patting them dry with a clean towel.Once you remove the stem and cut the slit, the leaves will be able to fit nicely over your breasts without covering your nipple.While the use of cold compresses or cold cabbage leaves does help to lessen breast swelling and engorgement, it can also lower your milk supply. If you continue to use cold cabbage leaves on your breasts after you relieve the swelling and engorgement, it's possible to end up with a greater decrease in your breast milk supply than you were expecting.If you're weaning your baby or you want to dry up your breast milk and suppress lactation altogether, you don't have to worry about the cabbage leaves treatment causing a low breast milk supply.You can continue to use the cabbage leaves on your breasts for as long as they are helpful. .
Cabbage Leaves for Engorgement, Weaning, Mastitis & Breast Pain
But breastfeeding challenges like engorgement or pain from issues like clogged ducts or mastitis can be common, especially in the early postpartum days when your milk supply is still getting established.In addition to working with a board-certified lactation consultant to troubleshoot any breastfeeding issues, many new moms turn to home remedies to ease uncomfortable symptoms such as engorgement.Here's everything nursing moms need to know about this popular home remedy, including whether cabbage leaves can really help ease breast pain and how to use them properly.Although there is limited research about the effectiveness of green cabbage leaves to relieve pain associated with engorged breasts, findings from existing studies (and anecdotal evidence from new moms) suggest that this veggie can be soothing.There's some research to support this: Findings from a 2015 study found that applying chilled cabbage leaves to swollen breasts provides a similar amount of pain relief as a hot compress.In addition, if you're weaning, avoid any form of nipple stimulation (but if you're feeling severe discomfort, hand express a small amount of milk for relief), wear a well-fitting and supportive bra, apply ice packs or frozen vegetables to throbbing breasts, and take a pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.While it's not a cure-all, many moms find soothing relief from common breastfeeding issues such as engorgement by applying cabbage leaves to their breasts, and this home remedy is affordable and easy to try. .
How to Dry Up Breastmilk
For instance, some women choose not to breastfeed and want to suppress lactation from the start while others have been breastfeeding for some time and are ready to wean.The length of time it takes will depend on how long your body has been producing milk.In fact, some mothers report being able to express small amounts of breast milk long after their child has stopped nursing.Whatever your reasons for suppressing lactation, there are ways to effectively and safely dry up your breast milk without risking infection or engorgement.If you don't pump or breastfeed, your body will eventually stop producing milk, but it won't happen right away.When you are pregnant, you will experience the same hormonal changes (including those that stimulate milk production) whether you decide to breastfeed or not.This means that the less you stimulate your nipples or breasts after giving birth, the faster your milk supply will dry up.Moms who choose not to breastfeed will dry up their breast milk in the early days after giving birth.Choose the method that works best for you, but be sure to ask your practitioner before taking any medications or herbs to help dry up your milk supply.The first medication moms can try to help dry up their milk supply is a combination birth control pill.These drugs are typically used when someone has a cold, but a possible side effect is decreased breast milk production.Pseudoephedrine, commonly sold under the brand name Sudafed, treats cold symptoms because it decreases secretions—including breast milk.In the past, certain medications were sometimes given to new moms in the hospital to dry up their breast milk supply—especially if they chose not to breastfeed.Your mom or grandmother might have mentioned that they received a shot in the hospital to stop their milk supply, but this practice is no longer used in the United States.Pyridoxine, Parlodel (bromocriptine), and high doses of estrogen were once used to help dry up a woman's breast milk supply, but these drugs are no longer given.Many of these medications were found to not only be ineffective at drying up breast milk, but potentially dangerous.Herbalists often recommend drinking several cups of herbal teas throughout the day to help dry up breast milk.The key to temporary weaning is maintaining your breast milk supply. You can talk to a lactation consultant about supply maintenance, as there are different strategies you can use.You'll likely need to use a breast pump or hand expression to mimic your baby's natural feeding schedule as closely as possible.Some women find that a hot shower can elicit the milk ejection reflex (sometimes called a “let down”). Standing with your back to the water can keep this from happening.If you're trying to dry up your breast milk supply, avoid eating lactogenic foods such as oats, flax, and brewers yeast.A bra that is slightly too tight can cause pain and may increase the risk of plugged milk ducts or mastitis.Pumping and hand expressing, or emptying the breast completely, signals your body to keep making milk.If you try to stop making breast milk too abruptly, it can put you at higher risk for an infection called mastitis.Never hesitate to reach out to a medical professional, like your doctor or an IBCLC, if you have questions or concerns about weaning. .
Can Cabbage Really Dry Up Your Breast Milk? This Old Wives' Tale
She notes that over the years, there have been a few studies that examine the effectiveness of cabbage leaves for drying up breast milk, but none with conclusive evidence.The study concluded that while cabbage leaves may be promising for the treatment of breast engorgement, there isn't enough evidence to support that they actually reduce or dry up milk supply.Jordan says that even if the cabbage leaves don't actually slow down milk supply, the cool compress can relieve engorgement and soothe pain. .
How to Use Cabbage Leaves for Engorgement, Mastitis, and Weaning
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I’ll be compensated at no additional cost to you.However, the studies that have been done, in addition to anecdotal reports, suggest that it may be helpful in treating some breastfeeding issues.As noted above, cabbage leaves are helpful for treating discomfort associated with engorgement and mastitis, as well as with reducing milk supply and weaning.Engorgement usually occurs in the early weeks of breastfeeding; the breast may feel hard, tender, and warm.By improving the blood flow in your breasts, cabbage leaves can help you manage the discomfort while you wait for the engorgement to resolve.Mastitis often starts with a clogged duct and then progresses into an infection that basically feels like the flu without the sinus congestion.Some women end up needing to wean quickly or unexpectedly (i.e., their baby stops nursing, or a health issue arises), and cabbage leaves may help you avoid a clogged duct by keeping milk from getting “stuck.”.If you have oversupply and want to use cabbage to reduce your milk supply (but aren’t weaning), be careful not to overdo it.If you aren’t weaning, I would definitely avoid this, due to the potential detrimental affects on your milk supply.Cabbage shouldn’t be used on broken skin, including cases of cracked or bleeding nipples.It’s is more expensive than cabbage, but lots of moms in our Facebook group find it easier to use and see the same results. .
If I'm not breastfeeding, will my breast milk dry up on its own?
(It's this surge in prolactin that sends your body the message to start producing lots of milk.).If you decide to formula feed, or if you stop breastfeeding or pumping down the road, your prolactin levels will drop and milk production will gradually shut down.If you're not breastfeeding or pumping at all, it typically takes seven to ten days after delivery to return to a non-pregnant and non-lactating hormonal level.If you're wondering how to tell if your milk supply is drying up, one common sign is that your breasts will start to feel softer.Binding can lead to problems like mastitis and clogged milk ducts, and add to your discomfort.This cruciferous veggie might sound like an odd remedy, but in some studies, women reported that chilled cabbage leaves relieved the pain and hardness of engorged breasts.This cruciferous veggie might sound like an odd remedy, but in some studies, women reported that chilled cabbage leaves relieved the pain and hardness of engorged breasts.There hasn't been much research on this practice as it relates to milk production, but one study did find that it might help with breast engorgement, though it can sometimes cause bruising.There are a few medications and herbs that have been linked to decreasing or stopping milk production, including estrogen, bromocriptine (Parlodel), sage, and peppermint oil, but they're generally not recommended because of their potential side effects.A lactation consultant can be a great resource for advice on how to dry up breast milk or relieve painful symptoms.Your OB, midwife, or pediatrician can refer you to one of these breastfeeding experts, or you can find one through an organization like the International Lactation Consultant Association.Most new moms waiting for their milk to dry up are able to manage mild discomfort on their own, but there are a few symptoms to watch out for that can indicate a potential issue. .
Drying Up Your Milk When It's Time to Wean
"It’s a simple concept", says Mary Shay, RN, MS, IBCLC, a Premier Health lactation consultant.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby (no food or drink other than breastmilk) for the first six months of life.You may make the decision to wean, or your baby may lose interest in breastfeeding, which may occur after his first birthday.Suddenly stopping breastfeeding can result in uncomfortable fullness of the breasts that can be avoided with slow weaning.Buy a plain green cabbage, remove the leaves, then rinse and dry them.If you’ve been breastfeeding, it will take a month or more for your milk to dry up, depending on how quickly you wean your baby.In this instance, the most comfortable way to dry up your milk, according to Shay, is to gradually cut down on feeding or pumping sessions.“It’s an age-old practice that can make you very uncomfortable and can lead to clogged and painful milk ducts,” says Shay. .