Stopping your milk supply (lactation suppression)

Whether you’ve been breastfeeding for a while or not at all, there are gentle ways to stop your milk supply or prevent it from starting.

This article shares practical suggestions to help you stay comfortable and supported, whatever your reason for stopping.

After your baby is born, your body will expect you to breastfeed. Over the first few days, your breasts may feel heavy, firm and tender. If milk is not removed, your breasts will gradually feel softer again as your body slows and then stops making milk. This process is called involution and usually starts after about 5 days. 

Here are some simple suggestions for managing this time:

• Wear a bra day and night for support and comfort.

• Express a little milk if your breasts feel too full.  

• Use breast pads to soak up leaking milk and change them when wet. 

• Cool compresses on your breasts or in your bra can help relieve pain and swelling.  

• Mild painkillers may help relieve pain and inflammation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• If your breasts get really uncomfortable, gently express a little to relieve the swelling.

• Drink when you're thirsty. Cutting fluids won't reduce supply. 

• Using some pillows may make it easier to find a comfortable sleeping position. 

Weaning is usually more comfortable if you reduce feeds or expressing gradually.  This is because the less milk you remove, the less your body makes. However, sometimes gradual weaning isn’t possible. Some mums need to stop breastfeeding quickly (often called sudden weaning). The suggestions below can help you manage this.

• You could start by replacing one or two feeds each day with infant formula. If you need to wean more quickly, you might replace every second feed. You can continue breastfeeding or offering expressed milk for the other feeds.
• Express milk when your breasts feel uncomfortable or overfull. You don’t need to ‘empty’ your breasts when you express Just express enough to feel comfortable.
• As your breasts start to feel less full, express less milk each time and reduce how often you express.
• If your breasts become sore or very full again, express just enough to feel comfortable, then try to cut back again.
• Gradually you might only need to express once every few days. When you feel comfortable, you can stop expressing altogether.

The more gradually you stop breastfeeding, the easier it is for your body to adjust and the less discomfort you’re likely to experience.

When you stop breastfeeding, your body goes through some hormonal changes. Levels of prolactin (which helps make milk) and oxytocin begin to drop as breastfeeding ends. These changes are a normal part of the process but they can sometimes lead to emotional ups and downs.

Some mums notice mood swings, tearfulness, or just not feeling like themselves for a little while. These feelings are common and usually settle within a few weeks, but they can be more intense with rapid weaning. If you’re finding things tough, talking to your child health nurse or doctor is definitely worthwhile. They will be able to recommend other supports and resources.