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Why don't they give medicine to dry up milk anymore?
The shots and pills once used to prevent milk in the non nursing
mother are no longer used because they had serious side effects
including strokes and cancer. When medical providers stopped
using drugs for drying up milk, lactation consultants went back
into old medical texts to learn what was used before medication
became available. Below are some tips to help you stop milk production
safely and comfortably.
Bras Are For Support
If you are more comfortable, wear a good fitting, supportive bra.
It should be tight enough to provide support but not so tight
that it leaves marks or dents in breast tissue. A lacy sleep
bra or a snug T-shirt can provide just the right amount of support.
Do NOT bind your breasts. Breast binding can cause breast damage,
interferes with your ability to breathe and is very painful.
General Comfort:
Avoid breast stimulation. When you shower, turn your back to
the spray.
Apply ice packs for 10-20 minutes several times per day.
Take a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil
(ibuprofen) as directed for the discomfort.
If the milk leaks, try bending forward with your bra off and let
the milk leak out on its own. This may help relieve some of the
pressure.
Call your medical provider if your temperature goes above 100.4
º F
My breasts are huge, hard and painful. What do I do now?
Cabbage Compresses
Published studies and anecdotal reports recommend using the leaves
from the common cabbage, as a compress to reduce swelling and
milk production. References to cabbage for drying milk date back
to the late 1800ís. The natural ingredients in cabbage decrease
tissue congestion by improving the blood flow in the area. Herbalists
believe that cabbage has both antibiotic and anti irritant properties.
Instructions for use: Cabbage Cure
Sage
The common kitchen herb, Sage, when used as a tea, is a powerful
agent for drying milk.
Instructions for use:
You can purchase sage tea at a health food store or make your
own from powdered sage purchased at any grocery store: Use 1/8
or 1/2 teaspoon of powdered Sage in 1 cup of hot water.
Sage has a very strong flavor. You may want to sweeten the
tea to hide the taste (or add something like Tang flavored drink
mix).
Drink one of these teas every 4 or 6 hours. Usually 3 or 4
cups is enough to dry milk completely. Don't use this method
if you are allergic to Sage.
Copyright Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC 1999
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