how long does it take for your milk to dry up?

I am working on stopping the pumping altogether. I just don't want to do
this routine anymore. I won't go back to breastfeeding either, so I'm
trying to "dry up". But I have no idea on how to go about it. I am only
pumping every 6-8 hrs, but still put out over 16 oz every time, which is
almost double what she eats. I can't stop cold turkey, the engorgement is
unbearable. Is there a "method" for stopping breastfeeding?

On 2006-01-27 13:10:34 +0800, "oregonchick" said:

I am working on stopping the pumping altogether. I just don't want to
do this routine anymore. I won't go back to breastfeeding either, so
I'm trying to "dry up". But I have no idea on how to go about it. I
am only pumping every 6-8 hrs, but still put out over 16 oz every time,
which is almost double what she eats. I can't stop cold turkey, the
engorgement is unbearable. Is there a "method" for stopping
breastfeeding?


You can take drugs, but the best way for your body is gradual.... could
you try leaving the expressing 1/2 or 1 hour longer each day? Cabbage
leaves, avoid all other stimulation (hot showers/foreplay). I can't
even remember the name of the drug you can take, now, sorry. What
about going on the combined pill?

Jo
--
Woman, Wife, Mother, Midwife

"Notchalk" wrote in message
You can take drugs, but the best way for your body is gradual.... could
you try leaving the expressing 1/2 or 1 hour longer each day? Cabbage
leaves, avoid all other stimulation (hot showers/foreplay). I can't
even remember the name of the drug you can take, now, sorry. What
about going on the combined pill?

The drug is not recommended anymore, as it was found to cause cancer.

To Betsy:

Gradually reducing the times you pump and/or the amount you pump. IOW, let
one pumping session go for a few days until your body adjusts and then take
away another pumping seesions, etc... Go longer in between pumping sessions.
Cabbage leaves do help to reduce or dry up supply.
--
Sue (mom to three girls)

The drug is not recommended anymore, as it was found to cause cancer.

it is still given in very rare cases, the long term risk of cancer is
sometimes a fair exchange for the short term reduction of distress.

Anne

"Anne Rogers" wrote in message
it is still given in very rare cases, the long term risk of cancer is
sometimes a fair exchange for the short term reduction of distress.

There are better ways to dry up a supply rather taking medication for it.
I'm of the opinion that if medication can not be used, then try not to. I
understand that there are many good reasons to use medication though;
however, this issue wouldn't be one of those.
--
Sue (mom to three girls)

I wouldn't pump until you're "empty" - just enough to relieve the
tenderness/pain. Then your body will gradually get the message to produce
less and less. Drugs are really not the way to go - they're usually only
given in exception circumstances, like when a baby is stillborn and the
mother wishes to stop lactation before it starts.
Morag

"oregonchick" wrote in message
...
I am working on stopping the pumping altogether. I just don't want to do
this routine anymore. I won't go back to breastfeeding either, so I'm
trying to "dry up". But I have no idea on how to go about it. I am only
pumping every 6-8 hrs, but still put out over 16 oz every time, which is
almost double what she eats. I can't stop cold turkey, the engorgement is
unbearable. Is there a "method" for stopping breastfeeding?

Morag in Oxford wrote:
I wouldn't pump until you're "empty" - just enough to relieve the
tenderness/pain. Then your body will gradually get the message to produce
less and less. Drugs are really not the way to go - they're usually only
given in exception circumstances, like when a baby is stillborn and the
mother wishes to stop lactation before it starts.
Morag

Seconded. Exactly what I was told with engorgement and it worked. It
only takes a little milk to relieve it, although being a dairy fairy it
might take you a little bit more. IIRC, cold turkey could lead to
blocked ducts, which isn't good.

Jeni

"Morag in Oxford" wrote in message
...
I wouldn't pump until you're "empty" - just enough to relieve the
tenderness/pain. Then your body will gradually get the message to produce
less and less. Drugs are really not the way to go - they're usually only
given in exception circumstances, like when a baby is stillborn and the
mother wishes to stop lactation before it starts.
Morag

Even then, all that was done was that I was started back on a full-strength
birth control pill earlier than typical.

"Morag in Oxford" wrote in message
...
I wouldn't pump until you're "empty" - just enough to relieve the
tenderness/pain. Then your body will gradually get the message to produce
less and less.

That's exactly what I did. Three days.

Jess

how many pump sessions are you doing? I seem to think you are only doing 4
or 5, in which case dropping one all together is probably not a good idea,
but you can shorten one, then drop it and repeat with each one until you are
not doing it at all, or there has been a significant drop and you are
prepared to go cold turkey.

Anne