July 2014 Moms
jennp1979
member
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Stopping BF and pumping
jennp1979
member
I'm having to stop BD/pumping...
For those of you that stopped...what did I do to make the transition easier? I've heard of cabbage but what else?
For those of you that stopped...what did I do to make the transition easier? I've heard of cabbage but what else?
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Re: Stopping BF and pumping
Next, decide what approach you will take to stop making breastmilk. Some mothers will decide to go with a more natural approach and some will use medications to help dry up their milk supplies. Most mothers will include a combination of both methods. Always be sure to ask your practitioner before taking any medications or herbs.
Some medications are avoided by breastfeeding mothers because they are known to decrease breastmilk supply. Therefore, mothers who want to purposefully decrease supply will sometimes take these medications.
The first type of medication (and one which requires a prescription) is a combination birth control pill. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin (the mini pill, approved for breastfeeding mothers, only contains progestin.) The estrogen in the pill prevents most mothers from making a milk supply. Keep in mind that this is a contraceptive pill, so if you have plans to become pregnant again soon, this would not be the method for you.
A second medication category is decongestants, which are typically used when someone has a cold. Pseudoephedrine (brand name Sudafed) is known to decrease the production of secretions, including breastmilk. In one study, 60mg of pseudoephedrine decreased milk supply by 24%. Because of off-label and sometimes illegal use of pseuoephedrine, in most states pseudoephedrine purchase is limited, although it is available over the counter. Using this drug can have serious side effects, so talk to your provider before considering this method.
For mothers who want a more natural approach to drying up their milk, many herbs have been used by different cultures for centuries. Herbs can act just like medications, so again, talk to your practitioner before taking these. Sage and peppermint often are the first recommended herbs. Sage can be found at health food stores in tincture, pill or tea form. Many herbalists recommend several cups (4-6) of sage tea a day. Peppermint is also known to decrease milk supply. An easy way to ingest the needed amount of peppermint is to suck on a strong peppermint candy (such as an Altoid) many times throughout the day. Other mothers report a decrease in supply when peppermint essential oil is applied to the body or diffused through the air. Some companies have created special-made herbal teas to decrease supply. One such tea is No More Milk Tea by Earth Mama Angel Baby.