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Pregnancy

Can they give you anything to stop milk coming in after birth?

18 replies

balenciaga · 19/02/2014 16:51

I am definitely not going to bf and in fact I don't think I can as I'm on Prozac.

Am having an elcs in 7 weeks and going to be in enough pain recovering from that let alone when the painful huge hard boobs arrive :(

So does anyone know if they will prescribe anything to stop it? Or will I just have to grit my teeth and suffer lol .....

OP posts:
shakinstevenslovechild · 19/02/2014 16:56

I took some medication to stop my milk many years ago now, so I know they can give you something. I'm not sure whether they would in your circumstances, but there is no harm in asking at your next appointment and/or writing your wishes in your notes.

Rockchick1984 · 19/02/2014 16:56

There is something that can be prescribed but I think it's only given in specific circumstances now such as stillbirth.

KatAndKit · 19/02/2014 16:57

There is a medication but i think they don't prescribe it except in stillbirth cases. Hopefully someone who knows more than me will have tips about how to deal with milk coming in if you are not breastfeeding. I believe it is mostly a case of wearing a tight bra and taking painkillers for a couple of days

Thurlow · 19/02/2014 17:04

I didn't bf and it wasn't that bad. About day 5 my milk came in, but it only took a few days for it go away. If they won't give you anything (and I suspect they won't, I very clearly said I wasn't bf in hospital and no one offered anything to stop my milk) then it really is bearable, and remember you'll be on a lot of drugs because of the cs anyway! Get a bra you can alter the straps on and strap yourself up really, really tight, and just don't touch them or have a hot shower to encourage the milk. Mine really did go within a few days and it isn't something I remember as difficult to manage.

TheBuggerlugs · 19/02/2014 17:08

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This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns.

PenguinsEatSpinach · 19/02/2014 17:16

Generally they won't prescribe anything in the UK these days, except cases like stillbirth where the mental health implications are so great.

There are lots of good threads on dealing with it though. Smile

NotQuiteCockney · 19/02/2014 17:18

They used to give an injection, but it sometimes caused strokes, so they have (largely) stopped.

It's fine to not breastfeed if you don't want to. I had a dig into the risks associated with Prozac and breastfeeding, and this page suggests that being on Prozac in late pregnancy may not be a brilliant idea. Not sure if the problem only exists if you breastfeed as well.

1944girl · 19/02/2014 17:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Strongecoffeeismydrug · 19/02/2014 20:11

My milk only came in for one day and I also had a c section. It really wasn't that bad and although my boobs felt hard they wernt really painful .
Your new bundle of gorgeousness will be enough to take your mind off itGrin

HappyAsEyeAm · 19/02/2014 20:15

I stopped bfing a week after I had DS2. My milk had come in, and I asked whether I could have something to dry it up as I was leaking constantly and everywhere. I was told that they don't give anything anymore. It took about 5 more weeks for my milk to dry up completely, but I had stopped leaking after about 3 and a bit weeks. After that, I just leaked when I was in the bath.

SimLondon · 19/02/2014 21:02

Mine never did come in DD was out for the count for the first 12 hours so only had a half-hearted attempt at BF before reaching for the bottle - I wondered if it maybe something to do with very inverted nipples.

Waggamamma · 19/02/2014 21:18

Apparently sudafed has an ingredient in it that inhibits milk production. Also Sage as well.

useful link kellymom.com/ages/weaning/wean-how/lactation-suppression/

balenciaga · 19/02/2014 21:20

Aww bugger :(

It hurt so much when I had my other 2 (didn't bf them either) was in agony and tried everything to relieve them but nothing worked just time. not looking forward to it one bit :( :(

OP posts:
Waggamamma · 19/02/2014 21:27

You could try expressing to relieve the pressure and gradually reduce how often/duration you express over a week or longer.

This is how I stopped bf and it was pain free.

It seems you have already made your decision not to bf, but it might not be as hard as you think? Why not ask midwife/gp about the medication issue.

tsw · 20/02/2014 09:57

Wear a tight bra. This is the advice given in hospitals that are uncomfortable prescribing the drug to mums who have had a stillbirth.

balenciaga · 20/02/2014 10:00

Thank you :)

No I definitely don't want to bf.

OP posts:
benfoldsfive · 20/02/2014 10:08

what ever you do not limit your fluid intake. You will suffer. Your body will make milk at the same rate and leave you dehydrated. Wear a tight bra, take pain killers, stuff your bra with cabbage leaves ( proven to reduce milk production naturally) if necessary take sudafed (chemically will dry you up). Also cold or hot compresses to soothe whatever works for you

benfoldsfive · 20/02/2014 10:11

Also if you have never breastfed yor baby. Do not express to realive pressure your body will see this as baby snacking. As you haven't breastfed your supply will be very low and should go quickly dont confuse your breast by stimulating them!

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