Not breastfeeding. How to suppress milk

[Lucyloo51a]

Hello

I am looking for some advice on how/what to do with my breasts following the birth of my baby in a couple of weeks. I am not able to breast feed so I wanted to know how best and quickly to get rid of my milk. Thank you in advance

It's use it or lose it. If baby doesn't feed, milk won't increase.

I'm not sure you need any extra effort.

Breastfeeding is mainly a supply and demand thing so by not stimulating the breast at all, milk production is inhibited. Milk may 'come in' around day 3 when your breasts may feel full and sore. Just go with it; good firm bra, normal pain relief and symptoms shouldn't last more than 24-48 hrs. Try and avoid the temptation to pump or remove the milk as this will signal to your boobs to make more.
Certain drugs can be prescribed but I don't think it's done routinely.
Hope all goes well with baby.

It will go on its own. Good luck

Have you spoken to your midwife? If there’s medical reasons you can’t they can often help on the postnatal ward. I can’t remember what it is they prescribe but there’s certainly something they use.

It may not even come in, it varies hugely so don’t put too much thought into it right now.

But.. if it does then express enough to be comfy, literally hand expressing to take the edge off.

Massage to avoid blocked ducts. I’m sure your DP would love to help.

Warm shower on them.

I found loose or no bra but others have said a tight fitting bra, I’ve heard the latter can cause mastitis if the milk can’t drain effectively back into your system.

It will be uncomfortable but not the end of the world, I found sleeping the worst.

Good luck, exciting time ahead.

Also, sorry, cabbage leaves.

Ok great thank you for your advice. I remember it being quite painful with my first but that was about a month after.

It takes a while (10 days for me) and your boobs may be huge and rock hard. My midwife told me to just ignore them - strap them in and don't touch them, it's the fastest way for your body to realise. I wore a well-fitted bra day and night nearly the whole time.

Ignore the "why aren't you breastfeeding" PP. You didn't ask for advice and it's none of their business, and you don't need to 'use' your breast milk in any way. The ignorant suggestion that you might want to donate it if you are giving the baby up for adoption "or something" is very thoughtless.

Good luck, OP

As others have said, it will 'go' if you do nothing. I knew I didn't want to breastfeed my second baby and the milk came in, but I literally ignored it. Def have the right bras etc and it shouldn't be too much of an issue for you.

Thank you all. I did wonder if there was a medicine that could be take. I shall speak with my midwife. X

Hi @Lucyloo51a I was wondering if you were able to share please what you did and how it went please? I'm in the same situation and not sure whether to take medication...

Hi @JoyApple yes so I was given a pill which I had to take within 30 mins of giving birth. I produced no milk and it took away completely any discomfort and hormonal issues with milk coming and going. My consultant organised it but I’m sorry I cannot remember what it was called. I had no bad side effects. It made a huge positive impact on my birth experience and those first few weeks. Good luck!

@Lucyloo51a that's amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think getting it in the first 30 min might be critical.

You won’t need to worry about remembering. It will be on your notes and your midwife should give it to you x