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Original poster

Tips to stop milk production

7 replies

Caipulli · 12/09/2025 02:27

Sorry parenting isn’t really the right place for this but anyway…
I have had to stop breastfeeding after six months to take medication, I had been giving 1-2 bottles a day to make sure the baby accepted it (and to reduce my milk production) and have now stopped BF completely.
My breasts are really swollen and tight and painful. I have been expressing a bit to ease this but my pump doesn’t work so have been doing it by hand, so it’s not very efficient and my beats are still painful.
Any tips to ease the pain and also stop production completely and as quick as possible?
Thank you!

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BunnyRuddington · 12/09/2025 08:25

You could maybe try one of the BFing Helplines to see if they know? They will probably have some tips for easing the swelling too. The trouble with stopping so suddenly is that you’re at risk of mastitis Flowers

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Find out about the breastfeeding help and support available from midwives, health visitors, peer supporters, helplines, websites and support groups.

https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/help-and-support/

Underthemoon1 · 12/09/2025 09:40

I was told to hand express tiny bits to ease off the pressure but otherwise just put up with it. I think it took three days to ease off.

NomoneyNoprospects · 12/09/2025 09:44

I struggled with this too when I decided to stop, but I always had oversupply so knew it would be tough. I wore a tight sports bra day and night, drank Lemsip (after i'd stopped feeding) and a couple of times did put the pump on just for a minute to relieve the pressure a bit. It only took a few days in the end and omg the relief when it had gone was incredible.

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ChuckaPan · 12/09/2025 11:13

Hand express tiny bits and you could try taking phenylephrine, it reduces milk production. It's in lots of cold and flu medicine, just take for a couple of days and see if it helps.

Bitzee · 12/09/2025 11:17

Can you ask whoever prescribed the other medication (GP?) if they’ll also prescribe you cabergoline? It’s another medicine and stops breastmilk production. I didn’t want to try breastfeeding with DC2 so had it prescribed post partum at the suggestion of my consultant.

Scottishskifun · 12/09/2025 11:20

ChuckaPan · 12/09/2025 11:13

Hand express tiny bits and you could try taking phenylephrine, it reduces milk production. It's in lots of cold and flu medicine, just take for a couple of days and see if it helps.

Yep was just coming on here to say take lemsip etc it makes your supply tank!

For relief Epsom salt bath. Have you got a hakaa or similar? If so fill with with warm water and Epsom salt under a warm shower and place on (not too strong a squeeze) it will help draw milk out but gently.

Edit to say you can get similar off amazon etc generally with quick delivery and about £8

Original poster
Caipulli · 12/09/2025 18:02

Thanks for all the tips, I will get some lemsip first thing tomorrow! Fingers crossed x

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