How to Safely Suppress or Dry Breastmilk Supply
Cabbage Leaves in Milk Suppression
The unthinkable has happened. In the midst of overwhelming grief, your body continues its biological processes, producing milk for a baby who is no longer here. This cruel reminder of loss can feel unbearable, but you don't have to suffer through it alone. There are safe, effective ways to suppress milk production while honoring your emotional healing process.
Losing a baby is one of life's most devastating experiences, and dealing with continued milk production adds a physical burden to an already overwhelming emotional journey. Whether you've experienced stillbirth, neonatal loss, or infant death, managing lactation suppression requires both medical guidance and compassionate care.
This guide provides evidence-based methods to safely stop milk production while supporting your physical and emotional recovery during this incredibly difficult time.
Understanding Your Body's Response
After pregnancy loss or infant death, your body doesn't immediately recognize that milk is no longer needed. Milk production typically begins around 16-20 weeks of pregnancy and continues after delivery regardless of the outcome. This biological process is completely normal but can feel emotionally overwhelming when dealing with loss.
It's important to understand that suppressing lactation is not just about physical comfort—it's about allowing your body to heal while supporting your emotional well-being during the grieving process.
Medical Methods for Lactation Suppression
1. Pharmaceutical Options
Cabergoline (Dostinex) is currently the most effective medication for lactation suppression. This dopamine receptor agonist works by inhibiting prolactin production, the hormone responsible for milk production. It's typically prescribed as a single dose or short course and can prevent milk production if started within 24 hours of delivery, or help suppress existing milk supply. See your doctor for prescription.
Bromocriptine is another medication that may be prescribed, though it's used less frequently due to potential side effects. Both medications require prescription and medical supervision.
Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate medication based on your specific situation, medical history, and timing since delivery or loss. See your doctor for prescription.
2. Hormonal Considerations
Birth control pills containing estrogen can help suppress milk production, but they're typically not recommended immediately after delivery due to increased blood clot risk. Your doctor will advise on appropriate timing for hormonal contraceptives based on your individual circumstances.
2. Non-Pharmaceutical Methods
1. Breast Binding and Support
Wearing a well-fitted, supportive bra 24 hours a day can help reduce milk production by applying gentle, consistent pressure. Avoid binding too tightly, as this can lead to blocked ducts or mastitis. Sports bras or specially designed post-partum bras work well for this purpose.
Some women find that using ace bandages or breast binding garments provides additional support, but these should be applied carefully to avoid restricting breathing or circulation.
2. Cold Therapy
Apply cold compresses or ice packs to your breasts for 15-20 minutes several times daily. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling, numb discomfort, and may help decrease milk production. Frozen peas in a towel work well as they conform to breast shape.
Avoid heat application, as warmth can stimulate milk production and increase discomfort.
3. Limited Milk Expression
While it may seem counterintuitive, expressing small amounts of milk can actually help with suppression when done correctly. If your breasts become painfully engorged, express just enough milk for comfort—not to empty the breasts completely. This prevents mastitis while avoiding signals to increase production.
Use hand expression or pump for only 1-2 minutes, just until pressure is relieved. Avoid nipple stimulation otherwise.
4. Avoid Stimulation
Minimize any breast or nipple stimulation that could encourage milk production:
Avoid hot showers directly on breasts
Don't massage breasts
Wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't rub against nipples
Be careful during physical activities that might stimulate the chest area
3. Natural Remedies and Supplements
1. Sage Tea
Sage has been traditionally used to help dry up milk supply. Drink 2-3 cups of sage tea daily, made by steeping 1 tablespoon of dried sage in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Some women also apply cooled sage tea as a compress.
2. Cabbage Leaves
Chilled cabbage leaves applied to breasts may help reduce milk production and provide comfort. Replace leaves every 2-3 hours or when they become wilted. The compounds in cabbage may have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Peppermint Oil
Applied topically (diluted with carrier oil), peppermint may help reduce milk supply. However, use cautiously and test on a small skin area first, as some people are sensitive to essential oils.
4. Avoid Galactagogues
Eliminate foods and herbs known to increase milk production, including:
Oats and oatmeal
Fenugreek
Fennel
Brewer's yeast
Excessive amounts of nuts and seeds
Managing Physical Discomfort
Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage breast tenderness and engorgement. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties that may provide additional relief.
Preventing Mastitis
Watch for signs of infection including fever, red streaks on breasts, or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Gentle massage and appropriate pain relief can help prevent blocked ducts from progressing to mastitis.
Gradual Process
Remember that milk suppression is typically a gradual process that may take several days to weeks, depending on when you start intervention and your individual circumstances. Be patient with your body as it adjusts.
Emotional Support During Physical Healing
Acknowledge Your Grief
Dealing with lactation suppression while grieving is emotionally challenging. The physical reminders of your loss through milk production can trigger intense emotions. This is completely normal and valid.
Seek Professional Support
Consider working with:
Grief counselors specializing in pregnancy and infant loss
Support groups for bereaved parents
Mental health professionals experienced in perinatal loss
Your healthcare team for integrated physical and emotional care
Create Meaningful Rituals
Some women find it helpful to create meaningful ways to honor their milk production as part of their grieving process. This might include:
Expressing and donating milk to milk banks (if medically appropriate)
Creating a ritual around the end of milk production
Journaling about the experience
Seeking spiritual or cultural guidance
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
Red streaks on breasts
Severe breast pain that doesn't improve with pain medication
Signs of infection or mastitis
Severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm
Unusual discharge or bleeding
Signs of blood clots (leg pain, shortness of breath, chest pain)
Timeline and Expectations
First 24-48 hours: If medication is started immediately after delivery, milk production may be prevented entirely.
Days 3-5: Peak milk production typically occurs, making this the most uncomfortable period if suppression hasn't begun.
Week 1-2: With appropriate intervention, milk production should begin decreasing significantly.
Weeks 2-4: Most women see substantial reduction in milk supply, though some leakage may continue.
Beyond 1 month: Complete cessation of milk production typically occurs, though this varies individually.
Supporting Your Partner and Family
Your support system may not know how to help during this difficult time. Share information about lactation suppression with your partner or close family members so they can:
Understand what you're experiencing physically
Help monitor for signs of complications
Provide emotional support during the process
Assist with practical needs while you recover
Looking Forward: Physical Recovery
Once milk production stops, your body will begin returning to its pre-pregnancy state. This process varies for each woman, but you can expect:
Gradual reduction in breast size
Return of normal breast sensitivity
Resumption of regular menstrual cycles (if not using hormonal contraception)
Overall physical recovery to support your emotional healing
Remember: Healing Takes Time
Suppressing lactation is just one aspect of your physical recovery after loss. Be gentle with yourself throughout this process. Your body has been through trauma, and healing—both physical and emotional—takes time.
There's no "right" way to grieve or "normal" timeline for recovery. Focus on taking care of your immediate physical needs while seeking appropriate support for your emotional journey.
Get the Compassionate Medical Care You Deserve
During this incredibly difficult time, you need healthcare providers who understand both the medical and emotional aspects of pregnancy and infant loss. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Receive Expert, Compassionate Care
As Dr. Jeff Mathe, an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist, I understand the unique medical and emotional needs of women experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. I provide specialized care that honors both your physical healing and emotional journey.
Contact Dr. Jeff Mathe for Specialized Care:
I provide comprehensive support including:
Medical lactation suppression protocols
Monitoring for complications like mastitis
Coordination with mental health professionals
Sensitive, individualized care plans
Ongoing support throughout your recovery
Preparation for future pregnancies when you're ready
Your Healing Starts Here
Take these important steps:
FIRST: Watch my specialized video guide for immediate medical guidance
Contact my office for personalized medical care and lactation suppression planning
Allow yourself time and space to grieve while prioritizing your physical health
Consider connecting with grief counseling resources I can recommend
You deserve compassionate, expert medical care during this devastating time. My practice specializes in supporting women through pregnancy loss with the sensitivity, privacy, and medical expertise you need.
Don't suffer alone. Your physical healing is an important part of your overall recovery, and I'm here to guide you through every step with the utmost care and respect.
Contact my office today. You deserve support, healing, and hope for the future.
References
Medical and Clinical References
Oladapo, O. T., & Fawole, B. (2012). Treatments for suppression of lactation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9), CD005937.
Spitz, A. M., Lee, N. C., & Peterson, H. B. (1998). Treatment for lactation suppression: Little progress in one hundred years. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 179(6), 1485-1490.
Parlakgumus, A., Tarim, E., Kilicdag, E., Yanik, F., & Bagis, T. (2004). Lactation suppression with a single high dose cabergoline: A randomized double blind comparison with bromocriptine. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 85(1), 1-5.
Caballero-Gordo, A., Lopez-Nazareno, N., Calderay, M., Caballero, J. L., Mancheño, E., & Sghedoni, D. (1991). Oral cabergoline: Single-dose inhibition of puerperal lactation. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 36(10), 717-721.
Grief and Psychological Support References
Cacciatore, J. (2013). Psychological effects of stillbirth. Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 18(2), 76-82.
Gold, K. J., Leon, I., Boggs, M. E., & Sen, A. (2016). Depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms after perinatal loss in a population-based sample. Journal of Women's Health, 25(3), 263-269.
Hutti, M. H., Armstrong, D. S., Myers, J., & Hall, L. A. (2015). Grief intensity, psychological wellbeing, and the intimate partner relationship in the subsequent pregnancy after a perinatal loss. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 44(1), 42-50.
Evidence-Based Treatment Studies
Bernard, N., Jantzem, H., Becker, M., Pecqueux, C., Creutzberg, E. C., Schmaltz, F., ... & Leroy, V. (2015). Severe adverse effects of bromocriptine in lactation inhibition: A pharmacovigilance survey. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 122(9), 1244-1251.
European Medicines Agency. (2014). Assessment report for cabergoline containing medicinal products. London: EMA.
Niessen, F. B., Krijnen, P., Mouton, L. J., & Mulder, P. G. (2006). Mechanical vs pharmacological methods for lactation suppression: A systematic review. International Breastfeeding Journal, 1, 22.
Traditional and Complementary Medicine
Bingel, A. S., & Farnsworth, N. R. (1994). Higher plants as potential sources of galactagogues. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research (pp. 1-54). Academic Press.
Zuppa, A. A., Sindico, P., Orchi, C., Carducci, C., Cardiello, V., Romagnoli, C., & Catenazzi, P. (2010). Safety and efficacy of galactogogues: Substances that induce, maintain and increase breast milk production. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 13(2), 162-174.
Professional Organization Guidelines
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Committee Opinion No. 827: Access to postpartum sterilization. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 138(1), e1-e7.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2020). Green-top Guideline No. 55: Late intrauterine fetal death and stillbirth. RCOG.
International Childbirth Education Association. (2019). Supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss. ICEA.
Epidemiological and Population Studies
Heazell, A. E., Siassakos, D., Blencowe, H., Burden, C., Bhutta, Z. A., Cacciatore, J., ... & Downe, S. (2016). Stillbirths: Economic and psychosocial consequences. The Lancet, 387(10018), 604-616.
Erlandsson, K., Warland, J., Cacciatore, J., & Rådestad, I. (2013). Seeing and holding a stillborn baby: Mothers' feelings in relation to how their babies were cared for. Birth, 40(4), 248-254.
Gravensteen, I. K., Helgadóttir, L. B., Jacobsen, E. M., Rådestad, I., Sandset, P. M., & Ekeberg, Ø. (2013). Women's experiences in relation to stillbirth and risk factors for long-term post-traumatic stress symptoms: A retrospective study. BMJ Open, 3(10), e003323.
Additional Resources for Healthcare Providers
Clinical Guidelines and Protocols
WHO Guidelines on Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocols
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Guidelines
American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statements
Professional Development Resources
International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
Perinatal Loss Support Organizations
Patient Support Organizations
Stillbirth Alliance
First Candle
March of Dimes
La Leche League International
Postpartum Support International
Note: These references represent current evidence-based medicine as of 2024. Healthcare providers should always consult the most recent clinical guidelines and research when making treatment decisions. Individual patient circumstances may require specialized approaches not covered in general guidelines.
