After taking galactagogue supplements, do I need to express the milk if my breasts feel full?

Galactagogue inhibitors are medications that reduce milk secretion, used to relieve breast engorgement and suppress lactation. Whether or not to express milk after taking a galactagogue inhibitor depends on the severity of breast engorgement symptoms during the weaning process.

Weaning generally occurs either naturally or with medication. After taking a galactagogue inhibitor, if milk production has significantly decreased and there is no obvious breast pain or milk stasis during weaning, it may not be necessary to express milk. However, if milk production does not noticeably decrease and symptoms such as severe breast pain and milk accumulation persist, it may be necessary to express excess milk to relieve discomfort and prevent mastitis.

When expressing milk, avoid completely emptying the breasts—only express enough to alleviate discomfort caused by engorgement. Completely emptying the breasts may stimulate further milk production, leading to increased discomfort. It is also important to get adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain personal hygiene, and prevent cross-infection.