Will manually expressing milk by hand cause a decrease in milk supply?
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Hand squeezing usually does not suppress milk production. Suppressing lactation typically refers to stopping milk secretion, but manually squeezing the breasts generally fails to achieve this goal. On the contrary, it may actually stimulate further milk production and could even lead to mastitis. There are various methods for suppressing lactation, such as using a breast pump to remove milk, thereby reducing milk volume within the breasts.
Manual expression usually does not suppress milk production.
Cessation of lactation typically refers to stopping milk secretion. However, manually squeezing the breasts generally does not achieve this goal. On the contrary, it may even promote further milk production and potentially lead to mastitis. There are various methods to suppress lactation. One approach involves using a breast pump to remove milk, thereby depleting milk within the breasts. After some time, this triggers a reflexive signal to the brain to reduce milk production, eventually leading to weaning. However, if milk supply is abundant, using a breast pump alone may not be effective. In such cases, medications such as vitamin B6 tablets, diethylstilbestrol tablets, or estradiol valerate tablets may be taken under a doctor's guidance to help suppress lactation. It should be noted that due to its significant side effects, diethylstilbestrol is not considered a first-choice medication for weaning.
Weaning may cause breast discomfort, resulting in feelings of breast tenderness or swelling. Applying cold compresses with ice packs to the breasts can help alleviate this discomfort. Additionally, diet should avoid protein-rich foods such as pig trotters, crucian carp, and tofu, focusing instead on light meals. Spicy and irritating foods should also be avoided.
