How to stop lactation quickly after weaning
Apr 19, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Qiong
Introduction
Weaning proceeds most rapidly when supported by weaning medications or foods. During weaning, it is advisable to separate from your baby for a period of time to reduce the baby’s attachment to breastfeeding. Additionally, consuming galactagogue-suppressing (lactation-inhibiting) foods—such as Chinese chives, scallions, watermelon, and crab—may help. Raw and roasted barley sprouts are also traditionally used for this purpose. Medications such as Rǔ Bǎo Bǎo (Lubao Bao) may be taken to suppress milk production.
If you decide to wean your baby and stop breastfeeding, milk production will gradually cease, and the remaining milk will be reabsorbed by the body—a natural process that typically takes about one week. How can lactation be suppressed more quickly?
How to Suppress Lactation Quickly
The fastest way to suppress lactation is through medications or foods known to reduce milk supply. During weaning, it’s advisable to temporarily separate from your baby to minimize his or her attachment to breastfeeding. Additionally, consuming foods with galactagogue-suppressing properties—such as Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum), scallions, watermelon, and crab—may help. Raw and roasted barley sprouts are also traditionally used for this purpose. Medications such as “Ru Bao Bao” (a proprietary Chinese herbal preparation) may be taken to inhibit milk production. Typically, milk secretion ceases within 2–3 days, and any residual milk in the breasts will be naturally reabsorbed. Be sure to supplement your baby’s diet with formula to ensure adequate nutrition.
During weaning, it’s essential to reduce—or ideally avoid entirely—your baby’s suckling, as nipple stimulation continuously triggers milk production. Barley sprouts can also be brewed into a tea; drinking this daily usually results in complete lactation suppression within approximately one week. Other supportive foods include crab and Chinese chives, which may further aid in reducing milk supply.
A relatively gentle and gradual weaning approach is actually more beneficial for women. In contrast, using potent pharmaceutical agents that abruptly alter hormonal balance may pose potential health risks. Therefore, medication-assisted weaning should generally be avoided unless medically indicated. We hope this information proves helpful!
