how to dry up milk?

[amayzie]

I have a dear friend who has had mastitis return again after having it for the first time for 16 days- and being hospitalised on IV antibiotics!!  She has decided that she needs to stop breastfeeding as the pain when feeding is unbearable for her  - Does anyone have any ideas on fast ways to reduce milk supply?

[koe2moe]

no idea at all but vibes for her.  poor thing about the pain!!

[amayzie]

It's been awful- i have been lucky enough not to have mastitis- but those who have say it's excruciating- and most people only have it for a couple of days i think.. it just went on and on!! Her immune system is funny- so that has contributed to it..

[koe2moe]

perhaps try PM'ing shivi for a direct answer as she is official a certified LC now!  

[amayzie]

ooh- good idea!

[Erin M]

Bec should be around too, she has great advice on reducing supply, but block feeding comes to mind to start with.  Avoiding foods that encourage milk supply -- oats are one.  Poor thing with mastitis, I've had it a few times but it's gone away quickly, it's pretty awful.

[Fiver]

The old cabbage leaves trick!  Not only good with engorgement, but actually reduces milk supply, apparently.  Sage and peppermint are also meant to be natural ways to reduce milk supply.

This is a great article on suppressing lactation - http://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/articles/lactation-suppression
And this one is about herbal remedies for decreasing milk supply/stopping lactation - http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/herbs-oversupply/

Sad about your friend, mastitis can be horrid   Have they made sure she hasn't got an abscess as well?

[Diana1981]

When I stopped BF with DS1 my Dr gave me these pills. In spanish they are called grifocriptina. They are fast and effective.

[Fiver]

Diana, that sounds like this: "Some physicians prescribe bromocriptine to reduce prolactin. The FDA has not approved this drug for milk suppression. If you plan to use it, discuss the implications and side effects with your physician or pharmacist." (from http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/dryupfst.htm)

Katy's friend may just wish to take the most natural approach to start with before adding in any medications.

[Diana1981]

Yes it is the same medication. I never had any side effects though.

[nona]

Starting OCP also helps poor thing!!

[shivi]

I PMd you earlier Katy but maybe you didn't get it.
Sage and lots of it -  you can get it in teabag form here - three double concentrate teacups a day minimum, peppermint as well but sage is considered the best.

lots of ice - to reduce flow and blood to the area,

and yes, here they would prescribe bromergon. I had AWFUL side effects with it and needed carbogerline or norprolac instead. But I used it to reduce prolactin in order TO get pg before I ever had a baby or bf at all.....

S x