Lactating Breastfeeding | Stop Lactation after Breastfeeding

Question:

• I stopped breastfeeding over a year ago and still have milk. I leak on occasion and feel sensations of let down when my son cries.
• Is this normal? Shouldn’t my milk supply dried up already
• Why I have lactating after stopping breastfeeding?

• Can I start breastfeeding again after stopping it?

Answer:

Stop Lactation after Breastfeeding

There’s no need for you to worry or become anxious. This is quite a normal and natural phenomenon. Also, when the baby cries it is normal for the milk let down reflex (discharge of milk) to occur.

It occurs due to the strong mother – child emotional and psychological bond.

The period of time to stop producing milk / the length of time by which the milk dries up, varies from woman to woman. It could take from a few weeks to several months, and occasionally some women may secrete milk for even longer periods of time.

Also see Conceiving while Breastfeeding

These guidelines will help you:

• Always wear a supportive bra.
• Use ice packs / ice cubes wrapped in a towel, over the breasts, they help speed up the process, and prevent swelling and engorgement of the breasts.
• The herb sage is of valuable assistance. Drink two cups of sage tea every day.
• In case of intense discomfort, hand expressing little milk will ease the heaviness.
• Watch out and be alert for blocked ducts or inflammation and tenderness of the breasts.
• Talk to your gynecologist or lactation consultant for more counseling and guidance.

Related Topics
• Lactation: Causes, Side Effects, How to Stop Lactating
• Stopping Breast Milk | Control Lactation in Breastfeeding Mother
• Can I Start Breastfeeding Again After Stopping: How To Start Breastfeeding Again
• Cold Remedies While Breastfeeding: Natural Cold While Breastfeeding
• Blocked Milk Duct While Breastfeeding, After Weaning And During Pregnancy