The flow of milk can sometimes be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for young mothers who wish to stop. their breastfeeding. Discover how to effectively stop your milk flow using practical advice and natural solutions to relieve your breasts.
What is milk flow?
The milk flow corresponds to the gradual and natural increase milk production that occurs after birth. It marks the passage colostrum – a thick, very nutritious liquid, rich in antibodies – with so-called “mature” milk, more fluid and produced in larger quantities.
This phenomenon is generally observed between the second and fifth day postpartum.
It is triggered by a sudden drop in pregnancy hormones (progesterone and estrogen) and an increase in prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.
What are the signs of milk coming in?
The flow of milk is often noticeable. The breasts become more voluminous, tense, sometimes painful.
We can feel a sensation of local heat, observe spontaneous milk flow, even a slight fever (around 38°C), without worrying character.
In some cases, some preliminary manifestations even appear before birth, notably losses of colostrum. This remains rare, but perfectly normal.
How to best accompany this milky rise?
There early and frequent breastfeeding is the most effective strategy. The more baby suckles, the more lactation is stimulated.
The ideal is to offer the breast in the two hours after birth, then on demand in the following days.
If you want to stop your milk coming in, it will be better not to let your baby breastfeed.
Also be sure to adopt a adapted breastfeeding position. A effective suction requires correct grip of the areola, which limits pain and promotes good breast emptying.
Nutrition, hydration and rests also play a significant role. THE stress or fatigue can slow down the onset of lactation. Give yourself time to recover and don’t hesitate to get help.
What if the milk comes in slowly?
A slight delay is not uncommon, particularly after a cesarean, premature birth or in the event of mother-baby separation. A low number of feedings or a ineffective suction can also be the cause.
In this context, it is recommended to offer the breast more often, check the breastfeeding position and, if necessary, resort to a breast pump For mechanically stimulate lactation.
Support by a midwife or a lactation consultant is strongly recommended in case of doubt.
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What are the main disorders associated with milk flow?
The flow of milk can sometimes be uncomfortable. THE breast pain or tension, although transient, can disrupt the start of breastfeeding. Here are the most common situations:
- Nipple pain : they are often linked to poor latching. Adjusting the baby's position and applying local care allows rapid improvement.
- Waterlogging : the breasts are tense, hard, sometimes red. This makes breastfeeding difficult for the infant. It is recommended to express a little milk before feeding to soften the areola.
- Mastitis : it is an inflammation of the breast, often following poorly resolved engorgement. It manifests itself with redness, localized pain and a fever above 38.5°C. Medical treatment is sometimes necessary.
Relieve a painful milk flow: what to do?
To limit discomfort and encourage milk flow:
- Breastfeed frequently, on demand.
- Apply a gentle warmth before feeding (warm compresses).
- Use the cold between feedings to reduce inflammation.
- Practice a gentle massage, avoiding the areolar area.
- Wear a soft, underwired nursing bra.
- In case of difficult sucking or very engorged breast, express your milk to relieve pressure.
A discreet breast pump for gentle relief
In some situations, having a discreet and practical breast pump can really relieve you. For example, the portable breast pump Emy Pump has a integrated tank And works wirelessly.
He slips directly into the bra and allows you to express your milk without getting stuck at an outlet or a bulky machine.
It is very simple to use, assemble and clean. Above all, he operates independently and 6 sizes of breast shields are provided to adapt to your body shape.
This is a useful solution, especially in case of congestion, which will allow you to drain your breasts, while keeping your hands free and your freedom of movement during the draw.
If you are not breastfeeding: how to manage milk flow?
Even without breastfeeding, a surge of milk usually occurs. In case you do not want to breastfeed, several methods can help you stop your milk coming in.
How to stop milk coming in naturally?
So that she naturally regresses, here is what you can do:
- Avoid stimulating the breasts (baby sucking or breast pumping).
- Apply cold locally if necessary.
- Wear a suitable bra, non-compressive.
- Don't limit your hydration: your body needs water.
THE pain diminishes within a few days. Residual lactation may persist longer, but eventually dies down.
In most cases, non-drug measures are therefore sufficient and lactation stops spontaneously in the absence of breastfeeding.
It is interesting to note that some alternative medicines (such as acupuncture, homeopathy or herbal medicine) can also be effective in helping you stop your milk flow.
What medication can you take to stop milk coming in?
In the event of an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding, certain medicinal treatments may be prescribed but their use is reserved for specific pathological situations.
In fact, they can cause serious side effects and adverse effects such as neurological or psychiatric disorders.
The purpose of these medications is inhibit prolactin secretion, the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk.
In any case, a drug treatment is not necessary to interrupt lactation in the young mother, since this process will stop naturally if it is not stimulated.
In case of pain, do not hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional. He will be able to prescribe you simple painkillers if necessary (paracetamol, ibuprofen).
What if you want to restart lactation after stopping it?
Relactation is possible, even if it requires time and support. It is based on returning to the breast or using a breast pump several times a day.
This process can work, especially if motivation is present and that those around you support this approach.
Follow-up with a professional trained in breastfeeding is highly recommended.
