Need Advice on How to Stop Producing Milk

Hi there. I would not give up on breast feeding just yet. My son and my nephew both had this issue and both my sister and I breast feed. Please go to www.mspiguide.com and get the book. Yes will you have to make sacrifices to continue to breast feed but as you already know it will be so worth it. You can change your diet so that you don't pass the protein onto the baby. I hope this helps. Good luck. There is also a family forum on that website, so you have other moms who are also going through this too.

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What kind of protein intolerance is it? My son has a protein intolerance for dairy proteins, but as long as I steer clear of dairy we can breastfeed. 111

As for decreasing production, I'm afraid I have no suggestions.

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This guide to poop is very helpful.

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/pediatricks/poop.asp

Could it be that your child is merely allergic to something that you are eating? Like dairy?

I would explore more options before going down the formula road. Best of luck!

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Have you talked to a lactation consultant? Perhaps there is something you can remove from your diet to help with that (for instance, if you stopped consuming diary...)
If that's not an option, than Sage is actually the thing you want to take to stop your milk. You can get a tincture at Whole Foods, Pharmaca, Pump Station (other places I'm sure).

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/herbs-oversuppl...

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Perhaps you could contact the Le Leche league in your area and give them the milk that needs to be pumped. Only pump when you have to and the lessening of pumping will stop your milk naturally. Otherwise, pump as you need to and only as it gets too uncomfortable. Your doctor may be able to give you something to dry you up also. Remember that you can get pregnant sooner (sometimes) when you stop breastfeeding.

I am sorry that this has been difficult but sounds like it is the only way for your son! I know that the tried and true way to stop producing milk is to rub Caster Oil on your breast! Within a week you will decrease about 80%! Keep in up until it is gone! Good luck! This really does work!
E.

I had a similar problem and baby got checked for anemia. He was fine so doctor put me on a no-dairy and no citrus diet. Slowly bloody stools went away. Baby is now 8 months old and thriving. Good luck.

My son had a similar problem, and I found out he was allergic to milk protein that was passing through the breast milk. I stopped eating dairy, kept breastfeeding, and he stopped having blood in his stools. Not sure what kind of testing you have had done, but that was my experience.

As for milk production. Ice packs and just waiting it out. express only enough to relieve the pain. The more you express, the more you will produce.

Hugs. I know this is hard.

I am so sorry you are in this position! Something to remember, you know your baby better than anyone else. As you go through this process, trust your instincts. I agree with the other moms that a second opinion in this case is a good idea. If you are already there, try the cabbage leaves in the bra. I know it sounds crazy, but it actually did provide me with a lot of relief when I weaned my little ones. (You get used to walking around smelling like a salad for a few days. :) )

Why be devastated? Your baby will thrive on formula. Now you can share the joy of feeding him with family and friends. You will also know just how much he is getting. This can be critical.
Your doctor can help you with stopping your milk.
Have fun with you baby and enjoy him.
B. v. O.

Yes, chilled green cabbage leaves!! I had a horrible bout of Mastitis with my son when he was 6 months and I had to reduce my milk supply quickly. My lactation consultant told me about chilled cabbage leaves. There is a chemical in them that reduces your milk supply. Just wash each leaf pat it dry and leave them in the fridge in a ziplock. Put enough leaves to cover your entire breast into your bra. Keep them in until they feel wilted and then change them out. I did this for about a week and boy did it work.
Good luck!!
S. David

I was EXACTLY you about 2 months ago!! My 3 month boy(then, 1 month) had bloody stools as well. First, we started him on Nutramigen, which takes the edge off the pain and stopped the bloody poops! Second, I had to deal with some severe pain(emotionally and physically!). Here's what I was told to do: Wear tight bras 24/7....Put cold compresses on my breasts..and no massage. What I also did was to let myself relieve a little pressure when the pain was severe. I would pump out about 1/2 oz on each breast. I have to say it was difficult to pull off the pump only after a few secs on, but in the matter of 3-4 days, 90% of my production stopped. Most important advice I received from my husband. He said that I am a great mother and in the big picture our baby would not be affected in any way because we have to go to formula! We can't control our babies digestive system, and these days, formula is full of nutrients. We were satisfied that we were able to give him the colostrum and feed him my milk for a couple weeks. I really understand how you are feeling. Good Luck Lynette!

L. F

First, stop beating yourself up. I couldn't nurse either of my children b/c of a car accident I had before they were born. I tried for months with my daughter and it was miserable for all of us. I found the easiest way to dry up my milk was to wear two tight fitting jogging bras and put cabbage leaves inside my bras on my breast. It helped immensely with my second child. Caution, remember to change out the leaves after about 6-8 hours b/c the smells is ripe. Hope that helps.

L.,
I was in your shoes in June 08. I cut all diary out of my diet, but I wasn't reading labels carefully so baby continued to have issues like eczema.. Cutting diary out of my diet was the hardest thing I had to do, I thought about quitting BF so many times but I continued to BF until baby was 8 months, then we went to Nutrimagen... Do what is right for you and your baby, and if that means formula than so be it. There are many healthy and smart babies that are raised on formula. I used a homeopathic tablet call Lac Caninum to help dry my breast. You can buy at a health food store, 4 tabs under the tongue 4 times a day. Good luck!

Awww, too bad. Hopefully your son will recover soon.
Well, I've heard (but never tried myself) that if you place cabbage leaves inside your bra for a day or so, your milk will stop. Sounds weird, I know..but worth a try.

Hi L., your doctor should be able to give you something to dry up your milk. My doctor gave me a little white pills after each on of my 3 kids were born to dry up my milk, What a relief it was. J. L.

Ice packs and tight sports bras...it should go away in a few days...

-M

Hi L.,

My acupuncturist once told me that you can do 2 things to stop producing milk: drink a strong brew of sprouted barley tea (available in any asian market) OR soak your breasts with water and epson salt for about 3-4x/day and you should see result within 3-5 days. If you're going to try the epson salt, be sure to moisturize the skin as it can dry out the skin.

Good luck!

So sorry to hear that. I hope you got a 2nd opinion and it's not just a food sensitivity on his part, etc.

Mammary PMG is a natural way, but you can get a drug to dry up your milk. I still had milk for 6 months after my son weaned himself at 16 months, but not enough to be uncomfortable.