When Will I Stop Producing Milk???!!!

Updated on December 12, 2007
B.L. asks from Appleton, WI
6 answers

My daughter is almost 14 months and I haven't exclusively breastfed for about 2 months. On a very rare occasion if she gets really upset or is sick will I let her nurse. I still keep producing like I could feed her full time. Anyone else ever have this problem? Wondering how long iot normally takes to "dry up". Thanks

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks for the info. Good to know it will take a long time. It isn't an issue, just curious. Good to know I can start up again if I want to.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Sheboygan on

I nursed my dau until she was 2 ish. I continued to produce for years after. I went to the doctor and had prolactin levels and everything. (The lab tech said "Oh, you're having your prolactin levels checked today, how old is your baby?" and I replied, "Seven".)
By that time it was just dribbles if I expressed, but it had been plenty to re-lactate substantial amounts if I had wanted to put some energy into pumping. I wish now I would have. I could have donated to starving kids in Africa through the program on Oprah's show AND burned 500 extra calories a day!
Oh well. In any case, my doctor said my hormone levels were normal, that it's normal for some women to produce for a long time (though my case was the longest she'd seen) and not too worry, it would go away. It did. Then, when I planned to breastfeed an adopted baby, it was super easy to re-lactate, even 5 years later.

1 mom found this helpful

B.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

First off, congratulations on nursing your baby for so long! What a great accomplishment and gift to your daughter!

As far as milk drying up, some mothers make milk for up to a year or more after nursing! But usually its a month or two after stopping that it fully dries up. you could try peppermint, like those star candies, Altoids, mint of any kind will help dry your milk up. Peppermint oil drops, too, put into tea works,and a few times a day, you'll notice a drastic drop.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from St. Cloud on

It has been over three months since I quit ALL breastfeeding. I still have some milk on one side. You probably will not dry up until you completely quit.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

You will stop producing milk long after you stop nursing altogether. If your daughter is nursing at all, she is stimulating your milk production and your body doesn't know the difference. If you consider this a "problem" you need to wean altogether. But, don't be surprised if months and months later you'll still be able to squeeze out a little. It takes a long time to dry up!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.D.

answers from St. Cloud on

Mine will totally dry up when I get pregnant again! There's an idea for you! lol

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

It differs for people. I know with my first son I dried up with in a week or two, and with my last son, he's son number 5, I didn't dry up for like 4 or 5 months. It took me awhile with the last son, and who knows why, maybe because he nursed for 22 months so I produced more, and with my first son he only nursed for 5 months on and off. I'd talk to your doctor about it though.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions