How do you dry up your milk? 6 methods that work (and what to avoid)

Deciding to stop breastfeeding is a deeply personal choice, one that can stir up a mix of relief, guilt, freedom, or even grief. Whatever your reason, you deserve a method that feels right for you.

If you’re wondering, “How do you dry up your milk?”, you’re not alone. Whether it’s time to wean, you’re transitioning to formula, or simply need your body back for health reasons, this guide offers six gentle, effective methods to help reduce your breast milk supply, plus key things to avoid along the way. This blog is also backed with expert insights from Lauren Davis, DO at Latched Nourished Thriving

What does ‘drying up milk’ actually mean?

When we talk about “drying up milk,” we’re referring to the process of stopping lactation when your body gradually slows (and eventually stops) producing breast milk.

This doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, your body needs time to recalibrate and stop responding to the cues that once told it to make milk whether those cues came from nursing, pumping, or both. Even if you’re not actively removing milk anymore, your breasts may still produce it for a while, especially in the early days of weaning.

In short: drying up doesn’t mean your milk disappears instantly, but your body does adapt, slowly and surely.

What’s actually happening in your body during this time?

The medical term for drying up milk is lactation suppression. It’s the natural winding down of the milk-making process once breastfeeding or pumping is reduced or stopped altogether.

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:

• Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, begins to drop when the breasts are no longer being emptied regularly.
  
• At the same time, oxytocin, the hormone that triggers your let-down reflex (milk release), also decreases without nursing or pumping stimulation.
  
• As prolactin levels decline, your milk-producing cells start to shut down, essentially signaling, “We’re no longer needed.”
  
• Over time, your body begins to reabsorb the remaining milk, and the milk ducts gradually return to their pre-lactation state.
  

Every parent’s body moves through this process at its own pace, some might see a reduction in supply within a few days, while others may take weeks or even months, especially if milk production was well established.

Why milk supply works on demand

One of the most fascinating things about the human body? It makes milk based on demand kind of like a perfectly responsive little factory.

Every time your baby nurses or you pump, your body gets a signal that milk is needed. In response, your brain releases prolactin (the milk-making hormone), which tells the milk-producing glands in your breasts to keep doing their job. The more often milk is removed, the more your body keeps producing. It’s biology’s version of a feedback loop.

But when that demand starts to slow, maybe your baby is nursing less, you’re skipping pumping sessions, or you’re actively trying to wean, your body notices. With fewer signals to keep up production, prolactin levels gradually drop, and milk supply starts to taper off.

This supply-and-demand system is also why your milk doesn’t instantly dry up when you stop breastfeeding, it’s a gradual process. And it’s why strategies like dropping one feeding at a time can help your body ease into the change more comfortably.

In other words, your body is constantly listening and adjusting. Whether you’re ramping up or winding down, it’s all about the cues you give it.

When do people typically decide to stop breastfeeding?

Weaning might sound straightforward in theory, but figuring out when to start? That’s where things get personal. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests exclusively breastfeeding for about the first six months, then continuing as you introduce solid foods and going for a year or longer if it works for you and your baby. But every journey looks a little different.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here. Parents stop breastfeeding or pumping for a variety of valid reasons:

• Returning to work or managing changing routines
• Low milk supply despite consistent nursing or pumping
• Baby-led weaning, when your little one starts to show less interest in nursing
• Medical reasons that require a shift in feeding
• Simply feeling that it’s the right time for you

And here’s the thing: even when you’re confident in your choice, the emotions can be complicated. You might grieve the closeness of those feeding moments, feel proud of how far you’ve come, or even just crave a bit more autonomy. It’s all valid. It’s all normal.

How do you know if your milk is drying up?

You may notice different cues, some physical, some emotional, and others coming directly from your baby. Here are the signs to look out for:

Physical cues

• Softer, less full breasts between feeds
• Reduced or absent let-down reflex
• Decreased milk output during pumping sessions
• Less leaking, or none at all

Baby cues

• Nursing less frequently or for shorter durations
• Seeming full after less time at the breast
• Showing more interest in solids or bottle feeds

Emotional cues

• Feeling more ready than ever to reclaim your body
• Experiencing frustration or emotional fatigue around feeding
• Sensing that the feeding journey is naturally winding down

If you’ve been wondering “how do you know if your milk is drying up”, tuning into these layered signals can help you understand what’s happening.

6 tips on how to dry up your milk safely

Drying up breast milk is a process, not an event. Being gentle with your body can make all the difference.

1. Wean gradually to avoid complications

Rather than stopping abruptly, try dropping one nursing or pumping session every few days. This gives your body time to reduce production and lowers your risk of engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis.

2. Try herbal support

Certain herbs like sage, peppermint, and parsley have been traditionally used to reduce milk supply. According to a 2015 study in the Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, sage tea may help reduce prolactin levels, which play a key role in milk production. 

Lauren Davis, DO at Latched Nourished Thriving points out that “Herbs like sage and peppermint teas can help reduce prolactin levels, just be sure to check with your provider first, especially if you have underlying health conditions.”

3. Avoid stimulation and excess expression

It can be tempting to pump for relief, but fully emptying your breasts will encourage more milk production. If you need to express milk to avoid pain, do so just enough to feel comfortable.

4. What not to do when drying up milk

• Don’t bind your breasts, this can cause blocked ducts and discomfort
• Don’t abruptly stop all feedings without a plan (especially if you have an oversupply)
• Avoid using medication unless advised by a doctor

5. How to dry up breast milk without getting mastitis

Mastitis, a painful inflammation of breast tissue can happen if milk builds up too quickly. To reduce the risk:

• Gradually drop feedings
• Use cold compresses for swelling
• Wear a supportive, non-restrictive bra
• Monitor for signs like redness, fever, or sharp pain and contact your provider if needed

Lauren Davis, adds that “Gently expressing milk just to relieve fullness can help, leaving a little milk behind actually helps signal the body to slow production.”

6. How to take care of your mental health

Hormonal shifts during weaning can bring mood swings, anxiety, or even depressive symptoms. You’re not imagining it, the drop in prolactin and oxytocin

can have a real impact on how you feel.

Here are a few tips to navigate this emotional terrain:

• Make time for rest and nourishment
• Talk to friends or other parents who’ve been there
• Journaling or therapy can help you process big feelings
• Keep reminding yourself that weaning doesn’t end the bond, it just evolves it
• Get outside, move your body, or lean on mindfulness practices

Signs of complications to watch for during weaning

While weaning is a natural process, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your body may need extra care. Some discomfort is expected as your milk supply adjusts, but certain symptoms could signal complications like infection or emotional overwhelm.

According to Lauren Davis, it’s important to monitor for:

• Localized breast pain, swelling, or redness, which may indicate a clogged duct or early-stage mastitis.
  
• Fever, chills, or body aches, which could point to an infection and warrant prompt medical attention.
  
• Sudden mood changes or intense sadness, which are often linked to the hormonal shifts of weaning, particularly the drop in prolactin and oxytocin. Lauren notes that while these emotional symptoms are completely normal, they can be distressing. Taking a slow, gradual approach to weaning may help reduce their intensity.
  

Her advice? “If any symptoms worsen or just don’t feel right, whether physical or emotional, it’s better to check in early. Support during this transition can make a huge difference.”

Your comfort and mental health matter just as much as your feeding plan. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out to your OB-GYN, primary care provider, or a lactation consultant. You deserve support that meets you where you are.

How to manage breast discomfort while drying up milk

As your milk supply begins to slow, some degree of breast discomfort like fullness, tenderness, or tingling is completely normal. The key is to support your body with gentle, non-restrictive care as it adjusts.

According to Lauren Davis, the best approach is to reduce inflammation while encouraging natural drainage. Here are a few ways to ease the discomfort:

• Cold compresses for 15–20 minutes every few hours can help soothe soreness and reduce swelling.
  
• Anti-inflammatory support like ibuprofen or natural options such as ginger, turmeric, arnica, or chilled cabbage leaves can make a noticeable difference. Lauren notes that ibuprofen is often preferred for its dual benefit: pain relief and inflammation control.
  
• Gentle lymphatic massage, moving from the breast toward the armpit, can help prevent a buildup of lymphatic fluid (edema) and promote natural drainage.
  
• Natural remedies, such as sage tincture or vitex, may support lactation suppression but always check with a professional before adding herbal supplements.
  
• A soft, supportive bra (no underwire) helps reduce pressure without constricting your breast tissue.

When to consult a doctor or a lactation consultant

If you’re experiencing intense discomfort, signs of infection, or mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Lactation consultants and OB-GYNs can offer tailored advice on how to stop breastfeeding or how to stop pumping safely and comfortably.

Also talk to your doctor if you’re considering herbs or medications to help with drying up, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Conclusion

Drying up your breast milk is a process that involves patience, body awareness, and emotional care. Whether you’re stopping due to baby-led weaning, returning to work, or just because it feels right for you, remember: you’re making a choice that reflects love, not lack.

Go slow. Be kind to yourself. And know that you’re supported every step of the way.

If you need more guidance on breast milk storage, we’ve got a full breast milk storage guide ready for you.

Because parenting is full of transitions, and you never have to navigate them alone.