Whether you’ve decided not to breastfeed or you’re ready to stop, this guide walks you through safe, gentle, and empowering ways to reduce your milk supply and care for yourself in the process.

Deciding not to breastfeed (or to discontinue) is a perfectly valid choice — whether it’s before milk comes in, or after it’s already started. What matters most is your comfort, health, and the emotional care you give yourself. This guide is here to support you with safe, evidence-informed ways to reduce and stop milk production without causing harm.

1. Understand What’s Happening (Hormones & Supply)

After birth, your body’s hormones shift dramatically. The drop in progesterone and other pregnancy hormones, combined with high prolactin, signals your body to start lactation.
Milk production operates on a supply-and-demand system: the more milk you remove (by nursing, pumping, expressing), the more your body tends to produce. Reduce removal → your body gradually slows production.
Because everyone’s body is different, the timeline for milk to fully “dry up” varies — for some people it’s weeks, for others it’s several months.

Postpartum woman breastfeeding her baby in warm morning light, illustrating milk production naturally starting after birth. — Image by: Ayla Meinberg

2. Gradual Reduction Is Safer (If Possible)

If you have some time (i.e. your milk supply isn’t fully established, or it’s early postpartum), slowing your milk output gradually is gentler on your body and lowers the risk of painful complications.

How to reduce gradually:

Cut back on expressing/nursing sessions one at a time. Don’t stop everything at once. For example, if you are expressing 8 times a day, reduce to 6–7 for a few days, then 5–6, and so on.
Shorten the length of each session. Express just enough to relieve pressure, rather than fully emptying the breast. Overdoing it signals more milk production.
Space out sessions. Increase the time between sessions gradually (e.g. express every 3 hours instead of every 2).
Avoid stimulation. Try not to touch or massage the breasts or nipples; avoid warm, pressing showers right on the chest as they can stimulate more flow.

This gradual approach is recommended by many midwifery and breastfeeding organisations because it helps reduce risks like mastitis, blocked ducts, and engorgement.

3. Comfort Measures & Symptom Relief

As your body adjusts, you may experience engorgement, leakage, tenderness, or swelling. These discomforts are normal — here’s how to take care of yourself:

Supportive bra (non-wired). Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra (even a firm sports bra) 24/7 to reduce movement and pressure.
Cold compresses or gel pads. After periods of fullness or showers, apply cold compresses (wrapped cloths, gel pads, cold cabbage leaves) to reduce swelling and pain.
Warm showers briefly, then cold. A warm shower can help milk release lightly; follow with cooling. But avoid long, direct warm spray to your breasts.
Over-the-counter pain relief. Use ibuprofen or paracetamol (if appropriate for you) to manage aches and inflammation. Always check safe use, especially postpartum.
Gentle expression for discomfort only. If your breasts feel painfully full, express just enough to get relief — don’t empty them completely. The goal is comfort, not stimulation.
Breast pads / absorbent liners. Use pads to catch any leakage and prevent soaked clothes. Change frequently to maintain breast health.
Avoid tight binding or harsh strapping. Tight methods can backfire by compressing ducts or increasing the risk of blocked milk ducts.

4. When Medication May Be Considered (With Medical Supervision)

In certain situations, when more rapid suppression is needed or the discomfort is severe, medical options may be used — but only under guidance from a trusted healthcare provider.

Cabergoline:

In the UK, a single dose of cabergoline is sometimes offered to suppress lactation after birth. It reduces the hormone prolactin, which drives milk production.
It works best when used early (before milk supply is fully established).
Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, or low blood pressure — these should be discussed with your doctor.

Bromocriptine and older estrogen-based methods:

In earlier times, bromocriptine or high-dose estrogen was used to suppress lactation, but these are rarely used today because of safety concerns (e.g. risks of blood clots).
Many guidelines caution against routine use of estrogen-based suppression for new mothers.

Important: There is no universal guideline that fits everyone, and medical interventions come with trade-offs. The Cochrane review on lactation suppression notes that evidence is limited and that any suppression strategy should be individually considered.

Baby being bottle-fed, showing comfort and connection during feeding. — Image by Nathan Dumlao

5. Special Considerations for Those Who Don’t Plan to Breastfeed

If your intention from birth is not to produce milk, here is what’s helpful to know:

Even if you don’t breastfeed or express at all, some degree of milk production may begin minimally in most people, usually subsiding naturally over time.
The less stimulation (nipple, pressure, heat), the more quickly the body often downregulates production.
Use the comfort measures above (supportive bra, cold compresses) early when fullness or discomfort arises.
Be especially gentle in the first few days postpartum when your body is shifting hormonally — fullness often peaks around day 3–4.
If you already have colostrum or early milk, decide in advance what to do with any expressed milk (e.g. discard, keep a small sample, donate if eligible) so that you feel no pressure. Some hospitals allow disposal under medical supervision.

6. When to Seek Help / Red Flags

As you reduce milk production, keep watch for signs your body is struggling. These may require medical attention:

Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms (could signal mastitis)
Red, warm, painful lumps or hard areas in the breast
Persistent swelling or engorgement that doesn’t ease with relief measures
Nipple cracks, bleeding, or unusual discharge
Increasing pain or pressure despite minimal expression

If any of these occur, contact your midwife, GP, or lactation consultant promptly — especially in the first week postpartum.

7. Emotional Care & Self-Compassion

One of the hardest parts of stopping milk production (whether by choice or necessity) is the emotional weight that can come along. Here’s how to care for yourself:

Validate your decision. There’s no “right” path. You are doing what’s best for you.
Allow time to adjust. The hormonal changes are real; tears, mood swings, or grief are normal.
Lean on support. Talk to your partner, friend, or a postpartum support group.
Be gentle with your body. Track your comfort, rest, hydrate, and eat nourishing meals.
Focus on what feels right for you. If you feel strong urges to re-lactate (or regret), that’s okay too — healing isn’t linear.

Baby bottle next to a warm drink, symbolising postpartum rest and nourishment. — Image by: Trung Nhan Tran

Final Thoughts

Stopping milk production safely is very much possible, whether you never intended to breastfeed, or you're weaning after some time. The gentler your approach, the more your body can adjust without pain or complications.

Remember: this is your body, your journey. Your comfort, physical health, and mental well-being matter most. Always consult your maternity team, midwife, GP, or a lactation consultant before making medical decisions — and reach out if something doesn’t feel right.

You’ve got this, mama.

Whether you’re ready to stop breastfeeding or your milk has come in unexpectedly, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident doing what’s right for you. These resources can help you do just that:

Have experiences or tips to share?

We’d love to hear from you — message us on Instagram @cocobirthbox.uk 💜