TL;DR:

• Drying up your milk supply can take days to weeks depending on your body, stress levels, and feeding routine.
• Gradual weaning is the most comfortable way to reduce supply and avoid engorgement.
• Signs your milk is drying up include softer breasts, shorter feeds, and reduced pump output.
• Avoid nipple stimulation, and consider herbs like sage or peppermint if you want to help the process along.
• The transition can feel emotional, and many moms choose keepsakes like breastmilk jewelry to honor their breastfeeding journey.

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Every mom’s breastfeeding journey looks a little different. Some continue for months or years, and others stop much sooner. No matter how long you’ve been nursing, there usually comes a time when your milk supply begins to shift. This change can feel practical, emotional, or a mix of both. Many moms want to know how to tell when their breast milk is drying up, and what the process might feel like.

Below, you’ll find a supportive guide that explains how to dry up milk supply, what affects milk production, how to stop milk from the breast comfortably, and what to expect during this unique chapter.

When Does Breast Milk Stop Producing?

Lactation is a beautiful process that provides baby with the essential nutrients they need to grow and thrive. The quiet moments spent breastfeeding are also great for bonding with baby.

But like with every journey, breastfeeding also eventually comes to an end. Whether you are following baby-led weaning or have decided not to breastfeed, your body will begin to stop producing breast milk.

Lactation is often driven by supply and demand. The amount of milk will decrease if there is no demand for it.

So, how long does it take to dry up breast milk ? As Healthline explains, it can take several weeks for breast milk to dry up. However, for some people, this process only takes days, while for others it can take months to reduce their milk supply.

Factors That Affect How Quickly Milk Dries Up

As you can see, there’s no one answer to how long it takes for breast milk to dry up. It depends on many factors, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body makes.

Here are some of the factors that can impact when breast milk dries up:

Weaning

Weaning your baby is one process that naturally contributes to your breast milk drying up. When you’ve decided to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to wean baby gradually. As La Leche League explains, if you wean abruptly, there is a risk that your breasts will become painfully engorged, and you might develop a breast infection.

Gradual weaning is the best way to reduce your milk supply over weeks. If you do experience pain or discomfort, try hand expressing or pumping a small amount.

Frequency of Breastfeeding or Pumping

As we said before, how much breast milk you produce is about supply and demand. By reducing your breastfeeding or pumping sessions (which is a part of the weaning process), your breast milk supply will gradually dry up.

Baby’s Age and Needs

As baby grows and their diet becomes more varied, they may naturally require less breastmilk. A breastfeeding session may be shorter when baby is older since they are eating other foods.

Stress & Environment

Verywell Health explains that physical, emotional, and psychological stress can reduce your supply of breast milk. If you’re exhausted and under a lot of stress, it can begin affecting your milk supply.

The good news is, you can begin increasing your supply again with some lifestyle changes. By creating a relaxing environment and reducing stress levels, you can begin to produce more milk again. Also, consider stimulating your breasts more to help the process.

Signs Your Milk Supply Is Drying Up

Moms often wonder how to tell when their milk is drying up or how to know when their breast milk is drying up. These are some common signs:

• Changes in the breast’s physical appearance: As your milk supply dries up, your breasts will feel and look less full. This is a normal part of the process.
• Baby’s behavior and feeding patterns: As your milk supply dries up naturally, baby will have shorter feeding sessions.
• Less milk production: Of course, you may also notice your milk supply reducing if you pump.

The signs your milk supply is drying up can be bittersweet. It can be equal parts relief and sadness that this chapter is coming to a close. Being a part of a breastfeeding support group can help you navigate these feelings.

Can Breast Milk Come Back After Drying Out?

Yes! There are many reasons why you may have stopped breastfeeding long enough for your supply to dry out. Maybe you had a medical procedure or had to take time away from baby. No matter the case, it’s possible for breast milk to come back after drying out in a process called re-lactation.

La Leche League outlines the best strategy for re-lactation. It includes more breast stimulation throughout the day and supplementing your baby’s diet with infant formula and bottle feeding as needed.

How to Dry Up Breast Milk Supply

If you’re seeking to dry up your breast milk supply, there are some steps you can take to help the process happen naturally. Here are some ways to help your breast milk dry up.

Reduce Breastfeeding Gradually

Slowly spacing out feedings gives your body time to adjust. This can help reduce discomfort while guiding your supply downward.

Don’t Go Cold-Turkey

If you choose to stop breastfeeding, try not to stop all at once. Even with gradual weaning, some discomfort may show up. A supportive bra, cold compresses, and small amounts of hand expression can help relieve pressure.

Avoid Nipple Stimulation

Verywell Health recommends avoiding any nipple stimulation as you try to dry your milk supply. While it can be tempting to check if breast milk is still being made, it’s best to avoid hand expressing or pumping during this process.

Consider Herbs That May Help

Did you know certain herbs can help dry up your milk supply? According to Healthline, herbs that have the potential to dry up breast milk include:

• Sage
• Peppermint
• Chasteberry
• Parsley
• Jasmine

Herbal teas can help you gradually reduce your supply.

What Should I Do With My Pump Gear?

Many moms wonder what to do with their pump once their supply is gone. Some donate unused sealed parts to local organizations. Others store their pump in case they breastfeed again. Some sell parts that are still in good condition. Choose what feels right for your situation.

Commemorating Your Breastfeeding Journey

No matter how long you breastfed, your journey mattered. You gave your baby nourishment, comfort, and love. You also navigated a learning curve that can be both beautiful and challenging.

As this final chapter in breastfeeding comes to a close, you can commemorate your journey with custom breastmilk jewelry from KeepsakeMom. Many moms find comfort in having a keepsake that celebrates their effort and devotion.

Shop our selection of sentimental breastmilk jewelry and choose a piece that continues your story in a new, lasting way.