Every breastfeeding journey is different. For some, it’s short and sweet. For others, it lasts through toddlerhood and beyond. Whether you've been pumping for weeks or nursing for years, choosing to stop lactating is a deeply personal decision—and it deserves support, not second-guessing.

At Milk by Mom, we’re here for all of it. From your very first letdown to your final pump, we offer guidance that’s grounded, gentle, and built around your needs. If you’re ready to begin the weaning process and dry up your milk supply, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Why Parents Choose to Stop Lactating

There’s no one reason—and no wrong one. Some parents are returning to work, switching to formula, or simply feel ready. Others face medical challenges, emotional burnout, or the pain of pregnancy or infant loss.

Whatever brings you to this point, know that your choice is enough, and you're not walking it alone.

When to Start

There’s no universal timeline for weaning. Some parents taper slowly over weeks, while others need a faster approach due to health or emotional needs.

If you’re unsure about when or how to begin, connecting with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider can be incredibly helpful. They’ll work with you to create a plan that’s safe, manageable, and aligned with your needs.

How Long Does It Take to Dry Up Milk

There’s no set timeline. Your milk supply will decrease based on several factors:

• How long you’ve been breastfeeding or pumping
• How often you’ve been removing milk
• Your body’s natural response to reduced demand
  

Some may notice a decline in a few days, while others see changes after several weeks. A slow and steady approach often brings the most comfort and the least risk of complications.

Step-by-Step: How to Stop Milk Production Safely

1. Reduce Feedings or Pumping Gradually

The most effective and gentle way to stop producing milk is to reduce the number of times you remove it. Begin by skipping one session per day. Wait several days before dropping another. Allow your body to adapt without pressure.

You might begin with the least productive session or one that feels inconvenient. This approach reduces fullness and protects your breast tissue.

2. Shorten Each Session

Rather than stopping sessions entirely, try cutting them in half. If you usually pump for 20 minutes, switch to 10. If your child nurses for 10 minutes per side, reduce it to five. This gradual shift sends signals to your body to produce less without triggering discomfort.

3. Use Cold for Relief

Cold temperatures help soothe soreness and slow milk production. Try the following:

• Cool gel packs
• Chilled cabbage leaves inside your bra
• Soft cloths soaked in cold water

Apply for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat throughout the day as needed.

Avoid using heat during this time, as it may stimulate more milk flow.

4. Wear a Supportive Bra

Choose a bra that feels snug but not restrictive. A comfortable sports bra or wireless nursing bra can provide relief and prevent unnecessary pressure. Avoid tight bindings, which can lead to clogged ducts or increased pain.

5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

You may hear suggestions to limit water intake. In truth, your body still needs fluids and nutrients to feel balanced. Drink to thirst, and eat meals that provide energy and comfort. Prioritising your needs supports your recovery during this transition.

6. Try Gentle Herbal Support

Some herbal teas or supplements may support milk reduction. Use caution, and speak with your provider before trying any of the following:

• Sage: Often used in tea to decrease prolactin
• Peppermint: Some find it helpful in tea or aromatherapy
• Parsley and jasmine: Commonly used in cooking or natural remedies

Herbal options work best when paired with a gradual decrease in milk removal.

7. Medication When Necessary

In certain situations, your doctor may recommend medication to stop milk production. This is less common but may be helpful after a loss or if you need to stop quickly for medical reasons. Ask about potential risks and whether it fits your needs.

Emotional Changes During Weaning

Weaning can stir up a wide range of emotions. You might feel relief, freedom, or a sense of closure. You might also feel sadness, grief, or uncertainty. Every feeling is valid, and sometimes they show up all at once.

Hormonal shifts during this time can also impact your mood. You may notice feeling more emotional, tired, or easily overwhelmed. These changes are temporary, but they’re very real. Give yourself the grace to rest, and don’t hesitate to lean on someone you trust if you need support.

Your connection with your child isn’t tied to breastfeeding. It continues in cuddles, play, quiet moments, and every way you show up with love. Feeding is part of your story and it never defined your worth as a parent.

After Loss: Honoring Your Milk and Your Grief

If you’re navigating weaning after a pregnancy or infant loss, we want to say this clearly—your experience matters. Your body, your love, and everything you gave along the way deserve to be seen.

Some parents choose to donate milk in honor of their baby. Others need to stop lactation quickly to protect their emotional and physical well-being. Both choices are valid. What matters most is finding the path that brings you peace.

If you’re managing physical discomfort, tools like cold compresses, cabbage leaves, and sage tea can help. And if you’re in a season of grief, seek out care that understands what you’re carrying. You deserve compassion, not pressure.

Preserving Your Milk Before Weaning

Before stopping entirely, you may want to save what you’ve worked hard to collect.

Milk by Mom offers a convenient solution. Our freeze-drying service turns your liquid milk into a powder that lasts for up to three years. This method works beautifully if you want to:

• Store your supply for future use
• Pack milk for travel without refrigeration
• Save high-quality milk for daycare or emergencies

We use a safe, single-batch process that keeps your milk’s identity and nutritional content intact. Powdered milk can be rehydrated easily with warm water, making feeding simple and stress-free.

Preserving your milk means your efforts continue to nourish your child, even after you’ve stopped lactating.

What to Expect as Your Supply Decreases

Signs your body is producing less milk may include:

• Softer breasts, most of the time
• Less leaking or none at all
• Smaller volumes during pumping or hand expression
• No discomfort after skipping sessions

These signs indicate that your supply is waning. If you notice hard lumps, pain, fever, or chills, reach out to your provider. These could indicate mastitis or another issue that needs care.

When to Seek Professional Help

Reach out to a lactation specialist or healthcare provider if:

• You feel pain that doesn’t improve with cold or time
• You experience fever, redness, or swelling
• You’re unsure whether your weaning pace is safe
• You need help with managing your emotions

Closing Thoughts

Deciding to stop lactating is a medical and emotional milestone. It’s a choice made with care, shaped by your life, your body, and what you need most right now. There’s no right timeline, no gold star for pushing through. Whether you breastfed for days or years, your effort counts. 

And if you’re ready to wrap up nursing or pumping but want to hold on to the milk you’ve worked so hard for, we’ve got you. At Milk by Mom, we turn your frozen supply into shelf-stable powder—so it’s there when your baby needs it, even after this chapter closes.