How to Safely Dry Up Breast Milk Without Getting Mastitis

By: Kelly Labori, IBCLC, CEIM

Drying up breast milk can be an emotionally and physically challenging process, especially when you want to avoid complications like mastitis. Proper guidance can make this transition smoother. Here’s a comprehensive approach, backed by research, on how to safely decrease milk supply without risking mastitis whenever you are ready to or need to wean.

When you decide to stop breastfeeding or pumping, your body needs time to adjust to the decreased demand for milk. Stopping suddenly can lead to issues like engorgement, which is breast swelling, and mastitis, a painful breast tissue infection. Here are strategies to help you safely reduce your supply over time.

1. Gradual Weaning is Key

When you decide to start the weaning process, it should be gradual. Try to avoid abrupt weaning when possible as it could cause trauma for the infant and discomfort for the mother, which could lead to blocked ducts, mastitis, or breast abscesses (1).

To gradually wean, try to pick a time of day where you can replace a breastfeeding session with an activity that your little one enjoys, such as reading or playing with toys. They may miss the comfort of breastfeeding, so you can always snuggle them for extra comfort! Every few days you can cut out another session. It is usually easier to cut day sessions first instead of a morning or night session.

If you are pumping, start by cutting the pump session that you consider the hardest pump of the day to help make your day go smoother. Every few days you can cut out another session. You can also reduce the amount of time pumping by a few minutes at each session.

If you experience any discomfort while gradually weaning, try to hand express or pump a small amount of breast milk to relieve discomfort. This will help decrease production and prevent your breasts from becoming engorged and feeling too full. Your body will naturally start to recognize the decreased need to make milk.

2. Use Cold Compresses to Reduce Milk Supply

Wrap ice packs in a lightweight towel for protection of your skin and place them on your breasts, avoiding your nipple. Ice will help with swelling. You can leave it on your breasts for 15-20 minutes. A bag of frozen vegetables or crushed ice in a bag will work as well.

Cabbage leaves have previously been thought of as a home remedy for reducing engorgement and milk supply. However, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends using ice for symptomatic relief instead, since cabbage leaves may contain listeria and ice has been shown to be just as effective as cabbage leaves (2).

Tip: Make sure to avoid direct cold contact with your nipples, such as placing an unwrapped bag of frozen peas directly on your nipples, as this could cause nipple damage.

3. Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication, if Needed

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. While these medications won’t directly dry up your milk, they can make the process more bearable, especially if you’re experiencing mild engorgement. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications, especially if you are unsure about interactions or side effects.

4. Consider Herbal Remedies and Prescription Medications

A few herbs that have been used for natural weaning are peppermint, sage, and parsley, although there is a need for more research-based evidence to support clinical use (3). If you need a stronger approach to dry up breast milk, there are prescription medicines, such as cabergoline, bromocriptine, ergotamine, pseudoephedrine, and oestrogens, which a healthcare provider can prescribe if needed (3). However, please use caution as these medications have potential side effects and should only be used under direct medical supervision.

Tip: Before trying any herbal remedy, speak with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider to ensure safety, as some may have side effects or be toxic in high doses, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medications. Keep in mind, what works for one person, may not work as well for another.

5. Avoid Stimulation

Be mindful of stimulation to the breasts as this can signal your body to keep producing milk. You can continue to breastfeed while also cutting down on the amount of time spent breastfeeding as well as pumping just enough to relieve fullness. Try to avoid any excessive touching of the breast, such as during showering, and make sure to wear a comfortable, supportive bra, avoiding tight fitting bras.

Note: If you become engorged and need to relieve the discomfort, pumping with a regular or hand pump just enough to relieve the pressure, will help provide comfort but will not stimulate milk production. Even hand expressing small amounts can help as well.

6. Try Lymphatic Drainage for Pain Relief

If you have tried light pumping but the pain persists, lymphatic drainage can provide much needed relief. Lymphatic fluid and breast milk fluids can become trapped and cause inflammation during engorgement. To relieve this, lie flat on your back and lift up one breast with both hands. Keep your breast lifted for several minutes. This allows for lymph fluid to drain towards the lymph nodes by separating lymph fluid and breast milk. You can also help the flow by slightly moving your lifted breast pointing up, down, left, and right. Imagine a compass with North, South, East, and West. Once you are done with the first breast, repeat on the other side.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Stay Hydrated

While you might be tempted to limit fluid intake, this can lead to dehydration and other complications. Drinking plenty of water - at least 50% of your pre-pregnancy weight (in lbs) in fl oz of water daily - helps maintain your overall health during the weaning process. Eating a balanced diet can also support your body as it adjusts to the changes.

Also, provide adequate nutrition to your infant through previously expressed breast milk, donor milk, and/or infant formula along with complimentary foods if your baby is at least 6 months old. If your child is over 1 year old, you can also switch them to cow’s milk or another milk alternative or focus on serving other calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt and cheese.

8. Recognize Early Signs of Mastitis and Take Action

Despite following these steps, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of a plugged duct, which can feel like a small nodule on the breast. Look for early signs of mastitis, which include localized breast pain, redness, and flu-like symptoms. Mastitis occurs when milk is trapped in the breast, otherwise known as milk stasis, where bacteria can grow, leading to an infection. If you notice any signs of mastitis, seek prompt medical attention. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and may save you from needing antibiotics.

Weaning doesn’t have to be painful or risky. By taking a gradual approach and being attentive to your body’s needs, you can safely reduce your breast milk supply without increasing your risk of mastitis. Always remember to seek support from a lactation consultant or healthcare provider throughout this journey for tailored advice.

Last medically reviewed on August 26, 2025

Kelly Labori, IBCLC, CEIM is a lactation consultant at Milestones Pediatric & Maternal Nutrition in Cary, NC. Kelly specializes in empowering lactating parents during their breastfeeding journey, while helping to minimize any breastfeeding difficulties. Schedule an appointment today.