How do I stop breastfeeding?

The moment is here…after days, weeks, or months of bonding with baby while breastfeeding, you’ve decided to stop. Maybe you’re feeling sad about this milestone, or maybe you’re jumping for joy! Whatever the case may be, you may be wondering if there’s a magical off-switch for all that milk. Turns out, there isn’t….but there are a couple things you can do to help.

• Strap the girls in: Yep, that’s right. Think of the way the Chinese used to bind their feet…and try it with your girls. Wear your tightest fitting bra – sports bras usually work best, as they’re the most comfortable – all day, every day. By doing so, your brain will believe that no more milk is needed and production will slow. This isn’t magic, so it won’t work overnight, but it should help quite a bit.
• Hands off!: Just about any type of stimulation (from your baby’s touch to brushing up against something) can trigger your brain to think that you’re breastfeeding. This will inevitably lead to more milk being produced – so tell everyone, hands off!
• Chill out: As strange as it may sound, using a cold compress (or cabbage leaves!) can decrease milk production just by restricting blood vessels. These are a 2-in-1, since they also help reduce any pain. We never thought we’d be loving cabbage this much…