Do I need to drain the residual milk after I stop breastfeeding?

In order to ensure the better growth and development of the baby, many mothers will try their best to breastfeed the baby. When the baby grows up, weaning becomes a problem that many mothers need to face. There are generally two methods of weaning, one is natural weaning and the other is artificial weaning. When choosing a weaning method, you should choose a suitable method according to your own situation to achieve the best effect.

Do I need to drain the residual milk after I stop breastfeeding?

There is no need to discharge residual milk when weaning. The main components of breast milk are fat and protein, which can be absorbed by the baby. At the same time, the breast milk in the breast is not easy to deteriorate. Blindly eliminating residual milk may cause milk secretion, prolong milking time, and may also lead to mastitis.

Methods of weaning

1. Natural weaning

Gradually reduce the number of breastfeeding times and shorten the feeding time. At the same time, pay attention to eating less soup and milk-producing foods, so that milk secretion gradually decreases until it disappears completely.

2. Artificial weaning

That is, various milk-reducing drugs are used to reduce milk secretion. Estrogen drugs can be taken orally or injected intramuscularly, such as oral ethinyl estradiol, 5 mg each time, 3 times a day, for 3 to 5 days; or intramuscular injection of estradiol benzoate, 2 mg each time, 2 times a day, for 3 to 5 days. Oral or external use of Chinese medicine to reduce milk secretion can also have a good effect, such as 120g of roasted malt, add water to decoct, and take warm in 3 times; or eat 1 bowl of soy milk, add a little white sugar; or first suck out the milk, use 50-60g of saltpeter, put it in a gauze bag, and apply it to the breast. After deliquescing, it needs to be replaced in time, 3-4 times a day.

Precautions for weaning

1. If the mother's breasts are swollen and uncomfortable, she can squeeze out the milk, but do not squeeze it out completely, otherwise it will promote milk secretion and have the opposite effect.

2. During the weaning period, you should pay attention to reducing stimulation to the breasts and nipples. The secretion of prolactin will decrease accordingly, and the secretion of milk will also gradually decrease. Never let your baby suck your breast milk or touch it, and avoid using hot water to rinse your breasts when taking a shower.

3. You can use ice packs to cool your breasts to relieve the feeling of swelling.

4. If you find a lump in your breast, rub it with your hands in time to prevent mastitis.

5. When choosing diet during weaning, you should avoid foods that promote milk secretion, such as peanuts, pig's trotters, crucian carp, soups, etc., and eat less protein-rich foods, which can reduce milk secretion.

6. Try to avoid using hormone drugs or milk-suppressing injections, as they can easily cause breast atrophy or breast secretion problems.