drying up after finishing breastfeeding

by shelley
(canada)

I am not producing enough milk for my twins anymore (they are 5 months) and am trying to "dry up" because we have to supplement so much with formula now anyways. How do I go about drying up my milk supply?
I have been trying to just let them go until they are so uncomfortable and there is too much pressure, then I pump just an ounce or so. But it's been a couple of weeks so far of doing that and it doesn't seem things are slowing down.

I really appreciate any input you might have.....there is so much information online, but I don't want to take medication to help and I don't want to "bind" my breasts.....am I doing the right thing?

thank you so much
shelley, mom to twins

Answer from the lactation consultant

I hesitate to give advice on weaning before a year. I do not recommend weaning prior to a year. Studies show babies are healthier if given breastmilk for a minimum of a year.I would be neglegent for recommending otherwise.
Could you continue nursing twice a day and supplement the rest? OR have you tried milk stimulating herbs to increase your supply? You explain that you have been trying to wean down for weeks but are not reducing your supply, so that tells me your hormone system is well established and you could likely increase your supply with a little effort. ieTaking some herbs and pumping/emptying more frequently.

I do not want you to wean due to low milk supply, because it is a resolvable problem. And I can help you with low supply. Heck, I have helped adoptive moms produce breastmilk, I can help you make more milk.
I only accept two reasons for weaning:
1. "I am ready to stop breastfeeding." or
2. a mom who has no glandular tissue (but even this mom can have the baby suckle and use a supplementer) or a medical condition non condusive with nursing: like cancer.
Any other reasons, I am going to advocate for the baby to recieve breastmilk. Its my job.

But if you WANT to wean, because YOU are ready to stop breastfeeding, then here is the page on weaning. info on weaning

If you want to increase your supply, I can help you via phone consultation or I suggest that you find the support of someone in the la leche league, a lactation consultant or a local multiples group in your area. Here in our area, I refer my moms to a lady who exclusively breastfed her triplets for 18 months for support. There are moms of multiples who are more than happy to help you.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC