You asked

I'm not breastfeeding. Will my breast milk dry up on its own?

From about the sixteenth week of your pregnancy you breasts will have started to secrete early breast milk, colostrums. After giving birth your baby and the placenta tell your body to start milk production. Your breasts will become larger and fuller as soon as your baby is born - this is a natural process and will happen irrespective of whether you plan to breastfeed or not.
 
A hormone called prolactin is what makes breast milk, and if the milk is not used, either by feeding your baby or expressing it, then your body will secrete prolactin inhibiting factor, or PIF. PIF lets your body know that the milk is not needed, and this in turn makes your body begin to stop producing milk. This process takes about one week after your baby is born if you are not feeding your baby or expressing your milk. Once this happens, your body will stop the lactating process, and you will return to a state of non-pregnancy. You might feel uncomfortable during this time because your breasts might become engorged with milk. Should this happen, wear a supportive bra for comfort, but do not bind your breasts - this could add to your discomfort and there is a risk of mastitis and plugged ducts.
 
Taking a non-steroidal medication such as ibuprofen will help as will applying cold compresses or ice packs to your breasts. Although doing this will not stop milk production, it will make you more comfortable. If the discomfort becomes too much for you, you can express a small amount of milk to ease your breasts, bearing in mind that expressing will tell your body to produce more milk, which will lengthen the time that it takes your body to stop producing milk. Another thing to remember as well is to not let warm water run on your breasts while you are showering, as this will stimulate milk production.

More questions

If you have sensitive skin, less is more when it comes to ingredients for sensitive-skin cleansers. Mild ingredients such as green tea, aloe, and chamomile can be beneficial for sensitive skin and staying away...
Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our skin and joints. As we age, our body produces less of it, which results in the appearance of fine lines on faces and creaky knees. When applied to skin, hyaluronic acid...
The main purpose of facial serums is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturiser is not able to reach. Moisturisers have large molecules, so can only penetrate the first...
Although it is not necessary to apply a serum, they have a number of benefits associated with them. Serums are liquid products that contain ingredients such as vitamins and anti-oxidants that have small molecules. Unlike moisturisers, serums penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and can be used to treat skin ailments such as redness, dehydration or lack of firmness, wrinkles, dark spots or just to brighten the skin.
 
Mummypages recommends APIVITA natural serums which are available in Marks and Spencer. These provide maximum results and unique cosmetic care to the skin. They contain a high concentration of natural active ingredients and offer four natural serums to meet the specialised needs of your skin and give your skin a natural boost.
 
 
 
 
Serums are said to reduce wrinkles and fine lines that come with aging. They are a relatively new addition to our health and beauty regimes and can be costly. So, to take the stress out of choosing one...
A facial serum can reach into deeper layers of skin that a regular moisturiser is not able to get to. A serum, which should be applied after your toner and before your moisturiser, therefore can get added...
Maintaining the health and vibrant appearance of coloured hair can be a challenge. Naturally, we want our colour to last as long as possible, especially with the high costs involved. Using hair products...
Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp causing flakes of skin to appear. This is a very common condition that can occur chronically or as a result of certain triggers and can cause redness...
The right hair colour can transform your appearance by brightening up your skin tone, covering those unwanted grey strands and making your eye colour pop. However, a visit to the hairdresser can put a big dent...
The bun is one hairstyle that never seems to go out of fashion, and this summer was no exception. The high wide bun made a triumphant appearance on every red carpet and it looks like it’s here to stay. To...

Latest

Trending