Expert: ruth kraft - 5/21/2011

Question
Hi,
I nursed my son until recently, he was 4 years old when he just stopped asking for it. I know it's not the norm here in the states, but I wanted to put no pressure on my son to stop. After he started daycare and I started work, I nursed much less each time, so really the opportunities to nurse were only happening at night. Anyway, it's been about 1.5 months that nursing stopped. I never required to pump or had any leaks, etc., I dont have any discomfort or anything, it's just that the milk is still there! I can express a few drops still from my breasts, I wonder when the milk will actually dry up. I don't know if it's normal or I should be concerned. In the first year, my milk production was abundant and steady. He never had to use formula, I had plenty to go! So, my question is, what is the normal expected time when milk is to dry up after nursing stops fully? Would the length of time or the production amounts have anything to do with why I can still express milk from my breasts?

Thanks for any info.

lucia

Answer
Your milk supply was abundant for so long your hormones kept the low level going for a long while. This just means your body is doing what it needs to in case you decide to start nursing again. It may take a couple months to completely dry up or it might take a year. there is no real norm as you are right it doesn't happen often here. However, it is nothing to be concerned about. if you want to try to encourage it to dry up you can drink some sage tea and put the tea bags on your breasts. But if it doesn't bother you, then I wouldn't worry about it :) You just have a very efficient body :) Nursing so long gives you the reduced risk of breast cancer as well :)  With nursing so long, you have done your baby and body a great favor. So be patient as it gets its hormones down to pre baby state :)

I hope that helped !