how long til I dry up?????

Lovey526 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 06:34 AM

Ok, it's been almost three weeks. How much longer? And when will my period start??? I'm so sick of waiting. I didn't know it took this long.

House of Blue · #2 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 10:58 AM

This has got to be really difficult for you. It can really take some time for some women... Sometimes even a few months

IF I remember correctly you can try drinking two to three cups of sage tea a day. And then there is the Green cabbage trick. Try putting cabbage leaves over your breasts to help dry up the milk supply. Crush them a little bit and place them over your breasts inside your bra. Change them when they wilt, but leave them on around-the-clock for 48 hours. Things to avoid would be any kind of nipple stimulation, avoid heat for any relief of discomfort (like heating pads, hot water bottles, hot showers) it can aggravate the situation. And, don't bind your breasts. This may actually increase the pain, while providing no real benefits.

I wonder if there is anything your Dr. can do for you? Maybe there is a medication you could take to dry up your supply?

As for AF... I think once your polactin and other hormone levels are back down to pre nursing levels when your supply decreases enough, you will probably ovulate and AF will likely return 2 weeks after that.

I hope something works quickly for you.

mbdiamond · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 09:05 PM

Excellent advice Terry.

I know it can take a few weeks for the majority of your milk to dry up but you'll probably be able to express a drop or two for up to a year if you squeeze the nipple (like you would if you were hand expressing). Are you still suffering from engorgement or is being able to squeeze a little out what your basing the question on? My heart aches for your loss. I would think though, that after 3 weeks, your body should have adjusted and your milk supply should be very low or nearly gone already.....at least mine never took so long after weaning both boys. The period usually follows not that long after nursing stops or slows significantly. Expect it to take a couple of weeks for your hormones to return to pre-pg levels, then another couple of weeks to ovulate and start a cycle.........it shouldn't be too much longer.....

Take care.........

amallicoat · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 09:54 PM

Here is the link http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milks...versupply.html from kellymom.com about drying up your milk. I am praying for you and your family.

Brenda2005 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 06:42 PM

Oh girl I'm praying so much for you! Since you nursed for so long it will take quite a while..but the advice given has been great.