Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Question:

How long should it take for my breast milk to dry up if I am not breastfeeding?

Answer:

Hormone changes occur throughout pregnancy and at delivery. This prepares the breasts to produce milk. The breasts swell during the first 24 to 48 hours after delivery from increased blood flow and lymph flow into the tissues. This is call engorgement. Colostrum, a thin watery breast secretion, begins to flow spontaneously after birth, followed by breast milk.

The ongoing stimulation of the breast by the nursing infant keeps the milk in production. Without this stimulation, the engorgement slows and stops in a couple of days. Over the next week one or two weeks, milk production stops, too.

If a woman does not breastfeed, steps can be taken to help suppress milk production. She should wear a good supporting bra and avoid any nipple stimulation. Cool compresses may be applied to the breasts. Mild analgesics can be used if the breasts are painful. If a fever or severe pain develops, she should contact her doctor to determine if an infection is present.