Blog 4: The Final Step – Drying Up Milk Supply & Alternative Breastfeeding Options

Successfully weaning from breastfeeding when managing Dysautonomia, POTS, or Lyme disease requires careful planning not just for your baby, but for your own hormonal balance, energy levels, and emotional well-being. This guide covers the final phase: drying up milk supply naturally and safely, while offering alternative breastfeeding options for those who want to continue providing optimal nutrition for their baby.

1. Why Drying Up Milk Gradually is the Healthiest Option

Some moms turn to pharmaceutical lactation suppressants like cabergoline (Dostinex) for quick results, but for those with autonomic dysfunction or chronic illness, this can lead to severe side effects:

• Blood Pressure Crashes → Can cause dizziness, fainting, and extreme fatigue, worsening symptoms for POTS/Dysautonomia moms.

• Severe Hormonal Disruptions → A sudden prolactin drop may trigger mood swings, anxiety, and postpartum depression-like symptoms.

• Neurological Side Effects → Many women report brain fog, nausea, and headaches as their nervous system struggles to adjust.

• Long-Term Impact on the Nervous System → Since cabergoline affects dopamine, it may worsen autonomic dysfunction, nervous system regulation, and energy production.

The Better Alternative?

Drying up milk gradually allows your hormones, nervous system, and energy levels to stabilize without severe crashes or flare-ups.

2. Physical Methods to Reduce Milk Production

• Cold Compresses & Cabbage Leaves → Apply for 20–30 minutes daily to reduce engorgement and signal your body to stop milk production.

• Tight, Supportive Bra → Wearing a well-fitted bra (without underwire) can help minimize stimulation.

• Avoid Hot Showers & Nipple Stimulation → Heat increases circulation and encourages milk flow, so keep showers warm, not hot.

• Hand Express for Comfort → If painful engorgement occurs, release just enough to relieve discomfort without stimulating more production.

3. Herbs & Oils to Dry Up Milk Supply Naturally

Certain anti-galactagogue herbs and oils reduce milk production by lowering prolactin, acting as diuretics, or tightening breast tissues. Each herb has unique benefits, especially for moms with chronic illnesses.

Sage (High in Phytoestrogens)

• Reduces prolactin and mimics estrogen, signaling milk supply to drop.

• Consideration: Can dry out mucous membranes, so avoid if you already deal with dryness in Dysautonomia.

• How to Use: Sage tea (1–2 cups daily) or tincture (as directed).

Jasmine (Dopamine Booster)

• Increases dopamine, which lowers prolactin and reduces milk flow.

• Consideration: Helps with anxiety—great for POTS & Lyme-related nervous system dysregulation.

• How to Use: Jasmine oil diffused or applied to a compress.

Peppermint & Spearmint (Menthol Effect)

• Menthol slows lactation hormones and provides a cooling sensation.

• Consideration: Peppermint can lower blood pressure, so start small if you have POTS/Dysautonomia.

• How to Use: Peppermint or spearmint tea, diluted oil massage (avoid nipples).

Black Walnut (Astringent Effect)

• Tightens tissues and reduces secretions, including milk.

• Consideration: Antiparasitic properties may trigger herx reactions in Lyme disease.

• How to Use: Herbal tea or tincture (as directed).

Parsley & Stinging Nettle (Diuretic Action)

• Flush excess fluids, including milk, through mild diuretic effects.

• Consideration: Can lower BP, so monitor hydration & electrolyte balance.

• How to Use: Fresh parsley in food, parsley/nettle tea.

Lemon Balm (Calming & Mild Prolactin Reduction)

• Soothes the nervous system and gently lowers prolactin.

• Consideration: Supports relaxation, but watch thyroid function if you have hypothyroidism.

• How to Use: Lemon balm tea or essential oil in a diffuser.

Oregano, Thyme & Yarrow (Anti-Galactagogues & Antimicrobials)

• Reduce milk production while providing antimicrobial benefits.

• Consideration: May trigger detox symptoms if you have Lyme or co-infections.

• How to Use: Tea, compress, or essential oil blend.

4. Supporting Your Body with Wellhistic Supplements

Stopping lactation naturally alters fluid balance, hormone levels, and nervous system function. Wellhistic supplements provide nutrient support during this transition:

BOOST (Blood Sugar & Adrenal Balance)

• Regulates energy & blood sugar, preventing the crashes common during weaning.

• Key Ingredient: Banaba leaf (supports insulin regulation).

• Why It Helps: If using diuretics like parsley or nettle, BOOST prevents fatigue & BP dips.

PMS & Hormone Support (Hormonal Stability & Emotional Balance)

• Prevents extreme hormone fluctuations during weaning.

• Key Ingredient: Dong Quai (supports estrogen-progesterone balance).

• Why It Helps: While sage lowers prolactin, PMS & Hormone Support prevents mood swings & cortisol spikes.

CALM (Nervous System & Stress Support)

• Encourages relaxation & helps balance cortisol.

• Key Ingredient: Lemon Balm (naturally reduces prolactin).

• Why It Helps: Some anti-galactagogue herbs (peppermint, oregano) can be stimulating, so CALM balances nervous system effects.

5. Alternative Breastfeeding Options

Not ready to completely wean? Consider these alternatives:

• Pump & Bottle Feed → Allows continued breastmilk feeding with flexibility.

• Formula → Choose the highest quality, organic options.

• Homemade Breastmilk Substitute → Inspired by Weston A. Price Foundation:

• Non-Dairy: Coconut milk, gelatin, probiotics, nutritional yeast, & omega-rich oils.

• Dairy-Based: Raw milk, colostrum, egg yolk, acerola powder, cod liver oil. (Customize based on baby’s needs!)

6. Final Thoughts: Weaning with Strength & Balance

From sage to sorrel, natural weaning methods provide a gentle route to drying up milk without the drastic hormonal crashes & BP issues that pharmaceuticals like Dostinex cause. By combining anti-galactagogue herbs with Wellhistic supplements, you create a holistic safety net supporting blood sugar, hormones, and emotional well-being.

XX to your INVISIBLE BATTLES & UNSEEN STRENGTH,

Carola Le-Wriedt, Founder, Wellhistic and The Holistic Detox

📢 Ready to support your body during weaning? Shop Wellhistic supplements here: Shop