Lactation suppression: When you choose not to breast-feed

The benefits of breast-feeding are well established. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients for your baby, and the antibodies in breast milk boost your baby's immune system. But in rare cases, breast-feeding isn't possible or practical.

Although medications for lactation suppression exist and are effective, they haven't proved to be very safe. These include:

• High doses of estrogen given by injection. Although effective in stopping milk production, high-dose estrogen increases the risk of blood clots in the mother — already a leading cause of death associated with childbirth.
• Bromocriptine. This drug effectively inhibits the hormone (prolactin) that signals milk production. However, it is no longer recommended for this purpose because it can cause dangerously low blood pressure and stroke.

The safest way to suppress lactation is to let your milk dry up naturally. Pain relievers and a well-fitting bra may relieve discomfort associated with breast engorgement.