H.B.
Hi J.,
I assume because your son is 16 months old, this is how long you had nursed for. First, congradulations! What a wonderful gift for your child. You have so much to be proud of.
Having nursed your child for this duration means it may take a while to completely stop making milk. Some women it is 2 weeks, 2 months, and some are still making milk 1 year later. All of these would be considered normal. Though, I hope for your comfort, maybe 1-2 weeks. There is a proven method that dries your milk up quickly. It may sound real stupid but I hear it really works. I am a board certified lactation consultant, so I have offered this advice alot. Go to the produce department in your local grocer store. Pick out a good size head of green cabbage. Wash and dry and store in the frig. Once cold, peal off the leaves and place them in your bra until they wilt. Upon wilting, replace w/ new cabbage leaves. This process usually only takes 1-3 days to dry up the milk. What ever you do.....do not bind your breasts (this will only cause additional pain, and put you at risk of mastitus(breast infection). Do not limit your liquid intake. If you decrease what you had been normally drinking, during summer months ...you increase the risk of fluid retention and swelling. You may take some ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain (if any). If you have any other questions feel free to write back.
H. B.
IBCLC