PIP: Medical and psychological indications for lactation suppression are discussed, and methods for lactation suppression are evaluated. Medical indications for lactation suppression include 1) maternal anatomical abnormalities, such as inadequate secretory tissue and inverted nipples; 2) maternal breast infections and tumors; 3) the presence of certain diseases, such as tuberculosis; 4) maternal use of medications which might be harmful to the infant; 5) infant anatomical abnormalities which inhibit suckling; 6) death of the infant; and 7) a desire to wean the infant. Lactation suppression is also indicated for women, who, for a variety of psychological and social reasons, prefer not to breast-feed their infants. These women should not be coerced into breast-feeding nor should they be made to feel guilty if they opt to bottle feed their infants. Lactation suppression occurs naturally when the stimulation of suckling is absent. The drug bromocriptine, inhibits prolactin secretion and is recommended as the most effective lactational suppressant currently available. The use of estrogens to inhibit galactopoiesis is not recommended in light of the health risks associated with the use of estrogenic drugs.