Dropping Pumps/Weaning

[mrspotatohead91]

My son is 10.5 months and I plan to stop EP around 12 months. I currently pump 6 times a day and make just enough. I'm scared to drop pumps until his birthday because I want to continue meeting his daily intake until we transition to WCM. Any suggestions for how to begin the weaning process and when to start dropping pumps? Thanks in advance!

[tkford216]

You could try dropping one pump at a time but continue emptying fully to hopefully keep your supply at the same level (or close) - works for some, not for others. (Drop one then continue like that for a bit until your supply stabilizes again. Repeat.) If your boobs cooperate, it'll set you up for an easier, quicker weaning process when you're ready to be done. I got down to pumping only 3 times a day for quite a while. Then weaning I simply cut down on how long I went each session so my boobs got used to producing less, dropped to twice a day, then when that felt okay I started pumping just enough to let off the pressure whenever I feel uncomfortable. I started the process 10 days ago and I'm down to pumping only at night and I'm almost dried up. Everyone reacts differently to the weaning process so you kind of have to go by your own comfort level. This was just my experience.

[mrspotatohead91]

tkford216 thanks so much for the advice. This is really helpful! Don't know how I am just seeing this post!

[penguin129]

I'm in the middle of this whole process now. I may have to do that because not pumping is hurting too bad. I have no idea what I'm doing.

[mrspotatohead91]

penguin129 I haven't pumped since Saturday and am having some achey, tingling feelings at times. If I need to pump to feel comfortable, I will but only enough to not feel engorged. Can you try cutting back the length of time you are pumping? How many pumps per day are you doing right now? Good luck!

[penguin129]

Dec 13, 2016 20:53:54 GMT -5 mrspotatohead91 said:

penguin129 I haven't pumped since Saturday and am having some achey, tingling feelings at times. If I need to pump to feel comfortable, I will but only enough to not feel engorged. Can you try cutting back the length of time you are pumping? How many pumps per day are you doing right now? Good luck!

I actually haven't pumped. I asked HL's pedi what I should do and she suggested to just stop pumping and have a few days of being uncomfortable. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm using a lot of cabbage leaves, peppermint & sage teas, massaging and hand expressing. I hope by Thursday I can stop all that. I also have been taking baths vs showers.

[mrspotatohead91]

Dec 13, 2016 21:29:47 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

Dec 13, 2016 20:53:54 GMT -5 mrspotatohead91 said:

penguin129 I haven't pumped since Saturday and am having some achey, tingling feelings at times. If I need to pump to feel comfortable, I will but only enough to not feel engorged. Can you try cutting back the length of time you are pumping? How many pumps per day are you doing right now? Good luck!

I actually haven't pumped. I asked HL's pedi what I should do and she suggested to just stop pumping and have a few days of being uncomfortable. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm using a lot of cabbage leaves, peppermint & sage teas, massaging and hand expressing. I hope by Thursday I can stop all that. I also have been taking baths vs showers.

Good luck! I hope you're able to stop soon and get some relief from the discomfort!

[tkford216]

Dec 13, 2016 21:29:47 GMT -5 penguin129 said:

Dec 13, 2016 20:53:54 GMT -5 mrspotatohead91 said:

penguin129 I haven't pumped since Saturday and am having some achey, tingling feelings at times. If I need to pump to feel comfortable, I will but only enough to not feel engorged. Can you try cutting back the length of time you are pumping? How many pumps per day are you doing right now? Good luck!

I actually haven't pumped. I asked HL's pedi what I should do and she suggested to just stop pumping and have a few days of being uncomfortable. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm using a lot of cabbage leaves, peppermint & sage teas, massaging and hand expressing. I hope by Thursday I can stop all that. I also have been taking baths vs showers.

Just don't go long enough that you get a clog and other potential problems. Much better to release a little bit than cause a buildup. You can always just squeeze a little out in the shower so there's no actual sucking motion. Good luck!