There comes a point when a mom needs to wean from breastfeeding and pumping. It could be that you are planning to return to work soon, or you have an oversupply of milk. Besides these, there are other reasons, including personal ones. But when is it okay to start weaning from pumping? Are there guidelines that you need to follow?
This article will help you find answers. You will learn whether there is a right time to wean from pumping and how long the process may take. Not only that, but you will also learn how to do it properly.
How Long Does It Take to Wean Off Pumping?
It depends on how long you've been breastfeeding. Suppose you are only in the first week after childbirth. You can wean faster than others because your milk supply hasn't been fully established yet.
Likewise, if it has been 12 months since childbirth, weaning may also be fast. That's because your milk supply naturally decreases once your baby starts eating solid foods.
On the other hand, if you are just a few months postpartum, weaning will be longer for you.
Typically, the process lasts a month. For some, it may take two months, but it can also be as fast as two weeks.
How To Know When To Stop Pumping?
The choice is yours to make. But you should consider your baby's needs when making this decision. According to the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), you must breastfeed your baby for the first six months. Then, you can start incorporating solid foods into their diets.
Since pumping helps you breastfeed your baby even when you're apart, it is best to match this timing. Wait for the baby to start eating solids before you stop pumping. As mentioned above, your milk will also naturally decrease at this point. So, weaning would be faster than if you do it earlier.
Weaning can also promote fertility. Thus, you should consider it if you're planning to have another baby.
There are also cues that let you know you should consider weaning from pumping. The list includes:
- Oversupply - Your stock of breast milk is more than what your baby would need.
- Health - If you have an illness, you may start medication that is not safe for breastfeeding.
- Discomfort - You feel pain when pumping. In some cases, it may cause bleeding.
- Interference - Pumping interrupts your daily schedule, and it causes inconvenience.
- Readiness - It will be difficult to wean if you don't feel like you are ready. It can cause stress and anxiety. So, wait for the moment when you are emotionally ready.
How To Wean from Pumping Breast Milk?
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to wean from pumping. The process is very similar to weaning from breastfeeding. Therefore, you can also follow these steps if you want to stop breastfeeding.
Step 1. Drop Pumping Sessions
You should start by decreasing the number of pumping sessions per day. Your first goal is to reduce it to just two sessions a day. The best sessions to drop first are the midday or early evening sessions.
Drop the sessions one by one. Wait for about 4 - 5 days before you drop another one. You should also manage the space between the remaining sessions. Make it as even as possible. Then, when there are only 2 sessions left, make them 12 hours apart.
The Momcozy M9 can help you with this process. This app-controlled breast pump allows you to set time alerts for your pumping sessions. Input your new schedule with fewer sessions. That way, you will know when you should pump and when you shouldn't. It prevents confusion.
Step 2. Decrease the Duration
Your next goal is to reduce the pumping session to only one. To gradually remove the other one, reduce its length or the amount of milk you are expressing. On the other hand, keep the session that you don't plan to drop unchanged.
Step 3. Drop to One Session
Eventually, the pumping session you plan to drop will last just a few minutes. Once you get there, try skipping it completely. But don't force it if you feel uncomfortable. Pump just a little to relieve the pressure.
Keep doing this for a few days.
Step 4. Reduce the Duration of the Remaining Session
Now, you only have one pumping session per day. The next step is to reduce its duration or the volume of milk you are expressing. Keep doing it until you only get 1 - 2 ounces of milk per breast.
Step 5. Stop Pumping Completely
Suppose you are only getting a few ounces of milk. Try not pumping for a day. Then, after 36-48 hours, do one last pumping session. You don't need to pump again afterward.
Please note that pumping again is not "forbidden." It will not increase your milk supply again if you do it after that. Therefore, don't be scared to pump if you feel uncomfortable.
Other Tips for a Smooth Weaning Off Pumping
If the process is causing discomfort, consider slowing down. Eliminate pumping sessions more slowly or reduce session times little by little.
You should also avoid massaging your breasts, as it can trigger a letdown. It will then tell your body to produce more milk. On that note, you should also stop taking medications or supplements that can increase your milk supply.
Can You Stop Pumping Cold Turkey?
No, you should not. Pumping cold turkey means you are going to stop all pumping sessions at once without gradually reducing them. It can lead to several negative effects. That includes engorgement and mastitis. Furthermore, it can cause a sudden drop in your milk supply. Instead of pumping cold turkey, take a more gradual weaning approach, which allows your body to adjust.
How To Prevent Engorgement and Blocked Ducts While Weaning from Pumping?
Weaning from pumping may cause discomfort due to engorgement. The unexpressed milk may even cause clogged ducts. That said, you must signal your body that it needs to produce less milk to prevent these conditions. To do so, you should pump just enough milk for relief. Do not empty your breasts, as it will tell your body to produce more milk.
What Is The Difference Between Weaning Off Pumping and Weaning Off Breastfeeding?
Here is a table comparing weaning off pumping and breastfeeding:
|
Weaning Off Pumping |
Weaning Off Breastfeeding |
|
|
Impact on Baby |
Weaning off breastfeeding can affect your baby's mood and routines. For example, they may be relying on nursing to fall asleep. Therefore, when weaning off breastfeeding, it may take longer before they fall asleep. The slower letdowns and lower milk supply may also make them fussier. |
Weaning off pumping does not impact your baby. You are still collecting enough milk for feeding. If your baby is already eating solids, then there are other nutrient sources for them. Thus, stopping your pumping sessions will not affect them. |
|
Time |
It takes time to wean from breastfeeding. That is because your baby would need to get accustomed to drinking milk from a bottle. If they don't get accustomed to it fast, it will also delay the weaning process. |
You don’t need to wait for the baby to get accustomed to drinking from a bottle. Thus, this process can be done faster. |
|
Scheduling |
You need to be more strategic when it comes to weaning off breastfeeding. That's because several factors can affect the process. For example, your baby may be sick or teething. It could make weaning harder. |
Factors affecting weaning off breastfeeding don't impact pumping. Therefore, you are free to change your routines as you wish. You can create a strategic schedule and stick to that. |
When To Seek Professional Advice for Weaning Off Pumping?
You should consult a medical professional if you feel severe discomfort. While discomfort is expected during the weaning process, unbearable pain can be a sign that there's something wrong.
Seek professional help if:
Your Milk Ducts Are Clogged
You feel pain or warmth in the breasts. It is a sign that you have clogged ducts. You can relieve this through gentle massage, but if it's not effective, consult your doctor.
You Have Signs of Mastitis
Blocked ducts can cause an infection in the breasts or mastitis. It can cause an aching or even fever. Furthermore, mastitis can cause tenderness in your breasts. If you notice these signs while weaning, seek a medical professional's advice.
FAQs About Weaning Off Pumping
Here are some additional questions about weaning off pumping that we will answer for you.
Why Do I Feel Guilty Stopping Pumping?
You feel guilty because you feel you are being selfish. You worry that your baby may not get enough nutrients from formula. Furthermore, you feel like you are not giving your baby the "best." If you feel this, please know that you are doing nothing wrong.
What Should You Eat To Help Wean Off Pumping?
Herbs like sage, peppermint, parsley, and jasmine may help dry out your milk supply. However, please note that no research supports this. It is largely anecdotal. So, do not rely on it.
How Can I Tell If I’m Weaning Off Pumping Too Fast?
You will experience discomfort. Like with weaning off breastfeeding, this process takes more than a week. The fastest one could wean is two weeks. However, that may still be too fast for you. If you frequently feel uncomfortable, you may be weaning too fast. Also, if you feel like your breasts are always full, consider slowing down the process.
Is It Possible To Wean Off Pumping and Introduce Formula or Solid Foods Simultaneously?
It is possible, but it is not recommended. You should breastfeed your baby until they are 6 months old. Then, you can start introducing formula or solid foods. However, it is recommended that you continue breastfeeding your child until they are 1 year old. So, weaning from pumping should be done after you have introduced formula and solid foods.
Conclusion
Weaning from pumping is a necessary process that every mother goes through. It helps dry out your milk supply, allowing you to return back to work or your regular schedule. The process can be tricky and may cause discomfort. Thankfully, you can follow the steps outlined above to make it easier. Remember, the key is to take it slow and slow down even more if it makes you uncomfortable.
