Choosing to wean from pumping was a difficult decision. In fact, I was quite emotional about it. I don’t know if nursing mothers go through this, but for me, I was heartbroken.
Yes, freedom was around the corner. I wouldn’t be attached to my pump anymore. No more, “I have to pump first” or waking up early to pump before work. But, it’s the fact that it was part of my journey that launched me into motherhood. How difficult it was for me to start breastfeeding and how it reminds me of Isla’s newborn days. That’s why it makes me so emotional to part ways.
I chose to wean because we didn’t have anymore room to store my frozen milk and frankly, I just didn’t want to pump in the summer. As selfish as it sounds, I wanted my body back.
I, again, asked my support group on how to start and their advice was nonetheless encouraging. I wasn’t the only one emotional about weaning but was heavily supported in my decision to do so. #communityovercompetition
When I went back to work I was pumping 5 times per day, still producing 50-55oz/day. Sometimes at work, I just couldn’t find the time to pump. (More of a personal decision to push back times.) Eventually, I made the decision to drop one pump and starting pumping 4 times per day, supply didn’t change. This was when I decided to start to wean from pumping. (Plus, one day at work I realized I could go 12 hours without pumping.) That’s when I decided to pump for 2 weeks then drop a pump until I was down to 1. Pumped for 1 pump a day for 5 days then stopped completely.
How I Dumped the Pump
- Drop 1 pump, the one you hate the most. I decided to first drop my lunch time pump then my dinner time pump. Those two were usually my most inconvenient pumps. So I got rid of them right quick.
- Keep both the morning and night pump. I have to pump in the morning to relieve pressure and to send Isla with fresh milk to day care. The night time’s purpose was for comfort.
- Slowly extend times between pumps especially if you’re prone to clogs or mastitis.
- Drop a pump every 2 weeks. It sends a signal to your body that you are changing the demand. (Breast milk functions on supply and demand.)
- Pump shorter. I started taking off minutes off my pump times. Stop short 2 minutes of each pump every couple days.
- When you are finishing 2 pumps a day, drop either the morning or night pump cold turkey. The first couple days will be uncomfortable but then it goes away.
- Pump or Hand Express for comfort, not to empty. At the end, your body will get the signal to dry up but that doesn’t mean it will be easy or comfortable. When needed, pump or hand express for relief.
- Make sure you still have breast pads around! Because you will leak!
When I decided I was done, it was nothing but bittersweet. Sad to stop a part of me that connected me to her birth story but happy to start living again. I once shared my body, gave my body, but I decided it was time to take it back.
We, as women, sacrifice more than our lives for our babies. There’s no greater love than that.
Do you have any tips and tricks on weaning?
