5 Tips to Wean from Pumping

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends feeding your baby breastmilk for the first six months of your child’s life and to continue to provide breastmilk for up to a year longer. Each mother's journey is different based on milk supply issues, nursing challenges, or a job that makes it difficult to continue pumping at work. 

Do you want to wean from pumping, but are unsure how? No matter your situation, you are probably curious how to make the transition from pumping easiest for you and your baby. Here are a few tips:   

1. Increase time in between pumping sessions. 


a. Slowly add more time in between each pumping session. Try to delay pumping sessions for as long as you are comfortable. However, you should not try to wait until you’re experiencing breast pain or extreme fullness. This can lead to clogged ducts or mastitis. Let your comfort level be your guide. 


b. If you are pumping more than three times a day, begin weaning by dropping down to two pumping sessions a day about 12 hours apart. 
  

2. Gradually decrease the amount of time you pump at each session. 


a. Sometimes, an abrupt stop to pumping can be uncomfortable and higher the risk of developing painful engorgement, clogged ducts, and/or mastitis. Quitting cold turkey works for some women, but for others, it can cause problems. Consider dropping a pumping session every few days to give your body time to adjust. Eliminate these sessions one at a time until your milk has dried up. 

3. Drop an evening pumping session. 


a. For most women, milk production is at its highest point in the morning and tapers off throughout the day. For this reason, stopping evening pumping sessions may be easy to do for most women. 
  

4. Stop supplements or nursing boosters. 


a. You may be taking supplements or eating certain foods to help boost your milk supply. To help slow down milk production, refrain from taking these supplements or eating these foods. 
  

5. Quit cold turkey. 


a. For some women, quitting cold turkey is the way to go. If you reach a point when your breastmilk output is very low, you may wonder if stopping altogether is a viable option. 


b. The only way to know if this method works for you is to try it. Stop pumping and see how you feel. If you have an uncomfortable fullness, you may have to wean a bit more. If not, you have successfully weaned yourself from pumping. Congratulations! 


It’s important to remember to pay attention to your body. When you’re weaning from pumping, take note of changes in your breasts. If they become overly engorged, it can lead to pain, clogged ducts, and mastitis. It’s also important to speak with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider to learn additional tips for weaning off pumping. Be sure to let your doctor know if you suspect a clogged duct as this can help you avoid further complications.