Exclusive pumping is more difficult than nursing in many ways. However, weaning from the pump is one area where it actually can be easier! For one thing, the decision on when to do it is completely up to you – you don’t need to worry about your baby adjusting to no longer nursing. Additionally, there is usually less of an emotional hurdle for you as the mother. Finally, you can completely control your pumping output and carefully decrease it, whereas if you were nursing, it’s difficult to know whether your baby is getting more or less than the day before.
When you have decided to stop pumping, you will need to “wean” from the pump just like a nursing mother would wean her baby. This is best done slowly to minimize discomfort and issues with clogged ducts and mastitis. (If you need to wean quickly, try some of the methods for decreasing milk supply like sage tea along with the steps below.)
Weaning from the Pump in Six Steps
Below is the process that I used, laid out in six steps. (If you’d like to read more about when/how/why I weaned from the pump with my first baby, I wrote a separate post about my experience here.)
Step 1: Drop Pumping Sessions Until You are Down to Two Pumps Per Day.
If you are currently pumping three or more times per day, start by dropping down to just two sessions per day, preferably about 12 hours apart. (Obviously, you can skip this step if you are already two pumping sessions per day.)
Here is some detailed information on how to drop pumping sessions, but the quick version is that you slowly reduce the amount of time that you pump at a given session (reduce by a few minutes each day) or the volume (reduce by an ounce or two each day) that you pump. I would recommend using volume if you are prone to clogged ducts or mastitis, or if you have oversupply to make sure your breasts start to get the message that they should be making less milk.
After you drop one pumping session, it’s a good idea to wait a few days before dropping the next unless you need to wean quickly.
Step 2: Gradually Reduce the Length and/or Volume of One of the Remaining Pumps.
Since they are about 12 hours apart, you can choose the one that you are most eager to get rid of. (For example, I was pumping at 7pm and 6am and decided to drop the morning one so I could sleep a little longer.) Keep the one session you are not dropping the same length while gradually decreasing the length of time or amount of milk that you pump for the other one.
Step 3: Drop Down to One Pump Per Day.
When you are down to just a few minutes/a few ounces on the pumping session that you’re dropping, try skipping it completely and just doing the one longer pump per day. If you feel uncomfortable, go ahead and pump, but just enough to relieve the pressure.
Step 4: Hang Tight for a Few Days.
Let your body catch up with you.
Step 5: Gradually Reduce the Last Pump.
Gradually shorten your last pumping session (again, by time or volume, whatever has been working for you) until you’re getting only about 2 or 3 ounces from it.
Step 6: Stop Pumping!
Once you’re down to a few ounces, see if you can skip a day completely, then do one last pumping session 36-48 hours later. Hopefully, at this point, you should be all set to stop. If you feel full a few days later, pump if you need to, but as little as you can and still be comfortable.
[Bonus tip if you are already getting your period and experiencing a supply drop along with it: Try timing the weaning process to correspond with said supply drop. Your body is already making less milk, so encourage it to continue to do so. Drop a session at the beginning of your period and maybe another one at the end, if you think your body can handle it.]One last thing: it’s normal to have mixed feelings about weaning. On one hand, you might feel a loss of connection with your little one – especially if you are weaning before you’d like to. It is also normal to undergo some hormonal changes.
On the other hand, your life is about to become so much easier – no more hauling a pump around, no more trying to wrangle a baby while pumping, no more pump parts to wash. Try to focus on the good work that you have done by pumping for your little one. Congratulations mama!
Do you want more details? The above gives you the basics that you need to wean from the pump, and most pumping moms will be fine weaning with these steps. However, if you have special concerns or are just really confused or nervous about the process, I wrote an e-book that goes much deeper into the topic of weaning from the pump – it includes an overview of a few different methods, more details on dropping pumping sessions, specific steps to take if you’re worried about clogged ducts and mastitis, how to know when to start weaning, how long it will take, and more. It also includes sample weaning schedules. You can check it out here!
(Updated to add: I was featured on The Boob Group podcast on this topic! You can check the episode out here.)
In my case I was expressing for my premature baby who has lost his fight for survival at 3 weeks old. Born at 23 weeks and 5 days gestation. Weaning my breasts off milk that was meant for him is not easy. Please bare the mothers in mind who have to do this. Thank you for the advice.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
i’m so very sorry. will keep you in my prayers Amanda
i meant to say, sorry to you Robyn
So sorry for your loss and hope you’re doing as best as possible. Even though I don’t know you you’re in my prayers. I know your precious angel is happy and at total bliss up in heaven waiting for you.
This is so sad, I am really so sorry… :'((((
Thank you for the advice- I’m having to stop with the boob juice after finally getting a diagnosis of cmpa and lactose intolerance! Sad to stop breastfeeding but can’t wait to ditch the pump!!
I am down to pumping once every week-week and a half. I only express an once or 2, what ever I need to express for comfort, then stop. When will there be nothing left to pump, ball park? Because I feel like I’m being counterproductive by even pumping 3 times a month. I want zero times a month, haha. Thanks!
I would stop completely and use a cabbage leaf for comfort if needed. Good luck!
Thank you for this information! My Son is coming up to his first birthday on Feb 13th and I am set on weaning at a year. I’ve been exclusively pumping since he was about 4 weeks old because I just couldn’t get him to latch properly and he was tearing me up. I’ve been very adamant about being done pumping when he turns a year thinking about those exact same positive things you discussed…no more working our schedule around pumping’s, no more spending time hooked up to the pump while my family gets to roll around on the floor playing, no more stressing out when I can’t keep up more normal schedule from day to day…but with only a couple weeks left before I start weaning the thought is making me weepy. I’ve been so dedicated to do this for my son for so long, the thought of not doing it is somehow making me feel like some part of our connection is being severed, even though he hasn’t actually nursed directly from me for almost 11 months of his life. Little did I know that exclusively pumping was going to come with it’s own set of emotional struggles. 🙁
It’s so hard! I felt the same way about the connection. The extra time you will have is sooooo nice though, hopefully the feelings will pass quickly. Good luck!
I was told today that I have to start some medication and shouldn’t feed my baby the milk I pump. I became emotional about that and hate of thinking of pumping and dumping the milk I feel I work hard to get for him. However, I never made enough milk for him and was supplementing about half his feedings with formula anyway. Just not ready to stop all together.
Just a thought – doctors sometimes can be overcautious about this, it’s not a bad idea to double check with the infant risk center. You can give them a call for free to confirm that you need to dump the milk. http://www.infantrisk.com. Good luck!
Well done Deanna. My son was one yesterday and I’ve been exclusively pumping for him since birth as he wouldn’t latch and had tounge tie. I also decided to pump until he was a year old. I’m cuttently going from twice a day to once. Though I’d go cold turkey but this has worked so wean off slowly I’m full and sore for the first time in months.
Well done for going to a year it’s such hard work
@Robyn So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
@Amanda I’ve been EPing for twins for over 10 months and my last pump day is set as Feb 8th to have enough stored up to get them to one year of breastmilk. Do I wean starting that day or do I start weaning now in order to be completely done by Feb 8th?
If you don’t need any more milk to get them to a year, I would start weaning now. If you need to pump your full supply until Feb 8 to get them to a year, I would start then. I hope that makes sense!
Mesha- I’m in the same boat, EPing for twins for the past 11 months and need to return my pump I’m 3 weeks. How long did it take you to tapper completely down? I have a stock pile in the fridge but want to get as much as I can before their birthday while still returning my pump on time. For reference I currently pump about 60oz a day. I have no idea how long it takes to stop with that volume. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@Amanda if you have any thoughts/guidelines on volume & weaning I’d love to hear as well, thanks!
Hi Renee! If you haven’t gotten any clogged ducts or mastitis during your pumping “career” I think should should be able to stop in 3 weeks! I would probably start now though if that’s a hard deadline if you are currently pumping 60 oz. If you find you’re bumping up against the return date, you could look into buying a Medela Harmony or Swing to get you through the end. Good luck!
Yes it does. Thanks so much.
How much/long should the last pumping session be? Should it be to empty out completely or just to relieve fullness?
At the beginning (when you are first down to one pumping session), it should be to empty completely. You should gradually drop this down so you are not emptying completely.
The information on your site has been so helpful so far as I started weaning- an exclusive pumper here. I have made it down to one pump basically every other day. On the second day when I wake up after not pumping at all the previous day- my breasts are so sore with one or two hard lumps- I have to pump just a little to relieve the pain. Should I just ride out the pain or keep pumping just a little and it will eventually stop.? When I do pump- I just pump for about 10-15min and I get about 4oz total.
I’m sorry you’re having that pain! I think I would suggest using cabbage leaves to try to stop altogether. Maybe try putting some cabbage leaves in your bra a few times during your “off” day and then before you go to bed? That might help with the lumps. Then I would pump as little as you can and keep using the cabbage to get to the end of the weaning process. Good luck!
How do I wean off 7 pumps a day 15 minutes per pump. My daughter is only 3 weeks old but we have decided as a family to stop bc it is too difficult to manage her needs with the constant pumping sessions and I am becoming quite overwhelmed and sad. I would like to wean as quickly as possible but avoid physical complications
Hi Jodi! I totally understand and am sorry that you’re having a hard time. I would suggest dropping the 7 pumps one at a time. Pick the one that is the most annoying now and drop it, then keep going. It depends on your supply how fast you can go – maybe try to do one session every 2 days? Good luck!
Can totally relate!! I think I had a form of PPD directly related to pumping… I felt like it was dictating my entire life. We weaned over the course of a week to 4 pumps a day, eventually getting to 3 around 8 weeks. Our LO is now 4.5 months old and my 3 pumps/day has maintained enough to just now be starting to have a hard time keeping up. I dropped the 15 minute pumps and added 15 to the 4 I kept. Seemed to help. Everyone is different but your body will regulate itself!
I’m am just starting to come around to the idea that I am at the end of my pumping journey. My daughter will be 5 months on Friday and it is now almost, sort of, kinda a pain in the butt to EP. Can you hear the guilt in my typed out words? I’m so torn over what to do and when to do it. When you want the best for your baby but want the best for yourself too. Sleep, computer time, leave the house and have a family adventure,catch up on all my missed shows…. it’s such a hard decision. Plus I’m staring at a can of brewers yeast and fenugreek capsules that I haven’t fully used up. I’m thinking one more round of cookies, pump like crazy and build up that freezer stock while slowly introducing formula into her bottles. She’s not wild about eating cereal yet so we are still heavy in the bottles and I’d like to keep her on the breast milk or formula for as long as possible. Ugh mom guilt is so strong.
Mom guilt is so strong! Whatever you decide is the right decision. Breast milk is wonderful, but so is a happy, relaxed mom! You’re doing great.
My little girl is 11 weeks old and I also have a 3 year old so I have decided to stop because I am just so exhausted and in return extra moody. I have a little over 4,000 ounces stockpiled. We are going on a vacation in 3 weeks and I want to be totally done by then. Help! How do I make it happen? I am going longer in between pumps now, but afraid of getting mastitis when i start feeling the lumps, because I got it with our son. I get approx 20-24 ounces during each 15-20 min session. Thanks for your help!
Hi Christine! Congrats on an amazing supply! I would use cabbage leaves, Sudafed, and sage to speed up the process. (I linked in the article above to how to reduce your supply faster – that has more details on all of that.) I would also reduce by volume – so cut out a few oz per day. Usage the stuff I mentioned above should speed things up and reduce the change you’ll get mastitis. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Hello, first time mom here. Baby is a week old and I am already ready to stop pumping. My question is since I’m only a week into pumping should I start with 3 pump sessions and wean down from there or are 2 pump sessions 12 hours apart okay?
If you’re comfortable with 2 sessions then do that, but if you start to feel uncomfortable or lumps then I would go with 3. Good luck!
Thank you for the such helpful article! I am weaning from the pump now and need your advise, how do I know that there is no need to pump when I am dropping the last pumping session? I mean if I feel that some milk is still there but no pressure or discomfort is it Ok to leave it??? I am prone to the clogged ducts and had bad experience with it so I am bit nervous about that last one pump…I went by the decreasing volume way and it worked very well for me. Thank you in advance!
Hi Julia! I think if you can get down to 2oz per day, you’d be good to try going 36 hours. Then try 48. I think your supply will tank pretty well doing this. Good luck!
I know ultimately when to throw in the towel is up to me but given the extra cost for the hospital grade pump rental, supplements etc I need some advice….if I’ve tried everything (supplements, oatmeal, everything short of RX) when should I see an increase and if I haven’t is it a sign it’s time to wean. One of my biggest challenges is pumping 8-10x a day…it’s nearly impossible. I’m so stressed out bc my 1 month old is fussy it’s hard to find time to pump I can’t do it while she’s feeding bc she has to be set up to feed and well she’s recently diagnosed with a dairy protein Allergy so she’s on hypoallergenic formula anyways for 2 weeks to see if that makes her better. I’m dairy free to make it so she can have my milk but 2 bouts of mastitis have tanked my supply I’m barely getting 20ml per pump….I’m so stressed about finding time to pump and not pumping enough I know it’s contributing to the supply. I just don’t know what to do….
Hi Tanya! I think you should drop down to 7 pumping sessions and see how that goes. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing (making enough breast milk to feed your baby or do formula) – any amount of breast milk you can give her is good AS LONG AS you aren’t stressed out and miserable, which is sounds like you are. I would work on getting things to be more manageable by dropping a few sessions and then reevaluating how you feel. If it’s still too much, drop more (and go down to zero), if it feels manageable, stay there and give her what breast milk you can – if you want to. I hope this is somewhat helpful…. 🙂
Is it okay to give the baby the milk you drank while on Sudafed? If I do feel lumpy should I massage my breasts or will that que them to make more milk? Also one breast produces more than the other, should I pump then at different amounts of time?
I have an app called Infant Risk that says it is safe, but I’m not a doctor so it’s not a bad idea to check with your ped or call the Infant Risk Center to talk through it. http://www.infantrisk.com
If you feel lumpy I would go ahead and pump until empty so you don’t get a clog.
It’s totally normal for one breast to produce more than the other – I would just go with it. Good luck!
Hello, I am a first time mom with a 6 month old starting to reduce pumps. I tend to clot very easily. I have recently spaced from every 3-4 hrs to every 5-6 hrs. When you talk about reducing volume, do you mean every pump session? I am afraid not emptying all the way each time, especially since I am pumping less often, will make me clot more. Thank you for your help! I love your blog, and have felt like all the feelings that come along with EPing are not just my feelings, but shared, and that is a relief!
Hi Candance! I would reduce volume only one session at a time and empty all the others. Then when you can drop the pump you’re reducing, you can move on to the next one. 🙂
“Additionally, there is usually less of an emotional hurdle for you as the mother.” Breastfeeding is breastfeeding no matter how your baby gets milk. I am currently in the process of weaning as an EPer and this is just as emotional as switching from DN to EPing. I am not sure this statement of yours is at all helpful. I came here for advice and I am just caught up on that statement and didnt really end up reading the rest of it. Your website is Exclusive Pumping, yet you just diminished the emotional attachment of breastfeeding because we dont direct nurse our babies…
Hi Audrey,
I’m sorry that you found that statement hurtful. Obviously, I didn’t intend that! What I was trying to say was that it can be less emotional because you don’t have to deal with “refusing” your baby the breast when you wean. For example, when I stopped nursing my third baby (I EPed for my first), I had a hard deadline and had to stop her from trying to nurse when she was begging for it. I felt so guilty! When it’s you and the pump, you are more in control, which (sometimes) makes the emotional part easier. Again, I’m sorry I offended you, and I hope this helps. Best of luck with your weaning journey and feel free to email me if I can help.
Have already posted comment above, my weaning goes almost smoothly with no engorgement and no discomfort thanks to your advises. I am already down to one pumping ( around 2 ounces a day) but during those 24 hours I am developing couple small but hard clots on my areola or just below it on both breasts, as soon as a pump several minutes they are gone with no extra effort, until the next pumping in 24 hours. Rest of my breast is nice and soft.I understand that when I pump I am encouraging milk production but on the other hand I shouldn’t leave those hard things there correct? I hope that my body will adjust since it’s started when I went down to 2 pumpings several days ago, but wondering why just around areola. Please advise. Thank you!!!
Hi Julia! Maybe try cabbage? That will make it less likely that you’ll get the hard lumps throughout the day. You could also just try going for 36 hours straight if the lumps aren’t painful – you might just need a last push for your supply to completely dry up. Hope that helps!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for your blog. I have been EPing since early October. I moved to this because my daughter and I just weren’t a good BFing match and we were both bawling our eyes out at every nursing session at night! Your advice – especially the sample pumping schedules – have been spot on for me and I have come back to reference several times. Now she is over 6 months old, and I’m nearly to my goal of having enough in storage to get us at least to her first birthday (hooray for awesome supply!). It’s hard to think about not providing fresh milk for my babe, but so ready for more time to spend with her and less dishes to do. 🙂 Thanks for putting your advice out there!
Thanks Megan!!! 🙂
Hello 🙂 new mum of baby who’s 3 months old. I’m exclusively pumping from birth and have had severe recurring mastitis from 1 week postpartum (over 10 times). I’m trying to wean without any luck. I’ve tried sage tincture, parsley , mint to reduce my supply. I’ve tried reducing pumping just a few mls for one pumping session (advised by my doctor) and I keep getting mastitis. Also I take lecithin 3 times a day. I have not had the pleasure to even enjoy my baby. Thanks for the blog.
So sorry that you’re dealing with this! How many times are you pumping per day? Were you trying to reduce one pumping session at a time?
Have you tried Sudafed at all? That might help. Also I would try cabbage leaves.
Thanks again! I’m pumping 5 times a day now ( obviously supplementing ) I haven’t tried Sudafed yet! Been advised on a homeopathy treatment which I’ve started today to reduce supply! I’m in france so sudafed is not available only with paracetamol or other substances. I’m very prone to mastitis at night. Yes I’ve tried cabbage leaves they work well! Is it possible to wean with such severe case or should I seek medical attention.
It’s never a bad idea to see a doctor when you are so prone to mastitis. Good luck. I am so sorry you have to deal with this!
Thankyou very much
Thank you comment from Julia 🙂 Amanda thank you once again for all of the information provided on yuor website and responses, I am successfully weaned from pumping. I am happy and sad at once, mixed feleling, pumping for those who do EP is pretty much the same as BF, it’s a connection with your baby. I am glad that I provided my baby with fresh milk for 4 months at least and several weeks with frozen stash. Pumping and weaning is hard, it helps and encourages to know that you are not the only one pumping mama who couldn’t nurse. I think that all mamas who decided to EP are doing just GREAT job for their babies instead switching easily to the formular. I know how hard it is to wake up 2 times a night to pump ! ehhh….and find time during the day…Thank you once again.
Hi, I’ve recently made the decision to start weaning myself from EPing for my LO. I just started to increase the duration of time in between pumps. Instead of every 3 hours (for a total of about 6 pumps/day) and I’m trying to decrease to every 4 hours. So far I’m not having any problems with plugs or anything, but I was just wondering about how long should I wait to continue decreasing the frequency of my pumps? Is 1 week enough? I also can’t get over this terrible feeling of guilt over my decision to wean from the pumping. My LO is almost 3 months old and I have a pretty good stash in the freezer, but I just feel SO bad. I know she will be okay if I have to transition her to formula but I still feel like a failure. How do I deal with this? I know I’m just rambling about this, but I guess I’m just looking for validation that it’s ok. I need my sanity/life back.
Hi Carolyn! I think one week is enough.
I totally understand the guilt. I think EPing is great if you can swing it, but I also have zero doubts that having a happy, sane mom is way more beneficial to your daughter than having breast milk instead of formula. Plus – you matter, too! You are making a ton of sacrifices to be a mom, and pumping around the clock does not have to be one of them if you don’t want it to be. Good luck!
Thank you very much for the reassurance and advice! I also want to let you know how much of a god send this blog is Amanda! I thought I was the only one for a long time and believed something was wrong with me. However, since I’ve found this website I feel so much better knowing there are many women out there in a similar position. I never thought it would be this difficult to EP.
So glad to hear that Carolyn! 🙂
Reading this blog has been very helpful to me. Over the past week, I have had mastitis in one breast and clogged milk ducts in the other. My freezer is so full of milk, I have run out of places to put it. But I don’t want to stop pumping. I feel extremely guilty and become emotional when I consider it. Yesterday, I spent at least four hours total trying to unclog my plugged milk ducts. My husband and I discussed my stopping pumping and I cried each time. We are introducing cereal to our baby right now. I feel if he were taking more cereal I wouldn’t be so hesitant to stop pumping. I was going to take Sudafed and apply cabbage to just dry up but feel that because I have such an emotional attachment, weaning would be a better choice for me.
Best of luck with your decision! It’s so hard. Whatever you decide is the right decision.
Hi Nicole. I had a lot of problems with plugged ducts too and I read in another post that taking soy lecithin would help with that. I tried it several weeks ago and haven’t had another problem with plugged ducts since. As far as mastitis goes I have found that warm compresses, ibuprofen and breast compression during pumping goes a long way to help prevent mastitis. Hope this works for you too. As for the guilt, I definitely feel you! I’ve only been pumping for 3 months and already I feel like it’s too much to keep going, but I can’t get over the terrible guilt! In the end I’ve decided that I need to wean myself. Having my life back and being able to take care of my children and myself is more important to me than trying to kill myself trying to pump. Stay strong!
I had my daughter 8 weeks ago and have been EPing since then and have hated every minute of it. I went back to work last week and have decided its time to wean. I was pumping every 3 hours during the day and every 4 hours during the night until I was dry. Last week I tried to only pump for 9-10 minutes to relieve pressure but was too engorged. Im going to try adding time between pumping sessions every few days, starting out pumping every 4 hours for a few days then every 5 hours, so on so forth. I was wondering if I should be pumping until Im dry or if I should should just pump for a few minutes to make myself comfortable? I have been taking Allegra d and using cabbage leaves since Friday but haven’t really seen a change. I would like to wean as fast as possible while still being comfortable.
I would pump until empty at every session except one (the one you’re trying to drop). That one you should slowly reduce the amount that you pump. Good luck!
So I am ready to wean off exclusively pumping. My supply dropped drastically about 2 weeks ago to where im lucky if I get more than 1.5 ounces and I have twins so it’s really not worth pumping any more. I’m curious with already a small amount of milk what steps should I take? I started shortning my time but I keep getting clogged ducts and if I hand express them, they do go away.
How many times a day are you pumping? Are you trying to drop them one at a time or reducing time for all of them at once?
I would like to go from 3 pumps a day to 1 or is that to fast? I could try 2 but I need to start using some of my frozen milk. How should I go about this? I’m nervous about it.
I would recommend dropping to 2 first. You only need to stay at 2 for a week or less, just to get your body used to it. Good luck!
Hi! I love all the information you provide. I am pumping about 7 times a day for 15 minute, but producing less than 2 ounces each time, so I wondered how to increase my milk supply if I even can.
Also, I am thinking about dropping down my session because I am not producing encough and still supplementing with formula anyhow. While I want to continue giving my baby breast milk I realize it not much and mommy is exhausted!!!
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Hi! If you want to try increasing your milk supply before you think about weaning, I would read this and see what might work for you. Probably fenugreek would be my first recommendation. Good luck!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
I’ve been EP’ing since my daughter was born. She never held a good latch, even with multiple trips to the lactation consultants. I was lucky that I produced an abundant supply of milk; however, she was great at eating it. I had some saved, but then a growth spurt came and away went my stock pile. I went back to work full time after 6 weeks and have been working to keep up with her. She is now almost 5 months and is doing great with cereal and soon baby food. With my job, its getting harder for me to pump with night functions, etc., and I’m feeling super guilty about wanting to wean. I wanted to make it until at least 6 months and then wean. The stress of always having my pump around combined with working wondering if this event will have a place where I can pump – then having to bring a small ice chest to carry the milk I pumped with me because I live in the south where its always 90 degrees and not sure how long it will be before I can go home, is taking its toll.
This site was very helpful to know I’m not the only mom out there that had to EP and is making me feel a bit less guilty. Thanks for the encouraging words and sound advice!
I have EP since my LO was a month old. I pump 6 times a day (every 3.5-4 hours) for 20 -25 mins. One breast nipple has been split since the beginning and i have battled thrush the entire time. He is now 11 months old and i am going to start the weaning process so that by the time he turns one, i will be able to stop. Why i feel bad about that…i dont know. I get emotional just thinking about it although i am sick of pumping. A couple days ago the breast that has the split nipple started pumping out blood and clots. I did not know it at the time although i did feel a sharp sting but i never looked down. Thank goodness, cause i would have freaked had i seen that come out. Have you ever heard of that happening?
I am confused about dropping the pump. I should pump less on just that pump but how long do i pump less on that one pump? A couple of days? A week?
Thanks for any advice you can give.
Ugh that sounds horrible. That happened to me once too – the stuff in the bottle looked like something Renesmee from Twilight would have drunk.
Anyway – yes, so pump less on that one pump for a few days (gradually bring it down 5-10 minutes at a time), and then quit. Wait a few days and do it again.
Good luck and congrats on weaning!!!
I will add that it only pumped the blood and clots once and has not done it again in the last couple of days.
Hi, great blog. I have expressed since my little boy arrived but had to supplement with formula from the beginning after a bad birth & a long hospital stay for us both as I couldn’t produce enough. He has 2 breast bottles a day which we are completely happy with, I have a good stock in the freezer too. I’m going back to work soon (self employed & less hrs) so when I’m there I need to be earning not pumping.
I’m currently pumping 4 times a day, between 20-30oz over all (which is fine for us) I want to drop down to twice a day but then maintain that, is this possible? If so how? I have a 3 weeks until I return to work to make some progress (doesn’t matter if it takes longer)
Should I just drop one session and then empty on the ones I want to keep & slowly decrease the third session by just expressing for comfort, I’ve not had huge problems with blocked ducts etc, had a few “tender” days (specifically on the right? Weird?)
Also should I stop with the fenugreek even tho I want to keep up the 2 sessions?
Any advice greatly appreciated, Heather xxx
Hi Heather! I think that 20-30oz per day might be hard to maintain on two sessions per day. If you wanted to try, I would make them each an hour long and just be prepared for anything from no supply loss to maybe a 50% drop. As far as how to get there – yes, what you described should work great! As far as the fenugreek goes, either way will work. How long have you been taking it and what is your dose?
Hi,
I found your post and it was extremely helpful. I am EPing my almost 3 month old but I have to have surgery on June 2nd, 2017. I would like to wean off the pump by then because it is shoulder surgery and I will not be able to maneuver the pump, plus I will be on medications. Right now I pump 5-6 times a day and get around 32-36 oz per 24 hours.
My question is since I have 4 weeks to wean, should I drop a pump at a time or just reduce the amount of time I pump each time.
Thank you!
I prefer dropping one pump at a time because it’s easier for me to focus on one thing at a time, but you can do it either way!
I have been pumping for almost 11 months. My daughter is not so fond of sweet so she didn’t really like milk and gags from formula but she loves her fennel seeds tea. So at 6mos I started to pump only 2times before bed and morning for few months now and stacked my freezer with scolded milk because everything I stacked earlier was soapy and she refused it completely and I had to give it away. My supply is about 30oz a day. I’m ready to wean but every time I think about it I feel sad. She likes fresh milk when she doesn’t feel well or teething and that makes me sad that I won’t be able to give it to her. I have to wean completely before June7. Just want to say that it’s possible to pump 2 times a day for long time. I got lots of valuable info here. Thanks you. Now I know what to do to wean from pump completely.
Hi. I am hoping to be able to pump for a little longer too but even 3 pumps a day is too much. I need the time to do other things. I’ve dropped to 2 pumps per day this past week and pump for an hour each. How long do you pump for each time?
Thanks for your guidance on weaning–superb! I’m down to two pumps (530am, 7pm) and getting just 2-2.25 ounces per pump. I’d like to drop the morning session first. Given that I’m not producing much at all, can I just drop it cold turkey? Never had issues with clogged ducts or mastitis. When I’m down to one pumping session, assuming same output, how long to wean that down?
Thanks!
I think you can drop both cold turkey, I’d just do one at a time! Wait at least 3-4 days in between. Then 36-48 hours after your last session, pump one last time to finish up. Good luck!
I am trying to be done pumping. I am down to 2 pumps a day but since getting there, I keep getting clogged on one side. The clogs are very difficult to clear. I don’t know what to do. I want to be done.
I’ve almost pumped for a year and the decision to stop and the issues I’m having are emotionally exhausting.
Ugh, so sorry to hear this. I would use the volume method to be done, where you slowly decrease the volume you pump over a series of days. In addition, though, I would use cabbage leaves in between the sessions that you still have in order to reduce your chances of getting a clog. I would also suggest trying Sudafed to see if that can knock out part of your supply. Good luck!
Ok. I’ll get those items this evening. I already have a clog. I have had multiple since I started the weaning process. Thanks for the help!
Hello, my son is 15 weeks old, and I’d like to wean from the pump now that I’m back at work. I only pump 3x/day, and my son gets a breastmilk/formula mixture. Right now I pump as follows:
9am — pump about 6-8 ounces
3pm — pump about 3 ounces
9pm — pump about 3 ounces, sometimes less
Each pump session lasts about 45 minutes — which is exhausting, but it hurts to turn up the pump much stronger (I’ve suffered from sore nipples, and have been treated for possible yeast infection of the nipples, and have been fitted for smaller flanges).
What is the best advice to wean from the pump since my volume isn’t very high, and my pump sessions last a long time? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
I would drop the 3pm pump first – i would cut the amount you pump in half one day and then skip it the next day. Then I’d wait a few days and do the same thing to the 9pm, and then wait a few days. For the 9am, I’d drop it more slowly. Maybe reduce the amount you pump over several days before stopping completely. Good luck!
Thanks so much – really appreciate the help! 🙂
Hi,
My baby is 4 weeks old tomorrow and I’ve been EP because she was 5 weeks early and was/is a poor latcher. I’m ready to stop pumping: I currently pump 6 times a day for 20 minutes each time. I only produce about 2-4oz per breast each time, so I can’t tell whether it’s better to decrease by time spent pumping or by volume, since there isn’t a ton of volume. Any advice? I am prone to lumps if I go more than 4.5 hours without pumping. I’ve decreased pumping time to 17 minutes, which seems to be going well so far, but I’m not sure hgradually to reduce a few minutes. Thank you! This website has been a great resource.
Hi Kate! Congrats on your baby! I would drop one pumping session at a time rather than decrease the time across the board. It works for some people but for others there is a tendency to clog because the breasts are never emptied all the way. You can bring one session at a time down to 2oz total and then drop it completely, then wait a few days and do it again for another session. Good luck!
Im glad this thread is still active! My baby is close to 3 weeks old, and I’ve been pumping (supplementing with formula) since he was born without much luck breastfeeding. I’d like to be totally done pumping by 6 weeks, using up my fridge stash as needed.
I didn’t have any trouble moving to 5 pumping sessions a day last week. This week I tried to move to 4, and I had a sore, hard spot in the left breast yesterday, and one one the right today. I went back up to 5 sessions and it seems to have eased but not completely.
Am I moving too quickly (should I stay at 5 another week then go down?) I can see my supply went down when I moved to 4 sessions, I went from about 13 oz per day to 11.
Cutting out sessions is definitely more convenient than reducing time per session for me.
Thanks for this blog!
Hi! I would wait until the clog is completely gone, wait a few days, and then try again. Good luck!
I am on two pumps approx spreadout 12 hours for 5 days and I still get atleast 8 oz per pump. I pump for 12 mins and then remove the rest by hand. How would you suggest I drop the evening pump? I get atleast 2-3oz by hand per boob after using the pump. Between pumps I get engorged but it is manageable with slight discomfort. Thanks in advance.
I would reduce the volume slowly over a week. See if you can stop pumping at 10oz, then 8oz, etc. until you’re down to 2oz. Then you can drop that session.
I’m so happy to find this thread! I’ve been exclusively pumping and supplementing with formula as I’m only producing about 8 oz a day. I pump 6 times a day for 20 minutes each and my supply is still so low. My son is almost 7 weeks old and I’m ready to stop pumping. Of course I feel very guilty knowing he needs even the little bit of breast milk he’s getting from me but I also feel defeated and worn out with not much to show for my exhausting efforts. Please advise
Hi Cara! You’re doing awesome. Try to feel guilty. It’s totally fine to wean – your baby is only going to be this little once and there is no sense in spending this time feeling defeated and miserable. If it helps, my oldest is 6 and I have zero emotional attachment now to how he was fed as a baby. (I had a lot of it when he was a baby!!) It feels like a big deal now, but it won’t always be. You’re a great mom!
Hello,
wondering if I should still feed my baby the breastmilk I pump while i am weaning, since it will have so much less fat , etc. in it. Thank you ! Reading this and the comments has been very helpful. I have been wondering why I have been feeling so sad about coming to the end of pumping despite all of its unpleasantness. My husband cannot wait until I am done pumping and I was hoping to last until my baby had surgery…but at this point I feel that being able to respond to his needs quickly matters more than pumping. He is 14 months old…I think I just needed some validation (externally–I think I have it internally) that it is ok to stop now. You mamas are all amazing.
Hi! Yes, you can feed it to your baby. You can always mix it with whatever you’re switching to (whole milk/etc) to make sure they get enough fat too. You’ve done a great job!
I pump every 14 hours now, about 30mins and 8-10oz per pump (pump to empty). I really want to wean from the pump as soon as possible. Can you please advise?
Hi Helen! I would suggest starting at step 2 above – you have two pumps that are about 12 hours apart. I would drop the first slowly (cut down maybe 2oz per day – so 8oz, then 6oz, etc.). Then wait a few days and do the same thing with the last remaining session.
I apologize in advance for this long-winded and complicated post…
I’ve been EP’ing for my son pretty much since he was born because he never could figure out how to latch. I’ve had issues with oversupply right from the start (was pumping 50 oz + per day), and thanks to your website, I have been able to reduce my supply somewhat (I tried volume reduction first and got nowhere, but reducing time did help), but as I am prone to mastitis (3 times!!!) and clogged ducts, I’m pretty much at my wit’s end and want to wean from the pump. The problem is that I’ve been trying for about a month now to wean, and I’ve gotten mastitis twice now during the process (currently battling the second case now with antibiotics). I’ve tried pretty much everything to move the process along: sage tincture, no more milk tea, sudafed, antihistamines, estrogen-containing birth control, cabbage leaves… you name it! But I’ve seen no real changes. Because of the mastitis, I’m currently pumping the affected breast more frequently and fully, but I have gotten down to pumping for just 4 minutes 5 times per day otherwise for about the last 2 weeks. I will also note that as my son has been sleeping more through the night, I have gradually dropped those pumping sessions so now I do go 8-10 hours without pumping at night, and my breasts are often ridiculously full and uncomfortable when I wake up (this has been for about the past month). Can you advise on what steps I should take from here? I feel so lost and frustrated on top of the guilt for wanting to wean…
Hi Jackie! I would try to wean one session at a time instead of reducing the time on all of them at the same time. The reason for this is that you never completely empty and that’s when bad things happen and things get stuck. I would keep 4 sessions as normal and drop one, then move on to the next. Good luck!!
Hi I’ve been exclusively pumping for my premature baby for almost a year on July 7th and I’m about ready to wean by the time she turns 1. I’m exhausted, she’s a lot more active, but I’m also feeling a little of a bittersweet feeling about stopping. I feel guilty at times but I need to do this for my families sake and most of all for mine. Im down to 3 pumps a day and when I pump I’ll be 20-30 minutes into the pumping sessions and I’ll barely have anything like half an ounce but my breasts will still be full and full of lumps. Why is this and how can i deal with it? Thank you in advance!
Ugh this sounds terrible. It sounds like maybe you aren’t getting a letdown? Have you tried warm compresses and putting the pump back on letdown mode until you letdown? Sorry this is happening!
My LO is turning 6 months soon and I am in the process of trying to wean myself. I have gotten myself down to 2 sessions per day. I pump for 1 hour per session. I have 2 questions. 1) Would it be possible to keep up pumping 2 times a day for an extended period of time so I don’t have to completely stop just yet? 2) When I am ready to stop and I drop to 1 session per day do I just continue to pump for 1 hour and gradually reduce the vol/time I pump from there until i am ready to stop, or do I wait until the amount I pump decreases first?
Hi Carolyn! Yes, you can do two sessions for as long as you want! As for dropping to one session, yes, I would do that – I would keep it to what your body is used to until it adjusts to dropping the other session. Then you should be good to start reducing volume/time. Good luck!
My LO is turning 1 a week from tomorrow. I started to wean three days ago from the pump, dropping my afternoon session cold turkey. I have been drinking Mama’s “No More Milk Tea” 3-4 times a day to reduce the supply as well. I currently pump for 10 minutes in the morning (6:30am) when I wake up and for 10 minutes (6:30-7:30pm) in the evening to relieve pressure. I have been pumping since LO was 2 months old. Do you know how long it will take for me to dry up? I have been lucky enough not to have plugged ducts so I can go that long period of time between my morning and evening pumping session. If I end up becoming to full in the afternoon, I will hand express milk out to relieve pressure. Please help!
Hi@ I would drop one session at time. Pick which is more annoying to you – morning or evening – and then slowly start to reduce either the volume or time that you pump at that session. When that’s done, drop the other one. You can do it in a few days or a few weeks, just depends on how fast you want to go. Good luck!
My baby is 2.5 months old, but was 9 weeks early, so I’ve been exclusively pumping for the most part with 1-2 nursing sessions a day for the last 4 weeks. He isn’t an efficient nurser, so I have to pump after he nurses anyways. I’ve had infections, vasospasms and am super prone to plugged ducts so I’m about ready to start weaning. Currently I’m pumping 7 times a day because of the plugged ducts, but my output is only 2-6 ounces per pump, so how do you suggest I start weaning without too much discomfort?
Hi Shay! That sounds terrible. Have you tried lecithin at all for the clogged ducts? If not, it might not be a bad idea while you’re weaning. Other than that, I would drop one session at a time pretty slowly. If you’re regularly getting only 2oz for a given session maybe start with that one – you could cut it to 1oz on day and then drop it completely the next. Then repeat with the other sessions. Good luck!
Hi there! I have never been able to produce much. After my baby had surgery my supply just tanked and I couldn’t get it back. At this point I’ve weaned myself down to 2 ppd 12 hours apart and I get less than 2 ounces per pump. Is it safe at this point to just stop? I don’t get engorged or uncomfortable anymore.
I think I’d stop at one at a time (maybe even just one day apart), but yeah, I think that would be fine. 🙂
Hello: Thank you for such an informative website. If you could answer a question I would greatly appreciate any advice. I am currently pumping 6 times a day for 11 minutes each session. I am pumping approximately 3 to 4 ounces each session. I am desperate to be done pumping. Is reducing by volume the fastest way? How much would I want to continue pumping at each session?
I think I would cut each session in half to two oz and drop it, wait a day or two and then move on to the next session (assuming you haven’t had any clogged ducts or mastitis). Good luck!
Hi, and thank you for your blog! I’m currently in the process of weaning from the pump after 9 months of EBF/EP. I’m super prone to clogged ducts, and I’m using your suggested method of gradually reducing volume pumped, which seems to be working well so far. My question is about the last pump you mention in Step 5. Should you pump until you’re empty, or just a few minutes/ounces? Thanks for your help!
Hi Laura! I would go until empty but don’t worry about getting every last drop – more like just a normal pumping session but feel free to stop early if you feel like there’s no milk left.
I weaned myself from pumping about a week and a half ago. I have gone that long without pumping and don’t feel engorged, however, I’m feeling like I have clogged ducts (not mastitis, just hard painful spots) do you think I should pump to relieve the ducts even though I don’t feel full?
I don’t think it will hurt anything – go for it!
My baby boy just turned a month a few days ago. I’m down to 2-3 pumps a day and each are anywhere between 10-12 minutes. I’d like to rid of the morning session but seems like every morning when I wake up, my breasts hurt the worse so I pump. I pump anywhere from 4-5 oz on each breast. How do I rid of the morning session?
I would keep pumping at that time, but just pump a little less each day. So one day you’d pump 4oz, then 3oz, then 2oz, etc. You can wait a few days in between reducing the volume or not, whatever is comfortable. When you can skip it without feeling engorged, then you can drop it altogether. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I have been pumping now for 12 weeks and have had x 3 sets of mastitis. Honestly, I feel like its time for me to stop pumping. I am an oversupplier, and I constantly have blocked ducts and engorgement, never really feeling empty. I have tried to wean using the volume method and mastitis came my way.
I am currently on antibiotics for the mastitis and the doctor has given me a prescription for Bromocriptine (Parlodel), I have found it difficult to get information regarding what to do when I start taking this tablet. Do I keep pumping while the tablet dries up my milk or do I go cold turkey? I fear that if I go cold turkey I will get mastitis again any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Pamela! So sorry to hear that you had mastitis all those times. That sounds horrible!
I do not think I would stop pumping cold turkey with your history – but I would ask the doctor who is prescribing it for you. He or she probably isn’t familiar with exclusive pumping, but you could frame it like what would they suggest you do if you were nursing? I would probably recommend trying the volume method again except this time with the benefit of having the prescription.
Let me know how it goes! Sorry again that you’re dealing with this!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you so much for your response, i will let you know how it all goes. I will taking the prescription tablet tomorrow, fingers crossed everything works out and I do not get mastitis again.
Many thanks
Pamela
Hey Amanda, I’ve been EPing for a year (yay!) and almost done weaning. First off, found your site BEYOND helpful and reassuring when I started. If you had told me I would have made it a year while I was sitting in a NICU at 2am pumping, I would have laughed in your face, but here we are!
I was down to one pump a day for 3 days and found I only produced 4oz total, so I skipped the next days. I’m now at 48 hours in. I’m not uncomfortable and don’t feel lumpy at all… should I even do that last ditch pump or just skip it?
Thanks again for all the help and support.
I think you can skip it – and CONGRATULATIONS!! 🙂
Thanks to your site I have made it to 1 year of pumping! I just finished my 1st day off from the pump and did one quick pump to relieve some pressure. I’m not sore, but I do feel maybe half full. If I don’t hurt and don’t feel lumps, am I ok to stop completely? Or should I maybe do a quicky in 48 hrs?
You’re okay to stop! I would see how you feel in 48 hours and go from there 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the lovely article. My son us 10.5 mos, and my goal is to stop pumping by his burthday, which is November 1. I just recently dropped to 3 PPD, and I have enough milk to feed him for probably a few months after his birthday in my freezer. He currently eats 20 oz a day, and I’m producing about 23-25 oz a day. I’m wondering what total timeline you’d suggest so that I may finish up at the end of October. If my supply dips some, I’m not too worried due to my freezer stock. I do tend to have problems with clogged ducts, where the only relief is using a straight pin!
How long do you suggest I do 3 ppd before dripping to 2? And then before dropping to 1.
Thanks so much!
Hi Jocelyn! As for the timing, it’s totally up to you. One thing to consider is that you might want to make sure that your son will take whatever you’re going to transition him to (it sounds like frozen milk, which should be fine as long as he’s had some before, and eventually cow’s milk I’m guessing?). The key is just making sure you don’t reduce your supply and then end up scrambling for something that he’ll take for milk. Have you considered lecithin for the clogs?
I haven’t tried lethicin for the clogs. I have given him frozen milk before, which he has taken no problem. Lately, I haven’t even been warming the milk from the fridge, either, with no issues at all. He will transition to cow’s milk once my freezer milk runs out. He has a genetic skin disorder and is on a few different meds, which we mix into the milk, so he’s used to it sometimes tasting differently. This makes me think that he should be ok with cow’s milk when the time comes.
Sounds great! Good luck!
Hi, my current pump schedule is 6am, 11.30am, 4.30pm & 10pm. The cycle had been pump 10 mins, rest 10 and pump 10 mins and the yield varies between 150ml to 200ml. For past few days I change the cycle whereby I pump straight for 15 mins and stop, and I continue the same 4 sessions. I hope by doing so I am telling the body that I do not require so much milk now. And from this week I would like to gradually drop the 11.30am session, pumping at work. So I shall skip going to the nursing room at 11.30am but shall pump at 4.30pm. This will have a 10 hour gap. I am not sure if this method is correct and tell the body that I don’t need this session?
Eventually I want to stop exclusive pumping in a gradual manner so I am now trying to stop one session at a time…
Hi! I think that should work. As you said, I would gradually drop that 11:30 pump – you could either cut the time gradually or cut the volume gradually. Good luck!
Hi! Thank you so much for all of this great information on here! I’ve made it over 10 months of which about 8.5 have been EPing (no idea how I made it the first 6 weeks). In any case, I want to stop pumping as soon as possible, but am not sure on the feeding side (have read all the info as far as the actual pumping side)…what should I be watching out for as far as my baby’s feeding goes? Right now he’ll still take as much as we give him. He was always on the small side despite having been getting 32 oz a day. As we introduced more and more solids starting at 6 months, we’ve taken out a bottle so he’s down to about 24 oz a day. He seems to be eating a ton between solids and milk. I know the majority of his nutrition is supposed to come from milk though until he turns one, but should I be doing anything to wean him down? I think I have enough milk at this point to just get him to that one year mark (if I were to stop pumping now), but if he still gets 24 oz a day until then and then I have to start weaning him down, I’m not sure how long my supply will last (if I stop pumping now)…any ideas on that approach? Haven’t really gotten a straight answer from my ped, it’s always just “let him eat as much as he wants” which is not very helpful for me as I want to stop pumping!
Thanks again!
-Samantha
Hi Samaantha! Congrats on making it thought 8.5 months of EPing! Huge accomplishment!
I think I remember the max on milk being 24oz – I just switched from 24oz of breast milk gradually to 24oz of cow’s milk when I weaned (slowly over time, with more and more becaming cow’s milk until it all was). I think your baby will take 20-24oz of milk for a while, so it’s just a matter of switching him to whatever he’s going to switch to, I wouldn’t count on him taking less. It sounds like you’re worried your freezer supply won’t last? I would do that math and add in an extra few oz per day that might be wasted, and give yourself some buffer. Or you can use formula. I hope this makes sense – let me know if you have any questions.
Your blog is so helpful!
I’m pumping 4 times a day, I’m a working mom and I also have a 4 yr old. My LO is almost 5 months and I’m thinking of weaning off my pump (I’m EPing) by the time he is 6 to 7 months max. I pump at 5:30 am then at 11am, 4pm and then 9pm. I don’t wake up to pump middle of the night. What is the best way to drop a session so I can come down to 3 sessions then eventually taper and be done? I’m also very prone to blocked ducts :((
Hi! Do you have flexibility in when you pump at work (the 11am/4pm sessions)? I would probably push the 11am back to 1pm or so and then push slowly push the 4pm back until you can make it to 9pm.
Hi Amanda,
I have recently stopped pumping all together after following the tips on your website. I had my last official “pump” 5 days ago on Friday, when I pumped for just about 9 minutes and produced about 3oz. I skipped Saturday, then pumped about 6 minutes on Sunday and produced about 1 oz. I haven’t pumped since then. Over the past few weeks while I was weaning I was drinking sage tea and taking sudafed. As of today (Wednesday) my right breast is perfect, no pain or feeling of fullness, doesn’t even feel like there’s any milk in it. But my left breast looks noticeably bigger, feels very “full” and has at least one lump that I can feel, maybe two. I’ve been reading that the lump could be a clogged duct and that if I don’t do anything about it, it could turn into mastitis. Do you have any advice? I don’t want to encourage milk production, but I don’t want to get an infection or have any other problems. I’ve come across tips that suggest putting a heating pad on it, massaging it, and hand expressing if possible. Would any of those help or should I be doing something else that you know of?
Hi! I think I would maybe go ahead and pump that side and see what happens with the heating pad and massage. I wouldn’t do it for too long, but I wouldn’t worry too much about encouraging production if you’ve gone this long without pumping. Also I would use cabbage leaves every now and then afterwards to try to make sure whatever is left doesn’t get “stuck”. Good luck!
That’s exactly what I ended up doing last night on my own before I got your response, mostly out of desperation, because I was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable on the left side. I held a heating pad over my left breast for about 10 minutes, then I pumped on that side only, for 6 minutes, while massaging the breast the entire time. I produced about 1.5oz of milk (which I dumped out, since I started enjoying my wine again after almost 14 months of no drinking!), and I felt MUCH better afterwards. I also put cabbage leaves in my bra afterwards and left them in there for a few hours until I went to bed. I had to stop taking the Sudafed because it was keeping me awake at night, but I’m still drinking sage tea every day. The left side still feels a bit lumpy, so I’ll continue with the cabbage leaves for a while too. Hopefully this will be the end of it. After exclusively pumping for a full 7 months I’m ready to be done with it. Thanks again so much for your tips and advice!
Awesome! I bet you are – awesome work!!! 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I am 5wpp and unfortunately my journey with pumping is just to painful, my LO has taken well to formula but I need to wean quickly as the pump just hurts to much!
I usually pump 6 times a day for 40mins but unsure how to stop my supply quickly/ most effective way. The information I have received for weaning the women were only doing 2 pumps per day so I’m not sure if it is different for 6ppd.
Hi there! I would probably take Sudafed and see if that helps you reduce supply quickly. From there, I would drop one session at a time (if you haven’t had clogged ducts or mastitis before, you can try to do it quickly). Then I would follow the steps in the article for weaning once you’re down to 2 sessions a day. Hope that helps!
Hi Amanda,
This has been so helpful, thank you so much! I am wondering–it has been 3.5 days since my last pump. I’m not in pain and don’t feel any big hard lumps but i do feel some milk left in there (tiny non-painful lumps) and there are definitely more today than yesterday. I am not sure if I should pump one more time or if it’s ok to let the milk stay in. If I should pump, should I do it until empty or just a little? And if I shouldn’t pump, will the remaining milk just dry up on its own or do I need to do something to help it dry up? Let me know! Rental pump is due back in 3 days so hoping to be done done by then!
I think you’d be fine doing any of those things, so do whatever makes you comfortable! You won’t stimulate too much milk by pumping til empty if it’s been 3.5 days since your last session. 🙂
I was in the process of weaning and got down to one pump per day. After getting a yeast infection on my nipple, I then had to stop pumping abruptly due to the intense pain. I have been using cabbage leaves, cold compress, sudafed, ibuprofen, tight bras. I have had soreness, lumps and tightness, but not unbearable. I am now 8 days out and it’s becoming worse now instead of better. Do I try pumping? Am I too long gone? Help
Oh no – I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Honestly, I would go to a doctor. I’m worried that you have an abscess or another health issue. Good luck!! I’m so sorry you are dealing with this.
It has been 4 days since my last pump, an abrupt stop after being admitted to the hospital. I had started the weaning process before this- down to 5 times a day for 10 minutes. Since I wasn’t having any pain or feeling uncomfortable, I was advised to not pump. I am still feeling okay but have some lumps and leakage happening. Should I pump to relieve some of the milk or hold tight at this point?
I think you could go either way but personally I would probably just pump for a few minutes. You won’t stimulate milk production from that and you’ll probably feel better.
Hope everything is okay!
Thank you so much! I am glad to have found your site for the help and piece of mind. How will I know for sure that I am done? I haven’t had the need to pump since last week and no more leaking. Everything seems to feel back to normal. Just wondering when I can take a normal shower again and go back to my normal underwire bras. Just don’t want to push it too quickly…
Hi! I think you should be good! Maybe ease back into the underwires with a few hours at a time and see how it goes?
HI, I’m weaning off the pump after a year of eping however I’m prone to clogged ducts and I’ve never had mastitis so don’t want to risk getting it. what is the best way to cut this last pump out. I’m still producing about 6oz per breast. Should I reduce slowly or just try and stop completely?
Hi! I would definitely reduce slowly. Maybe cut it to 4oz, wait a day or two, then 2oz, wait a day or two, and then see if you can stop from there. Good luck!
Quick question for a nursing + pumping office working mom. I currently nurse in the morning and then pump at lunch and evening. My little one turns 1 this weekend and I’d love to ditch the pump, but would be open to continuing to nurse in the morning if the supply is there. Would I be able to maintain one feeding a day if I gave up the rest?
Hi Jamie! One lactation session per day is for some women a supply killer, but not for everyone. I think as long as you are okay with having it become more of a comfort nursing session rather than an actual feeding over time, you should be okay. If you still want your baby to get a decent amount of breast milk for a couple of months, I would try to keep two sessions (nursing or pumping).
Hi Amanda,
Here’s a bit of a ramble. I have been EP since my son was about 4 months old because he just lost interest in BF. Lucky for me my supply has kept up and I am able to stash away a 7oz bag in the freezer every few days. I am up to about 210(ish) oz and my son will be 7 months on the 31st. I am still pumping 6x a day (every 3-4 hours except at night) – with 1 time in the middle of the night. I am hesitant to cut down my supply because the first time I tried him on formula it did not go so well. He may be fine now that he is older but I am still nervous. I would LOVE to cut down the middle of the night pumping session but my doctor told me I’d really have to cut my overall supply to do that. I know that his milk consumption will slowly go down but I’d love, if possible, to not introduce formula if I don’t have to. (only because of fear of an averse reaction) I know you can’t tell me when to start cutting down my supply, but if you were me, at what age would you suggest doing that knowing that I have a slowly growing freezer stash?
I hope this makes sense and thanks for your help. This website is very helpful.
Hi! I think at 7 months you can cut the middle of the night pumping session. Just move it so that you have the same number but all during the day (with like a 10am and a 6am on either side). It’s possible you could lose some supply but it’s definitely not guaranteed that will happen. Good luck!
This website has helped me to keep-up exclusively pumping for eight months!!! Now (hopefully!) on my final pump tonight! Thank you Amanda for all of your insight and information; I’ve truly appreciated this website!!!
How long did it take you to wean like this? My son turned 12 months last week. I’ve been pumping 3 times a day for the past 2 months and today will be my first day to skip my middle of the day pump. I used your suggestion to cut down by ounces and only pumped 3 oz during my middle of the day pump yesterday (I was able to do that in 3 days). I’m still pumping about 10-12 oz in the morning and the same at night. Do you think it’s possible to drop these down as fast as I did the middle of the day pump? I’m anxious to be done with the pump! I’ve been exclusively pumping since he was 2 weeks old, and this website has helped me tremendously!!
Hi! It took me about 2 months, but I wasn’t really in a rush and was assisted by the fact that I got pregnant again. I think the night one you could probably do as far (or close to it) but the morning one might take longer. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I really need your advice if possible….
After a lot of soul-searching I’ve made the decision to stop pumping and am now keen to wean as quickly as possible from 5ppd.
Following your suggestions above, last week I reduced my 4am session by 1 oz every other day before dropping it all together. This felt ok for a day or so but the last 4 days I’ve been waking up in so much pain by 6am, with horrible knots in both breasts. These only go/stop hurting once I pump again at 10am.
Is this pain part of the process and something I should try and ride out whilst my body adjusts? As it’s been 5 days now and still so sore I’m just a bit confused whether I should stick with it or if I should be doing something different (e.g.. pumping to relieve the discomfort between 4am-10am or spacing out the 3 remaining pumps so I don’t have such a long 12 hour overnight stretch?) I currently pump at 10/4/10
I’m feeling lost and a bit alone with all of this so any help you can give would be very much appreciated. Thanks 🙂
Hi Nat! No, you shouldn’t have any pain. I think respacing so that you don’t have a 12 hour gap is a good idea. I would do something more like 6/2/10 if possible. I totally understand this might not work for you, I would just aim for 3 sessions as close to 8 hours apart as you can swing. Good luck!
HI, further to my post above I have now managed to cut out expressing for the last 9days. However today I have started to become full and sore!! I’m worried that if I don’t express I’ll get engorged and blocked ducts however I’ve been ok until now! What do I need to do and When does milk stop?
I think it’s fine to pump one last time. Or you could put cabbage leaves on your breasts and try to tough it out without. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I was down to one pump a day and down to a few ounces. So I skipped a day and then pumped the next day. In step 6 it says, “do one last pumping session.” Does it mean to empty the breasts or just enough to feel comfortable? I only pumped enough to feel comfortable. It’s been about 5 days since I stopped, but now my breasts feel full and firm. I’m worried about a plug duct and producing more milk. I’m thinking about pumping one more time. Should I pump to empty or just enough to be comfortable? Thanks so much.
Hi Christina! You can do either, whichever you’d prefer. At this point milk supply isn’t going to surge, it’s just winding down more slowly that maybe is typical (but is still totally normal). Good luck!
I appreciate your quick response, Amanda. I did one more last pump and 5 days have passed. My boobs still feel soft and not full. I think my body is not producing anymore milk. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge!
Hi! I have been EPP’g for 6 months now and have finally weaned down to 3 pumps a day over the course of this month. My goal is to be off completely by the end of this month it really Jan. I’ve noticed my breastmilk is more watery, especially sessions I cut short. I heard that this is just foremilk and best not to give to the baby since it’s basically all water? I have a decent stash, should i mix it with frozen milk? Or can I still give it straight to LO? It’s just so much easier dealing with freshly pumped milk directly. He’ll be 6 months in a few days. Thanks in advance!
Hi! I think it’s fine to give it to him since at 6 months he can have water anyway (so who cares if it’s watery? hahaha). Maybe just use it for one feeding a day? Or you could use it to mix solids (cereal, squash, etc.) Good luck!
Hi – My daughter is three months and I think I’m ready to wean from the pump (or at the very least, pump a lot less to gain back some sanity). I currently pump 6x a day for 20 mins each and average 65 oz a day. Before committing to weaning, I’d like to drop to 4 or 5 pumps to see if that feels more manageable, but I don’t want my sessions to be longer than 20 minutes each. I understand it’s recommended to pump for a total of 120 minutes a day. What will happen if I only pump for 4 or 5 times a day at 20 minutes each? I’m OK with losing supply since I’m heading in the direction of weaning, but will I risk clogs? Thank you!
As long as you feel like you are emptying in those 20 minutes, I think you will be fine. The reason for increasing is mostly to keep supply; since that’s not a priority for you, you should be fine not increasing. See how you feel after pumping for 20 minutes with fewer sessions – if you don’t feel like you’re leaving a lot of milk in your breasts, you should be fine.
Thank you! I have one other question. The more I think about it, the more committed to weaning I become. I’d like to be completely done before a trip I’m taking in 8 weeks. I’m worried about the process because of my oversupply. I assume you would recommend dropping a session by reducing the volume of each pump. I get anywhere from 8-17 oz a pump, depending on how many hours since my last pump. Does this mean it will take me two weeks to drop those pumps when I get 17 oz? What’s the best way to do this painlessly (or as painlessly as possible) within the next 8 weeks? Thank you so much! Your site is such a helpful resource.
Hi Cat! Yes, I think I would reduce by volume. You don’t have to do it 2 oz at a time, though, you could do 3 or 4 (depending on your history with clogs/mastitis). Also, to speed things up, you could try taking Sudafed and using cabbage leaves and see if that decreases your supply and speeds things up. Good luck!
I am currently pumping 5 times a day for 15 mins each session. I go back to work at the end of March and am thinking of weaning myself from the pump by that time, because I don’t want to have to pump while at work.
What do you suggest is the best way to start the weaning process? And how long do you think the whole process will take? Thank you in advance for your advice!
Hi! I’d give yourself a few days to a week for each session, depending on what you’re comfortable with. I would start by dropping one pumping session at a time, I think there is a link to how to do that in the post. 🙂 Good luck!
Thanks so much for all of the information. I managed to make it 10 months, 8 of which were ep. I started out overproducing and was able to donate almost 500 ounces. At the beginning of December my production dropped drastically from about 30 ounces a day to 7. This week I’ve been pumping 3 times a day and only getting 4 oz or so. Since I’ve started supplementing with for USA and mixing with frozen I’ve decided to wean from pumping. My plan is to drop to two sessions and then drop to one. I am generally only pumping 10-12 minutes and getting less than an ounce on each side. After I drop to two sessions, how long should I wait before cutting out another and then stopping all together? How will I know when I’m done so to day? I have not had any issues with clogs or mastitis but I would rather not start that now. Thanks again!
I would probably give it three days between dropping sessions? And when you know you’re done – when you’ve been at one for a few days, see how you feel about skipping it and pumping 12 hours later (than morning or night) instead. If you can do that, then pump that one last time, you should be good. Good luck!
So I’m currently trying to stop pumping! Yay! But I’m down to 2 pumping sessions(morning and night) which I have been doing for 2 days. I just started decreasing the volume and I’m still getting like 8oz….do I still do 2 sessions until I’m down to a few oz? Also will the breasts feel hard and and like there is a clog while I’m drying up? Is it just a feeling I have to live with for awhile our should I be concerned there’s a clog and try and fix it?
Hi! Congrats on weaning! Yes, I would do 2 sessions until you’re down to 2oz on one of them. They shouldn’t feel hard since you are reducing gradually, but if you notice this and think you might get a clog I would hold steady for a few days and use cabbage leaves. Good luck!
Im weaning from the pump- Im an undersupplier(only able to pump 11oz in a 24hour period) I am currently at 4pumps per day and about 5-6oz a day to save my sanity. Never had a clogged duct or mastitis, if I drop to 2 pumps will I steer clear of them? And when I only do the 2 pumps do i only pump till comfortable? I only pump. Between 30 and 50ml each pump.. I would love to hear your advice!
Hi! I think you’d be fine dropping to 2 – I would just do it one at a time, even if you do it on back to back days. Then I would start dropping the remaining two sessions one at a time too – you could do one until you feel comfortable and empty at the other. (I would empty at least once a day to avoid clogs, unless you get to that last session.) Good luck!
I reached Step 6 yesterday (first day of no pumping for the last 4 months… it feels liberating and weird at the same time… go figure…) but I already have lumps today… I was “wearing” cabbage leaves all day and took a really warm shower tonight. I don’t feel full, I just feel the lumps…
I used the “decrease volume” technique all along the EP process to dump pumping sessions and to wean in the last month as I was producing a lot and have been subject to clogged ducts…
I am afraid that doing an “additional pump” will restart the production…
At the same time, I want to make sure I will avoid mastitis.
Will the lump go away at some point? What would you recommend to avoid a clogged duct issue? For now, I really don’t feel full, but my breasts are lumpy… which is uncomfortable (but I always went throug “uncomfortable days” after a drop… but I was always pumping at some point, so don’t know how to adjust this time…)
Thank you again for this wonderful blog (and book!), all the posts are extremely helpful, and I lived by your recommendations over the last 4 months… community of women can do magic 🙂
Hi! I think you could go either way on this – I don’t think production will go back into overdrive if you pump once to clear out the lumps, but I also think it will probably clear up on it’s own within a few days if you don’t, especially given that you’re wearing cabbage. 🙂 Maybe some Sudafed or sage tea would help too? Personally, I would pump to get stuff cleared out, but either way is probably okay. Good luck!
I guess weaning for me is a little more complicated since my schedule is pretty intense.
My baby is 10 months old and I have over 200 frozen bottles now and will wean starting at 11 months since I have enough milk to get to a year.m and transition to organic cows milk.
Past- late LTT diagnosis left me struggling with supply and I had to pump every two hours for two weeks to improve it and not have to supplement, so it’s important for me to be able to produce for my goals which I have worked extremely hard to achieve.
My goal- 2 pumps/day for a fresh morning and nighttime bottle (5oz each) until 1 year and transition.
Currently- I pump 7x/day with TWO power pumps 5-6x/week (most of the time I only skip a PP one time in a day of the weekend. My pumping schedule varies by time of day/day of week because I’m also a full-time working mom. Thanks to NYS Labor laws and an amazing principal, I’ve been able to make this happen, but am sooo ready to have TIME and SLEEP!
I am able to PP 2x/day because my commute is at least an hour each way, so I can pump those at 6am and 4pm, which I figure those can end up being my two pumps, since I’ll be driving and I won’t need to take other time out.
Therefore, I need to get down to those. The first pump to drop is the 6pm since it cuts into the home transition/dinnertime.
I know there are a few ways to drop but want to research and plan my best approach to achieve my goal. I am prone to clogged ducts, which has happened maybe 5-6x and cleared up quickly with heat and massage while pumping. This was from going longer from the pump and/or a pocket not emptying fully.
Thanks for the advice!!
Hi! I think your best bet is to slowly lower the volume from each session – that is safest for people prone to clogged cuts. I think I would start by not doing power pumps, then dropping a session at a time from 7 down to 2. Good luck!
Hi, thank you so much for this amazing site. You have no idea how many times I’ve read through it when I was just getting started exclusively pumping. After five months of EP, I have decided to stop due to recurring multiple clogged ducts and mastitis and am pumping 4-5 times a day, for 20-25 mins each. I will try to reduce the amount or volume although I’ve just gone through another case of plugged ducts in both breasts at the same time and my volume has decreased already even though I’ve been pumping more in order to get the clogs out. I was wondering if I start using the cabbage leaves, peppermint/sage tea and Sudafed now, if that will help dry my milk so I can drop pumping sessions more easily… Or do I resort to them after I’ve gone down to two pump sessions per day? Thank you so much!!
Hi! Yes, if you’re sure you want to wean, I would go ahead and do it now! Good luck!!!! 🙂
Thank you so much for your site. This is the only resource I really found at all during my EP’ing “career” and I came here very frequently in the beginning. Now I am down to one pump a day and slowly decreasing that after 12 months of EP’ing and 2 months of weaning. It is emotional, but I think helps if you do it slowly. I nursed my first for 2.5 years and although that was emotional, since it was also done slowly, I was able to work through my emotions over time so it wasn’t overwhelming. Although I know that isn’t possible for everyone. Thanks again for all of your great information and encouragement!
Thanks so much Bayley!!!
Thanks for your great website! What is the best method above to drop a pump? I have time to do this so I want to use the best method to avoid clogs. I got clogs when I was pumping and breastfeeding but haven’t gotten any since I started EPing. Also, when I drop a pump should I increase my pumping time in my other pumps or just drop that time completely? TIA
Hi! I would reduce volume if you are prone to clogs, and just drop one session at a time. If you are weaning, you don’t add the time to the other sessions (but you do if you are not weaning). Hope this helps!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your response! I have been using the cabbage leaves, peppermint and safe travels, peppermint Altoids and I’ve started to reduce the volume of one of my pump sessions. However, I’m making more milk now! It seems my body is making up for the lost volume in that one session… Is this normal? Will it start to go down after a week?
Hi! So it’s weird but sometimes dropping a session does cause an increase it supply. So are you at 3 sessions now, or 4? (I think you said 4-5 before)? I would definitely give it a week and see what happens. Sometimes it takes a while to see supply changes.
I’m currently at 4 and in the process of cutting out one (I stopped at 5 oz per breast one day, then 4 oz the next, and now 3 oz – I did 3 oz for two days because I felt if I went down to 2 oz per side today, my breasts would be super engorged). Tomorrow I will try to go down to 2 oz per boob and then try to skip it. But so far I’ve been increasing in total volume for the day. I will try to wait it out!
Also, do you know if you have to crush the cabbage leaves before using them? It gets the juices out but they’re making me super itchy!!!
Hi! That sounds like a good plan! No, you don’t have to crush them, just put them in your bra. 🙂
Hi! This website is so helpful and kudos to all the woman who do this. I’m having supply issues and only get 1-2 ounces total per pump while pumping 20 minutes 8x/day. I’ve been pumping for 3 weeks and have had a couple of clogged ducts and have one currently. Do you think I should wean with the minute method since my volume is already so low or do you think I can cut out a pumping session or two? I just dont feel like all this time is worth it for such a small amount. Thanks!
Hi Sarah! I think with the clogged ducts I might go slowly rather than just cutting out pumping sessions. But you could always try lecithin and maybe that will solve your clogged duct problem and you could wean faster? You could always go with the more aggressive methods like cabbage leaves and Sudafed to safely speed things up. Good luck!
Hi! Thanks so much for this helpful guide! I wish I had read this sooner because I’m now in need of some help. My LO is 3 months old, and I’ve been pumping from birth. I’ve had 4 plugged ducts so far, always in my right breast, and after the 4th plug, my breast never recovered and has not regained its original milk supply. I had made the decision to wean off pumping since I had felt like the low amount of milk I was producing was no longer worth the effort. (I used to pump about 1.5 – 2 ounces per session total across both breasts – and now I was pumping 1 ounce.) My LC suggested I reduce my pump sessions from 20 min/6x a day to 10 min/6x a day. I did that, and the next day, I got a terrible plugged duct in my left breast (which has never happened before). I decided to go back up to 20 min per pump session to help clear this duct. But my milk production is so low now – about 15-20 ml total for both breasts. What would you recommend I do from here? I want to continue weaning, but I’m scared of getting more plugged ducts. But then again, is it safer to wean now bc my milk production has gone down so much? Any advice would be helpful! Thank you!
ps. I have been taking lecithin for a month, but it seems to not be working for me.
Hi Mia! So sorry you’re dealing with this! I think I would switch to dropping one session at a time instead of reducing the time on all of them. I don’t like that because that way your breasts never completely empty – which (I’m not an LC) seems like it would make plugged ducts more likely. Also, when babies wean from nursing, in my experience you usually drop sessions versus they stop eating a lot at each one. SO – I would keep them all at 20 minutes except the one you’re dropping, which you can reduce by time. I would also use cabbage leaves around the time of the pump you’re dropping to help avoid clogs. Does this help? Let me know if you have any questions!
Hello mamas,
I’d like to know how many ounces you were pumping once you dropped to 2 pumps sessions per day.
My baby girl has feeding issues, and at 13 months still does not eat solids. I exclusively pumped for 12 months on a strict schedule because it was so stressful keeping up with the demand. Now that she’s finally taking some formula, I’m slowly increasing the amount of formula I’m mixing in with the breastmilk. My goal is to drop to 2 ~30min pumping sessions a day. Any ideas how much breastmilk that would give me? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi! I think I was at 20 when I started at 2 sessions per day, and then that dropped to 10 over a month or two. Hopefully others will chime in!
When I dropped from 3 to 2 I was at 10oz a day. But my intention was to completely stop. I pumped for about 15 months and was 60oz+ a day. Personally even when I dropped to 3 I wouldn’t have been able to maintain a good supply, it dipped drastically.
I was having an impossible time weaning off the pump before I found this article!
Once I am down to two pumps, do I pump to empty on the one I’m not reducing, or try to empty the same amount(not more) at that session?
Pump to empty! 🙂
My son is 4 months old. I have weaned him from nursing, but I still pump. I am quitting breastfeeding because I have severe postpartum depression and I get extremely painful and stubborn clogged ducts almost daily. I spend a good chunk of my day working out a clog. It is both physically and mentally draining.
I am down to pumping twice a day after trying to go cold turkey. I made it 41 hours, but the pain of engorgement was too much to handle so I pumped. Since I had made it 41 hours, I figured I could go 12 hours and pump twice a day.
I take Lecithin: 6 1200 mg daily. I drink sage and peppermint tea and take sage supplements. I use ice packs and cabbage to help reduce my supply. I also take sudafed. How long should i pump twice a day before reducing to pumping once per day? I am nervous because of the damn clogged ducts and fear of mastitis. And once I am down to pumping once per day, how long will it take my body to catch up and slow down milk production? Thank you in advance. I am desperate to dry up.
Hi Anne! I think that once you are all clear of any clogs and pain, you can start the process of dropping one of the two sessions. I would just do it really slowly, and keep the remaining session the same length so that you’re emptying during that one. It sounds like you are doing all of the right things, I hope you can wean quickly!
Thank you for answering so quickly. Now during weaning, if I get a clogged duct with engorgement should I work it out or will it dry up when my milk dries up?
I would work it out. 🙁
This thread is so wonderful! When I read other advice about feeding baby, I often feel like I don’t fit into either category of breastfeeding or bottle (formula) feeding. This site is so reassuring for an EP’er!
After reading all these comments, I have a question…how many times a day should I be pumping? Not sure if I’m ready to wean yet. My baby is 4 months and I’ll be going back to work soon. I’m not confident how pumping will fit in with this transition. Currently, I’m pumping 8 times a day, 15-20 minutes a pump. My supply took a while to come in, but it’s been very well established for the past month. I typically pump about 40 oz a day (4-8 oz a pump). When reading this thread, It sounds like many moms are pumping only a few times a day? Maybe I am reading this incorrectly? Do you think I can drop a few pumps a day and still get the same output/maintain supply? If I could even go to 6/day it would be so much more manageable.
What do you think?
Hi Sarah! Yes, I think you can probably go to 6ppd! The caveat is that everyone is different and there are no guarantees with supply, but usually once your baby is old enough, if you increase the length of your remaining sessions you will be okay. So, you could do 6 20-25 minute sessions and your total time pumping per day would be about the same. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this article! I finally weaned from the pump last week after 13 months of Epping. My last pump was about a week ago and I’ve been feeling fine until today when I started noticing a painful lump on one side. Should I try to pump a little to release the clog or do you think it would go away on its own with heat and massage? Not looking forward to pumping /washing pump parts again but also don’t want to end up with mastitis. Thank you in advance for any advice!
Congratulations on making it 13 months! This is a tough one. So I think you could either try taking a lot of showers and trying to work it out through hand massage, or see if you can work it out with the breast pump. (You would only pump that side, not the other.) I honestly could go either way, so I don’t know how helpful my advice is here. Let me know what happens!
Hi Amanda! Thank you sooo much for this site! It has been extremely helpful!
I ended up exclusively pumping for my boy because of latch issues. My first goal was to make it to 6 months but once I got there, I pushed ahead and decided to try for a year. I finally have enough frozen breast milk to sustain my son until he turns 1 later next month.
My question: As of today, I’m down to two pumps per day. Do you think it’s possible to completely wean in about two weeks? If so, when should I begin to shorten one of the two pumps? Thank you again for all the great advice!
Hi Jeanette! Yes, I think you can do that! I would give yourself a week to drop each session and start with the first one now. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!
Hi Amanda,
Firstly a question – I have followed your steps above and decreased my milk supply down from 70 oz per day, down to the point where two days ago I pumped just 6 oz. Yesterday I didn’t pump at all, today my breasts feel a little firm in some places, but I’m not uncomfortable. Should I keep pumping every few days until my supply is completely gone, or should I stop altogether now (and will the remaining milk disappear)?
Secondly a thank you – I came home from hospital earlier this year with my newborn, completely shattered that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed. The midwives told me that I wouldn’t make it past 6 weeks max exclusively pumping, and advised against it. Soon after I got home, I cam across your website, and it gave me so much hope that exclusive pumping WAS possible!!! Not only that, but it was the only place I was able to get all my questions answered, as it’s so hard to find info on EPing. I’m able to feed my baby past the six month mark with what I have pumped, and I could never have achieved that without your help. Thank you so very much!!!
Congratulations on weaning, and thank you so much for your comment! You made my day!
I think you will be fine either way (pumping every 48 hours for a week or so, or just not pumping again) – milk production won’t ramp again from pumping that infrequently, and your body should be able to handle the leftover milk. (Think about it this way – before breast pumps existed, babies stopped nursing suddenly all the time, so your body will figure it out.) Good luck!!! 🙂
Hi to I only produce 1ozs of milk(my son is 15 months old) now and I’m at 24 hours a day. As of this morning 8am Washington state I’m at 40 hours, i don’t feel pressure in my breast should I still do the last pump or is it okay to just stop? (Sorry if it double post)
I think you can just stop!
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. And the steps helped a lot. This made it easier to wean off excessively pumping. It been a hard road. Now that I haven’t pumped for 52 hours my breast ache is that normal? And how do I know if my milk is all gone? Sorry for all the questions.
Hi Misha! What is the ache like? It is pain in a particular spot, or just generally? Don’t worry about the milk being gone, your body can handle getting rid of it. 🙂
Is it possible that one breast will be more cooperative stopping pumping than the other? If so, would you suggest just pumping the one that’s not cooperating?
Yes! This can happen when one breast is more prone to clogged ducts and mastitis than the other. If this is the case, you should go slowly on that side. You can do both sides slowly, or go quickly on the “good” side and wean from it first while still taking the other side slowly. Hope that helps!
I’m currently down to one pump in the evening… getting about 5 oz between each breast.. not totally emptying either and pumping for about 20 min. When should I attempt to just stop or should I work it down a little more?
I would work it down a little more – maybe drop it 1oz per day per breast until you’re getting a total of 1oz per day per breast. If that makes sense!
Hello! I would like to start by thanking you for this blog. It has offered me so much comfort and support over my four month pumping journey. I began exclusively pumping because of latching issues and my son being born early prematurely. He also had three surgeries early in his life and bottle feeding helped my husband and I ensure he was eating enough.
Before I found this blog I was on a pumping schedule given by my lactation consultant. That schedule lead to a massive oversupply. I’m currently weaning and I’m down to two pumps a day. However, I’m still making 15oz total at each pump. Do you have any advice for weaning from the pump with an oversupply?
Hi Diana! Congrats on being ready to wean – yay! I think I would recommend following the steps to decrease slowly by volume when you drop each pumping session. Because you are making so much milk, it will take you a bit longer. (Someone who is making 5oz per pumping session would take 3 days to decrease 2oz per day, you would take 8 days.) Does this make sense? Hope it helps!
That does make sense! Thank you so much for commenting back.