Are you an exclusive pumper who is ready to stop pumping? Here’s what you need to know about weaning from the pump when you are exclusively pumping.
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Exclusive pumping can be more challenging than nursing in many ways. However, weaning from the pump is one area where it can actually be easier!
For one thing, there is less of an adjustment for your baby. You’re just changing what’s in her bottle, not how she’s eating in addition to what she’s eating.
You can also completely control your pumping output and carefully decrease it, whereas if you were nursing, it can be difficult to know whether your baby is getting more or less than the day before.
Can you stop pumping cold turkey?
When you have decided to stop pumping, you will need to “wean” from the pump just like a nursing mother would wean her baby.
I definitely don’t recommend weaning from pumping cold turkey – this can lead to a lot of discomfort, clogged ducts, and/or mastitis.
How long does it take to wean from pumping?
Your goal is to slowly reduce the amount of milk that you’re producing.
How long it will take to wean depends on how many pumping sessions you currently have each day, your milk supply, and whether or not you are prone to clogged ducts and mastitis.
In general, I would give yourself about a week for each session that you need to drop.
If you’ve had issues with clogged ducts and mastitis during your pumping “career,” it might take you a little longer. I would give yourself a week and a half to two weeks per session.
On the other hand, if you’ve never had these issues, you might find that you are able to go more quickly.
What if you need to wean more quickly?
There are some methods to decrease milk supply that may help. Examples include:
- Drinking No More Milk Tea
- Using Cabo Creme or cabbage
- Taking an over-the-counter medication containing pseudoephedrine (such as Sudafed)
More on decreasing milk supply here.
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 pumping sessions per day
There are a lot of different ways to drop pumping sessions. You can reduce the time until you feel comfortable dropping a session, move sessions further apart from each other, etc. Much more on how to drop pumping sessions here.
As you drop pumping sessions, rearrange your remaining sessions so that they are more evenly spaced.
For example, say you’re dropping from four sessions per day at 6am, 11am, 4pm, and 10pm. When you drop to three sessions per day, instead of having a long break from 6am to 4pm or 11am to 10pm, you may want to re-space the remaining times so your new schedule is something like 6am, 2pm, and 10pm.
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.
When you’re down to two sessions, you want them to be about 12 hours apart, or as close to that as you can get (for example, 6am and 6pm, or 7am and 8pm, whatever works for you).
Step 2: Gradually reduce the length and/or volume of one of the remaining pumping sessions
It doesn’t matter which session you drop first – you can choose the one that you are most eager to get rid of. (For example, I was pumping at 6am and 7pm 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 pumping session 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 pumping session 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 pumping session
Gradually shorten your last pumping session (again, by time or volume, whatever has been working for you) until you’re getting only about 1 or 2 ounces total per breast.
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, after this, you should be all set to stop. However, if you feel uncomfortable a few days or a week later, you can pump again if you need to. It won’t suddenly spike your milk supply.
Do you have to do that last session (36-48 hours later)?
No. Weaning is different for everyone, and therefore it’s is more of an art than a science.
It’s okay to evaluate how you’re feeling and decide not to do it, or, on the other hand, decide to pump once every other day for a bit until you feel ready to stop.
Do you need to express every drop that you make to be done pumping?
No – this isn’t really possible. Your body will reabsorb any milk that you make and don’t express.
You don’t want to leave an uncomfortable amount in your breasts because of the risks of clogged ducts and mastitis, but you don’t need to get every last drop, either.
Timing the weaning process
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 that drop in supply.
Your body is already making less milk, so encourage it to continue to do so! You could drop a session at the beginning of your period and maybe another one at the end, if you think your body can handle it.
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Weaning from the pump: an example
One of my readers sent me a visual she put together of how she planned to wean from the pump based on the above six steps. I think this is much more intuitive for visual learners, so I asked her permission to share it here.
- On the top in the “Current” column, she has outlined the six sessions that she has at the time she starts to wean from the pump. Each of them are 20 minutes long, so she’s pumping for a total of 120 minutes per day at the beginning.
- Then, she has planned out the order in which she’s going to drop each session, with a red X signifying that she’s dropping it or has already dropped it. She will drop one session per week.
- At the end of the chart, she ends up at the end of Step One above, with two sessions about 13 hours apart. She can pick whichever she’d like – the 8am or the 9pm – and drop that one, then repeat with the final session.
- At the bottom she has outlined the number of minutes that she’ll pump at the session she’s dropping as the week goes on. On day one, she’ll pump for 15 minutes and then stop, and each day after that she’ll reduce the time by 5 minutes until she’s at zero. Then she gives her body a few days to catch up until the week is over.
A few final thoughts on weaning
You may leak for a few days after you finish weaning.
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 breast 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! Do a photoshoot to celebrate, if you want!
Comments & Chitchat
Hello! I currently am on 4ppd at 5,9,2,8 and want to start weaning as my little is coming up one year and I am traveling for work a bit more. I plan to remove the 9am and move the 2nd pump to 12pm so 5,12,8. How would you suggest I move down to 2ppd to make them 12 hrs apart? 5 and 5? And eventually drop the morning pump? Thanks in advance!
Hi Alexa! I think you have a perfect plan laid out and that’s exactly how I’d do it!
Anyone have advice on how to cut the middle of the night pump out? My LO is almost 3 months and I’m going back to work and want to eliminate a pump between the hours of 10:30pm-6:30am. I currently can go 6 hours without pumping but this is 8 hours during the night. Should I slowly move to 6.5 hours without a pump, then to 7 hours, etc.? Thank you!!
Hi JK! That is exactly what I suggest – here’s more info!
https://exclusivepumping.com/drop-middle-of-the-night-pumping-sessions/
Hi Amanda, my babe just turned 9 months, and I’m hoping to start slowly reducing my pumps per day while still getting my babe ~12 oz of fresh milk until she’s 1. I’m currently an underproducer, but regular pumping 5x/day (instead of my usual 4x) over the holidays got me up from 16 -> 20oz. After 2 days of ~4ppd this week my supply dropped back down to 18. I’m eager for some freedom from the pump, but don’t want my supply to crash before 1y. Should i wait another month (or two) before starting to wean?
Hi Lola! Yes, I would wait. Weaning is unpredictable and it’s definitely possible your supply could crash. Good luck!!!
Hi, thank you for your article and advice! after 5 weeks of gradually reducing number of sessions and their length, i’m currently down to just one session a day of 5/6 min. Do i just drop it one day, even if the milk still keeps coming (ca 5ml)? thank you!
Hi Krista! Yes – try skipping it and doing another in 36-48 hours and see how that goes!
Hi! I recently cut down from 5 to 4 pumping sessions a day (6am, 12pm, 5pm and 11pm) for 15 mins on my right side and 10 mins on my left side (my left side doesn’t produce much milk). What is your recommendation for getting down to 3 and sessions a day?
Hi Luisa! I would do something like 6am, 2pm, and 10pm! You could drop the 5pm and push the 12pm back to 2pm.
Thank you! Any comment to the time spent pumping?
I would keep it where it’s at now for the three remaining sessions! Then once you’ve adjusted you can start dropping time in the one session you’re dropping. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I have been working on decreasing my pumping before I found this page. I am down to two pumps a day 12 hours apart. I have been doing this for three days and have now dropped to about 8 ounces per pumping session, totaling 16 today. How fast can I drop that first pump to get rid of it? Thanks.
Hi Shana! I would say that once you’re comfortable at two pumps, you can start decreasing time or volume on one of the two pumps. How fast you do that depends on whether you’re prone to clogged ducts and how you feel. Good luck!!!
Hi Amanda, I’m currently about two months PP and I hate to say this but I’ve already decided to wean. I know it won’t be an overnight process especially after reading this (and other) articles that you’ve posted, but this is taking a toll on me mentally and physically and I’d like to begin the process of weaning. I guess I am already struggling with the first step that you listed out on here LOL… I’m pumping 6-7 times a day and the idea of dropping from 6 to 7 sessions to 2 feels impossible. I feel like a good goal to reach is to drop a middle of the night pumping session as I am still getting up between the hours of 3-5am to pump, w/ my last session being before bedtime (between 10pm-midnight for me). I’m also taking the Earth Mama no more milk tea twice a day though it’s only been a couple of days and I’m not sure it’s making a big difference for me (just yet)! I’ve been thinking of also just getting Sudafed to help decrease supply too. Will there be any negative side effects if I take the tea and Sudafed at the same time? Should I take the Sudafed as instructed on the box? What about sunflower lecithin and taking all three of these at the same time as well?
Also, should I pump to just relieve pain and discomfort? I’m prone to clogged ducts. I’ve noticed my boobs get hard (but not painful) after a few hours of not pumping but since I’m looking to wean and re-space my sessions, should that be a sign to pump (I normally really only pump for 15 min) or should I just suck it up and wait until the newly rescheduled time, if that makes any sense?
Hi Lucy! I totally understand – the best thing for your baby is a happy mom. You got this!
I think the middle of the night session makes sense. I would stretch that back until you feel like you can make it until morning. More on this here:
https://exclusivepumping.com/drop-middle-of-the-night-pumping-sessions/
I’m not sure about the tea and Sudafed at the same time – I don’t know of any research on that. If you do decide to take Sudafed, I’d take as directed on the box. And pumping to relieve pressure is okay.
Good luck Lucy!
Thanks Amanda, I didn’t realize it’s hard work to wean. Question on the Sudafed – I didn’t realize the one I got contains phenylephrine. Not Pseudoephedrine. In fact none of the boxes I saw at the store have pseudoephedrine. Did I purchase the wrong kind? Felt like I wasted my money there?
And when pumping to relieve pain, I notice I’m still getting a lot of milk. Should I remain pumping for the usual 15 min or try to cut down my time? Sometimes I try to stop at 10 min mark but breasts are still full. What about the time apart between sessions? Sometimes I have events and stuff going on where I can’t always wait to pump – it gets very uncomfortable if I know I’m going to be out of the house for a while… hope this makes sense!
Hello! I’m 8 days post partum. Nursing was seriously pushed on me after delivery. My baby couldn’t latch so I’ve spent the week pumping. I can’t handle it and need to stop. I had been pumping every 3 hours for 15 minutes getting approx 25 ml per side. I tried adding an extra hour between feeds, and the first couple pumps got double the amount of milk! Then the pain set in and I’ve been engorged since. I had to pump after 2 hours because I was leaking and in so much pain. Do I just continue trying to push the time between pumps as best as I can with the pain?
Hi Samantha! Oh I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this. Congrats on your sweet newborn, I’m so happy for you. You are making the best decision for you. Yes, keep pushing the time, but you might need to take it slower – maybe 15 minutes at a time instead of an hour. You’re doing amazing and are making the best decision for you at this time. Consider no more milk tea and/or cabocreme – there’s no research on these but some people report that it helps. GOOD LUCK!
Does the 120 minute rule still apply while weaning? I’m at 4 ppd with 2 20 min sessions at work & 2 40 min sessions at home. When dropping down to 3 ppd would I need to do 1 20 min session at work & 2 50 min sessions at home? For 2 ppd, I’m not sure I could handle 2 60 min sessions.
Thanks in advance! I’m so excited but also so nervous about weaning so all these tips on weaning help so so much!!
Hi Izzy! It doesn’t apply while weaning! Good luck!!!!!!
Thank you for this article! My son was a 34 weeker, and set us up for exclusively pumping. I EP’ed for my older son for 8 months, and I would like to start weaning for my sanity and mental health. We made it three months this time around. I’m currently at five pumps per day, my last one is maybe an ounce combined? My largest is morning pump- around six ounces. Can I drop my last pump and space out to four and see how I feel?
Hi Nicole! Yes, I think so, and congrats on weaning!
My newborn is 4 weeks old and I want to start weaning from pumping. I currently pump 3.5 hours apart which ends up being about 7 times a day. I plan to increase the length of time between sessions (3.5 hours then 4.5 then 5.5 and so on). I bought your guide and I’m trying to make sense of the timing on the weaning plan. Im confused why each day starts at the same time? for example, if my first pump of the day today was 8:45am, that makes my last pump of today at 10:45pm (following a every 3.5 hour schedule). Therefore my next pump would be 2:15am and then 5:45am, making my day 2 of pumping starting at 9:15am not 8:45am. Looking at the templates each day started at 6am and sessions were further apart each day based on a 6am start. Are people skipping pumping sessions over night? If you finish pumping day 1 (every 4 hours apart) at 11pm (per the template) and day 2 start pumping at 6am then that’s 7 hours in between pumps not 5 hours like the spacing would suggest. Can you please provide some guidance? Thank you!!
Hi Brooke! A lot of people pump on a set schedule rather than measuring hours from the last session. Either way is okay! Also some people have varying gaps in between sessions – I would sleep through the night but then pump every three hours during the day, for example.
So you can absolutely keep spacing them further and further apart. I would say do 3.5 hours apart until you’re comfortable, then switch to 4 hours and so on, and then don’t worry about the number of sessions per day since you’re measuring by hours. Hopefully that makes sense. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi! 10 months pp here as an exclusive pumper.. trying to wean at the moment! I have it cut down to 3 sessions a day 6am, 2pm, 10pm. What is my next step? Cutting down time during the 3 sessions or dropping to 2 ppd? Also how do I go about dropping to 2 ppd? I want them 12 hours apart and I’d like them to be 9/10am and 9/10pm? Also considering taking Sudafed to help
Hi! I would not cut time from all 3 sessions – just drop to 2ppd. I’d start by dropping time from the 2pm. Once you can drop that, if you’re not prone to clogged ducts I would just see if you can make it to 9am the next morning. If you can’t the first day, start at 7am or 8am and try to push it back over a few days. Don’t change anything else while you do that. Then once you are comfortable with 9/10am and pm, you can pick one of those to start dropping. Good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing this! So far I’ve just been pretty much winging my weaning. I am 10 months pp. I had a tank in my supply a few months ago and it never really came back. I tried everything to get it back before finally calling it. I think I’m just about done the weaning process, but here’s my concern: when I pump, I only produce maybe a thimble full amount, even when I do longer sessions. If I use a manual pump, hand express, or breastfeed, I get more. I just started pumping every other day and my breasts don’t feel full but they do get achey towards to top. Even as I sit here after pumping they are a little uncomfortable. With this, I don’t feel very confident in knowing when i can just be done. Is this discomfort normal?
Hi Carly! Congrats on your sweet baby! Are you doing ever 48 hours? I might switch to 36 or even back to 24 until you’re not experiencing discomfort. Are you normally doing just the electric pump or are you often using the manual pump/hand expressing, etc.? Will you continue nursing at all?
Thank you! Yes, as of the last few days I’ve switched to 1 pump every 2 days. I normally use my electric pump. I only found out about my output with the manual (only about an ounce) a couple nights ago when my pump battery died. I have nursed a couple times here and there when baby wasn’t feeling well and he seemed to get more than what I pumped. So that leads me to wonder how I should gage my process. I don’t see my supply ever coming back enough to provide full feedings or even just to collect and store, which is why I am ending my production altogether. I read the tightening in my chest area could be vasospasm. Is that sensation typical when stopping milk production? Thank you for your help!
How do I plan when I can start the weaning process? I’ve been exclusively pumping for almost 7 months now. I want my lo to have breastmilk until she is 1 year old and currently have almost 90 days of milk frozen. I am currently at 4ppd (8:30ish, 12, 4:30, 10:30) and pump around 3.5 hours in total (I’ve been pretty burnt out for a while but I’m afraid of supply drop since I am working on a freezer stash). I don’t want to start the process too early, but I also don’t want to keep pumping longer than I need to.
Hi! My baby is 10 weeks and I’m down to 3 pumps a day 8pm, 12pm and 4am for 20 mins each. Getting around 5 – 6 oz per session.
Is the best way of dropping the 12pm to start reducing it by 5 mins a day, and push it back at the same time?
After a week I would look to then lose my 8pm pump, for this one can I just reduce the time pumping across a week and then drop it?
Thank you!!
Hi Kate! I just want to make sure I understand – are you pumping 8pm, 12am, and 4am? Or 8pm, 4am, and 12pm? Thanks!
Ah sorry! 8pm, 4am and 12pm
Then yes! I think that’s a good plan.
You might want to also move the 4am up – the ultimate goal would be two sessions 12 hours apart if possible.
Thank you so much!!! Your website has been my pumping bible through my 2 babies!!! ❤️
Hi I am currently trying to wean from pumping and I was doing 7 pumps for 15 mins daily and now after 3 days I’m down to about 4-5 pumps for 8 mins. I pump mostly to relieve pressure cuz my breast to touch feels super full and tender to touch. If I drop to five min sessions can I go longer in between sessions or go til I’m uncomfortable? I’m wanting to be done pumping sooner but not cause pain or mastitis. This is my first time exclusively pumping for any of my kids and it’s been about 4-1/2 months. I’m currently getting about 4oz each side after 8 mins. Before I was pumping 4-7 oz in 15 mins. I have frozen over 600 bags of milk to continue to feed my baby til he is a bit older but for my health mentally and physically I want to stop pumping. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Dominque! Personally I wouldn’t decrease the time except for the session that you’re dropping. So I would take the 3 sessions you have and keep 2 the same and drop the 3rd slowly.
Hi! Such thank you for such a helpful article. I’m down to my last pump per day after 8m exclusive pumping and so relieved to be almost done. I’m only producing 2-3oz per session now, can I now stop completely? I’ve also noticed as I’ve been weaning off the pump that I’ve been quite depressed and down, and my weight is creeping up a bit despite dieting and working out. Will things normalize? Or is this to be expected for a while?
Hi Grana! 2-3oz is around the time I usually say try to stop completely, maybe with another session in 36-48 hours. Good luck!
I’ve exclusively pumped for one year as of yesterday! I’m on 3 PPD: 7am, 1-2pm, 9pm and have been for 3 months. I’ve been trying to slowly wean for three weeks now. I’ve been setting a timer and pumping for a minute less each time. I’m still making a decent amount. Yesterday I got my middle pump down to 5 minutes and pumped one ounce on each side. Thinking I could try dropping it now? I do feel full throughout the day, but no pain. I know my goal is 2 PPD every 12 hours. I have my morning and night pumps down to 12 minutes each. They were previously 25 minutes each before 3 weeks ago when I started weaning. Any advice? Would you keep reducing the number of minutes for morning and night? I want to tell my body to make less, but it seems to still want to make the same amount.
Hi Lindsey! It sounds like you’re doing a great job! I think the middle one could go now if there’s no pain – once you drop to two, I’d wait until your body catches up, you’re feeling comfortable, and then start reducing time from one of the remaining sessions – NOT both at the same time. Good luck!
THANK YOU! Is it normal to feel hard while trying to wean or is that a sign I need to pump? No pain, but I did end up pumping 5 minutes today because by 10 hours my breasts were quite hard and it made me a little nervous. I don’t know how long it will take for my body to “catch on” and make less when I stop the middle pump. I keep reading weaning can be done in 1-2 weeks and that just hasn’t been my case.
I also want to say I have read SO MUCH content on your website over the past year. It helped me learn how to pump and how to drop my night pump when the time came. It also taught me about how many ounces babies typically eat at various points. I’ve had so many questions on my EP journey and you’ve been so helpful. I only know a couple of people who EP and it can feel quite lonely. This website has been such a blessing!
Thank you so much Lindsey! Congrats on weaning! I think as long as there isn’t pain, you should be okay – but I would definitely listen to you gut if you’re concerned. You could also just pump for a minute or two to relieve pressure without doing a full session? Good luck!!
Hi – I am also trying to stop exclusively pumping. I am at 4 pumps per day 10 min each day and producing about 10-12oz each session. This is reducing from 4 pumps per day 15 min each. I tried to drop to 3 pumps and it was miserable so now I’m slowly stretching the time between pumps from 6 to 6.5 to 7 hrs until I hit the right 3 pumps schedule. However my boobs are rock hard, leaking and incredibly painful. No matter what I cannot reduce the volume of milk I pump. 3 sessions a day produced the same amount of milk as 4, and 4 10 min sessions the same as 4 15 min sessions.
I need help!
Hi Celeste! So sorry you’re dealing with this. I would maybe try adjusting your strategy so that you’re just reducing time from ONE session at a time. So do 4 10-15 minute sessions and let things be until you feel comfortable. Then drop one of the three sessions while keeping the others the same, and repeat. Hopefully that helps!
Thanks for your resources. I so appreciate that you’ve made it possible to get the information I need. I EP for twins, and I maintain an oversupply so can pump and dump 1-2 days a week (I’m on a dairy-and-soy-free diet and I need my cheese and milkshakes once a week…) So I’m pumping like 85 ounces a day.
They are almost 6 months and I’ve been back at work for a month – the pumping AND special diet AND having infants at home is really taking a toll and I’m trying to figure out how make life better. I’m thinking partial weaning might be a good fit for me. Two questions.
1) I’m prone to clogged ducts. If I’m averaging 15oz in 20 minutes/pump… how long to wean off a pump in this schedule? I’m thinking it might take 3-4 months to do a slow wean from 85oz down to 0 without clogs.
2) I’m on a fixed schedule for teaching. Any recommendations on how to wean/redistribute pumps around classes I can’t move?
Hi Kate! I agree it might take you 3-4 months. I would definitely take it slowly since you have such a big supply and prone to clogged ducts. Good luck!
I’m currently down to two pumps days, AM and PM with about 13 hours between the AM and PM and 11 hours between the PM and AM. I’ve been slowly decreasing the amount of time of the PM over the course of the week. I did about 5 minutes at the PM pump last night.
Upon waking this morning, approximately 10 hours after the PM pump, I’m leaking a lot. Does this mean I need to take dropping the pump now slowly? I had a goal of being done in a week to avoid pumping a ton in a family vacation but this isn’t going how I planned.
Hi Rebecca! Not necessarily – you should go with your gut, but I don’t think you necessarily need to slow down because of leaking. I would slow down for mastitis, a clogged duct, engorgement, or pain. congrats on weaning!
Hi there! I’ve never really had a good supply of milk. Right now my little one is 11 weeks and I produce anywhere between 2-3 oz in a single 24 hour period….. Does weaning look different for me since the supply is low to begin with? Any tips or shortcuts?
Hi Makenzie! I usually say you’re good to stop around ~2oz total in a day. What is your schedule like?
Due to my sons allergy I have to stop breast feeding. I used to almost exclusively breastfeed then pump once at night. Now I am changing to exclusively pumping and would like to taper. I am two days of just pumping 6 times a day instead of breastfeeding and I feel so engorged and painful esp in one side. Any ideas or taper schedule ? Typically I could go from 11pm to the next morning at 630 for a feed but I cannot now. If I pump in the middle of the night will I actually be increasing my supply?
Hi! I’m wondering if your pump maybe isn’t getting all the milk out effectively. Do you feel “empty” when you’re done pumping?
Hey there! I am 3 days post partum. I nursed in the hospital for the first day but it was so incredibly painful (baby was latching well) I made the decision to put her on formula and try to pump exclusively. I was pumping every 3-4 hours. Today has been our first day home and my breasts have become extremely engorged, hard as rocks and they hurt. I increased my pumping time to 30 minutes in hopes that would help ease my engorgement. It did not. I spent time massaging with hot compresses and in the hot shower. I had minor relief but after my next pump session they became hard and painful again almost immediately. I feel like I have been living in survival mode and I have no time for anything. My husband has been caring for our daughter the most and he’s wonderful. I think I’ve hit my breaking point (very early in the game I know) I want to spend my time with my family and I want to prioritize my mental health instead of crying non stop in pain and being hard on myself. How can I wean off pumping asap? Is it possible to wean off while my breasts are this engorged or do I have to fix this problem first? I think I’m becoming desperate for relief and for my sanity back. Any advice would be incredibly appreciated
Hi Emily! Congrats on your sweet baby! I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this pain. It sounds like the problem is getting your milk to let down? I might call your OB/GYN and see if you can get a drug to help with this process. This link is for moms who have lost babies but has the information that I think might help you:
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/S_T/Stopping-breastfeeding-after-the-loss-of-your-baby-or-child#:~:text=Using%20medication%20to%20stop%20your,more%20information%20about%20these%20drugs.
Good luck!!! And congrats again!
Hi!
I’ve been exclusively pumping for 7.5 months. I’m a severe over producer. Like 75-100 oz a day. I’ve been doing 3 sessions a day for a few months now. I’m making roughly 45 oz a day. Yesterday I had a mental break while pumping and decided to quit cold turkey other than hand expressing. My boobs are solid rocks. It’s streaming out of me. Im in pain/discomfort. Should I just do 2 sessions a day? My sessions are usually 20 min… once in the morning then at night? How do I know when to go to one? Should I keep doing cold Turkey? I’m so lost in this process.
Hi Cheyenne! Congrats on weaning! I think I would not go cold turkey, personally (though it’s obviously up to you). I think in your situation I would go back to 3 20 minute sessions for a few days just to prevent mastitis and then drop one to go to 2. You can drop that gradually as I describe here. I would move on to dropping a session once you feel comfortable with the last change you made – no discomfort/pain. Good luck!
I’m weaning after reaching my one year goal. I am currently at 3 ppd (5a, 2p, 9p) about 30 mins each except 50 mins for 5a still getting 26 oz per day. I was getting 29-30 oz and have been on 3ppd for two days. How would I go about dropping to 2ppd (9:30a & 9p)? I am tired of waking at 5a and am ready to be done. My daughter is doing well transitioning to whole milk and I am running out of freezer space.
Hi Maria! Congrats on your baby! There are a couple of different ways you can do it – what I think I would do is stretch the 5am back to 9am first – that could be done in one day or in a week, just kind of depends on how uncomfortable you get as the time passes and if you have a history of clogs or mastitis. (If you don’t have either, and it’s not uncomfortable, you could try making the change cold turkey; otherwise, you could push it back slowly.) Once you get to 9am, you can see if you can make it to 9pm without pumping. I would go ahead and pump a little to relieve pressure if you’re having pain but otherwise try to stretch it. Listen to your body and go slow if necessary! Good luck!
I’ve had a truly agonizing year of pumping and it brings me 85% misery and 15% satisfaction to feed my baby. I’ve been slowly weening myself off the pump and got mastitis again. So now I’m ready to try anything and everything to stop the madness. Today I started drinking no more milk tea and applying cabocream. I’m going to the pharmacy tomorrow to pick up sudafed and an antihistamine. Is it safe to give the pumped milk to my LO while using these? Or would you suggest to just pump and dump?
Hi Kim! Sooo sorry to hear that, and I’m glad you will be done soon! I think those are fine, but always check InfantRisk.com or the Mommy Meds app to be safe. 🙂
Hi Amanda, I did the slow wean process and haven’t pumped in about 1.5 weeks now. But this week my right breast has been tender and I did do a little hand expression and am expressing some clearish/milky discharge. Wasn’t sure if this is normal? Once I express a little it feels better but it’s been consistent this week so wasn’t sure if I’m maybe missing something else I should be doing. Thanks!
Hi Katie! I don’t think you’re missing anything – some people do experience still having a little milk for a while. Assuming you don’t have any lumps or pain, in your situation I would personally give it a few weeks and see how things go. Obviously talk to your doctor if you’re concerned though, or if you do end up with lumps or pain. Congrats on weaning!
Hello Amanda,
I found your page while searching for tips to wean.
My baby is 9 months (4 months of pumping with little breastfeeding + 5 months of exclusively pumping)
When I was pregnant my plan was to breastfeed for 2 years, but my baby made it harder when she refused my breast and I had to pump, then I ended up exclusively pumping.
I’m so tired, in pain and psychologically exhausted from the pumping, I want to stop so bad!
I wanted to make it at least to 1 year but I’m so tired and in tears…
I’m tired from the pain, no matter how much I apply creams, tired of wearing pads, tired of washing pumping parts and counting the hours for the next session.. I can’t even touch my breasts from the pain.
Currently I pump 3 times a day for 30 minutes each session. And I want to wean but I don’t want to break my promise because I didn’t make it to 1 year, but 3 more months seem too much to handle..
Sorry if I wrote too much but I feel that you can understand me. Thank you.
Hi Sera! I totally understand!
I think you’ve done amazing making it 9 months. and I think that a happy mom is more important than breast milk. What if you dropped one session and see how you feel? Maybe you could do some formula and some breast milk for a little while and then see how things are going and what you want to do? You don’t have to commit to a year or to weaning right now – you can take it day by day.
You’re doing great. I’m so proud of you!
Just came across your comment as I’m in the exact same boat. Have been exclusively pumping for pretty much the entire 9 months and it’s mentally breaking me. I made a promise to myself to do a year but I’m realizing I can’t be too prideful to start weaning if it means I’m sacrificing happiness. Feel free to reach out if you need a buddy, I can relate to your feelings! I’ll be thinking of you. <3
Hello! Question about that last session. So, I haven’t pumped in 24 hours, which is going 1 day without pumping, per the last step. Does that 36-48 hours start now, after one full day of not pumping, or is it 12 -24 hours from now?
It’s 12-24 hours from now, 36-48 from the last session. CONGRATS!!!!
Hi Amanda!
First, thank you for all of your tips! I pumped for 10 months and have a freezer stash that will last my son until the year mark. I would not have made it this long without your resources!
I am about to drop the last session. This morning I pumped for 5 min and got a little over an ounce between the two sides. I think this means I can stop. Yay!! If I do feel pressure in a couple days and need to pump, how long do you recommend that I pump?
Hi Kara! CONGRATS! I think you can kind of listen to your gut on that – there’s no evidence-based answer. Pumping until you feel more or less empty once won’t suddenly spike your milk supply, but pumping just enough to relieve pressure is fine too!
If I still feel full, do I reduce the time the next day or should I continue one more day doing the same time? I’m worried I’ll be even more full the next day. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! Continue with one more day at the same time – make sure you’re comfortable before pushing forward again. Good luck! 🙂
Hi! I’ve always been an overproducer, so trying to drop sessions has been painful. I’m just went down to two sessions a day this weekend and I’m still pumping 20+ oz a day. I try to hold out for 12 hours but I end up with a lot of lumps/clogged ducts that are painful. I’ve had mastitis once and am prone to infections due to an autoimmune condition, so I’m trying to avoid another infection. Any advice? Thanks!
Hi! I wouldn’t make any more changes until you’re pain-free. I would consider lecithin if you’re not taking it. and it’s okay to pump to relieve pressure early if necessary. It just might take your body a little time to adjust. good luck!!!!
Hi, this advice has been so helpful! I made it to my 36 hour mark post pumping and did one last pump, but now I have multiple clogged ducts🙃 I knew it was going too well! Now it’s been 48 hours since that last pump. Do I pump/try to fix the clogs? Or will they go away on their own?
Hi Samantha! I think it’s a good idea to pump to get the clogs out, I’m sorry! If it’s just lumpy it’s your call, but if it’s a painful clogged duct I think you want to pump to avoid mastitis. That’s just my opinion though. Good luck and CONGRATS!!!
Hi, hoping for some guidance! I’m weaning and on 2 pumps, one 6 am and 6 pm. I’m dropping my pm pump first am down to only 5 mins. However in those 5 mins I still get 4 oz total. Does that mean I’m not ready to completely drop it? Should I wait til there’s only 1-2 oz total even if it’s a 3 min pump time? Thanks!
Hi Allison! That’s what I would do – but this is more of an art than a science so it’s okay to make adjustments if that doesn’t feel right to you for your body. Good luck!
Thank you for all of your help with exclusive pumping…I made it to 1 year!
Is it normal to develop tender lumps 1-2 weeks after weaning? They feel larger than a clogged duct, a falls feel more like a rope. Should I pump again?
Hi Britt! CONGRATS!!! I think if you’re having pain (it kind of sounds like it?) it might make sense to pump again one last time. If there’s no pain, it’s really up to you – it won’t hurt or suddenly massively spike supply if you do. I hope that helps, good luck!!!!
What is the purpose of the pump 36-48 hours after skipping a day? To relieve any discomfort?
Hi Jessica! Yes, and to just make the dropping of the last session even more gradual. 🙂
Is it common for one breast to dry up faster than the other while you are weaning?
Hi! Yes, it definitely is!
Hi! I’m really worried about post weaning depression. I’ve dealt with ppd and ppa (9 months pp now) and finally getting it under control by taking Zoloft for 2 months now. By following this slow process to wean will that help with hormone shift? Should I go even slower with weaning? I pump 5 times a day – 7am, 9:30am, 12pm, 4pm, 9pm.
Hi Leanna! That is a good question, and I don’t know the answer. (I’m so sorry!) Maybe your psychiatrist would have a recommendation? I’m so glad you’re doing better!
Hi, I recently started weaning two weeks ago but now I think I want to keep going. I was down to one pump a day. How should I restart
Hi Kimberly! I would go ahead and go back to your old schedule before you started weaning (at least 4-5 times per day) right now. Stay consistent with that for at least two weeks and then see how things are going. Good luck!
Hi Amanda, I’m currently weaning and at 4 pumps: 5 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, and 10 PM. I’m going to start dropping a pump, I think my 5 PM. But then when I go to 2 pumps, we want them 12 hours apart. How would I do this?
Hi Nikki! What I would do is move you 12pm back to something like 2PM or 3PM when you drop the 5PM. You basically want your sessions about 8 hours apart (but it doesn’t have to be exact). So 5 or 6AM, 2PM, 10PM is perfect. Good luck!
Hi Amanda,
I have been weaning for several weeks now, almost complete. Ive had to pump after a few days to relieve some discomfort i was having. The output was very low for the level of discomfort. A few days have past and I have pain in one breast that feels like a clogged duct. I tried to relieve via a pump session on just that breast, but the pain remains and I only got a few milliliters. Should I be concerned that a clog has developed after weaning??
Hi Amanda,
For the final pump after 36-48 hours, how long should it be? Just enough to relieve any discomfort? Thank you for your advice in advance!
This is also a question I have ? Did you ever get am answer?
Same here. Tagging on in case there’s an answer somewhere in the feed.
same question, and i see same name 🙂 Just did one after 48 hrs, there’s still milk
You can do another after another 48 hours and see where you are then!
Thank you, Amanda!
Hi Amanda,
When weaning and following this plan do you have to worry about hindmilk and foremilk imbalance? Can I continue to freeze and/or give the weaning milk to baby throughout the entire weaning process?
Thank you for all your help with exclusive pumping. I would be lost without your site.
Hi Hannah! Yes you can. If you’re dropping one pumping session at a time, that one session might be a little watery. You can mix it with other milk from that day or use it with solids. But you don’t have to dump it or anything. 🙂 Hope that helps!
This was a great help to me with weaning. However I have a question , I haven’t pumped in two weeks. I thought I was 100% done but I started leaking a bit the last few days and I feel a little like I need to pump. Is that normal? If I do one more pump to get rid of the feeling it won’t restart me right?
Thanks!
Hi Jess! that’s normal and doing one more pump to relieve pressure should be fine. 🙂
I am almost done with my pumping journey. Thank you for the many wonderful resources. It has made this journey so much more manageable!
Thank you so much Jill!
Hi Amanda,
I’m on step 2 of your suggested weaning process where I’m pumping 5 mins less each day for one of my two pumps and keeping the other one the same. I just pumped 10 mins tonight and feel like there is still a lot of milk left inside my breasts. When I drop down to 5 mins tomorrow, I’m sure they will be even more full. Is that normal and is it okay for them to still feel quite full after each progressively shorter pump? Or should, for example, stay at 10 mins tomorrow and for the next few days until I start to feel less full? Thank you for your advice!
Hi! This information is great. Thank you so much for writing this!!
I’m not ready to wean yet because I still want to produce milk for my baby for the next few months, however, I’d like to drop a pump session. I’m currently 12wpp and I pump 5x a day. I’m an oversupplier, typically producing around 80 ounces a day. The majority of the milk comes from one boob. I’m extremely uncomfortable and engorged/leaking all the time. I pump at 930am, 130pm, 630pm, 1030pm, and then once in the night/early morning when my boobs wake me up.
I’d appreciate any advice. TIA!
Hi Stephanie! Congrats on your baby and that’s a great supply – yay! In terms of the schedule – if you want to drop a session, I think I’d drop the 6:30 and move the 1:30 back a bit, maybe to 3:30-ish if you can? In terms of the discomfort – that’s not good. Do you think you want to try to reduce your supply on that side that is engorged?
Thanks for your response! Yes.. at this point, I think I’d like to reduce the supply on my left boob. Would I go about doing that with cabbage? Do you have any recommendations or steps?
I had heard that the full feeling and leaking should have subsided around 12w when I “regulated,” but I haven’t gotten any relief. 🙁 Is it possible that the relief will still come? Thank you!
Hello! I am 6 months post partum and have been exclusively pumping since birth- im on week 3 of my weaning journey and now pump 2x a day (8:30 am and pm) over the last few days I’ve been dropping one minute per session (from 15-13 now) I’m going super slow because I was prone to clogged Ducts- is this the right way or should I now be dropping to once a day AND reducing time? Confused first time mama! Thanks in advance
Hi Tanya! Yay congrats on weaning! I would keep one of the two sessions the same and just reduce time on the other. Hope that makes sense – good luck!
Thank you so much for sharing this information, Amanda! I had many complications during my breastfeeding journey, was not planning to exclusively pump but that became my only option. I had an oversupply, had mastitis twice and other infections, so I was in pain the entire time while pumping (4 months), and for that reason I was so scared to wean from the pump. I didn’t get too much help from my doctor when I decided to wean, so I did a lot of research online and found your post the most helpful. I followed the slower version and it worked really well! It took me 6 weeks to wean completely, no mastitis and no pain! Thank you for making this available!
Thank you so much Livia! Congrats on weaning!