Weaning off exclusive pumping can be a gradual process that varies from person to person. It’s important to approach it in a way that is comfortable for you and allows your body to adjust gradually. In general, I would recommend giving yourself about a week for each session that you need to drop. However, if you’ve had issues with clogged ducts and mastitis during your pumping “career,” it might take you a little longer.
During the first week of weaning, you can start by dropping one pumping session. For example, if you are currently pumping six times a day, you can reduce it to five times a day for the first week. This gives your body a chance to adjust to the new schedule and gradually decrease milk production.
In the second week, you can drop another pumping session and continue this pattern until you eventually eliminate all pumping sessions. So, if you were pumping five times a day in the first week, you can reduce it to four times a day in the second week. Repeat this process until you no longer need to pump.
It’s important to listen to your body during this process. If you start to feel uncomfortable or engorged after dropping a session, you can try hand expressing or using a breast pump for a short time to relieve the pressure. You can also gradually decrease the duration of each pumping session to help your body adjust.
If you have experienced issues with clogged ducts or mastitis in the past, it’s a good idea to give yourself a bit more time for each session that you drop. I would recommend giving yourself a week and a half to two weeks per session to ensure that your body is able to adjust without any complications.
It’s also worth mentioning that weaning off pumping may come with some emotional challenges. Pumping can create a strong bond between you and your baby, and it can be difficult to let go of that connection. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time and seek support from friends, family, or a lactation consultant if needed.
Weaning off exclusive pumping can take about a week for each session that you need to drop. However, if you’ve had issues with clogged ducts and mastitis, it’s recommended to give yourself a week and a half to two weeks per session. It’s important to listen to your body, adjust gradually, and seek support if needed.