Some breastfeeding women choose to go the traditional route by putting the baby to the breast for each feeding, while others choose to pump exclusively and feed the baby using a bottle. Women do exclusive pumping for a number of reasons, including a baby's inability to suckle due to prematurity or other factors, and separation from the baby. Weaning from exclusive pumping should be done slowly, just like if you were weaning a baby from the breast.
Step 1
Decrease the number of pumping sessions gradually. Writing for the website KellyMom, Kelly Bonyata, a Certified Lactation Consultant, suggests to eliminate one session every three to seven days.
Step 2
Decrease the amount of time you spend pumping by one to two minutes. Maintain the decreased pumping time until you feel that your breasts have adjusted to the new time and decrease it again by one to two minutes. Decreasing it slowly -- allowing your breasts to adjust helps prevent engorgement and discomfort.
Step 3
Utilize warm compresses and massage to help drain the breasts while pumping to prevent plugged ducts, which can occur because less milk is removed from the breasts. This side effect can lead to mastitis, a very painful infection of the breast. Heat compresses and massage can help keep the milk flowing and reduce this possibility.
Step 4
Extend the amount of time between pumping sessions gradually. This amount of time varies by woman. Increase the time slowly, but only as much as you can tolerate comfortably. For example, if you normally pump every four hours, increase it to every four-and-a-half hours for a few days, then increase it by another 30 minutes to one hour if it is comfortable to do so.
Tips and Warnings
- Adjust your weaning techniques if you experience engorgement or pain in the breasts. Although taking it slowly means that it will take longer before you're done pumping, it does lessen the chances of side effects related to plugged ducts and mastitis. Talk to your midwife, doctor or a lactation consultant for recommendations regarding weaning, and also if you experience any difficulties or problems.
