Can you stop breastfeeding/pumping cold turkey?

kdg31684

I pump and supplement with formula.  I currently pump 4 times daily, do not breastfeed.  Can I quit pumping cold turkey or do I have to wean off of it?

LadyNikon

DO NOT QUIT COLD TURKEY!.  I tried that and it HURT so bad... I would wean myself off as the PP suggests.

jennygirlmt

Agree, it will be painful and could cause issues. Considering you are pumping and not nursing (ie no baby to battle) it should be easy enough to drop a pump session a week, or at least every 4 days or so. 

blessednewmom1

I stopped very gradually, and it went well.  Try dropping one session per day, every 5-7 days.  When I got down two 2 session per day, I just gradually increased the time in between the two sessions and this worked well.  It has not been 8 days since my last pump, and I haven't experienced any pain/engorgement.  I would pump when you feel full to prevent mastitis, and I also think it is easier on your body hormonally.  My best to you!

greyt00

I went cold turkey and it was OK, but maybe I was just really lucky.  Every time I was too uncomfortable I manually expressed a little, just enough to make it bearable.  I didn't get mastitis or plugged ducts.  It took a few weeks for the supply to go away.  It was rough for a few days but not much after that.  I didn't like the idea of continuing to pump because I would have to dump it and I just wanted to be done.  I stopped because of my son's food allergies and I had taken too much Fenugreek for the hospital to accept my milk as donation.