I did it- I quit the pump... And it hurts

MADforever2009

I was just pumping 3-4 times a day just to make sure the boys were 'okay' on formula. Then last night mark was picking up dinner (house sitting for my parents) I was pumping... and both the boys woke up early from their naps (they've been eating every TWO hours!) they woke up and went from sleep to scream with no squirming or anything. No comforting them or anything. Finally got up with both shushing both over my shoulders. Let's just say that was the last straw... I had three smirnoffs last night and didn't pump again. So now my boobs are full and hard and hurt but I'm done. Done.

schoolsoutbride

Be careful you don't quit too fast! I'd hate for you to end up with mastitis. 

MADforever2009

How can it b avoided? I thought it was the only way to quit was to just stop?

caden

I love to cheer on pump quitters since I'm part of that club. So Yay for freedom! But also ditto the p.p. You should quit gradually. I dropped a pump session every few days - whenever it stopped being uncomfortable. It took maybe a month to be completely done.

chickaboo1974

you avoid it by decreasing the number of times you pump and by decreasing the time of your pumping sessions.  It can take two weeks or more.

SarahD30

I am in the same boat. I was EPing for my boys since they were in the NICU.  I just could not pump as much and stay sain.  I am still pumping about 4 times a day and getting enough for 1 feeding a day.  I thought I was ok with stopping but kinda dont want to.  I just dont know what to do if i could BF I would but their ped is not ok with that. I think that is why I am still holging on.

schoolsoutbride

MADforever2009:

How can it b avoided? I thought it was the only way to quit was to just stop?

I haven't done it, but I'm sure ladies here have.  You have to eliminate a session every few days and give your body time to down regulate.  

GiGi1221

Good for you- now get over the guilt and get on with your life! You did a great job! I pretty much up and quit to- although my pumping sessions were getting further apart... IT helped me to take hot showers and massage my boobs to get some release...

Chickandtaco

Yes!  You need to be careful how you stop, not just cold turkey or you could end up in a LOT of pain!  Plugged ducts and/or mastitis.  You can start by eliminating a pumping session each few days and/or decreasing the amount of time you pump. 

vlahop

Congrats on making it as long as you did!  I EP as well, and my goal is to make it to 2 months. 

You should pump now to provide you with some relief.  I would not stop cold turkey, unless your supply was bad and were pumping barely any milk.  Drop a pump every few days and pump for a few minutes less than you normally would. 

MADforever2009

Gotcha... I was slowing down but I guess 3 times a day needs to go to two etc. Thanks ladies. Now do I pump to empty or just relief?

Shelley-Bean

I'm jealous!  I've dropped down to 3 pumps a day, and I'm looking forward to the day when I stop.

marker56

Quit slowly... I pumped everytime I got uncomfortable for a long time, and then finally was able to stop.  I gave the girls whatever I did pump by bottle... and when I did finally stop there was no pain.  And if you wanna drink, just dump it!    Congratulations on what you've done so far.  Be very proud of yourself!!!  It's SO hard!

jesidz

I didn't quit slowly or wean either time with my other kids. I did wear 2 sports bras just for comfort and used cold cabbage leaves to sooth. Also massaged the heck out of them to avoid any lumps or mastitis and took plain Sudafed which is supposed to help dry you up. It took about a week to be pain free for me.

Cyndi&Matt

I am a little jealous.  I am stinking with it until I go back to work in 3 weeks but we will see ... my supply isn't that great with either. 

I have heard taking a decongestant and pepermint oil ( altoids) can also help along with lengthing the time between sessions and pumping for relief.   

amanda31H

Ditto PP...you should ideally drop one session (pumping or BF) at a time.  I gave myself at least 4 days to drop a session.  I'm dropping my last one tomorrow.

Also...just because you have a drink, doesn't mean you need to dump.  I discussed this with the lactation consultant who ran the BF class I took.  Unless you've had a bender, having a couple drinks does not effect your breast milk.