drying up/weaning

cedenton

So, I guess this post means I've made a decision.

I'd like to be completely done by the time I have to travel for work on the 16th.

Right now I nurse around 5am and pump around 7:30, 10:30, 1:30, 5:00, 8:00.

Starting Monday I'll combine the mid morning and mid afternoon sessions into a lunch session.

What's your advice on where to go from there?

PS trying really hard not to cry while typing this.

byrne15

Deciding to end BFing is a really tough thing to do emotionally...so I know where you are coming from.

Once I decided to wean, I just went from BFing and pumping to pumping for relief.  I would just pump when I needed some relief and I would only pump for about 5 mins (double pump).  I went from pumping probably 6 times a day to nothing in a little over a week.  Kind of sad to realize how fast your supply ends once you give it up.

Good luck.

bigbootyjudi

I'm so sorry. I know its a rough decision to make, but do NOT beat yourself up over it. You've done everything possible and you've given him BM for three months! That's a great accomplishment!

An LC told me to drop one pump a day every three days to prevent mastitis or clogged ducts. It takes a little longer, but she said going cold turkey is risky.

shakinros

I'm sorry this has been so hard. I hope that you get some relief just from having a decision made!

Combining the two midday sounds good. Maybe after you've done that for 4 or 5 days, combine the two later pumping sessions into one around 7pm? I'm no expert obviously, but that would make sense to me. Then let that settle for a few days. The switch to just two pump sessions per day and so on. I think I'd let go of the single nursing session last.

Good luck mama! Nolan will be fine and your family will be happier for it.

Mzbr

I know your sad, but you have done a great job getting to 3 months! And this decision will be right for all of you! I have read dropping 1 pumping session every 3 days as well. Each time you are said about this snuggle you little one and remind yourself what a good mom you are!

cedenton

Thanks, everyone! God I wish I could just stop freaking crying so much. Ugh.Don't they say this is peak time for hormone changes? Man, I am feeling it.

DemoDoll

I don't have any advice but I think im going to stop BFing this week. I feel your pain. I don't know if I should stop or not but LO will only nurse at night. My supply basically tanked down to nothing so I might just bf at night and not pump anymore. I feel bad because everyone says BFing is so good but it feels like I'm coming to the end of my rope.

latnprincess

I"m so sorry cedenton...  I felt like crying when I read your post because it took me back to the day I decided to quit with first LO cause it just was not happening as much as I tried.  I wish I could be there to give you a hug!  You've gone above and beyond and I think you are one amazing mama for everything you've done for your LO.  

As far as drying up, since you didn't have much of a supply it shouldn't be too bad.  I was naive and didn't know so I just stopped cold turkey.  I felt nothing.  No engorgement, no pain.  For you though, I agree with PP that you should just pump to relieve engorgement, not to empty.  Or maybe just hand express to relieve.  Ice packs and ibuprofen help too.  I've heard cold cabbage leaves are great too.