Breastfeeding

How to cut out a pump ...

So currently I pump 3 times a day.  I want to cut down to 2.  My thought is, I can pump once in the morning at like, 7:30/8:00 if I'm not ready to explode (and usually, at this point, I'm not), and then again that night at the same time, under the same non-explosive conditions.  I tried it today, and am about to go and pump now ... I feel full, a little sore, like if I continue this, I might end up with a clog, and I also feel a little tingly.  So I'm wondering if there's a better way to skip that afternoon pump?  TIA for any advice!

Happy New Year everyone!!! = )

Re: How to cut out a pump ...

  • I'm an EPer but I'm still at 4 pumps per day and looking forward to getting to 3 sometime over the next couple of months. ?I'm super suceptible to clogs and whenever I've dropped a pump, I've just extended time between my pumps over the course of 3-4 days until I end up at my goal. ?I imagine it will be harder to do this though when going from 3 to 2 pumps/day. I know the other alternative is to just pump less and less time at the pump that you are planning to drop. ?That method just doesn't work for me though b/c if I leave any milk behind, I usually get a clog and then sometimes also mastitis. ?GL to you and I'd appreciate you sharing what works out for you!
    Kim

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  • I am an EPer too, and in fact, I should have stated that in my OP!  But anyways, you're right, cutting out other pumps has been a cinch but it this one that's hard, because if I cut it out, then I'm only pumping once in the morning and once at night ... that's a huge stretch.  Well, yesterday I was able to make it 8-8 but today, I was very full at 7, and there was NO WAY I ever would have made it to 8 tonight.  I pumped at 5:30 since that is when I arrived back home from an afternoon at my mother's, and already I was dying for "udder" relief!!  =)  So ... not sure yet what I am going to do.  I'm probably going to have to continue w/ the pump I want to cut out but gradually decrease the time.  Sigh.  I don't know.  But once I figure it out, I will definitely let you know how it went!!
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  • I can't remember who it was, but another EPer said they alternate each day.  So 3 pumps one day, then 2 the next.  Maybe if you go back and forth for a little bit, your body will figure it out.  I'm still at 5 pumps so I don't have any other advice for cutting to 2.  But let us know how it goes, I am SO looking forward to the day that I can drop to 2!  Way to go!
    Wife to Drew since 08.18.2007 Mom to Andrew since 10.18.2008 Runner, baker, reader, eater
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