Wean From Pumping But Not Nursing?

mommaofmultiples · February 2015

I would like to wean from the pump because for some reason I am getting out half of what I used to. I used to pump 11 oz/day, baby drinks 9 oz at daycare. Then two weeks ago I had a 24 hour stomach flu and dehydration. Since then my supply has not recovered and now I only pump ~6 oz/day. I want to wean from the pump because it's just not worth it anymore. However, I would like to continue to nurse morning, night and weekends. Is this possible? Will my body be able to produce enough all weekend to satisfy my 10 month old if I am no longer pumping regularly during the work week? This is a sad time for me because this is all ending much sooner than I wanted thanks to my stomach flu.

Thanks for the advice.

lowen83 · February 2015

The same thing is happening to me and I also would like some input on this. I used to pump 18+ oz and now it's a good day if I get 10. I just don't understand. I'm not doing anything different other then my 7 month old is sleeping though the night. I'm afraid to quit pumping the twice a day I am because I don't want my supply to disappear all together.

lmlee15 · February 2015

I thought once the baby started eating solids and such they required less milk and your body would produce less? Good luck though!

Peanutz21 · February 2015

we are in a similar boat

i got sick with bad strep throat around time LO turned 9 months

my pump output also dropped sigfnicantly as well

LO also incidentally decided to drop a feed due to eating more solids (we try 3 small meals)

so now she has 4 milks sessions plus 3 small meals

when i pump at work it was difficult to drop that 5th session but i finally did

im also dipping into freezer stash since i was only planning on EBF until 1 yo anyway and realize my anal type A self should have enough to tie me over

good luck! stay hydrated!

maplebar · February 2015

I stopped pumping at around 11 months and was able to continue nursing as much as she wanted until 17 months. I had already begun supplementing with formula before I stopped pumping and had slowly cut back on how often I pumped over the course of about a month and a half. I had to nurse more frequently than her normal bottle feeding schedule on the weekends but it wasn't a problem as far as her not being able to get enough milk.

Ladyburd · February 2015

While I recognize that everyone's body is different, I stopped pumping at 10m ( mostly bc I hated it but also low supply) & continued nursing. My dd will be one on Friday. She nurses between 2 - 4 times a day which depends on if it's a weekend or week day. During the week she takes the freezer stash but not always well. She loves her solids and will sometimes reject the bottle.
I also began having a reduced supply ( as low as 4 - 6 oz) while pumping. I worried that my supply would diminish after I stopped, however my body continues to produce what she needs. I have learned that everything from stress, illness, ovulation, or my cycle can impact supply. Most of all I have learned to trust my body and all it's ups and downs doesn't necessarily mean that nursing is over.
You are doing great. Remember ever drop of bm you give your baby is making a difference. Be encouraged.

mommaofmultiples · February 2015

That is helpful information. Thank you.

Want a personalized experience?

Wean From Pumping But Not Nursing?

Re: Wean From Pumping But Not Nursing?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards