How to Wean From the Breast Pump

Breastfeeding mothers often choose to use a breast pump to express milk when they can not be present for feedings, storing the milk for future use. Some mothers express their milk for all feedings because their babies never latch on to the breast properly, or for a number of other reasons. Weaning from the breast pump is similar to weaning from direct feedings, and it is important to wean slowly. However, there are a few special considerations specific to weaning from a breast pump.

Instructions

Instructions

1




Weaning is best done slowly.

Choose a pumping session during your 24-hour schedule that is the most stressful and the least convenient.

2




Drop one pumping session at a time.

Skip pumping for that session only. Continue to pump on the same schedule as you would for all other sessions during the day, storing the milk, if you wish, for future use. If you are nursing your child directly as well as pumping, you may want to wait to wean her from your breast until you first have stopped pumping entirely. Be aware that supplementation might be needed from all feedings with formula, however.

3

Wear breast pads to prevent embarrassment or garment stains on the chance that you experience milk leakage. Leakage is rare if you have been breastfeeding your child or expressing milk for some time. But pads are a precaution worth taking.

4




Use crushed ice if needed.

Make a compress of crushed ice inside a closed, plastic sandwich bag for relief from any tenderness that might result. Breast engorgement is unlikely if you have been expressing milk for more than a few months.

5




Once your body has adjusted, you can give up another session.

Select another session to eliminate once your body has adjusted. Don't rush the process. Continue to drop pumping sessions one at a time until you have completely weaned from the breast pump.