Pumping: calling it quits

[tara72]

this will be short, as it's late and I'm exhausted. my LO is 7 1/2 months old and a week or two ago, I reduced pumping to only twice a day (morning and night). this morning, we had a total of 4 ounces to give her.

I HATE the idea of stopping, but in a nutshell, it is the right thing to do for me, and in that way, it will be better for her as well. but it's soooooo hard for me to think that she won't be getting ANY breastmilk.

but how do you just STOP? I mean, tonite we got back from Harry Potter at 11:45 and it's now 12:15 and I've got a whole 2 or 2 1/2 ounches, which is typical. I have always had a low supply. but I'm almost obsessed about it and find it hard to stop.

any advice?

thanks in advance. I'm going to bed.
 
 --tara

[Samuel's mum]

JMO If you are used to measuring then make that part of your system for reducing your pumping. Stopping gradually is the best way anyway to prevent blocked ducts and possible mastitis anyway. So today aim for no more than 2 oz in one session. Then the next day 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1 oz, just a trickle. At some point just pump once a day. Then just a trickle on alternate pumping sessions. Then just a trickle when you feel engorged. Don't think this is milk for Savannah but this is pumping to prevent problems with your breasts - that will help to make it easier too.
Then it will be gradual and you won't feel there was a definite stop. By the time you stop your attitude to pumping will have changed (i.e it was no longer for her) and you'll feel a lot easier about it when you stop.

Good Luck.

[RachelC]

Just wanted to offer some {{{{hugs}}}}}

[* Paula *]

Sending some hugs too

[tara72]

thank you so very much for the replies, ladies! and the hugs. those are MUCH needed.

I appreciate the advice to stop gradually. that is one thing I wasn't sure how to go about doing, so that's what I'm doing now.

You can probably get more if you pumped more often. Its hard to maintain your supply twice a day, i did it 4 times. 

actually, my only pumping twice a day (at the time that I posted this) was in part my trying to gradually stop. before, I pumped at 6 AM, during her first nap, during her second nap, and then at night. each time, I pumped for 45 minutes to an hour. I tried everything to increase my supply, including pumping more (I tried 6 times a day, which about killed me!!), but to no avail.

I was finally starting to feel okay about stopping...until I read that a baby can get their antibodies in 4 ounces a day. dang!! but I need to remind myself that I'm emotionally hurting....not just hating pumping, but I'm depressed and feel horrible about myself because there are 4 hours a day where I am not doing anything. and you guys know how precious time is when you have a baby!!

so I think I'm feeling better about it, in general. it will be good not to pump for me. and 7 1/2 months hopefully is good enough for my LO.

thank you again, you guys! I appreciate the replies and support!!

 --tara

[RachelC]

{{{{hugs}}}}

7.5 months is AWESOME and don't forget that.  You have done a wonderful thing for your daughter.  You are a great Mommy!  And remember, happy mommy = happy baby 

[* Paula *]

Ditto what Rachel said