The Fully Pumping Mother: What Next?

By Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, Ameda Products

Co-author of Breastfeeding Made Simple and The Breastfeeding Answer Book

http://www.ameda.com/breastpumping/most/tips.aspx

 

You brought in a full milk supply. You’ve kept it up for a while. Now what do you do?

 

Pumping for a non-breastfeeding baby brings many rewards. It feels great to see your baby grow and thrive on your milk. And it sets your mind at ease to know that you’re giving your baby the best. But it is not easy. Experts recommend mother’s milk for at least a baby’s first year. Even so, because of the extra time involved, many mothers find it hard to make full pumping work long-term.

 

But there are options. Even if you’ve been pumping for weeks or months, you can still make the move to breastfeeding. To make this change, most mothers need help. Getting help is well worth it for both you and your baby.

 

For some mothers, the best person to turn to for help is a lactation consultant. Part of her job is to know tricks to make breastfeeding work. To find a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) near you, go to "Find a Lactation Consultant" on www.ilca.org.

 

What can you expect from a meeting with a lactation consultant? She may show you how to help your baby latch on in a new way. Sometimes tools can help. Most good lactation consultants can get you any tools you might need.

 

But even if you decide to wean from the pump rather than making the move to breastfeeding, there are still things that are good to know. First, the safest and most comfortable weaning is almost always a gradual one. Here are some ways to make this happen.

 

One way to start is by dropping one daily pumping. Give your body two to three days to adjust. Then drop another daily pumping. Leave your first and last daily pumpings until the end. Repeat until you’re fully weaned from the pump.

Another way is to keep the number of pumpings the same but pump for a shorter time. If you were getting 4 ounces (120 ml) at each pumping, stop after 3 ounces (90 ml). Give your body 2-3 days to adjust and then do it again. Repeat until you no longer feel the need to pump.

 

Note: While weaning, if your breasts ever feel full, pump until you’re comfortable. Don’t pump fully. Pump just until your breasts feel better. Letting your breasts stay too full puts you at risk for pain and mastitis, which can lead to infection.

 

 

When you are fully weaned from the pump and finish pumping for good, give yourself a big pat on the back. Always remember how lucky your baby is that you were willing to work so hard to give him the best!