There are several different indicators that it might be time to stop pumping:- Your baby has reached an age where he or she is getting adequate nutrition through table food or other means.
- Your baby is able to transition over to exclusive breastfeeding.
- Your milk supply dwindles or runs out to the point that it is no longer worth the effort.
- Your lifestyle changes in a way that no longer supports pumping- e.g. work/child-rearing demands do not allow the time, a subsequent pregnancy that leaves you drained, a health issue or illness makes pumping difficult, etc.
- You and your doctor or your baby's doctor just decide that it's time to stop.
- Increase the time between pumping sessions until you're only pumping morning and night.
- Phase out night-time pumping if you're still doing it.
- Try to avoid known stimuli like warm water, certain smells, etc.
- Do pump if you feel the need, even if you thought you were done. I ended up pumping once two weeks after I thought I was "done" and then that was it!
- Do not pump unless you really feel the "need" to pump.
- Use breast pads (disposable or washable) to deal with any leakage.
- Give yourself a big pat on the back for what you've done!
What other recommendations or questions do you have regarding pumping for your preemie?
When I was done breastfeeding I put cold cabbage leaves in my bra to help with the swelling and to help dry up the milk. I smelled like a Polish woman, but it worked!
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