What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
My son is 9 months old. I work full time and would love to ditch the pump at 12 months (gradually of course). Does anyone have experience with this? Will I still be able to nurse in the morning and evening, or is this going to totally dry up my supply?
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
Lots of moms pump-wean at 12 months, and go on to nurse 1-2 times a day during the week, perhaps somewhat more on the weekends. As long as your baby continues to nurse, you will maintain some supply. Not a huge supply if it's just a couple of times a day, but something!
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
I stopped pumping at 12 months and nursed my son for 21 months!
the key is to start gradually to omit engorgement and plugged ducts. I work 3 days a week, 12 hours shifts. I nursed my son morning and throughout the night, we co-sleept and he would nurse every 2 hours at night. on my days off, i nursed on demand(3-5 times) until gradually i weaned off and nursed morning and night. :p
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
I just pump weaned a few weeks ago for my 12 month old baby. I nurse on demand all weekend and all night. I did the same for my first daughter. I know mommal said that you won't have a huge supply if it's just a couple days, and I hate to disagree with her, but Lilah did not really eat solid foods on the weekends for several months after I pump weaned. So she was getting quite a bit from me the three days a week I was with her. And Trixie is eating more solids, but she has been into solids much sooner than Lilah ever was. Basically, what I'm saying is that I don't see a difference in nursing on the weekends pre-pump weaning and post-pump weaning. :)
Lilah nursed for 25 months and was weaned during my pregnancy with Beatrix. I imagine that Beatrix will nurse at least that long, if not longer.
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
Yep - I pump weaned when my LO were a little more than 1 year old and went on to nurse both until they were more than 2 years old. It takes awhile but your supply does adjust.
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
Thanks everyone, very reassuring! Baby and I are not ready to stop nursing--but I am so sick of the pump.
Re: What if I stop pumping at 12 months?
Just make sure to take it slow. Dropping one session at a time and continuing if you are uncomfortable.