It’s important to do this step gradually so that your breasts do not feel uncomfortable and engorged. When you pump for a shorter amount of time, you are reducing the amount of milk you’re pumping. This signals to your body to stop supplying as much milk.
For example, you might regularly pump every 3 hours and have a schedule each day of 7:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. Extend each season interval by 15 minutes so you’re now pumping every 3 hours and 15 minutes with a schedule like 7:00am, 10:15am, 1:30pm, 4:45pm, and 8:00pm. Allow your body to adjust to the above schedule for a few days, then try extending your session intervals to every 3 hours and 30 minutes.
For example, your pumping sessions might be at 7:00am, 10:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm. Drop your 1:00pm session first. Wait 2 to 3 days to adjust, then also drop your 4:00pm session. Watch how you feel for a few days, then cut your 10:00am session. After a few more days, drop your evening session so that your only remaining pumping session is in the morning. Use the above 3 weaning steps together to gradually reduce your milk supply.
You can also use a frozen bag of peas.
You can also hand express, or massage your breast to remove milk, to feel more comfortable. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Don’t worry – you won’t ruin your weaning progress if you have to pump longer one day or add back in a session. Gradual weaning helps prevent complications, but clogged ducts or mastitis can still occur. Call your doctor or lactation consultant if your breasts are feeling swollen, painful, and you’re experiencing chills or a fever. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
