How to wean off pumping

[Tirednewmum30]

Hi,

Looking for some advice. I have been exclusively pumping breast milk but now it's come to stopping I am struggling! I was pumping about 12-14 times a day- every hour to two hours. Over the last couple of days I have tried to go a bit longer between pumping- every 2-3 hours and only pumping for 5 mins per time, but it's so uncomfortable!! I am very susceptible to blocked ducts and mastitis and my breasts are feeling very hard/lumpy today. I've been using cold compresses but still painful.

Feel like I'm going to be pumping forever (which I know isn't going to happen but I don't know how i can stop!!)

Does anyone know how to successfully stop pumping? Am I doing it right by gradually increasing time between pumps and reducing pumping time? How long will it take for milk supply to dry up?

Thanks to anyone that can help!!

[chickenchip]

I can't help but I'm bumping the post ad I'd be interested too!

[bourbonbiccy]

I am in the process of doing the same. I decided I would stop on my DS 1st birthday. So I have been doing exactly the same which is leaving it longer and longer between pumping. It is 3 weeks on and only pumping twice a day nearly reducing to once, as soon as i started to cut the night time pumping or give them a longer gap that seemed to have more of an effect.
It did get uncomfortable and get a bit lumpy, however I would be very careful if I were you and you are prone to Mistitis maybe check in with the doc so you don't get into any difficulty.
But I can finally see the light at the end if the tunnel, and can't wait to stop now . I hope it all gives well for you, good luck xx