Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Weaning From the Pump

This year, I was given a new work schedule. It pushed up the time I had to be in work by four hours, and it has been difficult for me and Kaiden. Our breastfeeding relationship has changed because of it, and pumping at work has been more stressful than ever. We are burning through our freezer stash FAST, and I don't pump enough to keep up with him due to the fact that we used to supplement with formula up until about two months ago. Each pumping session, I only get .5-2oz, and I only pump once at work now. I wanted to try to pump twice, but my schedule and staffing doesn't allow for it, and my state law only provides pumping accommodations for a year after Kaiden's birth. 

All of this combined has brought me to the decision to wean from my pump. This means, no more pumping at work, and when my stash depletes, then I will be introducing cow's milk or almond milk instead. This wasn't an easy choice to make for me, mostly because I am terrified of my supply bottoming out and drying up all together, ending breastfeeding all together. 

But stressing out at work about pumping isn't helping my supply either. I miss having my lunch time, not being late for my meetings, and having all my planning time to myself. So, this pump has got to go!

Right now, I am shaving time off my session. Normally, I pump for 20-25 minutes. Yesterday, I pumped for 15 and stopped because I was hardly getting anything, and it was frustrating me. Today, I am going to pump for 10-12 minutes. 

We will see how it goes. I'm nervous about it. Kaiden is already getting frustrated when he nurses, which is a sign that my supply isn't where it should be. I drank some Mother's Milk tea this morning, and I feel very full. Maybe I should wait until I get home from work to drink the tea. 


UPDATE: 

As of this past Friday, I have weaned off the pump. Friday was uncomfortable, but yesterday and today weren't as bad. I make sure to remind myself to let Kaiden nurse WHENEVER he wants to when we are home so my supply adjusts well and doesn't drop all together. Seems like we are okay so far! :)

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