Stopping breastfeeding after expressing - how?

I had to do the same thing. I gradually went a little longer between pumping (like 4-5 hours, if it was usually 3 hours) and did not pump as much as usual (I would pump about 2/3 of what I knew I would pump normally). Every few days I would drop another pumping session and in about a week, I was comfortable enough to stop. I think I pumped once the day after I "quit" just to relieve some pressure.

Good luck to you and good job hanging in there for a month+. I can't even imagine with twins!!!

No you gradually decrease the number of times you are pumping a day. You don't go cold turkey or you can give yourself mastitis.

Call your hospital. There is probably a lactation educator who does classes and answers phone questions. They have a whole recommended protocol on how to wean properly. I would give you the number for mine but I like in California and you'd be paying long distance.

You are right. It takes way to long to express milk this way. I can see why you are frustrated. At this age you can still help them to latch on and feed. As they get good at feeding you will only need five or ten minutes at the most. Before you quit entirely talk to the La Leche League for information on how to best go about it. This is a great group of women around the globe who assist women in everything to do with breastfeeding. Best wishes, G

You could also look at Kangaroo Care which is great to help them with their growth.

The breastfeeding community throughout the United States has access to a 24 hour toll free helpline service by calling 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324). This helpline provides information, education, and support for women who want to breastfeed, and to healthcare providers and others. Callers have access to the most current breastfeeding information, receive support from a helpline volunteer who is an accredited La Leche League Leader, and receive contact information for local LLL Leaders and Groups.

You sound just like me, I wasn't able to cope with breast feeding my twins either and stopped after about the first month and a half. After I stopped I had lots more time to care for them, I know just how you're feeling. I went cold turkey and would hand express milk in the shower to relieve pain. The hot water seemed to help. It took about a week or two for me to stop lactating.

Have you considered renting a breat pump from the hospital? If you are hand expressing your milk, no wonder you are exhausted! A hospital pump is really the way to go if you haven't used one before.

I used one when my baby was in the NICU for 11 days. I was able to pump both breats for 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours and I was able to pump at least six to eight ounces at every sitting.

If you really want to giv eyour children breastmilk, then I would encourage you to check with your local hospital or a lactation consultant to see if you can rent one of these pumps. They really make all the difference.

slowly reduce number of feeds over period of 2 months lets say

dont restrict or put any physical pressure on the boobs

good luck with the twins

i would just slow down gradually. this way you can switch over to formula slowly so as to not upset their tummies too badly. and this way you still give your babies a little breast milk for just a little longer too. your supply will lessen the more infrequently you pump, with less pain for you.

1st decrease number of pumpings gradually over the next few weeks.

Wear a snug fitting bra

Cold cabbage leaves will help you dry up if you put them in your bra

You can try taking beandryl to help dry up your milk.

OB/GYN RN

I would stop slowly that way it is easier on both you and your twins. You will not be in as much pain and it will allow you to switch your children to formula gradually.

Go to the doctor and tell your GP you wish to end breastfeeding. You will get a few tablets, to be taken over a few days. This will make lactating cease, until you become pregnant again.