Easy Ways to Stop Pumping and Decrease Your Milk Production

Gradually shorten and drop pumping sessions to reduce your milk supply

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: February 20, 2023 References

Can I Just Stop Pumping?

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Tips For Gradually Weaning Off Pumping

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Tips

Whether you're returning to work, switching to formula, or ready to transition your baby to solid foods, there comes a time when you want to wean off pumping. While weaning can sound daunting, there are actually easy steps you can take to gradually reduce your milk supply. The most important thing is to take it slow so that you and your baby are comfortable, safe, and happy! In this article, we’ll tell you how to gradually stop pumping and give you tips on how to make this journey as easy as possible.

Things You Should Know

Reduce your milk supply by gradually shortening each pumping session, increasing the time between each session, and dropping a session every few days.
If your breasts are uncomfortably full, pump just enough to relieve your discomfort. If they also feel painful and swollen, talk to your doctor.
Decrease your milk production by placing ice or cabbage on your breasts.

Section 1 of 2:

Can I Just Stop Pumping?

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Wean off pumping gradually instead of stopping cold turkey. It’s important to wean gradually because suddenly stopping can increase your risk of pain, swelling, and infection. While this makes the weaning process longer, it ensures that you stay comfortable and healthy.^{[1]
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It may take you a week or several to stop producing milk. The time it takes to wean off pumping ranges from person to person. It largely depends on your milk supply, how quickly your body responds to the process, and other factors like stress.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 2:

Tips For Gradually Weaning Off Pumping

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Shorten the length of each pumping session. Slow your milk supply by cutting a few minutes off each session. Cut back each session by 2 minutes, then after a few days of adjustment, cut it back by 5. Slowly work your way up until each session is 10 minutes shorter.^{[3]
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- 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.
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Increase the amount of time between each session. Start by pushing back each scheduled pump by 15 minutes. Increase your time over the course of several weeks until you are going an extra hour or more between pumping sessions.^{[4]
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- 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.
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Cut a pumping session every 2 to 3 days. Start by removing an afternoon pump of your choice. Wait a few days for your body to adjust, then drop an additional afternoon session. Continue to drop pumping sessions every few days, making sure that your first pumping session in the morning and your last one at night are the last that you drop.^{[5]
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- 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.
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Ice your breasts after pumping. The cold of the ice can relieve any discomfort and can actually help reduce your milk production. After you pump, lay a towel over your breasts and place a bag of ice or an ice pack over it. Leave the ice on each breast for 5 to 15 minutes.^{[6]
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- You can also use a frozen bag of peas.
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Place cabbage leaves over your breasts. Cabbage can reduce pain, swelling, and your milk production. All you need to do is cut up a head of cabbage, wash the leaves, and let them dry. Then place the leaves on your breasts and cover them with a bra. Replace the leaves throughout the day once they wilt.^{[7]
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Wear a loose, supportive bra. A comfortable bra can also reduce your supply. Bras prevent your clothes from rubbing against your breasts, which can stimulate milk production. Make sure your bra isn’t too binding or constricting because this can increase your risk for infection.^{[8]
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It’s okay to pump if your breasts feel uncomfortably full during weaning. Try to pump just enough so that you feel relieved, but are not emptying your breast. If you continue to feel discomfort and fullness, slow down your weaning by adding a session back or increasing your session lengths.^{[9]
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- You can also hand express, or massage your breast to remove milk, to feel more comfortable.^{[10]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- 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]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}