When Pumping Ends

Hello ladies,

I have been exclusive pumping for my baby for the past 11 mths and had to stop as my supply was dropping tremendously. I dropped my pumps slowly, and managed to drop to one pump.  I have not pumped for a week now, and I do not feel that engorged. My right breast feels ookay, but my left is hurting and it seems full and lumpy. When i squeeze my nipples, milk is squirting out. Should I pump now or wait for the pain to go away by itself? What should I do? It feels tender too and at times in the evening i feel a little feverish, which I have read can be pretty normal when you weane. please advise,

Also I was wondering how does the body feel after you weane from breastfeeding or pumping? The last few nights i cannot sleep and have been verrry tired.... why is this so?

thank you

Sonia

Hi Sonia and Welcome!

I would massage your left side and hand express to work out those lumps. If that doesn't help, you could pump just a little for relief (while massaging the lumps) since it's been a week.  After I weaned, I nursed one more time 48 hours later for relief and then I was done and comfortable after that.  I'd hate to hear that you got mastitis. the outside of your skin isn't red, right?  Keep drinking plenty of fluids, take some ibuprofen.

.."Also I was wondering how does the body feel after you weane from breastfeeding or pumping? The last few nights i cannot sleep and have been verrry tired.... why is this so?"

Hmm, this doesn't sound necessarily weaning-related. I felt this way with plugged ducts/mastitis occasionally though.  Could you be pregnant again? ;)

Let us know how it goes....

Caryn

Nursed Nia for 12 mos, W&P'd for Olivia until 13-14 mos and nursed Afram until 3 years after W&Ping for 16-17 mos.