The Dangers of Stopping Pumping Breast Milk Cold Turkey

Stopping pumping breast milk cold turkey can be tempting for many moms. You may be feeling exhausted from the constant pumping schedule or frustration if your supply is low. However, going from regular pumping to suddenly stopping altogether can be risky for both mom and baby. In this article, I’ll explain why stopping pumping abruptly is not recommended and share tips for gradually weaning off the breast pump instead.

What Does Stopping Pumping Cold Turkey Mean?

Stopping pumping cold turkey refers to abruptly stopping all breast milk pumping sessions without slowly decreasing them over time. For example if a mom has been pumping 4 times per day and decides one day that she is done she simply stops pumping altogether.

Some moms may think going cold turkey will help them stop pumping more quickly Others may feel they have no choice if they need to return to work or other commitments that won’t allow them to keep up with pumping sessions. However, while it may seem easier in the moment, stopping pumping abruptly can lead to some painful complications

Why Is Stopping Pumping Cold Turkey Risky?

Quitting pumping breast milk cold turkey is risky for a few key reasons:

• It can lead to breast engorgement – When milk isn’t removed regularly, it builds up and causes swelling and inflammation. This engorgement can be extremely painful and lead to plugged ducts or mastitis (breast infection).

• It can decrease supply too quickly – Sudden weaning may signal to the body to produce less milk, leading to a drastic drop in supply. This can be difficult if mom still wants to breastfeed her baby at the breast.

• It can cause discomfort for baby – In addition to engorgement and decreasing supply, quick weaning may leave baby fussy, frustrated and confused about the sudden change in how they are fed.

• It may increase risk of illness – Studies show babies who stop breastfeeding abruptly are more likely to get sick than babies who are weaned gradually.

Clearly, moms who want to stop pumping should avoid going cold turkey if possible. But what steps can you take for a smoother transition?

Tips for Gradually Weaning from the Breast Pump

While you may be eager to stop pumping, taking it slow is key. Follow these tips to make weaning more comfortable on both you and your baby:

• Decrease pumping time – Lower the minutes spent pumping at each session, such as from 20 minutes to 15, then 10. This helps signal your body to make less milk.

• Increase time between sessions – Stretch out the gaps between pumping sessions, such as from every 3 hours to every 4 hours. Again, this gradually drops supply.

• Remove one session per day/week – Eliminate one pumping per day or every few days. For example, go from 4 times per day to 3.

• Watch for signs of engorgement – Bottles or nursing can relieve fullness between sessions. Ice packs and pain meds can also provide relief if needed.

• Introduce formula or solid foods – If baby is over 6 months old, offer more formula or solids to help make up for decreasing breast milk.

• Make bedtime the last session – Drop the early morning pump first, since breast fullness overnight helps maintain supply.

• Talk to a lactation consultant – They can help make a customized weaning plan based on you and baby’s needs.

• Be patient – Give yourself and your body time to adjust to producing less milk. Rushing the process will only lead to frustration.

What to Do If You Already Stopped Pumping Cold Turkey

If you’ve already gone cold turkey, don’t panic. Begin taking small steps to get back on track:

• Pump just enough to relieve pressure – Don’t try to empty the breasts yet since that signals them to make more milk.

• Use pain medication and cold compresses.

• Gently massage lumpy areas if ducts feel clogged.

• Nurse baby frequently to help drain breasts.

• Consider taking a medication to temporarily suppress lactation.

• See a doctor if you suspect mastitis. Antibiotics may be needed.

• Once engorgement subsides, begin gradually dropping pumping sessions.

• Offer formula/solids to offset decreasing milk supply.

While stopping pumping cold turkey may seem like the quick fix, it almost always backfires and leads to a more difficult experience for mom. Taking it slow allows your body and baby to adjust, prevents complications like mastitis, and ensures everyone is comfortable throughout the process. Be patient with yourself as you transition – you got this!