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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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My daughter was unable to breastfeed so I have been pumping for the past four months. I would like to know the best way to stop pumping. Do I eliminate a pumping time or reduce the amount of time each time I pump?
Congratulations on continuing to pump for four months! What a wonderful gift to give your baby! If you have decided to stop pumping, you may want to gradually start spacing the pumpings farther apart, and pumping for less time each pumping. This will help your body slow down on production in a natural way over a period of time. It is healthier for you, and for your baby, to adjust slowly. This way your baby will receive some breastmilk longer as well. Many babies cannot begin to make their own immunities until they are 6 months of age or older. So, as you slow down your production and she gets closer to 6 months, providing even partial breastmilk will give her added protection during the winter months.
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More Answers by this Expert
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