I want to quit pumping

by Emma B
(Kansas City, MO)

My baby and I never latched, but I still wanted him to have all the benefits, so I pumped about every 4 hours. Now I seem to have an over supply, where if I don't pump every 2-3 hours, I will have a soaked shirt. I am thinking about quitting and just feeding him formula, unless I can find a solution and someone to talk me out of it. Is there a way I can reduce my production without making it stop all together? I am just so exhausted. I don't get any sleep, the baby fusses while I'm pumping and I can't do anything about it, and my freezer is just full of breastmilk. He is only 13 days old...I wanted him to get the breastmilk for at least 6 months, but it's just too hard for me at this rate.

Answer from the lactation consultant:
My recommendation is for you to see a lactation consultant as soon as possible. Giving up on breastfeeding and latching at 13 days is undesirable. It would honestly be so much easier if you can get baby latched and not deal with the double feeding (pumping and bottle feeding). Exhaustion in the first 3-4 weeks is totally normal but do not quit, if you had planned on breastfeeding for a minimum of 6 months, I am afraid you will have regrets if you quit now.
Find a lactation consultant or a le leche league member to support you. All that being said, it is no ones job to "talk you out of quitting." It is only our job to support you. Breastfeeding is hard work but I can tell you this, it will get easier and it is so worth it in the end.

If you want to discuss tips to make exclusively pumping easier, I would be glad to help you via private consult online. You can arrange it on the website under live chat or phone chat.

Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC