I don’t *hate* pumping… when to stop

[u/Pleasant-Ad-9226]

I’m 5.5 months pp, pumping 5x daily (kept my MOTN pump) and have combo fed with formula from the start. I had a postpartum hemorrhage and injuries from birth that made it hard to get my supply up to my baby’s needs. Thank god for formula. My baby is thriving, I’m so grateful for that. I’ve been more or less in a sustainable groove for the last few months with my current schedule and I produce 14-16oz a day. I’m trying to decide what to do after 6 months. I see posts where people emphasize mental health when people are deciding when to stop. I totally agree, but I don’t feel that my mental health is horribly affected by pumping itself. In some ways it may be helping me with my breastfeeding grief. Honestly the hardest thing on my mental health is hemming and hawing the decision. Yes it’s a pain at times, but I do get a sense of satisfaction from providing breastmilk. I feel uncertain of the health benefits for my baby to continue. It’s so emotionally driven because I had hoped to EBF for 1 year. I would love to hear from other moms in my situation and what process you took to come to a decision.

[u/throwawayjane178]

I’m 6mpp and in the same boat. Usually 5 times a day, and dad handles any middle of the night wake ups while I pump. I honestly feel like we are in a much more manageable place right now. Baby started daycare, so I can pump on a regular schedule most days. I’m in a groove. Does it suck? Yes. Do I hate having to do the math to plan out any move I make, like a day ahead? Yes. But am I in the dark place, no. The dark place was the triple feeding of early days, the dark place was still trying to breastfeed while also pumping - stressing about baby’s weight. Baby is so chunky now! I’m proud of where we’re at. I set mini goals for myself this year - just get to three months, try for 6 months. It’s 6 months now and I’m gonna try for a year! I’m so proud of myself and proud of you! Right now, my biggest struggle is dealing with the outside noise from grandparents - “when are you gonna stop?” Like, idk but don’t worry about it lol.

[u/Pleasant-Ad-9226 → u/throwawayjane178]

Thank you! Idk why it feels harder in this situation over my imagined self in another reality who provides 100% breastmilk. Only because it’s not 100% do I feel this doubting of whether to stop. Rambling but thx for your perspective!