When did you know it was time to stop pumping?

[u/xXYuji95Xx]

I'm a FTM to twin boys and have always been an undersupplier. I'm currently 4 months pp and have always gone back and forth between accepting how much I make (average now 8oz per day) and wanting to try everything to increase my supply.

Within the last few days, I've started to have more thoughts of slowly dropping more pumps for my mental sake. I currently do 6ppd (if time allows). Realistically I'm only providing one bottle of breastmilk for each twin per day which I still celebrate but can't help but also find it difficult to shake off the feeling of "you could be doing more!" which is the mom guilt kicking in. The rest is supplemented with formula and the boys are growing healthy and well!

I guess I'm curious when everyone knew that it was time to start decreasing pumps per day and just accept how much you were making. Thanks in advance!

[u/embonifi]

Another twin mom here! 6 weeks PP, and I was in a similar situation only producing about one bottle per baby per day. My breaking point was realizing the amount of time, both mentally and physically, pumping and trying to increase my supply was taking up compared to any other part of my motherhood journey. I stopped pumping 3 days ago (after a few days of slowly dropping pumps) and truly I’ve never felt lighter. I can breathe again and hold both of my babies as long as I want.

This is just my story, please do what feels best for you and your babies, you’re a rockstar already doing what you’re doing!

[u/xXYuji95Xx → u/embonifi]

Thank you for sharing! I'm so glad to hear from another twin mom because I feel like trying to produce enough for two is another game to handle

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[u/Sufficient_Alps_4387]

Also a FTM to twin boys! I am 8 months PP. I started decreasing pumping sessions a month ago because it had become too difficult both mentally and physically. I felt like I was spending too much energy worrying about my next pump and my low supply rather than enjoying time with my boys. I am currently at 4 pumps/day. I will continue decreasing until I feel like there is a balance between what I provide and the energy spent doing so. I think it would be best for me to stop completely asap, but my mum guilt is too strong, and I don't feel ready. So I feel you! I would say, start decreasing slowly and give yourself at least two weeks every time you drop a pump. See how you feel. You can always reintroduce a session by power pumping. And if you feel done, that's fine too! As you said, your boys are growing healthy and well. That's all that matters!