[kilamonster]

So I am a teacher and will be getting the summer off. My DS is currently 16 months old and I am still pumping for his 3 cups at school. He will be off for the summer and I won't be pumping for him during that time. I didn't want to have to pump anymore when I went back in August. How could I make this happen? He isn't very interested in Whole Milk right now but I don't know how much of that will change when he is 20 months old. He will also be changing schools and going to a Montessori school where I can send whatever I want for snacks, lunches, and drinks. When I am home with him I usually let him nurse whenever he wants. What do you guys think?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[pbjmama]

It shouldn't be a problem for you to not start pumping again in August. Maybe take your pump for the first week so you can have it if you get engorged but at that point I doubt it will be a problem. You may find you want to nurse him right before you are separated for the day and soon after you pick him up in the afternoon/evening. Then nurse as normal when you are together.

 

[spedteacher30]

i stopped pumping around 18 months, and gave my son water at daycare from then on.

i did pump for overnight separations until he was two or so, but stopped even doing that.

he had a dairy allergy, and he is just fine even without ever eating dairy products prior to age 2.5-3.

your supply should be fine even without pumping, and you may or may not ever experience engorgement once you return to work.

 

[JudiAU]

I stopped pumping at 18m. We had a freezer stash that last another month and then we stopped having bm when I wasn't around. My son has no interest in cow's milk for the most part. He started drinking more water and I did try and watch his fats and protein. We give him a small yogurt before he goes to bed now.

Your body shouldn't be bothered by not pumping. And I wouldn't worry about his consumptionat 20m even if he drinks no cow's milk. My ped didn't care at all and I know a lot of bf'd kids who nursed as toddlers and never developed in interest in cow's milk.

 

[kilamonster]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudiAU I stopped pumping at 18m. We had a freezer stash that last another month and then we stopped having bm when I wasn't around. My son has no interest in cow's milk for the most part. He started drinking more water and I did try and watch his fats and protein. We give him a small yogurt before he goes to bed now. Your body shouldn't be bothered by not pumping. And I wouldn't worry about his consumptionat 20m even if he drinks no cow's milk. My ped didn't care at all and I know a lot of bf'd kids who nursed as toddlers and never developed in interest in cow's milk.

I just know that if I stopped pumping right now I would be engorged throughout the day. I'm hoping my August it will be different. He still nurses a lot (not a huge solid food eater).

 

[Carita]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilamonster I just know that if I stopped pumping right now I would be engorged throughout the day. I'm hoping my August it will be different. He still nurses a lot (not a huge solid food eater).

I think as pumpers, we have to have some oversupply to make what our DSs' need. I think the summer with him will regulate it down a bit. If he is still nursing quite a lot during the day by August, maybe you can encourage him to shift his nursing hours earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon, so that once he goes back to school, he will still be nursing from you often while you are home.

As for substituting it with milk in August. I only offered (soy) milk at home a couple of times to note any reactions, then sent it to preschool. I never offer it at home. (ETA: i only send it to stay within dietary guidelines that the preschool certification has to meet, but we nurse at home 4x/day, so i don't really care whether he drinks the milk or not, YKIM? - he only gets offered 1-2 glass of milk at school during the day and other than that, just water)

 

[momma-molly]

I stopped pumping right around 12 months and we introduced cow's milk.

However, I only work 2x a week so she's getting a total of about 10 oz. of cow's milk a week.

I agree with the PP, try to start to encourage his home nursing sessions earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon if you can. On the days I have to work, I always nurse her really good when she wakes up, feed her a big bowl of oatmeal (as much as she'll eat), and then try to nurse again right before we leave. I'm VERY full at 5:30 when I pick her up, but it's working.

Oh, make sure you wear nursing pads the first few times you go all day without pumping...

...and don't wear a solid colored shirt.

 

[kilamonster]

Thanks for all your replies. I'm just really nervous to stop pumping eventhough I really want to. My mind set has to change. I would always think Pump so I don't lose my supply. I just know when I'm home with DS on the weekends He nurses as much as I would pump (most of the time). I hope it works out ok.