Stop breastfeeding

I’m a mum of 2, my first born is now 3 and my second is 2 months young. I breastfed my first for more than a year, mainly pump and feed, and latch only for comfort. Now the breastfeeding cycle is back, and tbh it is damnnnn tiring.. I don’t enjoy it. To me it’s like a chore, very time consuming and I will have curfew, I can’t enjoy my outing because at the back of my head it’ll be all the time schedule for the next pump. Not just that, the engorgement is a bytch! Omg! Currently at 2 months pp, I’ve dragged my pump intervals to 6 hourly, 10 mins each side so I don’t trigger to produce more milk, and I will have about 100-150ml in total for every session. Now, I’m thinking of dragging my intervals to 8 hourly. But I’m in dilemma of doing it.. I feel guilty for my second born.. because if I do drag, I will produce lesser and lesser which means she will not have breast milk for as long as her brother. Can mummies out there share your thoughts. What do you mummies do?

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Hey mama, I totally understand where you're coming from. Breastfeeding can be really exhausting, especially when you have other little ones to take care of. It's totally okay to feel this way, and you're definitely not alone in feeling like it's a chore. It's great that you've already adjusted your pumping intervals to 6 hours and shortened the duration to avoid overstimulating milk production. If you're considering extending it to 8 hours, it's important to do it gradually to give your body time to adjust. You could try adding an extra hour to your pumping schedule every few days until you reach 8 hours. As for the guilt you're feeling about producing less milk for your second child, just know that you've already given her a great start with the breast milk she's received so far. Every drop of breast milk is precious, and any amount you can continue to provide will still benefit her. If you do decide to wean off breastfeeding, there are plenty of nutritious formula options available for your baby. Remember, taking care of yourself and your mental well-being is just as important as taking care of your children. You deserve to enjoy your outings without constantly worrying about pumping schedules. Ultimately, every mama's journey is unique, so do what feels right for you and your family. Trust your instincts and know that whatever decision you make, it's coming from a place of love and care for your little ones. You're doing an amazing job, mama! Take care of yourself. https://invl.io/cll6she

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