How long did you pump/bf before you stopped?

[ScrapperMom]

I want to bf/pump for 6 months, but would like to do it longer....is that possible? As soon as my baby gets on solids I might just decrease, but still bf/pump.

[KerryS]

Are you breastfeeding AND pumping? Can you breastfeed longer than six months and just cut back on pumping at that time? Why are you pumping (is it for work)?

[madelsmama]

I breastfed my first for 2 1/2 years. I pumped on work days for the first year. I am currently nursing my 10 month old, pumping only on the days that I work.

Six months is a great goal to start with! Most organizations recommend 1-2 years of breastmilk minimum, and yes, it's possible to do that.

When you start solids, it is recommended to keep breastmilk as the mainstay of your baby's diet until he/she is a year old, with solids just for "fun" and experiementation (usually just tiny amount per day) since most solids are very low in calories, protein and fats.

http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/solids/solids-how.html

[Mary_Mary]

My daughter is nearly 14 months old and I'm still pumping on the days that I work.

As a matter of fact, recently I've been pumping on the weekends whenever I nurse her to make sure I've got enough milk to take to day care on Monday.

I nursed my three older kids but never pumped with them because I didn't work then. I will probably pump until my daughter is at least 18 months...at that age my daughter will transition to the toddler room at the day care and will no longer be getting bottles. She'll just nurse at home.

[Stephanie]

I pumped at work and nursed for ds for about 9 months.

I pumped at work for dd until she was just shy of 2, and she is still nursing.

[ScrapperMom]

Right now, I am working with a lc about preparing my breasts so far she thinks I may end up just pumping. whah! It would be easier. But with Bryce my second I just pumped and it seemed to go fast and I didn't have to feed him, just went back to bed while my mom or dh fed him, so that is my plan.

[Stephanie]

Why does she think you will be unable to nurse? The mamas here have had a range of experiences and may be able to help you out, if nursing is something you want to do.

[amyamy1973]

I will probably pump until my daughter is at least 18 months...at that age my daughter will transition to the toddler room at the day care and will no longer be getting bottles. She'll just nurse at home.

I was thinking about the same thing in regards to my son's daycare. When he transitions to the toddler room I might still give him EBM in a sippy cup at least once a day. I'd like to keep pumping until he's two.

[LiquidLove]

nevermind, wrong thread

[CeceStar]

I nursed ds for 15 months and dd for 18 months. I pumped the days I was away from them at work, and nursed all the other times.

[CaptHeather]

I pumped for just shy of a year and pump weaned at the same time as I was weaning her from daytime feedings from me. I then kept giving her freezer stash through the year point when we switched to milk. I could have gone longer but I was scheduled for this lovely expense paid vacation to Iraq and I needed to wean her rather quickly.

[griciai]

I pumped for 2 years and 2 months - until my supply dried up because I was pregnant with #2. My daughter self-weaned at 2 yrs and 10 months.