Arielle turned 1 and that also marked the end of my breastfeeding target. It has been a month since I started deceasing supply. It began in Japan where I fully latched & did not pump after. I have always pumped after I latch, for Arielle’s subsequent bottle feeds & frozen stash. For the last 3 months, my individual pumps had been unable to meet her feeds already. She drinks 190-210ml per feed, 4 - 5X a day & I could only pump 80ml each time on usual days, up to 150ml on good days. To ensure she gets the freshest, I would wake up at least once at 3am to pump. These goes to her day feeds while I am at work. The consolidated pump amounts meet her needs perfectly.
3rd Mar: Got home from Japan & weaning project began. One of the changes that occurs with weaning is a drop in prolactin and oxytocin levels. Prolactin, a hormone that is required for milk production, also brings with it a feeling of well-being, calmness and relaxation. Oxytocin, the hormone that is required for milk ejection (let-down), is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” A sudden decrease in these hormones could have an effect on a weaning mother’s emotions. Therefore, it’s important to take weaning slow - for Mother’s emotions & mastitis! I first stopped all night latches with Alvin’s help to handle Arielle while I hid & gradually reduced day latches & pumps.
4 Mar: Latched Arielle in the mornings before work and pumped 3X (2pm, 6pm, 11pm). The 3 pumps were done to relieve & not to empty, to put it into perspective, total pumped amount was about 400ml a day. 2 feeds a day are from frozen stash.
12 Mar: Away for a 4D3N work trip which made weaning easier. Pumped 3X (8am, 3pm, 10pm) & brought the milk home because every drop is even more precious now. The yield was down to about 300ml a day.
18 Mar: All of Arielle’s feeds are now from the frozen stash. Yield from 2 pumps (8am, 10pm) is about 200ml.
I did my last latch before I left for the airport on 12 Mar. Ever since then, I have not latched. It‘s exactly a week & I still have the temptation and still feel emotional; but it’s getting a lot better. It has been a beautiful, bittersweet relationship. I’ve met my target, and I can now rest!
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