I just need a little break from breastfeeding, but how? Can I?
Can I Take a Break From Breastfeeding?
Discover how a 24-hour pause from breastfeeding could be just what you need to achieve your long-term feeding goals.
Can I Take a Break From Breastfeeding?
Absolutely, yes! There are numerous ways to nourish your baby and it's important to recognise that there's no one "correct" method. Many mothers, myself included, often feel pressured to follow a single path to successful breastfeeding, but this perspective is not only misleading but can also be harmful. Whether you exclusively breastfeed, supplement with formula, use a nipple shield, mix breast milk and formula, wean before the first year, or any other variation, your choices are valid!
Let's explore when a breastfeeding break might be beneficial and how to navigate your options.
Does this all sound familiar?
You’re exhausted, mentally and physically. The thought of breastfeeding your precious baby fills you with dread. You've contemplated stopping entirely, but part of you still wants to continue. You’re unsure how to move forward. Is there a way to give yourself a much-needed mental break without weaning entirely?
Yes! A 24-hour break from breastfeeding could be the next step that helps you recharge.
What is a 24-hour nursing break?
A 24-hour nursing break involves pumping and bottle-feeding instead of breastfeeding directly. This approach gives you some space while ensuring your baby is still nourished. If you're new to pumping or need guidance, you can find helpful resources on introducing a bottle.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Before starting, ensure that you’re using the correct flange sizes to make pumping more comfortable, avoid nipple damage, and effectively empty your breasts. For assistance, download a free nipple measurement tool or check out additional resources.
- Aim to pump 8-10 times within a 24-hour period, ideally every 2-3 hours, with one longer stretch of sleep at night. The goal is to remove a similar amount of milk as you would through breastfeeding.
- A hands-free pumping bra can make the process more convenient - my favourite hack is to essentially cut a hole right in the centre of a comfy bralette/sport bra so your bra supports the pump enabling you to go handsfree.
- To save time, store pump parts in the refrigerator between sessions instead of cleaning them each time. Having two sets of parts can also be helpful.
- When storing milk, you can either pool it in a single container or fill the next bottle your baby will need and refrigerate it. Breast milk can safely be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
- Get your partner or other caregivers involved in feeding times, allowing you to focus on pumping and getting some much-needed rest.
But if I want to continue breastfeeding, why take a break?
It might seem counterproductive, but trust me, taking a break can actually prolong your breastfeeding journey. A 24-hour break gives your body and mind the time to heal and reset, which is crucial for sustaining a longer breastfeeding relationship.
Remember, breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing. It’s okay for your journey to take different shapes along the way. If you need additional support, consider scheduling a consultation with a lactation expert or connecting with a local IBCLC.
How to Maintain Connection While Taking a Break
During your break, focus on bonding with your baby in other ways. Here are some ideas:
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: This is an excellent way to reduce stress for both you and your baby. Spend time each day holding your baby chest-to-chest, undressed except for a diaper and without your top on. Aim for at least one full sleep cycle a day, but more is even better.
- Babywearing with Skin-to-Skin: If you have other children or need to multitask, consider using a wrap carrier like the Baby K’tan or Solly Baby Wrap to keep your baby close while still getting things done.
- Co-Bathing: If you’re cleared to take baths, co-bathing can be an incredibly soothing and bonding experience for both you and your baby.
When Weaning Feels Right for You.
The decision to stop breastfeeding can be emotional, often accompanied by feelings of failure. I understand how it feels to think that your body has let you down. While my situation is unique, having faced significant health challenges, I've learned that our worth is not tied to our physical abilities. I have created an entire course to guide you through this. I will link it below!
If I can offer some advice, it's this: allow yourself to fully experience your emotions. It's okay to feel sorrow or anger about ending your breastfeeding journey. Don't let others dictate how you should feel, and remember, resisting your emotions won't help you process them any faster.
Our bodies are complex, fragile, and miraculous. What your body can or cannot do doesn’t define your worth. There are countless ways to nurture your baby that have nothing to do with making milk. You will be there for them through sickness, heartbreak and all the milestones of life. Breastfeeding is just one of many ways to mother, and it’s no more important than any other.
Take a moment today to reflect on how this experience might help you teach your child to love and respect their own body, with all its strengths and vulnerabilities. Remember, our value is found in how we use our bodies to love others, not in how perfectly they function.
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