Expert: Sue Ennis - 9/26/2007

Question
I have been breastfeeding exclusively for 2mos. and 2weeks, and I really want to stop, or at least suppliment with formula, because I NEED to get out, or have a few drinks with my husband, or go out with the girls, or something! I wanted to know what happens to my breasts when I no longer breastfeed, and should I pump my milk when my breasts get overfull? When will my breastsize stabilize, as it has changed while pregnant, and also while breastfeeding. I need to purchase another bra, but should I wait until I am done breastfeeding? So confused.

Answer
Hello Roxanne - As a mom of two under two, I know the need to get out :)  And indeed, it's good to know that you need the balance.  Also keep in mind, that if you can build up a breast milk supply you can "pump and dump" to have a night with maybe more alcoholic beverages "than suitable".  This will help increase the duration of your breastfeeding and also give you a bit of a escape that sounds like is needed.  To answer your question on what will happen to your breasts when you no longer breastfeed....your body will most likely naturally regulate your milk supply.  In other words, if you gradually remove one feeding a day, your supply will adjust to meet the needs of that production.  If you pump when your breasts overfill, you are triggering more production which will help you in you want to store breats milk to fil the gap when you go out and "enjoy" yourself and "pump and dump" as it's commonly called.  If you body doesn't naturally reset it's production supply, you can use the LaMa Bra found at http:///www.lamabra.com that helps with engorgement pain and it's form fitting cold paks help to constrict the milk producing membranes.  This coupled with a gradually elimination of breastfeeding sessions, should work smoothly for you.  And to answer your question on when your breast size will stabilize, that does take time as breast size really flucuates daily and even hourly with breast milk production and also the changes you saw during the pregnancy were hormone related.  Once you do stop breastfeeding, it's typically a month, sometimes less and sometimes more before your breasts return to what you remember them to be in terms of size and shape.  You ask if you should purchase another bra...you will continue to change shape as mentioned, and it is important to have a properly fitting bra during breastfeeding, so I'd make sure you are comfortable and well supported....and maybe head to a department store and try a few on in a lower price range to be a temporary solution.  Good luck and all the best!