How long will a breastfeeding mother's body continue making milk?

Question

I was wondering, will your body continue making milk as long as you continue pumping, even if your child is past "breastfeeding age" (whatever that is)? Does your supply decrease as your child gets older, no matter how often s/he nurses?

Answer 1

Your body will continue to produce breast milk as long as it is stimulated. Even if you stop nursing or pumping, stimulation from movement, shower/warm water, or "other things", will be enough for some milk production to continue, as long as your health status is good. This is why they suggest "binding" or wrapping breasts to discourage your milk from coming in if you choose not to nurse your child. Usually a good supportive bra (like a sport's bra) worn night and day for a week or two will suffice until you dry up, but you should consult with and be monitored by your care provider just in case. There is always a risk of infection (mastitis) and/or abscess during this period.

Some women are such good producers that they contribute to "milk banks", similar to blood banks, to help sick or premature babies grow and do their best. Breast milk is easiest for the little babies to digest and process, even if it isn't from their own mother, who is sometimes unable to supply her own milk.

Your milk changes in volume and composition to accommodate your growing child's needs. When they are newborn, it is thick and concentrated, as this is what they require for a short time after birth. It then increases in volume when the babe wakes up a bit more and is demanding to nurse more frequently and needs the feeling of a full tummy. As the baby ages the milk thins out, and you will normally see this color and consistency change as it happens. Each woman's milk has a different appearance at different times, associated with the food eaten and the time and place that they are in their nursing experience. It's really pretty miraculous.

To answer your last question though, your body will adjust to the real or simulated demands put upon it. If you miss a feeding consistently, your body will stop producing for that feeding. If you pump in addition to your baby nursing, your body will increase production to accommodate the pumping. This will be true as long as you have adequate nutrition, rest, and health to keep up.

I hope this helps. I'm sure you can find local lactation support if you need it through your birthing center or doctor.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your body will continue to make milk for as long as your (or pumping) child is nursing. Your milk will change on it's own in order to cater to what your child needs at the time. Your supply will decrease only if the feeding (pumping's) decrease. The woman's body is an absolute miracle. I think it can do about anything (except produce sperm I guess :-)

Answer 3

You will continue to make milk as long as your body believes there is a demand for it - it's the ultimate supply and demand system - so as long as you are healthy and getting the nutrition and fluids you need, you will continue to make milk for as long as you nurse. You will also keep making milk if you pump, though all things considered, that doesn't seem to stimulate the same level of milk production as nursing does - meaning it takes longer to pump and get the same level of milk production stimulation than it does if you are nursing the baby.

Answer 4

I saw a woman on the Montreal subway (in public!!) breastfeeding a boy that had to be 4. Well, at least it kept him quiet and sedate. Theoretically, milk keeps flowing as long as there's a demand.

It made me come up with the theory that breastfeeding should stop before the child becomes old enough that they will remember breastfeeding when they grow up...

Answer 5

As long as your pumping or your child is sucking your breasts will continue to make milk. You can pump for the rest of your fertile days as far as I know. Your supply will not decrease just because your child gets older.

Answer 6

Your body will continue to create milk as long as you are breastfeeding or pumping.

Answer 7

Nope as long as you nurse or pump your body will continue to make milk

Answer 8

after you stop breastfeeding it wont take long for it to dry up but as long as you are breastfeeding on a normal routine then your milk will be plenty in supply

Answer 9

I stopped breastfeeding my son at three months.. but continued to produce milk.. no joke.. until his 11th birthday..

Answer 10

Yes, it will continue. I've seen news stories where a kid is 6-7 and her mom still breastfeeds. No joke