How to get over the guilt of quitting breastfeeding?

Question

My LO is 11 Weeks and the past Monday she decided she no longer wanted to breast feed. She would scream and cry anytime I tried feeding her and then I would cry. It was a mess. She never was a huge fan of breastfeeding from the start so I’m not surprised she’d rather bottle feed. I decided to pump and feed her what I pump. Now I’m afraid I’m not making enough for her and I am hating being hooked up to a pump for so long. 
How do I know when I should switch to formula and how do I get over feeling guilty and like I failed her?

Answer

You aren’t failing her. She got the initial nutrients her body needed. Lots of women say breast is best, but don’t listen to them. Fed is best! I went through the same problem. Formula may upset baby’s tummy the first few days they start, so it would be best if you mix a little breast milk in it, then slowly add less. Your doing great mama. Don’t stress about it.

Answer

I know the feeling  My LO wouldn’t latch so I had to pump from day one. I managed to pump for 7 weeks - it was such hard work that I decided to then put her on formula. I just added in one bottle at first, then few days later added another, kept this going for two weeks until she was full time formula. The guilt still gets to me when I think about it. But fed is best. My LO is absolutely fine and is loving life. We go out all the time to meet friends or walk. We have a very happy active life! I love it because I can feed her wherever I need to! It’s so easy! 😀😀. You are doing a great job and a lot of my mummy friends are bottle feeding also. I believe more people bottle feed now than they do breastfeed.

Answer

Firet, don’t feel guilty no matter what you choose - a fed baby is better than an underfed baby no matter how you get to that result (all breast milk, combo breast and formula, or all formula). If you can exclusively breastfeed, then that’s amazing. If you can’t for either physical reasons or for your own mental health (so important!) just be thankful we live in a time where formula is an option and use it.

Answer

I’ve been EPing since day 1 but am going through the same thing. I’m down to only 3 pumps per day which means I’m still pumping 60-90 min a day. I also have a toddler so My attention is already split between my babies, and at this point I just want to spend all the time that I can cuddling and bonding with my baby. I’m still having a hard time quitting though, even though I know my baby will be fine. But the mommy guilt is real!

Answer

out of curiosity has she been checked for tongue tie? try seeing a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support. Don't feel guilty though, she wont know the difference, she will just be happy to be fed. You can still have a fantastic bond, plenty of cuddles. good luck with the transition x

Answer

This happened to me within the first week. I was very upset about it. The visiting midwife said we can work with a consultant or use formula, but either is fed and either is my choice. Having a midwife tell me that helped assuage the guilt. Because no matter which crusader comes at you, fed is ultimately the beast. My new mummy friends also put a positive spin on things - like reminding me that now baby is on the bottle other people can help with feedings. I was actually able to take a shower. In the end it was a blessing in disguise.

How to get over the guilt of quitting breastfeeding?

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