I am having to quit breastfeeding when my little one is 6 months. I am having severe surgery and the length of recovery, medication, and caring for myself have all determined by my doctors and me to be the best plan. I am struggling really hard with this. Knowing that I cannot prolong this surgery. I have built a stash early on I have been using a hakka and pumping as much as possible and freezing everything.

So the question is it better to try and mix half breastmilk half formula or to have him finish his breast milk and wean him onto formula?

How many ounces of breast milk does 6 month-12 month old drink per a day?

Currently he drinks a 5 oz bottle and can still be hungry 45 mintues later and he is almost 3 months. He is almost exclusively breast feeding though so it is hard gage for me to know how much he normally eats.

I plan on stopping a couple of weeks prior to my surgery. I feel it will be the best plan to not have him screaming for my breast when I am in recovery and already so heartbroken for him as I won't be able to hold him either. Is there any helpful tips to try and dry my breasts out and stop the milk flow?

Please be kind and understanding. And please do not recommend pumping and dumping. My surgery is quite severe and the length of recovery is quite long. I have had this surgery 2 times before so I am quite prepared for the road ahead and do not want to be setting my family and me up for stress and failure by being too ambitious and having unrealistic expectations.

Thanks for your advice and kindness in advance.