quitting breastfeeding?

Question

Baby is 8 weeks and I am thinking about quitting breastfeeding. I switched from BF to pumping a few weeks ago because baby was getting really frustrated BF plus I wanted to know how much milk she is getting (she wasn't gaining weight very fast). Pumping has been better but really time consuming and it's starting to take a toll on me. It's leaving me exhausted (and sore) and I feel like I am attached to my pump. I can't go anywhere for long before heading back home to pump. I am debating about switching to formula or supplementing but the guilt is getting to me. My body is producing enough milk to BF and I know it's the best option for baby. Is switching to formula just for more freedom and sanity enough of a reason? Or does that make me a bad mother to quit and switch to formula when my body is producing enough milk?

Answer

First off no matter what you choose as long as your baby is getting fed and is healthy then it does not matter and does not make you a bad mother for switching to formula!!!! 
I had to switch to formula because my son wouldn't latch and I wasn't producing a lot just pumping and when I did pump I felt glued to it. I felt like I couldn't do anything but sit in our room and pump. It was terrible for me especially since I didn't produce much. One day I didn't pump because we were busy ,and my son had formula anyway, and my milk dried up over night. So fully formula fed we went and he's a happy and HEALTHY 10 month old.

Answer

Do a combination! That's what I've been doing as Pediatrician said it's best - formula is better for brain development and breastmilk for immunity. His words not mine! I had milk issues in the beginning and so this kinda just happened!? So my baba has pumped milk for 3/4 feeds & formula for the other 3/4 and then I breastfeed when she feels like a snack or a comfort suck. It's working and she's putting on weight perfectly, poops twice a day, sleeps at least 5 hours at night & is a happy, healthy, smiley girl - 7 weeks on Monday. We use Nan formula & gripe water & colic drops in every second formula bottle & Nuk bottles and I pump for +-15 mins 5 times a day = twice in morn, 1 in afternoon and twice in eve. In the end babe, mom's sanity is very important!!!!! You need to be in top shape & mind to look after your baba and #fedisbest. Good luck & cuddles to your little one. Xxx

Answer

It gets easier as baby gets older so don't give up completely. Also pumping is worse than actual breastfeeding so time consuming! Breastfeeding on demand makes sure baby gets enough. Have u seen a lactation consultant! They can be REALLY helpful!! Try exclusive breastfeeding except one bottle a day that your partner gives so you can have a break.

Answer

You have to do what's best for YOU and your baby! I ended up having to set small goals for myself to keep my sanity, like make it to 8 weeks and then make it to 3 months. I eventually stopped around 3 months and I did feel the mommy guilt but it was so nice to have more time for snuggles and the feeling that I had my body back.

Answer

Hun you are not a bad mother. You're doing the best you can. We all know breast feeding is definitely not easy even if you pump. It's very time consuming. Remind yourself what matters. Baby is gaining weight like it should and healthy. Formula won't change that. I switched to formula for the sake of my sanity. It was so hard and I cried so much all the time. It just wasn't for me. 40 minutes every 1-3 hours.. I did it for as long as I could. You did too. Breast might be best but there's nothing wrong with formula. Since I switched I have my sanity back..Your baby is being fed. That's what matters.  I hope this makes you feel better..

Answer

Do what you feel you have to do. Any amount of time breastfeeding is beneficial for both you and baby. Have you tried a mix of breastfeeding and formula. That might be a good solution as well.

Answer

I exclusively breastfeed my 7 week old. With that said, for whatever reason you want to quit breastfeeding is your choice, but before you do, maybe try exclusively breastfeeding again? As someone already said, it's a lot more convenient than pumping. If you do go back to exclusively breastfeeding, keep in mind that babies have growth spurts and that they may want to feed a lot at the breast. This does not mean that you are not producing enough. Them being at the breast a lot actually helps to regulate your supply for their needs, since breastfeeding is supply and demand.

But whatever you choose, I wish you and your baby the best :-).

Answer

I quit breastfeeding my twins for my own sanity. Yeah, sometimes I think about it and it makes me sad. But after I quit, it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, and I could actually enjoy my babies. You don't have twins, but the same applies. If you aren't enjoying your new babe and only focused on feeding or pumping, and it's too much, quit. I wish someone told me that, instead of telling me all the benefits of breastfeeding. I know it's so important. But sometimes Momma's sanity is more important. At the end you have happy momma and baby! Good luck, and don't let anyone shame you for you decision! It's not like you quit and didn't care at all!

Answer

Do what's best for you. Breastfeeding/pumping is the hardest job I've had. I am a prisoner to feeding him. At work I run from meetings to pump room. At home my job is literally to feed him. But it does become routine and now that I've made it this long I know I can keep going.  Not to say I would ever judge someone for not wanting to continue.  It's hard and not everyone has the lifestyle. If i had a second, forget it.

Answer

It's a choice, but have you tried a hands free pump or the bra that holds it? Maybe then you could do something else while doing it. Also they make car adapters if you'd be into that also :) it's a hard choice and your decision is right no matter what because at least she's being fed

quitting breastfeeding?

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