Has anyone stopped breastfeeding cold turkey?

Question

My baby is almost 6 months EBF. I feel like I can’t do it anymore and I’ve been trying to stick out as long as I can but I just can’t anymore.. has anyone stopped cold turkey and just switched to formula all of a sudden? I feel bad for feeling this way but my mental health is going down and I need to be good for my baby so I feel stopping is the best decision for me. I know it’s going to be hard for her aswell, any advice on what I can do?

Answer

Do NOT stop cold turkey!!! That is the worst thing you can do. You have to wean slowly, otherwise going cold turkey you are at high risk for clogged ducts and mastitis. No IBCLC will tell you cold turkey is ok, also NOTHING tight around your breasts. That is also asking for clogged ducts and mastitis.

Answer

Don’t do it!! Pump and gather a supply so it can be mixed during wheeling, but don’t cold Turkey!! Not only is it too much of a shock for baby’s body, it will also have a negative impact on bonding and comfort. I’d start by eliminating feeding during the day and offer solids first, but keep bedtime, late night and mornings until you can faze them out - bedtime and late night being the last to go. Check out the kellymom (can’t remember if it’s .org or .com) website for doctor-recommended strategies and information.

Answer

Well I didn’t stop until my son was 2, so he wasn’t nursing except for 2, maybe 3 times, per day. But I did stop cold turkey. I had to attend a funeral and was gone for 5 days. He stayed home with papa. I was uncomfortable because my breasts were really full and I did have hand express a few times to ease the discomfort but otherwise it wasn’t too bad. 
Since your babe is only 6 months I would think it would be best to wean slowly. Or at least pump and mix with the formula. Because mastitis and clogged ducts are not fun. I will also say that at one point I tried to give my babe formula to give myself a break and he did not take to it at all, so mixing it with your milk will probably help if that comes up.

Answer

The best way to transition would be mixing formula with breast milk in bottles. So start with 3/4 bm to 1/4 formula, then every couple days go up 1/4 til the whole bottle is formula. It will be easier on her tummy & easier on your boobs so you don’t get engorged & risk clogged ducts or mastitis.

Answer

I stopped when my daughter turned 5months. I had 200 bags of milk saved so it helped a ton. I need a boobcation lol I was fried and we moved states. So it just made it easier.

Has anyone stopped breastfeeding cold turkey?

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