Stopping breastfeeding advice?

I need some support and advice. I have been breastfeeding since my son was born. He is 5 weeks now. The only time we did formula was supplementing at the beginning in the hospital because he had health concerns then we stopped when he got healthy. I only pump when I know I can’t be near him. Well he just got diagnosed with a milk allergy. I have gone on an intense no dairy at all diet since we found out on Monday. I am used to a lot of dairy and am a super picky eater so this has been rough to say the least. But the worst part is the anxiety. Every time I eat I panic I missed something or there are hidden ingredients or I messed up and am hurting him more. My dad brought me lunch that was totally dairy free from a restaurant and the process it took to find the food much less eat it was horrible. I just want to cry and my heart is racing when I even think about eating. I also have felt super sick since I started the diet. I am also getting many opinions in all directions and it’s making me feel like a horrible and guilty mom. I know breastfeeding is best but at this point I am considering just switching to formula so I know I am giving him safe food. But I feel like everyone says I am wrong in that, formula is so expensive, and I know there are benefits. But realistically I don’t think I can keep this up long term until he is a year which was my original plan. I am so anxious and in tears for feeling like I’m hurting him now or will be hurting him in the future by not breastfeeding.

Any advice or encouragement?

181 views • 0 upvotes • 8 comments

COMMENT (8)

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There shouldn’t be any shame in formula feeding- a healthy baby and healthy mama is what’s important, and that goes for mental health too! Don’t let anyone shame you about what should be a very personal choice- do what is best for you and that sweet boy!

Kr

Kr • Feb 27, 2021
Amen! You job is to take care of him but also yourself! Don't feel guilty at all if you stop! A healthy fed baby is what's important. Your doing a great job momma 😉

Sa

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Fed is best not breast is best. You need to be feeling good as well

Qu

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Let me just say this, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH NOT BREASTFEEDING! You’re doing an amazing job momma! If you’re not comfortable with breastfeeding because you’re scared, don’t. You’re doing what you think is right for YOUR baby, don’t let anyone ever make you feel bad for making decisions as such.

Ta

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I went through something similar with my daughter. Every time I would pump a small amount, I would have really bad anxiety attacks. At 10 months postpartum, I knew that it was affecting my mental health and that I had to stop. Mamas are important, too. Your mental health matters, your happiness matters. Your baby will grow and thrive, even on formula. The very fact that you are feeling how you are feeling means that you are a good mama trying to provide and give the best to your baby. There is nothing wrong with looking at giving your baby formula if that is what you choose. If you choose to keep breastfeeding, that’s great too, but make sure it’s good for YOU as well❤️

🖤

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Do what you feel is right. Try to not stress so much about the food issue, though. I used to drink milk with every meal, have dairy based creamer, and sometimes ice cream. I am definitely a fan of dairy products. My daughter had a rash and that’s how the doctors figured it out. I don’t drink milk anymore, switched to Almondmilk creamer, eat dark instead of milk chocolate, etc. The doctor told me it would be okay for small doses of dairy so I’ll still eat pizza, a different day have a fre bites of ice cream, some day’s a small glass of chocolate milk. It really doesn’t seem to bother my daughter and she’s never gotten the rash back. I’m sure anything “secret” things will be fine as long as you’re not eating a ton of it. It IS okay to stop breastfeeding, though! I just had a hell of a time finding a formula she could have that wasn’t dairy based and the only one that worked with her belly was over $50 a can. It’s actually because of her milk allergy she’s now EBF.

Er

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There is nothing wrong with stopping if the diet change is causing you anxiety. You need to be the best mom for your baby no matter how you feed. I did a dairy free diet for over a year with my son and it was tough. We stopped eating out mostly (ate a lot of Asian food) and our diet became really boring (meat, starch, veggies, salad). My best friend has a dairy allergy so I got several dairy free cook books from her to use to help out how boring we ate and I’ve cooked for her for a long time so I know quite a few substitutions and things that are “secretly” dairy (hey Oreos!). But diet changes are hard and I had a lot of help and already knew a lot about being dairy free.

Ba

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You can only handle so much... and as long as baby is fed and happy and you are a happy healthy mom..that's all that matters!