What was your deciding factor to switch to formula/wean from breast?

[TigerLady]

I become very lactose intolerant when I am pg -- goat's cheese is the only thing I can manage at all. If you are a bit LI, then I would probably go with goat's milk to be safe.

 

[MegGem]

i stopped and sort of wosh i hadnt. I feel guilty as well as i stopped because i was so tired. she was and is suffering with colic. She would feed every 2 hours and would tale me at least an hour to seattle her so would get less than an hours sleep. some nights she wouldnt sleep at all. i got to the point where i was shaking and couldnt see i was that tired. i wqas scared i would fall asleep holding her so i stopped. Only managed 3 weeks as well. I really miss it now especially the closeness. But although the LO still has colic. Im able to share feeds, she is much more seattled and alert and seems happy so its all good. But i do really really really miss it

Ahh hun

 

[Eala]

I stopped because I realised that whilst my breastmilk was the best nutrition for her, the whole process of breastfeeding was not the best thing for us. I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and have never been comfortable with anyone going near my chest area. Naively, I thought that breastfeeding would be different (and none of the MW's said anything!). My LO did not latch well, I had very little effective support, and I was in intense amounts of pain, with cracked and bleeding nipples. Each feed was purgatory. With the pain and just the general sensation, I was having flashbacks, and generally was a mess. Got to the point of sitting at 3am, with her screaming, me in floods of tears, and my DH practically crying too. I would dread the times when she was awake, because she'd want fed, and it was hell on earth.

Eventually cracked and gave her a bottle of formula, which she took eagerly. She's thrived on the formula, and is a healthy and happy little star

 

[MegGem]

I stopped because I realised that whilst my breastmilk was the best nutrition for her, the whole process of breastfeeding was not the best thing for us. I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and have never been comfortable with anyone going near my chest area. Naively, I thought that breastfeeding would be different (and none of the MW's said anything!). My LO did not latch well, I had very little effective support, and I was in intense amounts of pain, with cracked and bleeding nipples. Each feed was purgatory. With the pain and just the general sensation, I was having flashbacks, and generally was a mess. Got to the point of sitting at 3am, with her screaming, me in floods of tears, and my DH practically crying too. I would dread the times when she was awake, because she'd want fed, and it was hell on earth.

Eventually cracked and gave her a bottle of formula, which she took eagerly. She's thrived on the formula, and is a healthy and happy little star

Sorry it was so traumatic for you. But it's great to hear you did what was best for both of you. A happy mommy is a happy baby!!!

 

[Eve]

I stopped because I realised that whilst my breastmilk was the best nutrition for her, the whole process of breastfeeding was not the best thing for us. I'm a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and have never been comfortable with anyone going near my chest area. Naively, I thought that breastfeeding would be different (and none of the MW's said anything!). My LO did not latch well, I had very little effective support, and I was in intense amounts of pain, with cracked and bleeding nipples. Each feed was purgatory. With the pain and just the general sensation, I was having flashbacks, and generally was a mess. Got to the point of sitting at 3am, with her screaming, me in floods of tears, and my DH practically crying too. I would dread the times when she was awake, because she'd want fed, and it was hell on earth.

Eventually cracked and gave her a bottle of formula, which she took eagerly. She's thrived on the formula, and is a healthy and happy little star

Sorry to hear about your childhood trauma What's good for baby is good for mommy and vice versa Glad things are going well for you and your LO now

 

[Tiff]

I stopped as it wasn't working for us either. I tried for 3 weeks, she rejected my one breast. I had 3 different lactation consultants plus a Public Health Nurse come and try and trick her into taking it. She'd do for a bit then she'd go back to rejecting it. My other breast got really cracked, sore and bleeding from the constant feeding on it and I was in agony.

It got to the point where it hurt so bad that if she delatched herself I wouldn't put her back on. It was too agonizing.

I applaud every mother who has persevered through BF. It was darn rough and not something that I personally felt strong enough to continue. I definitely made the best choice for Claire and I. If I have another, I will definitely try BF again, but tbh I think the only thing that will be different is that if it doesn't work, I won't feel as guilty this time around.