Should I give up breast feeding? I need help

Jennifer - posted on 02/04/2010

First, don't feel bad. I tried to breast feed and was very unsuccessful. In the end I did what was best for my son (who was losing weight) and I reluctantly put him on formula. I was disappointed but in my heart I knew I tried my hardest. He was a new baby on formula. He was happy, getting full for a change, sleeping better, and gaining weight. I pumped for a month and mixed my milk with his formula. I tried lots of formulas and ended up using Sam's Club or Costco's generic brand. I liked Enfamil a lot better than Similac.

Sheri - posted on 02/04/2010

Mine started drying up at about 2mo after I started going back to work. I kinda half breast feed half bottle feed. Similac is what my doctor recommended. My daughter is usually still hungry after I breast feed because she sometimes wont get enough so I do what I can then make her a bottle if she is still hungry. My doctor said that its not bad for her to do both. Good luck!!

Cassie - posted on 02/04/2010

Also, for the latch and soreness, you could try a nipple shield. It is a wonderful short term fix and can also be used long term even though it isn't suggested. I'm still nursing my 15 month old using a nipple shield. I would have given up long before 3 months had I not begun using them. I have had no issue with supply, never had sore nipples, and it completely solved our latch problem. Although it is not the best solution, it is one that has allowed me to nurse my daughter for so long and may work for you as well.

I can't give any advice on formula as I really don't have any experience with it but if that is the route you choose to go, you may have to just try several until you find one that will not bother your daughter. From what I have heard, most babies who switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding have a lot of constipation and gas issues which would be why you may have to try out several different brands before you found one that worked.

I do suggest that you try to continue nursing. Krista's question is a very good one. You may be having discomfort and latch issues if you are very large chested and not using the best hold for both you and your daughter. Also, if you do decide to continue nursing, once you have your latch worked out, your supply can pick right back up. Just because it may have dwindled, doesn't mean that it can never come back strong. :) Whatever you decide, everything will work out for your little girl but if you are able to continue nursing, at least you'll save a bundle on formula as it can get pricey.

Good luck!

Amanda - posted on 02/04/2010

Try pumping, that's what I had to do. I still supplement occasionally with nestle goodstart though. good luck

Joy - posted on 02/04/2010

I,m so sorry to hear your not coping very well with breast feeding. I know as a mom and nan how hard it can be if baby isnt laching on very well. My daughter weaned her daughter on to Aptamil at 5 months as the breast milk wasn,t filling enough for her and she wanted the nearest sub to breast milk, have a word with your health visitor firstand see what she says and try boiled water as a drink in bewteen feeds to help your baby with wind. All the best joy x

Gail - posted on 02/04/2010

atleats youve made it that far...i made it three weeks and my milk dried up...:( believe me the docs wasted no time making me feel terrible either well i hope you get the help you need goodluck

Nikki - posted on 02/04/2010

I was a dd im probably a d now Krista, and i have found that my breasts have become quite saggy since i started breast feeding which has caused a few technical problems with the latching on! I am holding er straight across my body but i find i have to hold my breast so thst she can attempt to stay latched on

Krista - posted on 02/04/2010

Not to get too personal (you can PM me the info if you want), how large are your breasts, and what hold are you using?