hello ladies.
Many son is 5 weeks. He spent his first week in the nicu, so he has been both bottle and breastfed (pumping). He will take either. I am dealing with my second plugged duct, I think it may be infected this time. It hurts so bad. I have put heat on it, tried soaking in the hot tub, I have massaged it and tried to put him on it. It hurt so bad, I took him right off. I just can't, it hurts so much. I want to stop and just formula feed, but I feel guilty. I feel like a crappy mom. He is using formula half of the time anyway, I don't know why I feel so bad. I think that it's pressure from others. I lasted breastfeeding with my daughter for about 2 weeks and was judged big time for my decision to formula feed. I don't know if that's it or not. But I really feel miserable being in pain and being connected to my pump 24/7. Has anyone quit and felt the same guilt?
Re: I feel guilty if I stop breastfeeding
I will say though, if you're going to stop bf'ing, you may want to do it slowly so that you don't develop mastitis. I hope your plugged duct clears up soon regardless.
do you have a lactation consultant available??? If you really want to see if this might work, maybe call one. I would bring in formula and pump for a day or two until you can fully recover. Don't be so hard on yourself. And it doesn't have to be all or nothing.