Deciding to continue BF or switch to pumping/formula

ohbabybaby802

My DD seems great with BF early in the morning and when she nurses to sleep.  However during the day she HATES to breastfeed now.  I just started summer break (I am a teacher) and she had bottle all day while I was at work (from April - now).  I know that most likely she is just having bottle preference, and I should probably try to continue to work with her to BF from me - but I also debate making her cry, scream, be unhappy.  She is clearly happier being given a bottle.  So I am considering switching to formula during the day or possibly pumping 4 times a day or so and feeding her whatever BM I get plus a little but of formula (I never pump enough, and my supply has always been so/so). I would hope to keep the night time feed and early morning...but honestly 'forcing' her to breastfeed is making it no longer enjoyable.  

Currently during the day we do the following about every two hours...she breastfeeds, cries. then I supplement with either expressed milk or formula, then I pump for 10 minutes to attempt to get my supply up...the whole process takes forever and I also feel bad when I am pumping and DD is just laying there on the floor.  I am wondering of it is really all worth it....thoughts?

shea5711

I myself am having the same debate.  So far on the weekends, DS doesn't refuse my breast, but I can definitely tell he's a bit fussier and doesn't nap long.  I think part of it is because at the sitter's, he's getting at least 4 solid oz a whack.  Not 2 oz here and there.  

I'm giving myself 2 weeks of pumping twice at work (I pump 2 more times before bed).  After the 4th I'm going to drop my 9 am pump just because I not a super huge producer.  My hope is to nurse morning and night.  I'll still try to pump once or twice a day to keep supply up.  

My big thing is I just dont want to wash bottles on the weekend!!! 

sbevmc09

sewvt86:

Breastfeeding during the day at this newly aware of everything age is tough. If you haven't tried already, I would consider making an attempt to breastfeed her during the day in a quiet dark room limiting all distractions. 

This is a great suggestion.  Our LOs are at an age now where they're so interested in the world around them that eating is secondary.  Obviously it's easier to eat from a bottle.  If you're interested in making it work you might really benefit from a breastfeeding support group.  A lot of moms go through this and they would probably have some great suggestions to help support you through this time.  I think your breastfeeding relationship will be better off long term if you try to make it work now. 

Wild_flower25

Very normal for this age, it has nothing to do with your supply. But if you want to keep your supply up, you should stop offering formula and nurse/pump only.  I weaned DS during this age and I regretted it.  DD isn't going through it as bad as DS though.  She'll sometimes fuss when I'm trying to get her to latch, but once it starts she's better with it.  If you can make it through the next month BFing, your good nurser will come back and you'll be able to continue.  It's up to you if you want to stick with it and fight or throw in the towel.

ecu0505

I have the same problem. I feel like a am torturing her. My problem is my let down is to slow for her and I can't get her to latch long enough so it takes forever. I am pumping now this is just what works for us.