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6 months - cold feet about quitting BFing

BootsOrHeartsBootsOrHearts member
edited May 2014 in Breastfeeding

I'm an EPer because LO can't nurse properly, never has and I'm convinced, never will. Who knows why but that ship has long since sailed.

I don't know if I'm looking for advice or moral support or just needing to vent so bear with me here.

My goal was to get my supply up to eliminate the formula which I successfully did when he was 2.5-3 months old, and then to make it to 6 months EPing then switch him to formula and call it good. So here I am, one week away and I'm getting major cold feet.  

He is such a healthy boy. He's only had one minor cold since he was born. Granted he has a nanny so he doesn't go to a DC and that might be part of why. He also has such a nice physique, the pediatrician often compliments us on this. He's long and lean but not too skinny. He is nice and regular, and I dread having to deal with constipation that may come with formula. He went on a formula strike around 2.5 months which prompted me to get my supply up. That was miserable for all of us. I've found an organic formula I like and he didn't mind it (only tried it once), though the fear of another strike is scary. I also worry about food allergies as my brother had these as a kid.

I could in theory pump indefinitely except that 1)I'm ready to go office space on that pump, basically pumping 7 times a day takes up so much time that I could otherwise be spending with LO or working out or gardening or a million other things and 2) we want to start trying for #2. I'm 40 and that clock is TICKING majorly. I haven't had a PP period yet. My RE wants me to wean completely before starting our FET because of the meds, though she said we can try on our own before.

It doesn't have to be all or nothing right? Could I slowly cut back to something manageable like 3 pumps a day and supplement with formula? Would that give at least some of the benefits of the BM? Or is it not really worth it? Could I even maintain any supply that way or will it just dry up? It also would be easier to go back up in supply if we ran into issues if I kept pumping a few times, right?

Thoughts? Comments?  Am I overthinking this?

Edit: To try and cut down the wordiness. Mostly unsuccessfully.

Edi 2: To change title from 'weaning' to 'quitting BFing'

**Warning: Losses and living child mentioned**
BFP#1 1/31/12, EDD 10/6/12 Harrison Gray born sleeping @ 18w6d. You changed our lives little guy.
BFP#2 EDD 10/29/13, C/P 2/25/13, Bye little Ish, we barely got to know you.
BFP#3 EDD 12/21/13, Baby Boots born 11/23/13 My rainbow baby!
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Re: 6 months - cold feet about quitting BFing

  • GuennieGuennie member
    I am in a similar situation except that I have always had to supplement due to low supply. I am two weeks away from six months and have planned to wean myself from the pump once we started solids. Pumping has been so hard on me. But I feel so emotional about stopping even though it will be such a relief!

    I have also wondered what would happen if I didn't stop entirely but gradually cut back to just a morning and evening pump. Would my supply drop so much that it wouldn't even be worth it? Would my hormones bounce around? Would my cycle get even more wonky than it is now? (Af returned for me at six weeks pp.)

    I hear your doubts and I'm right there with you. Especially your disdain towards the pump. It's confusing hating it so much but feeling emotionally attached to it at the same time. I've had such a hard time physically on top of being tied to a ball and chain. I'm eager to stop for these reasons...but again, it's hard letting go.

    I hope you find what works for you! Good luck!!!
    Me:41, DH:41 Positive for MTHFR mutations- one copy C677T, one copy A1298C. One daughter born on Thanksgiving in 2013. Six losses.
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  • BlessedBee83BlessedBee83 member
    I feel the exact same way. I bf when I'm with LO and pump while I'm at work. LO is 7 months and eating 19.5oz of milk a day while I'm at work. To keep up with that, I'm pumping 5 times a day, plus nursing him in the morning and before bed. I hoped that when he started solids his milk needs would decrease; no such luck! In my mind, I want to start giving him a bottle of formula a day so I could at least knock out one session...which his doctor said wouldn't be a bad thing at all. But whenever I think about it, I feel guilty!

    So, I have no advice to offer (sorry!), but I do sympathize!
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  • DahliaFlowerDahliaFlower member
    I give you lots of credit for overcoming difficulties and getting to the 6 month milestone.  I also find it difficult to think about weaning b/c DS is doing so well in terms of his growth, health, disposition.  On the other hand, I am also AMA (38) and I know that if we want to try again I will probably have to wean sooner or later.  I haven't had my cycle return yet and I pump or nurse so often, I kind of doubt it will until after I wean.  I have decided for the time being that BF the baby I have takes priority over trying for another one.  I have given myself a window between 9 months and 1 year as when I would like to start weaning.  I have no intentions of being an extended breast feeding mom,  and it is extremely difficult for me to pump at work as often as I need to, but I am leaning towards the 1 year mark.  If I were a little older or a little more anxious about trying again, I would probably wean sooner.  Whatever you decide, you should feel good about what you have done so far.  GL!
    TTC #1 12/2009
    BFP #1 1/2010, M/C 6 weeks
    BFP #2 6/2010, DD lost to     congenital heart disease, we are heartbroken.

    TTC #2 4/2011, diagnosed MTHFR, FVL
    Four natural cycles BFN; Clomid IUI BFN; Follistim IUI BFN;
    1/2012 IVF #1 BFN
    4/2012 FET BFP #3
    5/2012 7w1d u/s: anembryonic demise; M/C @ 8w.
    6/2012 found Stage II/III endo on laparoscopy, removed w/ laser.
    8/2012 IVF #2 epic fail: no viable embryos.

    Vacation, break, second opinions, on to new RE.
    1/2013 Surprise chemical pregnancy BFP #4 (break cycle), IVF #3 postponed.
    2/2013 TI w/ hormonal support, prednisone, aspirin, Lovenox, acupuncture gave us a miracle BFP #5!
    Heartbeat on U/S at 6w1d!     Baby,please stay!!
    Our miracle baby boy arrived 10/2013!  We are so in love!!

    10/2014 Surprise BFP #6
    Our second daughter arrived in May 2015!  We are so grateful!  

    Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers


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  • BootsOrHeartsBootsOrHearts member
    @blesedbes83 make sure they aren't tossing leftovers too!!! It makes me almost cry when I hear someone's DC does that. White gold!!! :-)
    **Warning: Losses and living child mentioned**
    BFP#1 1/31/12, EDD 10/6/12 Harrison Gray born sleeping @ 18w6d. You changed our lives little guy.
    BFP#2 EDD 10/29/13, C/P 2/25/13, Bye little Ish, we barely got to know you.
    BFP#3 EDD 12/21/13, Baby Boots born 11/23/13 My rainbow baby!
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    January PAL Siggy Challenge: Good Advice
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