Frustrated with Breast Feeding..

MalyJ · July 2014

DS and I are now in the midst of our third bout with thrush and I am just about done breast feeding! On top of that I have two milk ducts that are constantly clogging and I'm just feeling defeated.

My goal was to BF until I go back to teach school in mid August. Ar this point my freezer supply would kick in for an estimated 4-6 weeks, allowing DS to have pretty much all BM for the first six months.

I'm not sure what I'm looking for. Encouragement, permission to quit, advice, I don't really know...

nursewinnie · July 2014

Do what you feel you will not regret later. I quit EPing about a week before coming back to work and I kinda wish I would've tried harder to give her bm a bit longer. 6 months ebm is a long time and sounds great! Don't beat yourself up whatever you decide.

Holljade · July 2014

August is SO close!! You can do this!!

I know the clogged ducts and thrush are painful, however you are in the home stretch!

I agree with the PP make sure you do what you won't regret. Ultimately you gotta do what's best for you- but since you are so close to your goal I thought is give you some encouragement. Either way you should be very proud of yourself for sticking with it this far

Manda+panda · July 2014

It's been rough lately for me. It was horrible in the beginning. I would sob and wanted to go get formula and give up. But, when I calmed down, I'm glad I stuck through it. They always say don't quit on your hardest day. And it really is so close to August.

That being said, if you really are done and don't think you will regret it, no judgement from me. It's hard. I congratulate you for making it this long!

Another couple factors: will your LO happily accept a bottle? You won't have an easy time if not. Do you still nurse to sleep? Do you have other ways that work as well to comfort him and put him to sleep?

Bottles are not nearly as comforting as mom's breasts, so it's not always easy to stop BF. Either decision, you have to do what's right. Just make a plan. Good luck.

LaNorte · July 2014

There's no way I would have made it through 3 rounds of thrush - you are superwoman! I don't know what I can tell you to help you decide, though. If the idea of giving up breastfeeding really makes you feel upset, then it think that's your answer right there. Good luck with whatever you decide!

alohamel · July 2014

I found breastfeeding to be extremely stressful. I am much happier now that I have switched to formula. Do whatever makes you feel better! You've done awesome so far and will continue to do awesome with whatever you choose!

zazu13 · July 2014

You dont need anyone's permission, but you have mine

rtv3 · July 2014

First of all, you are awesome for nursing this long, especially through 3 rounds of thrush! Totally something to be proud of

Second, you need to do what is best for your sanity. A happy mom = a happy baby.

Third, August is so close! If you can, try to make it. You'll feel so good accomplishing that goal

Basically you know what is best for you and your LO.

Dixon813 · July 2014

I can only imagine how you must feel (there are moments I want to be done and I've never dealt with thrush or clogged ducts)!! If it were me I would try to find a way to make it to August. Even if that meant pumping instead of nursing for the next couple of week.

That being said - your mental health is very important, too so do what you need to to stay sane and ENJOY the time with your babe!

MalyJ · July 2014

Thanks ladies! Your help and insight is appreciated! DS does well with a bottle, hubby gives him pumped milk often if I'm out and about, so I know that won't be a problem. You all are so helpful. I think I'm going to try to make my goal, but if it gets worse not beat myself up about quitting. Thank you!

macynsnoop · July 2014

I can maybe offer 1 piece if advice for the clogged ducts. I had recurring clogged ducts the first month of BF & a round of mastitis. What worked for me was taking lecithin, haven't had a clog since! Kellymom has the recommended dosing.

PoppySeedWindsor · July 2014

Marshmallow root is great for clogged ducts too, as is placing warm cabbage leaves on your affected breasts.

Like PPs said, you're an amazing badass super woman who obviously wants and will do the best for her child. Part of giving your kiddo the best is making sure YOU are at your best. If switching off of BFing will help you be your best, then that's a great decision too!

Yogini6911 · July 2014

Agree with lecithin...I got it at cvs and take 2 pills per day. Recommended by my LC after my clogged ducts and mastitis.

MalyJ · July 2014

I knew I loved this place.

dmosquera4 · July 2014

Have you gone to the doctor and stuff I heard one of the ladies here on a post that their LC told her to drink some kind of supplement over the counter like vitamin that made her milk thin out not loose any nutrients but that he milk was extra fatty and that's why she had lots of clogged ducts I think it's called lecithin I haven't had thrush but I did get mastitis and after treating with hot compress and antibiotics I haven't had any clogged ducts ( I used to get them every week) I feel. You pain but at the end is whatever works and keeps you happy and safe, you and the baby

RedDawnsRevenge · July 2014

We nurse upside down for clogged ducts. You not the baby. Fortunately I've never had thrush so not much help for you there. All I can say is hang in there mama!

NatalieBier · July 2014

It doesn't have to be all or nothing. You could start the slow down process and maybe go 50:50. That might alleviate the clogged duct problem if you are not engorged all the time.

Avion22 · July 2014

First of all, you did awesome to make it this far! Thrush and clogged ducts are no fun. It's really not a big deal to switch to formula, or combo feed, or do whatever is right for your family. We are SO LUCKY that we live in a time and place where we have lots of different options for how to feed our babies. You just have to find the one that is right for you, and go with it.

My only other advice would be to not "quit" breastfeeding on a bad day. Let it sit for a little bit, maybe try formula once or twice and see how it goes, see how you feel about it, and then make a decision.

You're a great mama!

MamaFantastic · July 2014

Huuuuuuuge hug and high five for enduring 3 rounds of thrush. I only had it once and it was awful.

yellowflower15 · July 2014

Can you go to a bf'ing clinic to discuss it with them? They might have some helpful suggestions. I've been dealing with clogged ducts and I got some help to re-train LO's latch since that's probably a contributor. They also suggested I get a prescription for "all purpose nipple ointment" to help heal any cracks and possible infection. The composition of it can be found on Dr. Jack Newman's website. His site has some great resources.

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