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October 2015 Moms
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Transition to formula?

MCraig1484MCraig1484 member
in October 2015 Moms
My LO turns one month today and I've been EBFing until now. BFing has definitely been challenging for us, we've been to the LC twice, both times leaving with zero pain and very optimistic, only to get home and not be able to replicate what we did during our meeting. My nips are more sore now than ever before and I feel emotionally drained. I'm also starting to feel resentful towards my LO which isn't fair and makes me feel like a horrible mom. Part of me wants to throw in the towel and transition over to formula, I feel like emotionally it's the right choice for us, plus I could get some help from my DH and parents and not feel like I'm going through the e Houston alone, but the other part of me keeps thinking about the health benefits of BFing, the fact that we've already put a month of effort in and feels like I should just grin and bear it a little longer and it will get better and will end up easier than formula feeding. I'm rambling I know, it's 4:40am here...anyone else struggling with this decision?
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Re: Transition to formula?

  • koriemokoriemo member
    I chose to switch to formula and it was by far the best choice we made. After I made the decision, I knew there was no going back, so I had to be all in. The first day wight breastfeeding was the first day since he was born that I made it through the day without crying. I feel happier, baby is happier, husband is happier. It was absolutely the right choice for us. Baby is on somewhat of a schedule, looks full and happy after eating, and is sleeping so much better.

    I'm currently pumping 4x a day for 15 minutes each time, so we are feeding him a combo of formula and breastmilk. I don't love pumping, but it's much easier to pump than to breastfeed.

    I applaud those who can and do breastfeed, but as much as I wanted to stick with it, it wasn't worth it. I go back to work when he is 10 weeks old, and I want to enjoy those 10 weeks with my son. My husband is also taking paternity leave for 12 weeks when I go back to work, so formula will allow him to be fully involved with the baby.
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  • basdenjn6basdenjn6 member
    I pump and supplement with similac (for supplemetation). I was offering formula from the start because baby was jaundiced and needed more than I was producing. Then I moved to only pumping so I'd know how much he was getting. Don't regret it. You have to go with the best scenario for your family.
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  • Mandy6585Mandy6585 member
    This is exactly what I've been going through! I just went to the store and bought a thing of formula yesterday and we're going to start transitioning. She'll be six weeks on Wednesday and I'm glad to have made it this far since I was ready to quit at week two. My plan is to transition slowly and hope that eliminating some of the breast feedings will help me go a little longer.
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  • ktlanyktlany member
    We definitely struggled with this decision! My LO was eating like a champ and breastfeeding was perfect for us except that I wasn't producing enough for her. We were tied to the couch almost literally 24/7 and she was never full and satisfied. I was pumping and only getting drops for her after 20 mins. It was emotionally and physically exhausting and I lasted 3 weeks before I decided to supplement. Now we're BFing and then following with about an ounce of formula. When we're out she's on formula only. It was the best decision we could have made for us. You gave her a whole month of the benefits of BFing - that's huge! She got all the good stuff so don't feel like you can't switch. It was a very emotional decision but we're both happier and healthier now and that's what matters most in the end. Good luck!
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  • leah665leah665 member
    I've struggled so much with this! I wanted so badly to EBF. However, my little girl started losing weight and was not gaining. I went to a lactation consultant several times and they were so helpful, but we found out by weighing her before and after feeding that she was only getting about 0.5 ounces. I was constantly feeding her. My nipples were sore, cracked, and bleeding. Because of her weight loss I started supplementing with formula. It broke my heart, however at this point a healthy baby is the most important thing.

    Now I'm putting her on the breast for about 15 minutes each side and then giving her 2 oz of formula mixed with breast milk. I pump while someone else gives her the bottle. I'm hoping that eventually as she gets bigger I can start breastfeeding exclusively again, but if we need to give her formula I've accepted that. I tried my hardest and cried a lot about it.

    My advice is if you are starting to resent your LO, then switch! It is not worth jeopardizing your bonding with your baby.
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  • dchiapelladchiapella member
    You are VERY MUCH not alone. I could barely hold my son because I was so riddled with anxiety about him waking up and having to feed him. It wasn't until I had to leave baby with the husband and go sit in my car sobbing over the phone to my mom at a complete loss as to what step to take next that I realized it wasn't for us. We started using formula that night. Mind you I had already seen 3 consultants.

    The pediatrician new I wanted to BFF so she helped but it still wasn't working. Pumping wasn't an option either (45 minutes and less than an 8th of an ounce). I went back to the pediatrician a couple days later, she sent me home with a box of formula, and we haven't looked back since. He's now on powder formula and we are both MUCH happier and healthier for it!

    Moral of the story, do what you know in your heart is best. Keep in mind there are many ways he can be fed... but he only has one mommy. Being that for you baby is so much more important than how he gets his nutrition so long as he's getting it.

    Good luck. Stay strong. Know you've done an amazing job already!
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  • MCraig1484MCraig1484 member
    Thanks ladies! It's nice to know I'm not alone even though I wouldn't wish this struggle on anyone!
    I'm super grateful for my DH and parents who have all been super supportive about me wanting to breastfeed and also about considering to switch to formula and my LC who has been super helpful with working with me on different strategies to make BFing work. I went back to my LC on Saturday and we started using a nipple shield in order to give my nipples a break. The shield is great, but it is a lot of work as it doesn't allow as much milk transfer. We're supposed to BF at least 8x per day (we were down to 7 previously), each session is at least 1 HR 15 mins because she wants us doing 4 latches on each side (we usually only get in 2-3) and then we bottle feed 1 oz in the middle of the feeding. Since I haven't been able to pump much (too painful), we had to start using formula for the bottle feedings today. It's been nice to get a bit of a break in the middle of the feedings, either my husband or mom does that part, and to test out the formula.
    Anyway, my pain has decreased to a 3 from an 8 over the past 24 hrs, which is such a nice relief, but I'm curious to see how we will do once we transition off the shield since it's a short term solution to help with the pain. Yesterday afternoon after my 2nd feeding with the shield my mood had dramatically change and today I felt the most "normal" I have since bringing my LO home. Today is also the first day that I haven't cried, either out of frustration or from pain in 2 weeks.
    While my BFing journey is not what I expected, I know that everything will work itself out, even if that means we end up formula feeding.
    Good luck everyone!
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  • annkeymerannkeymer member
    This is my 3rd little one, my first I made it 6 months with breast feeding and some supplementing, my second I made it 10 months ebf, and am ebf with my 3rd, it's not easy and takes some getting used to, but always do what fits your life and never feel bad or guilty for not
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  • annkeymerannkeymer member
    Also if it continues to hurt, your baby is not latching right, remember they are learning along with you!
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  • whitemn04whitemn04 member
    I get so angry when people try telling me what I'm probably doing wrong with breast feeding. I haven't had to supplement yet, but have been trying to wean the LO off the shield. I've considered starting some formula for when we go places as dealing with that shield is super irritating. I've been able to pump and trying to build a stock so I've actually been taking that milk when we go places. Even that is a bit irritating having to carry a small cooler, find a place that has hot water to warm it, etc. I feel bad about thinking formula as I've been able to pump enough for a bottle but it seems my supply has decreased some over the last few days so formula is on my mind again. I know we shouldn't feel bad about formula feeding but when you have your heart set on BFing it's hard.
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  • annkeymerannkeymer member
    Sorry If I offended anyone was just trying to help
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