Breast-feeding and formula feeding support

Stopping breastfeeding

I told myself when I first became a mom, that I would want to breastfeed till 6 months. Baby has just turned 6 months yesterday, and although we had combo feed one bottle a night (and I still pump after), lately, due to travelling and jet lag, her cycles are now messed and we're also having to give more formula/bottles. I also only brought my portable pump instead of my spectra but I really had enough of pumping. It might be because she is still having jet lag etc but breastfeeding her to sleep is painful - both literally and metaphorically. She pinches my other nipple, hits her hand on my chest repeatedly (although it doesn't hurt so bad) and stretches her legs out at times while I'm holding her. Last night we thought she was full of energy and after staying up for too long, she was hysterical, and only some formula could calm her down.

I know I wanted to stop breastfeeding but somehow I feel really emotional about it, and every time she seems to go cranky my husband says give her a bottle and I just had a go at him. :(

Just wanting to get this off my chest and if anyone has anything encouraging to say, you're more than welcome to do so. x

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

First of all, dont listen to your husband on just giving her a bottle to calm her down. You dont necessarily need to just breastfeed her, i combo feed my daughter and honestly its been such a life saver. I just pump every 3-4 hours and give her breastmilk bottles at night instead of formula. Cause even if shes just getting a drop of breastmilk shes still getting all the benefits from it. You are doing GREAT! Do what feels best for you mama.

That sounds so stressful! I’m going to be in the same boat - planned to feed until 6M and then taking an international trip to see family for 10 weeks, was thinking the exact same that may end up continuing to give comfort etc. worried the flight and jet lag will affect my little one and also maybe my milk supply.
All of my friends say it’s super emotional when you decide to stop, but also that they love the freedom afterwards so know that you have done amazing to do this much!! You have given him such a gift and introducing formula will give you both such flexibility.
I don’t think men quite get the emotional journey with breastfeeding, the commitment along the way and obstacles and work required to maintain supply not to mention the hours. So in summary ignore your hubby in best way possible as he might not understand fully. I love mine but god he can frustrate me at times when he doesn’t get it!
You do you, and what feels right, and know you have done amazing! ❤️

in our community

How long did baby sleep in your room?

My little one is only just 4 months but is rolling and already pretty much grown out of his next to me crib in size! I am an anxious mum and a stickler for following safety guidelines so we are going to dismantle and rebuild his big cot in our bedroom. Obviously that's a big of a faff for just 2 months but the more I think about it the more I can't even think about him moving into his own bedroom anytime soon... It feels so wrong to me to just stick my infant in his own bedroom? 😂 But obviously I know it needs to happen at some point so I'm just curious to see when other parents did the transition whether earlier or later?

Naps at nursery

My little boy will be 10 months old when he starts nursery, he currently needs holding/cuddling to fall asleep then I can place him down in his cot to nap once’s he’s fell asleep. He won’t settle on his own it just results in him screaming crying. But I’m worried about when he starts nursery, will the staff there do the same at nap time or will he expected to self settle himself to sleep?

Why no trigger warning???

Why are people posting pics of blood abd mucus plugs without the sensitive content warning??? Not everyone has the stomach to see that, there's first time moms on here who don't need to see it like have some consideration for others??

Is this normal?

My 3.5yo son is normally very loud when he's in a park, soft play, family friendly holidays. Sometimes a bit too loud and doesn't understand some kids aren't reciprocating it. But I received his nursery report today and they say he's shy and likes to play alone. So I don't get it. He does in 2 days a week. Is this normal?

Vaccinations

My boy has his first round of vaccinations today. How did people prep for it? Some HV & docs say to give calpol 30 mins before the appointment but some say don’t….. what did you do?

Not peeing at night

My son is almost 3 months old and isn't peeing at night. He slept 5 and a half hours and barely had a wet diaper. He pees normally during the day, just worried about nights.