Formula or breast milk

My baby is 5 weeks old. I have been through so much already and trying to decide if formula is gonna be helpful for me.
I was in the hospital for 11 days before they induced me and there for 14 days. Then she was in the nicu for 3 weeks and I had to pump for her but couldn’t feed her because she had surgery on her intestines and had to heal. Finally she was able to eat my milk I had been making for her.
At week 1 post partum I went to the ER for severe upper back pain which they concluded was likely related to some rheumatological issue and put me on prednisone and I ordered some Cimzia from my rheumatologist cause I already was planning to get back on it now that I’m not pregnant. Baby finally came home and then I got Mastitis just as the Cimzia arrived so I didn’t start taking it. Whilst in the hospital being treated for Mastitis for a few days they made me stop taking my prednisone cold turkey and also my antidepressants/antianxiety cold turkey as well because they have a reaction to my antibiotic (Linezolid)
After coming home from the hospital I now have a sore throat and my arthritis is starting to hurt in my ankles and wrists.
My nipples hurt (stinging nerves all day), My back hurts, my joints hurt, and my baby has started throwing up more while drinking my milk with the Linezolid. 😩🤦🏼‍♀️
I can afford formula. But worried about the down sides(constipation, colic, etc) and also just the mom shame.

Anyone think I should really just suck it up and keep pumping? Or would switching be that bad for her? I’m struggling to weigh the benefits since this is my first baby.

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A fed baby is a cared for baby, whether it is formula or breast. I think you are just wanting the best for baby and being a mum is hard enough. Sounds like you've been through a really tough time and youve really given it a go. I think you could try combi feeding, try bottles overnight and breastfeed in day and see how it feels. Then you have best of both and can decide from there xxxxxx

Ultimately, fed is best and it’s okay to do whatever works best for you/your baby. Personally, I’ve been combo feeding my baby (I’m naturally an under-supplier)since she was born and she’s done great! Even on the weeks that she gets more formula, we’ve had no issues with constipation or colic. Hang in there! ❤️

I combi fed. She was so low weight the hospital recommended it from day 1. I enjoyed breastfeeding because it's so much easier, if you don't pump. You don't need to clean anything etc. But when I was exhausted and baby was screaming she got formula 👩🏼‍🍼

Fed is best. I tried to combi feed but was so tired after my emergency csection I just stuck to formula. My husband loved being able to feed her and bond. It wasn’t all on me and yes bottle washing can be annoying but I got 12 bottles and wash them every 2 days (I rinse them so they aren’t disgusting) and then sterilised them when I need them. There are pros and cons to both breastfeeding and formula. I’m a primary school teacher and trust me you can’t tell which child was formula/breastfed when they start school 🙈. Fed is best!

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