Would I be giving up or have I done enough?

Question

My daughter is just over 6 months and I am thinking of switching to formula.... I just don't know. She has become such an erratic feeder and while I know it will probably pass I just don't know if I can stick it out. I feel like she is always hungry and I have never had a great milk supply. I know you can't tell me what is right for us but any advice would be appreciate. Please ... no mean comments. I was up to my little one every hour last night so I just don't think I have the emotional capacity to take it at the minute :)

Answer 1

Don't give up!! They say it's best for baby to go to a year. I know how hard it can be, but it really is the best thing for your daughter. I started weaning my little girl at about 11 months, and nursed her for the last time on the night of her birthday. Trust me, it will get so much easier. She may be going through a growth spurt or just a fussy time. In a few months, she'll probably only be nursing 3x a day. We had issues with night time feedings too... She kept waking up for them. Just DON'T feed her in the night, and she'll eventually stop waking up. She really doesn't need the milk then. It will be really hard, but so worth your effort. You should be very proud of yourself for making it this far - but you're about to get to the really easy part!! Don't quit yet!!! Good luck!

Answer 2

you have done more than enough--good for you.

go to formula -- it is a great day when you do,,,,freedom.

Answer 3

I had a problem breast feeding my children and felt like I was doing the wrong thing when I decided to switch to formula. You have lasted longer then I did, I felt a huge weight lifted off my chest, no pun intended, when I stopped breast feeding. I even tried to pump and bottle feed to get on a better schedule and that didn't work for me either. If you feel that you have done enough ( and I would say you have) then switch. You have provided the most important time frame, 2-3 weeks after birth, for your child to have the colostrum that boosts their immune system. Good luck!!! Don't feel bad whatever you decide.

Answer 4

6 months is awesome! You really stuck it out great. You make that switch and be proud of it. Although you may want to get or rent a pump incase you get engorged.  

Answer 5

I used the book, On Becoming Babywise to help with scheduling my baby. By 6 months, my children were on baby food. If you think she is always hungry, she is probably ready for baby food. Breastfeeding is best for her for as long as you can do it especially up to a year, but you need to do what is best for your family.  

Answer 6

It gets better.

Babies go through this - cluster feeding - it happens every now and then - it's a phase.

I answered your question yesterday when you wanted to switch to pumping - I told you that you would be doing a disservice to yourself and your daughter -- I take that back if you are now considering formula.

Pumped breast milk provides far more nutrition and benefits to your child than formula does - but it still does not compare to the real thing.

Every now and then, things are a little harder than you'd like, and you feel like it's not worth the effort -- but I assure you, in this particular case - it is very worth the effort.

Don't give up - it gets better.

Answer 7

hey i'm a formula feeder just to let you know I'm not saying this to make you feel like you need to b/f

its a long story to explain but i quit producing so i couldn't b/f my son any more, at first i was angry an very sad but also a bit relieved. He's 10 1/2 months old no and after months i still feel so jipped! I really wish that I was able to b/f until he was a year. So my suggestion to you is to pump so you don't lose your supply (if  you don't own a pump you can rent one for super cheap) a give you baby formula (or your expressed milk) and see how you feel about it! if you still feel formula is best for ou guys then go for it. but I'd really hate for you to quit then a week or two latter when you are dried up you regret it!!!

and I'm not sure but I would assume whats going on with your daughter is a faze.

and I am sure you do have the emotional capacity. As a mama I'm sure you have previously shocked your self with what you are able to handle. with that being said if you are seriously hating every min of b/f then quit! If you are unhappy then you have to do whast you have to do to change that! A happy mama is a good mama, and don't let anyone make you feel guilty for you decisions! remember this is your family and you know better then anyone whats best for you guys!!

I hope I could help!!!

Answer 8

they say that breast feeding to at least 6 months is great, so you are past that point, and if you think formula would be best at this point, then do it.  its up to you. (and your daughter :)