Source
r/breastfeeding•
celestial_waters

I want to quit

My baby will be 6 months soon and I always thought I would exclusively breastfeed. Not because I care as much about the bond or passing on antibodies or any of that stuff but because it’s cheaper and more convenient. But I’ve been plagued with issues, especially on one side, the whole time and there’s only so many times I can sit awake at 5am crying while baby feeds from my sore breast before I give it up entirely. I have an appointment in two weeks with my doctor for baby’s 6 month shots so I’ll bring up my issues and see if there’s an underlying problem I’m missing this whole time.

But in the meantime can anyone help with my questions? Mainly is it actually really inconvenient to formula feed? That and the cost is the main reason I haven’t switched. And what does the cost look like in CAD per month?

Idk if this is the right sub for a formula question but I also just need support I guess. I can’t even hold baby today because my left breast is burning and stabbing me.

Thanks

Posted Aug 28, 2021, 2:03 PM UTC

420
alc1516•

Is it possible that you have thrush? That burning/stabbing pain isn’t normal, especially if your baby is already 6 months and your supply is established.

11
celestial_watersOP•

Can thrush come and go? I’ve wondered about that but every bout of pain lasts about two days then goes away again for awhile

3
pistachiosmama•

Any chance you are having persistent clogs? I have certain bras that often give me problems or if I sleep funny. Baby could be having a hard time emptying that side too.

3
celestial_watersOP•

That could be it. She doesn’t nurse well on that side I’m always fighting with her latch even now at 5.5 months

2
pistachiosmama•

If you can pinpoint where it hurts you can put a warm compress on before nursing and/or pumping. When my second was younger I knew the sigbs better so if he wasn’t emptying well or I was worried about a clog I would make sure to pump so it “emptied” better. Massage all around the sore spot while nursing can help clear it too

2
kjvdh•

Have you been checked for mastitis? The burning pain can be a symptom and if you don’t get it resolved it can lead to abscesses. Definitely talk to your midwife/OB about that if you haven’t already.

I can’t help you with information on formula feeding, but I will encourage you to be sure you are taken care of. Baby needs you to be there and present, so whatever works best for the two of you is the best way to go forward.

5
celestial_watersOP•

I’ve had mastitis twice on this side I’m familiar with that, this time it’s a different problem ://

2
kjvdh•

I am really sorry to hear that :[

It would probably be worth talking to your midwife/OB about it anyway rather than waiting 2 weeks for his appointment. I would hate for you to be miserable for that much longer.

3
celestial_watersOP•

They’re not available on weekends but I’m going to go to a clinic today. Thanks :)

4
side_effects_of_life•

I know little about formula, but are you on soy or sunflower lecithin? Some of us find it very helpful for clogging and the resulting pain. If you already take this, and if the pains feel like piercing, I second looking into thrush.

There are some OTC products that may be helpful (thinking about grapefruit seed extract and apple cider vinegar), but I’d try to get a course of fluconazole (10-14 days) if your doc agrees it could be thrush. I got that and a prescription for APNO by calling my OBGYN and describing the symptoms.

3
celestial_watersOP•

Okay thank you I’ll try :)

2
tireddispatchmama•

Seriously get the APNO. It's a game changer. If pain is the problem, that should really help, and if it's thrush, it has anti fungal in it.

3
celestial_watersOP•

I didn’t even know it existed. Thanks :)

2
bubblepop11•

Have you joined r/FormulaFeeders? I did combo and switched to full formula at 6months. No regrets. I'm on my second and BF is going well. But if it stops working for us, I will not hesitate to switch. Anyway. I didn't find it inconvenient at all. You can prepare bottles in advance or do the pitcher method. I had a Brezza formula mixer and loved it. On the gonwas easy too. Everything was premeasured before I left the house and then I just combined formula and water when it was time to eat. Plus by 6months they aren't feeding as frequently as before.

I will note my LO was sleeping through the night by then so I never had to mix bottles while half asleep..

3
celestial_watersOP•

Oh I didn’t know there was a sub! I’ll check it out. Thanks for the advice. Mine wakes up 3-4 times a night and I think it’s because she’s either too reliant on nursing or not getting enough from me, which is another reason I’m considering either switching or doing part time formula.

2
[deleted]•

If you've weighed the benefits and risks and choose formula, that's great. Breast milk is best for baby but not at the risk of your happiness. Just be aware that switching to formula doesn't necessarily mean your baby will sleep through. My sister switched to formula at 4 months and her baby is now 14 months and is still a terrible sleeper.

1
celestial_watersOP•

Yeah I’m going to troubleshoot first before I give up but the bright side of switching is my husband can do a few wake ups if I need him to

1
[deleted]•

Don't think of it as giving up. You breastfed your baby for 6 months! That's amazing, you've done a great job!

Is you husband helping you with wake ups now? He could get the baby and bring her to you and you could nurse side lying so you can stay in a sleepy state. He could burp her and put her back in the cot/bassinet when you're done.

1