breast to bottle...mixed feelings

[Redhairmum]

Well, today DH and I started to bottle train our DS , he is 5 months old and has been exclusively bf so far. But as I am going back to work soon he needs to be able to take a bottle.
We have tried previously (with expressed milk) and he has always just screamed. So today decided to just use a bottle, have had to use some formula as I find expressing so hard.
He has taken 2 feeds (average of 6 oz) with some crying...... but gas generally gone well. Am V proud of him and DH......but also upset as it feels like the end of bf, and a bit like I'm losing him.
Totally illogical I know..... is this just me? Feel selfish that I am going back to work so making him change feeding method, also don't like giving him formula when I am capable of bf..........so mixed up.

[StealthPolarBear]

:( Is he your first? Because I think this is motherhood - endless guilt!
You have done brilliantly to exbf for 5 months, and unless you work really difficult work patterns you should be able to continue bf for a long time now.
Assuming you want to I would be careful about having whole days without bf - from a supply point of view it's very early to bo doing that. Maybe feed in the morning and at night and then formula in between while he;s getting used to the bottle?
Of course if you do want to stop completely then ignore that, although still be careful from an engorgement point of view.
If you don't mind me asking, why are you going back to work so soon? If reasons are financial and, ou have explored all other options, then you are doing this for the good of your family. Who will be looking after him while you work?

[Cosmosis]

It's bound to feel odd, it's a big change - not just the feeding, but the going back to work as well. But it doesn't have to be the end of bf at all, you can continue while you're at work so he has formula while you're at work and you bf when you're with him.

I went back to work 2 months ago, and was dreading it, but honestly it's not as bad as i was expecting and DS is loving being at the childminders!

[Redhairmum]

Am back to work due to finance reasons, and will continue to bf am and evening. He will be at a nursery during day, and am doing a gradual build up of mornings then full days over next month or so.
Would love to be part time or stay home, but not a choice for us.
Have definately got guilt thing.....

[Cosmosis]

I'm also ft, and definitely got the guilt thing. Guilty that I've had to go back, guitly that he spends more time with the CM than me, and also guilty that I'm actually quite enjoying being back.

[StealthPolarBear]

:( you poor thing. Just bear in mind that whatever choices you make you get the same amount of guilt in the long run IMO!