Need help with going from breastfeeding to formula?

[crazypenguinlady]

My baby is a month old. When I was pregnant my plan was to attempt breastfeeding but I wasn't totally sold on the idea so bought formula etc just in case. First baby so just wanted to enjoy him and not put myself under any pressure. He was born with an infection which required a small stint in SCBU. Because of the antibodies etc we did up breastfeeding. He latched well from the beginning and is gaining weight well. However, I've decided for various reasons not to carry on, including the fact that I've had some bad days mentally with breastfeeding. We have given him some bottles of formula already.

Just looking for tips on how to make the transition a smooth one?
How do I decrease my supply without becoming engorged and developing mastitis?
I do use the breast as a comfort sometimes, especially at night, how do we overcome this if I want to stop breastfeeding?

[ICJump]

You could stop slowly. Dropping a feed ever few days. This will help with engorgement.
You might find that you get to a level where you are happy to offer a breastfed here or there for comfort. Or if you don't find that right for you, you'll learn other things, slings, baths together, and singing have helped sooth my kids

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Firstly, you don't need to justify your decision, it's exactly that, your decision.

I think the current advice is to drop a feed every 2 weeks. This is to get baby used to the increased amount of milk and to decrease your risk of mastitis.

[alltalknobaby]

Congratulations on your new baby! Agree with other posters - drop a feed every week or so, do it gradually so that you don't develop blocked ducts and mastitis. Keep an eye out for lumps - massage them while feeding - and flu-like symptoms. For comfort, have you tried a dummy? Also cuddling will give comfort too. Best of luck!