Switching to formula at 1 week any advice

[Snozberry00]

Please please don't judge because I already feel awful.

I've been breastfeeding my baby from birth but hit numerous problems. She wasn't getting any milk for 3 days and is now Jaundiced as a result. I'm having to pump and use nipple shields as she doesn't latch properly or stay latched. My nipples are absolute agony because of the poor
latch and now the pump and shields.
I've also got mastitis and am so tired, unwell and in pain.

I just want to give up now. I did 4 months of nipple shields, pumping round the clock etc with my first child and it was too much. I don't want to repeat it with mastitis on top.

I feel so guilty that I'm putting her on formula at a week old. And have no idea how to make the switch. Also how do I help the mastitis if I'm not feeding? I am on antibiotics but my breasts are very engorged and lumpy and difficult to get anything out manually.

Any advice is gratefully received

[BendingSpoons]

First thing to say, it is absolutely fine to switch to formula for your baby. It clearly sounds like the best decision in your case. I would suspect you might need to do some pumping initially as your supply regulates but am no expert.

[KnitFastDieWarm]

No guilt! You are going to be feeding and nourishing your baby one way or the other, you've already given her a great start, and if bf isn't working for you and your family it's fine to stop. Your body, your baby, your life. Your health and happiness matters and is key to your ability to be a great mum. Anyone who can't support you can take a running jump

Practicalities - a perfect prep machine makes ff incredibly quick and straightforward. They're usually on offer on amazon etc and worth every penny.
I was told not to express as it stimulates the breasts to make more milk, but I don't know if that advice applies if you've got mastitis and are really uncomfortable - someone else might know?

[Booksandcrocheting]

No experience of mastitis, but I had a vaguely similar experience of breastfeeding going pearshaped. Expressing all feeds is gruelling, I lasted less than 48 hours! It's OK to want to not be in pain. Your body has been through plenty recently. And by giving her some of your colostrum you have already benefited her. In terms of making the switch - don't overthink it. Just try her with a bottle of formula.

[C0RAL]

Good information here on helping your mastitis

kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/

I'm sorry, no wonder you are feeling exhausted.

[boombin]

Eek! Would never use a perfect prep machine!! They have made so many babies sick!! The NHS and which do not recommend. They were on watchdog - might be worth watching if you are using one @KnitFastDieWarm

[C0RAL]

Remember you are ill and should be doing NOTHING except feediing baby ( while you are Weaning onto FF) and cuddling your toddler/ older child.

Babys father and your families need to step up here so you can rest and recover.

Do not be a martyr. Think how a man would act if he has squeezed out a baby aweek ago, had not slept properly since, was still bleeding and now had an infection and was on antibiotics.