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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Thinking of stopping bf

14 replies

LittleMilla · 28/08/2013 10:14

Got a blocked duct again - had it on sat, cleared after 12 hours and now back again.

Ds2 is 6 weeks on Friday. I am feeling very tired and run down and thinking it might just be easier to switch to formula.

Had 8 months of stress free feeding with ds1. This time I've had thrush (still on meds) and now this.

Feeling really Hmm

OP posts:
MisselthwaiteManor · 28/08/2013 11:35

Nothing wrong with switching to formula if you feel it's best. If it was me I'd give it another week or so and see if you still feel the same, I only say this because you might change your mind once the thrush is gone. Are you eating and drinking lots? I feel rubbish and exhausted unless I snack all day and during night feeds.

hettienne · 28/08/2013 11:39

I think lots of people find 6 weeks really hard.

Is the baby being treated for thrush too? You both need to be treated simultaneously to get rid of it.

If you're feeling tired and run down it might be worth checking with your doctor about anaemia too.

Whatever you decide to do, you have done really well to get to 6 weeks.

Original poster
LittleMilla · 28/08/2013 20:44

Good advice to try and give it mother two weeks.

I love it in so many ways but I'm not sure I can hack constant 'things'.

OP posts:
JiltedJohnsJulie · 29/08/2013 08:50

How old is your dc1? Do you get any time when its just you and the baby so that you can catch up on some sleep in the day?

Original poster
LittleMilla · 29/08/2013 21:23

I am very lucky that ds1 goes to nursery in Tuesdays and Thursdays. This week tues was a shitty day with ds2 which meant I didn't have my catch up day and I think compounded me being run down.

Had my six week check today. My iron is low ish. She's suggested I take ibuprofen to reduce the swelling and also given me a prescription for mastitis just in case it flares up over the weekend - I'm getting a red patch. Not having iron tabs as I'm also constipated (god I sound healthy!) and suggested dried apricots, green leafy veg etc.

I've fed ds lots today and gave him a bottle at 7.30 as he'd drained both boobs but still wanted more. Planning to pump bad boob in a bit before I go to bed and will dream feed him if he doesn't wake up. Bottle use has been sporadic thus far - would like the same flex we had with ds1 as it meant I could go out, have a break when shattered and empty! Held off giving any during these flare ups, but don't want to stop entirely. Any recommendations in the best way - pumping normally exacerbates my propensity to get engorged. Supply isn't really an issue...except when ds goes for a two hour feeding frenzy!

OP posts:
MisselthwaiteManor · 30/08/2013 02:13

You could try spatone sachets for the iron deficiency, it's not as good as the tablets but it's basically just mineral water so doesn't cause any constipation, I took it throughout pregnancy.

lem31 · 30/08/2013 19:50

Hi. I had a similar issue when I got bf thrush and mastitis. It hurt like hell! I struggled with bfing anyway and I found the demands on me very difficult and struggled to eat healthily, sleep and generally stay well.
My husband convinced me to stick with it, and after treatment the pain went. Unfortunately babys reflux caused me too many issues so I switched to combination feeding at 6 weeks and solely formula by 8. I have to admit that I missed the feeding initially and felt terrible guilty, but it has been the right decision for us. Baby is able to get meds far more easily so is happier and thriving, I am not as exhausted and stressed and feeding is no longer stressful for me worrying where I can feed if I go out etc.
It's a personal choice, but formula was the right decision for us and seeing how well we are both doing on it I managed to stop feeling guilty.

I slowly introduced bottles and expressed so I could see how we did on it without affecting my milk supply. I would say don't make rash decisions, but certainly formula has saved us. Good luck. X

NutellaStraightFromTheJar · 30/08/2013 20:01

Thrush is truly truly hideous. I'd rather go through labour again than weeks and weeks of agonising burning thrush pain. Makes me shudder just remembering it. I've never had blocked ducts though, but thrush alone was enough to make me want to stop bf every single day, and if it wasn't for the fact that I was told that even stopping wouldn't guarantee the thrush going I certainly would have. In the end I just took it one day, or even one feed, at a time, and gradually, it all got better. 6 weeks is early still, I think it took more like 12 weeks until I suddenly realised that feeding ds was no longer painful! After that, I was very glad I'd carried on, because it became a really positive thing for us. If you'd asked me at 6 weeks however, I'd have said I hated bfing. Now, DS is 12 months and I'm down to just one feed a day, and actually feeling really sad about stopping!

At the end of the day, do whatever feels right for you. I just wanted to let you know that if you do decide to carry on, it won't always be like this!

NutellaStraightFromTheJar · 30/08/2013 20:04

Oh, and if the thrush doesn't clear after you have finished the meds, get more. It can be really stubborn. I think I had three courses of fluconazole I the end. Probiotics helped too. Make sure baby is treated too, and change breast pads all.the.time.

NutellaStraightFromTheJar · 30/08/2013 20:04

^ IN the end...not I the end!

Original poster
LittleMilla · 30/08/2013 20:53

Thanks all. I think the block has cleared and thanks to another growth spurt, boobs are empty!

I truly loved feeding ds1 and so hope I can get through this rocky patch. Health wise I'm not in great shape. Forgot to add that check revealed partial prolapse which is being made worse by constipation! I really need to start looking after myself Blush

OP posts:
JiltedJohnsJulie · 30/08/2013 20:59

Milla you sound like you need some serious TLC.

Original poster
LittleMilla · 01/09/2013 21:55

I am just very crap when tired - I've always needed a lot of sleep and get cold sores etc when run down. Rubbish body.

On the plus side I (normally) look younger than my 32 years due to usually getting at least 8 hours when not pg or having a small baby!

My DH is generally wonderful though and has been entertaining ds1 non stop whilst helping out with ds2 too. Without him I'd have sunk tbh.

Seeing gp on tues about having coil fitted again. Going to ask more about the prolapse and also get more thrush meds as it's deffo NOT cleared up. Great.

And pray that ds2 keeps on doing 5 hour stretches. Just need him to sort himself out from 3am onwards...

OP posts:
CelticPromise · 01/09/2013 22:17

One feed at a time.

Try to avoid antibios if you can- ward off mastitis with massage/expressing/frequent feeding. Antibios can lead to thrush by killing off the good bacteria. Along with the thrush meds try acidophilus from health foods shop.

If you can, try a bf group for support, you might meet people who've come out the other side and get some ideas of how to avoid problems. Hope you're feeling better soon, sounds like you have had a hell of a timeThanks

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