please someone tell me its ok to switch to formula...

[MrsDavies]

I know its OK in the sense that my DS will be perfectly healthy and well fed (I was ff as a baby so have no issues). its just that during my pregnancy I always wanted to breastfeed. my labour and pregnancy werent exactly smooth sailing and I thought at least if I could breastfeed I could do something right.

my DS is 3 and half months old and I now have mastitis. I have been so Ill the past 2 days I haven't been able to be a proper mummy and feel guilty about that, and I went to give him his feed before bed and no milk would even come out he was just screaming bless him so I had to give him a bottle of formula.

I'm just thinking is it worth carrying on? is this mastitis going to be reoccurring? if I can't even feed him then how can I continue? but on the other hand I love the closeness and the bond, and the feeling when I feed him. I am feeling guilty about just thinking about switching to formula

hi all, sorry I haven't replied earlier today been looking after a poorly dog on top of everything else!

no the mastitis hasn't gone although I feel a lot better in myself and the swelling in my breast has almost gone and its back to normal size. The hardness is still there but slowly is getting smaller so hopefully my DS and the antibiotics are doing their job.

I'm feeling a bit more positive today, I still haven't made a decision about stopping feeding or not, I'm going to wait until I'm better and then decide.

Glad to hear you're starting to feel better, but who is looking out for you? I hope your DH/DP is around this week to help with the dog and your DS so that you can rest a bit more.

Whatever decision you make is the right one for YOU. You are anything but selfish - you're trying to do what's best for your DS. I'd argue that breastfeeding is the selfish, lazy option when it goes smoothly as there's no washing up involved!

You will find new special things that are just for you and DS. This is just one small part of the incredible bond you have formed.

mrsdavies I paid for a lactation consultant to come round and she helped me with oversupply. I had one very bad blocked duct. After getting lots of tips and lots of explanation I was much better at recognising a blockage and clearing it quickly. There is so much that they can tell you specific to your situation. Block feeding etc. I also used to dangle feed to clear lumps. Also they give you different tools and you pick what helps. For example using a variety of different positions so all areas get drained. I really recommend a lactation consultant. It is expensive but worth it for the amount of support and clear explanation. Good luck. Hope it clears quickly and you feel better.

Yes, it is possible to reduce supply without risking blocked ducts but again this is something to think about when you are feeling better. But it's definitely not a case of having to express after every feed and never being able to go out, not long term.