Regretting giving up breastfeeding

[TheLastJammyDodger]

DS2 was bf for first 9 days, but lost too much weight so I was told that I had to top up with formula. I then mix fed for 10 weeks, but never got back to exclusive bf. I found mix feeding very hard work (combination of breast feeding, pumping, bottle feeding, bottle washing and sterilising, all whilst looking after 4yo ds1). So I decided to move on to just ff. DS2 is thriving and is a lovely smiley baby who sleeps through the night now. However I am feeling increasingly sad now about my decision to give up bf. DS2 always latched on beautifully and still roots when hungry (this breaks my heart). I also can still hand express small amounts of milk (it has been about 10 days since I last fed/pumped).

Would I be crazy to disrupt our fantastic routine and contented baby in order to go back to mixed feeding? I have also restarted the pill, so would need to stop that again. Is there any benefits to giving a bit more breast milk for another couple of months.

Or should I just accept that ds2 is now a ff and come to terms with it?

Can't answer your question - that's one that only you can decide.

But, there are benefits to BF as long as possible. The baby will get the antibodies in your milk, for a start.

I mixed fed from 3 days. Dropped the 3-hourly pumping at about 2 weeks (which was when I gave up the idea of ever getting back to EBF), and dropped the formula at 12 months. Now nearly 14 months and still BFing. It's hard work (you get the worst bits of both) but possible.

Any idea how long you'd have to be off the pill before you can start feeding again?

Yes I think you could feed again, even if it's just an evening cuddle feed it's worth it if both you and baby want it. I regretted stopping with DS1, similar reasons to you plus inexperience and nerves.

Agree with previous poster about antibodies making a difference, particularly with an older child in the house. My DS1 is now almost 3 and has brought home several colds, chicken pox and hand foot and mouth from nursery during the 9 months since DS2 was born. DS2 has avoided all but one cold and I can only put it down to breastfeeding (I know this isn't exactly conclusive evidence but definitely my instinct)

Jammy, yes you can return to breastfeeding - you need a plan, so call any of the bf helplines and work one out :)

Give it a go and see how you get on if you miss it.

There are lots of benefits from breast milk even a year or two in it still has lots of antibodies, it's the highest calorie milk available, full of biologically produced iron and Vit D that's easy for their little bodies to break down.

Thanks for all your replies and support. I have decided I will go back to bf. My plan is to express and dump the milk for a few days (I have been taking a pill with an anti-androgen in it, so I don't want to pass that on to the baby). DS1 is starting school next week so I will have more time to devote to feeding the baby. I have 2 questions if anyone knows the answer:

1. Will I need to pump during the night? Obviously I would rather avoid this as the baby sleeps through. I could pump at 11pm (whilst dh gives the last feed) and again at about 6am (before both boys get up). Would this be sufficient?

1. Which would be the breastfeeding helpline to call?

Thanks again for all your advice.

Sorry, that should say: which is the best breastfeeding helpline?

I would try the National Breastfeeding helpline on 0300 100 0212 or Le Leche 0845 120 2918.

I'm not an expert on re-establishing feeding, so not how best to advise. It sounds doable though, the not night expressing. Good luck with it