Should I switch to formula at 6 months?

[Becomingmom]

Very content with breastmilk and the introduction of solids. I have however picked up a stone so I'm not sure if now is the time to my own health. It makes me feel pretty selfish and I love breastfeeding but I also feel that it might give her more independence and maybe be better for my 2yo as she would have my attention more. That being said by the time I've sterilised etc and actually bottle fed the baby I'm sure it's longer than a breastfeed :S

[SilverHoney]

Couldn't you change your diet / start exercising while continuing to breast feed?

Or if you want a bit more time to focus on yourself, swap a couple of feeds to formula? It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

I give bottles a quick rinse during the day and then wash & sterilise once DD is in bed. I also invested in a perfect prep (even after breast feeding for the first 6 months). Sorting bottles really doesn't take up any of my time.

[Becomingmom]

After I had my first I dropped 16kg and didn't gain during pregnancy, I was combination feeding but the weightlifting and dieting totally got rid of my milk supply. I find myself feeling abit lost with how much I should eat in order to maintain milk supply and go back to lifting weights, I'm worried ill loose my supply again.

[SilverHoney]

Lots of people recommend certain supplements / herbs / foods to boost milk supply. I haven't tried any myself, but I think fenugreek (sp?) and oats come highly recommend.

Assuming your milk loss would be a gradual thing, you could try making small changes and stop if you feel you're losing your supply.

Or decide enough is enough, switch to formula and start getting your own body back! 6 months is a great achievement

[Becomingmom]

Thank you for your suggestions, I feel today like I need to face facts and accept im eating too much out of stress and boredom. I care about health I use reusable nappies, I use natural deodorants and breastfeed, why can't I care more about what I'm putting in my body. Sometimes I think I have a problem. My solution is a food diary and weight lifting like you said I can adjust portions if I find a supply in milk reduction, also some self control would go a long way.

[Terrifiedandregretful]

I found the breastfeeding was so easy after six months (unlike the hell it had been for the first 3 months), I found it quicker and easier than bottlefeeding by that point. Your supply should also be very well established now so shouldn't drop if you change eating habits. I switched to just mornings and bedtimes when I went back to work at 8 months and that worked well for me, so might be something you could consider if you want to reduce bf but not stop entirely.