Upset about stopping breastfeeding :(

[Scummy0mummy]

I have had covid so have been isolating from my DH and 18MO DC. I have had to stop breastfeeding as a result and am really upset. It was just not worth the risk of my DH catching it. I was too unwell to look after my DC by myself so it made sense for me to isolate. I bought a breast pump to try and keep up my supply but I was too ill to even sit up to use it. I tried when I felt a bit better but I didn't get any milk. Maybe it is a crap pump, I didn't want to spend lots on an electric one. I am just posting as I would like to kind words as I am still very upset about it and keep crying. I really miss my DC which doesn't help. I haven't had much sympathy off anyone else. I had a really tough time breastfeeding in the beginning but grew to love it and feel like that bond has now gone.

Oh OP, I'm so sorry to hear that.

The pumping output is likely to be normal due to DC's age - I have never been able to get anything past about 8 months.

It might be that when you're back together you can try again. It's tough to stop before you wanted or planned to.

It defo won't have broken the bond even if you feel it's too late to reestablish breastfeeding when you come out of isolation. It gives you something very special with your LO which you'll always have.

Thank you for your kind words. They were very helpful 😃 is it possible to restart breastfeeding after stopping for a week?

At 18 months, possibly. Supply is more robust at that age. Even if it's a bit low he should be able to get it back up again, if he wants to. (Can be a bit uncomfortable for the first few days). On the other hand, he might have decided that as he hasn't had it for a week he isn't bothered any more - it's tricky to say.

Last year my ( then )14 month old suddenly went on a nursing strike. I was pregnant so I think it was related to that . Like you I struggled to nurse in the beginning. When my little one quit I was hysterical 😩. I’ve never cried so hard in my life . I tried everything for weeks to get him to nurse but he refused. I read that when you suddenly stop nursing your hormones are insane which explains why I cried so much ( also I was pregnant lol) . My milk took ages to dry up though ( they were engorged for weeks and I had to hand express to relieve myself most days ). Im pretty certain you could continue nursing after you isolate if your little one wants to continue!

I tried breastfeeding again after 6 days off and it was fine! I had no idea I would still be able to after 6 days off. Thank you so much for your advice @BertieBotts and @EgSk

@Scummy0mummy awesome 🤩

Oh brilliant :) So glad it worked out for you. Hope you are feeling better!