My milk has gone

[lavenderandelderflower]

I feel so sad.

DS is three and a half months. I tried so hard to express for him but it wasn’t happening.

I know this has to happen but it hurts just the same .

Look if it wasn’t coming easily to both of you, I think making it to 3.5 months is fantastic! I know how much you can beat yourself up about breastfeeding (done that, bought the T-shirt) but as an outsider I think well done for getting that far. I hope you are ok OP x

It is sad. I remember feeling the same. It was probably around the same time for me. Breastfeeding just wasn't working though. I think its very emotional because its a babyhood chapter close. You won't feel like this for long.

It's hard to keep up pumping if not nursing. Babies are so much more efficient at getting the body to make more milk as they grow.

You've done sterling work getting to 3 months. I couldn't express once feeding was established and I didn't fill up anymore.

Pumping is so hard, please remember no one remembers if they were breast milk or formula fed- a great mum is a great mum and had next to nothing to do with this. I wouldn’t sweat on the issue, I’d focus on the next milestone, hurdle because they come thick and fast in children. Enjoy them whilst small and don’t focus on what you consider failings.

Thank you! Excuse my morose moment

Completely understand I expressed for 4 months but have just stopped as couldn't keep going whilst looking after baby and toddler but feel so sad about it. You have done an amazing job now just give yourself some time it's ok to feel sad but it won't last as good beautiful baby smiles at you.

Are you happy about stopping? If so, great. You've done an amazing job feeding him for three months and given him a great start in life. Expressing must be exhausting! You have done brilliantly xxx

If you aren't ok with stopping, look up Lucy Ruddle IBCLC on Facebook who specialises in relactation. It might be possible to get your milk back or some of it but from the little I know it's not an easy option. It's definitely worth looking into if it's something you feel strongly about though.

Xx

You've done brilliantly op. There's a hormone dip when you stop feeding / expressing which does make you feel low for a couple of days. Soon you'll start feeling better, your baby's gut has done a lot of maturing and they will thrive on formula