I have been seriously considering stopping breastfeeding. My lo is just over 2 months old. For the past two months, we experienced a difficult birth (and we were separated on Day 1 because he needs intensive treatment), tongue tie, frequent recurring blocked ducts, and finally last weekend, mastitis. I had a fever of more than 39 degrees, a huge hot lump on my breast, and a big clear blister on my nipple. As my immune system weakened, I also got other viral infection on my throat. It was horrible.
We clearly didn't establish full breastfeeding. He takes the bottle well. I usually breastfeed him as the start of a session and then add formula top up. At the moment half of his milk intake is formula.
Now I'm thinking to completely stop breastfeeding. I can't afford repeated blocked ducts - clearly there's something wrong. I asked a lactation consultant. She said my milk ducts are very thin, and each nipple has only 3-5 pores, whereas most breastfeeding moms should have 10+. But when I speak to my husband, my mom, and our maternity nanny, they all said "the baby is only 2 months, he's too little to stop breastfeeding" although they did also say they respect my decision. Still, I'm in a dilemma and feel guilty to stop this early. At the same time, I have become paranoid with lumps, constantly checking if there's any; and whenever I find a new blockage, I am very sad and afraid.
I wonder what would you do if you were me?