Unable to breastfeed

[caterpillarbee]

Hi, I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant and, although it’s still early, I want to give myself plenty of time to prepare.

Unfortunately, I’m unable to breastfeed. This is something I would really have loved to do this time around as my previous baby was formula fed and had significant issues with skin problems, tummy pain, reflux, and was generally very unsettled. He was diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy, but even on an amino acid formula the issues never fully resolved, so I’m not sure whether everything was purely allergy related.

I know these problems can also occur with breastfed babies, but I found the process of trialling formulas anxiety triggering, not knowing if I was making the right choice and feeling quite lost overall. Being able to try breastfeeding would have felt reassuring. I would like to say that my first baby was also FF with no issues whatsoever.

I know the Human Milk Foundation exists, but I’m in Northern Ireland and don’t think it operates here. Does anyone know of anything similar that covers NI?

Also, from an experience point of view, would it be harder on a newborn’s tummy to have breast milk for the first couple of weeks and then switch to formula anyway, compared with starting formula from birth?

Any insight or experiences very welcome.

Sorry I’m confused - why are you unable to Bf? I can’t see anything in your post which explains it. Sorry if I’ve read it wrong.

Yes there are milk banks etc - and no it would be better for the baby to get breast milk first before any formula is used. It wouldn’t be harder for their tummy at all, quite the opposite! :)

There is a Facebook group called Human milk for human babies.

I didn’t explain in my post, sorry I should’ve clarified to prevent confusion.

I had a preventative double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction due to having the BRCA1 gene so I don’t have any milk ducts and unfortunately wasn’t able to keep my nipples either.

Thank you for this information. I’ve requested to join the fb group 😊

Thank you for explaining - I wondered if it may have been something like that :)
I would like to hope that due to your medical reasons then they would be able to get you some milk donated - speak to your midwife or see if anything like that exists in your area. They would likely have it for prem babies so I would hope it exists!