almost about to pack it in

[Blakey1]

Hi All

I've been breastfeeding my daughter for almost 5 months, through a low milk supply, colic and reflux. She has had a top up bottle most days at bedtime. Recently she seems to really hate breastfeeding, is really fidgetty and screams after a few gulps. Its not because I have a fast let down, I barely have one at all I think. I've tried to let her nurse more often but its not increasing my supply. I've tried the fenugreek etc etc...
I just wonder if I gave her a bottle she'd be happier.
The HV told me she needed to put on weight too, which is making me feel I need to give her more formula.
I feel like I'm in a catch 22 position. I know I need ot feed more to increase my supply, but baby doesnt want my milk, she like her bottle and screams and screams if she doesnt get it at feed times. If I pump I get about an ounce.

Any advice, or just someone to tell me that its OK to stop and get on with enjoying being a mum.

I know someone will be along with advice on how to try to keep it up which if it works for you would be great, but you have done amazingly well to get this far through all your problems.

I'm about to be flamed but it is ok for you to stop and get on with enjoying being a mummy.

But you also don't need anyones permission to feel ok about whatever you decide to do for you and your family.

You've got to 5 mths with lots of difficulties. Well done

I was always told happy mummy makes a happy baby. Stop when you feel ready and for some people that is a few weeks and others it is past a year.

I think from reading from your post you know what you would have to do to increase your supply/ reduce the bottles.

Remember you've done really well

Both of mine went through this "fussy" stage and it is very frustrating while it is happening. We did persevere and it passed with both of them.

I agree it is OK to stop BFing if that is what will work for you as a mum but it is a big decision to stop so please be sure you have explored all options.

I think this is just a phase. I remember googling "24 weeks fussy at breast" not so long ago. It passed for me and hopefully it will for you too.

My son is doing the same with the BF at the mo - he's 24 weeks, I have to go up to our bedroom at every feed and have absolute silence, no distractions or he's on-off-on-off. Drives me bloomin bonkers.
My DS won't take a bottle, but there are times I seriously wish he would because it'd be a lot less stressful!

You've done amazingly getting to 5 months of BFing and have given your little one the best start. Now, after that great start, she's going to benefit more from a happy Mummy, than an unhappy one plus breastmilk - in my opinion. xx

Have you tried hand expressing a bit before a feed to get the milk flowing ? Might help

thanks everyone for you replies. I am trying to persevere, but an extra bottle of formula a day is already creeping into her routine. I dont know if my periods returning are anything to do with with a reduced supply of milk either. Anyway, every day I manage to breastfeed her is a day closer to my six month target. By the way, does anyone have a formula they really recommend, and why?

I think you are doing really well already and if you are going to have to wean LO off the breast in one month anyway one bottle of formula is prob a good start..

I have had problems with my let down and supply from the start as LO was born 5 weeks early and was in hospital for ten days at first so had to express...a hard start and it is so hard as I never feel like I am really satisfying her. It is really hard to persevere at Bf and I think at 5 months you can at least not feel guilty about a bottle of formula as soon you will be giving her them anyway...best of luck !!!

Ps I have topped mine off at growth spurts on SMA gold because that is what the hospital gave but HV suggested cow and gate confort as to not disrupt the digestive system...but I may be wrong!!! LO was fine with SMA but have used it very little