Breast feeding

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Hi Everyone,

I'm 33 with a 13yrold boy a 10 soon to be 11 girl and a 3 month old!
I'm on here as this site has helped so much over the years in making decisions etc. as you have read there has been a huge gap in ages and I found myself coming back here to seek advice.
New baby had colic which I had never experienced before or appreciated how hard it is. My cried all day long when I told the HB even at 6 weeks she said it's what babies do and I visited this site and discovered for myself about colic and the blessing infacol brings!!! Everything is fine now as far as colic is concerned although I haven't braved quitting infacol yet!
Now I am thinking of quitting breast feeding for lots of reasons like I need to be places for the other 2, I miss being out (I've not been out properly without him once yet) and it's things such as spending individual time with the other 2. Hubby is supportive of whatever he can be he works away or long days quite a bit. I know this is the best thing however I am sad even had tears
since I decided somehow I feel like I am missing out time with the baby which sounds bonkers! Is this normal is what I'm asking? I've tried talking to the health visitor who has told combined feeding is not good as it affect the milk flow etc and I kinda lost faith in them since the colic thing so please I would love to hear your thoughts are. I want the best and I love breast feeding but in terms of everything else life has it's not practical. It feels like my first and second got the best bit if I carry on it feels like I'm missing out on the older 2 and constantly rushing the babes in between feeds please help xx

Sorry about all the grammar mistakes rushing again and using phone to message hope it all makes sense though x

If I were you I would try mix feeding TBH. some women have no problems with it.

Worst case scenario your milk dries up, in which case, formula is fine. You have two other children, they need you too. Do what's best for your family and don't bother with feeling guilty. Honestly. It's not worth it! Baby will love you whether you bf her or not!!!

I am still bf at nearly two years and honestly, it's not the be all and end all. My dh looks back in regret that we didn't do a little bit of mix feeding because he is a bit sad that he didn't get to feed DS/spend that time with him. Just a thought.

You don't need the permission/approval of the HV or anyone on here to change your method of feeding. If you think that trying mix feeding is right for you, then do that, and insist that the HV supports you if need support.

At 3 months your supply is likely to be robust enough to cope with introducing formula, probably best if you do it at a regular time. 3 months exclusive breastfeeding is more than most manage, and some breastmilk is better than none. It's only another 12 weeks or so until you start weaning and breastfeeding stops being exclusive anyway.

Do whatever is best for you and your family - don't feel guilty at all.

Between 3 and 4 months my LO started really stretching between feeds so you might find it getting much easier in a week or two anyway. You have done all the hard breastfeeding work and you should really start reaping the benefits soon. The feeds become so quick and it starts to get alot easier than bottlefeeding right around now...well that was my experience anyway.

I started mix feeding when I returned to work when my LO was 8 months. She had a bottle of formula during the day and I continued to bf morning and evening and then full time at weekends. It didn't affect my supply but I think the secret is to stick with the same quantity of formula and pick regular times a day and just stick with that and breastfed all the other times. They are sneaky little feckers those babies though....they might squeeze in a few extra feeds when your breastfeeding!
Here's some info that I read first with links to more info:kellymom.com/ages/weaning/wean-how/weaning-partial/

Both mine were mixed fed all the way to 10mths for various reasons. Do what suits your family and don't worry about others