Sorry, I’ve had a lot of breastfeeding related posts lately! In a nutshell, I really really want to stop breastfeeding but I’m worried I won’t be able to calm/settle my baby if I do.
DS is about to turn 4 months old. He is currently breastfed but has a small bottle of formula (about 3-4oz) every couple of days to keep him used to having a bottle. Breastfeeding him has been difficult from the beginning and neither of us seem to enjoy it. He’s got a shallow latch, constantly latches on and off, my nipples are constantly sore and scabby, he has a high palette and cries and fusses. A posterior tongue tie was identified a couple of months ago and was released but it hasn’t had a difference to feeding. I’ve also paid to see a lactation consultant twice with very little improvement. She said I have an oversupply and forceful letdown which will improve in time but that hasn’t happened yet. He seems a lot happier when drinking from a bottle and doesn’t cry or fuss. I am ready to stop.
The only thing holding me back is that when he’s crying or wakes in the night (which he does frequently) he settles really quickly with a quick breastfeed, or sometimes I can literally just hold him to my chest and he calms down or goes back to sleep. DH can’t seem to settle him whatsoever even when rocking/walking around with him, he only settles for me. Is he only settled with me because he can sense the milk? Will this stop when I stop breastfeeding? Anyone any experience of this?