Stopping breastfeeding

[peonyrose87]

My little one is 4 weeks old and we've had a lot of breastfeeding problems which have given me huge anxieties around feeding, and I have fibromyalgia which is getting made worse from the stress. I've decided to stop feeding even though it's breaking my heart, but I know overall it's for the best as baby needs a healthy, happy mum. Any tips for getting over the grief? And for stopping? Thanks!

So sorry to hear you're having such a hard time.
I would say, the main thing is to focus on the future, in a year's time none of this will matter and the most important thing is that you have a healthy baby.
Make sure you have a good routine so that's it's easy for you to bottle feed, so plenty of supplies, a steriliser on the kitchen counter so you don't have to remember to microwave or dishwash bottles.
I would also say don't broadcast the fact, it's nobody's business and nobody needs an explanation. You never know the random, unasked for comments people come out with.

Well done for getting to 4 weeks 🍹 here is a cocktail that you can enjoy with zero guilt 😉

The vast majority of health benefits are imparted in the colostrum, which you have given and then some! So that in itself is the main achievement.

Baby will now enjoy having a happy, healthy mum while being well fed! And you can enjoy the newborn days without breastfeeding ruining them. Congratulations! 💖

From a practical point of view start by replacing one feed with a bottle, then 2 days later replace another feed with a bottle, 2 days after that another feed with a bottle and so on until you've replaced all feeds. This should stop discomfort and risk of mastitis. Every 3 days would probably be even better but you might not want to take tat long to stop.

Thank you everyone 💕

You may have a bit of a hormonal dip and feel a bit down once you've stopped, that's quite normal. Get out for walks in the fresh air - preferably with a supportive friend or relative if possible, and if not then put your headphones in and listen to some uplifting music (my choice is 90s dance )

@shouldistop I'm honestly not sure I could feel anymore down than I did when feeding, but I will keep that in mind! Thank you💕