How Long to Dry up Breast Milk and How to Do It.

It's your choice and as long as you are comfortable with your decision that is what counts. This may sound strange but it worked for me. I put cabbage leaves in the freezer and then placed them over my breasts under my bra. It only took a few days for me.

Do not feel guilty about giving up on breastfeeding. I tried absolutely everything under the sun, and nothing would help my milk come in better. I bought the best pumps, took herbal rememdies, drank like 2 gallons of water, snacked all day long, took the babies clothing with me when pumping, talked to four lactation consultants, consulted three pediatricians, etc. Some women simply cannot produce milk or produce very little. Do not let others cause you to feel guilty. Formula is completely able to provide all the nutrients your child needs. Aside from not being able to produce milk, it's completely uncomfortable for me and really irritating. I really did not enjoy it that much. It was painful and irritating to the skin. The women in my family all had the same sort of experiences, so you are not alone.

To reduce milk flow, start reducing the amount of times you pump or breastfeed. Start by stopping one feeding a day, then gradually over the next couple days or week, reduce another feeding. You can use boiled cabbage leaves and place them on your breasts to reduce the aching and pain in the breasts. Warm compresses, like a warm wet washcloth, also helps to reduce those symptoms.

If you truly can't continue until he's at least 4 months old (my doctor recommended at least that long), then what worked best for me was slowly cutting back on feedings and the durations of feedings. My daughter self weaned, but it took time, she just spent less and less time feeding then eventually the feeding would drop off. The tactic should work for you, let him feed until you no longer feel "full" don't let hem "empty" you supply. You body will get the idea that he needs less milk and it will make less.

Good luck.

First of all don't feel like you are failing. I as well gave up after about 2 weeks with my first child. You need to do what is best for you and no one can tell you differently. However I will be honest drying up is hard and long and it hurts like no other. The only thing that worked for me was wearing really tight sports bras 2 at a time. It took me almost 3 weeks to dry up.

Don't beat yourself up over it. I had every intention of breastfeeding my son for at least a year... and I barely made it a week, and that was only pumping b/c we never could get him to latch. Yes it is good to breastfeed, but formula's are so good these days. I hear you on the expense.... my son ended up being allergic to milk and soy, so is on the most expensive formula. We buy it on ebay to save, so I highly recommend you do the same if you are looking to save $, you can usually get it for half the price as in the stores.

As for drying up, it took me about a month to dry up. I just followed the instructions from the hospital which is basically to avoid any kind of stimulation to the breasts. As minimal touching as possible, stand with your back to the shower, etc.

Don't you dare let anyone brow beat you on this decision. It is your decision!! I nursed my son for 9 months and a few (not many) women on this site had the nerve to lecture me for "giving up so soon"! Nursing him for a few weeks is better than not nursing him at all. On to your question: I don't know if you are a caffeine drinker or not, but it dries you up like crazy!! You'll still be uncomfortable, but you can't avoid that. It takes the edge off, though. Try nursing only a couple of times a day, down to once a day. Your body will start getting the message. I've heard that sticking raw frozen cabbage in your bra works too. I didn't have to because the caffeine worked. I didn't want my son to have caffeine thru me, so I did the "pump and dump" toward the end. Good luck!!! And remember: It's your body!!

Hi A.,
I'd first like to say that I read the other responses ~ you don't need to say why you chose not to breast feed & there are people out there that will try to guilt you into breast feeding. I felt horrible, as you say you are feeling. PLEASE don't let others opinions make you feel more upset, you're already flooded with emotions after having a baby. It is YOUR choice on how to care for YOUR baby, not strangers. Our daughters weren't breastfed & are just fine!
I went through the same thing ~ my daughter wasn't gaining weight & had to stop. I didn't even try with our 2nd daughter. I used uncooked green cabbage leaves in my bra. I put them in the fridge. Good luck & enjoy your little bundle of joy!
H.

First of all don't let anyone make you feel guilty about breastfeeding. I was lucky with both of my kids, they latched on quick and it was not uncomfortable for me, so I was able to do it for several months. It is a bonding moment to feed your children no matter if it is with a bottle or breast, if you are uncomfortable the baby will sense it and feeding will not be good for anyone!
As far as drying up, just put nursing pads in your bras and let them leak, keep the bra tight or use a sports bra. It shouldn't take long since you have only been nursing for a few weeks and the supply is not that much.
Good luck and enjoy your son don't worry what others think of you be the mother you want to be!!

You have received a lot of good advice. I do know about the 10 day mark with my boys I was ready to quit, but felt the drying up wouldn't be any easier, so I stuck it out a few days, and things got much better. But breastfeeding isn't for everyone, and if you don't enjoy it, it's not worth it. There are so many options these days, and all are good, so you are definitely NOT a bad mom to choose another way.

To dry up: Do not stimulate your breasts. In the shower, do not let the water hit them, only warm water on your back. Bind your breasts with an abdominal binder, or sports bra, or tight fitting regular bra. This will help with discomfort. I have heard of cabbage leaves that should help also. I wouldn't pump or let the baby nurse unless you are in terrible pain. You can take Tylenol for the discomfort. Remember breast milk works on supply and demand. Something demands the milk, so the body supplies more. If the milk doesn't leave the body, there isn't the hormonal response to make more milk. It will take a few days to dry up. good luck to you, and congrats on your new bundle of joy. You sound like a wonderful mom.
R.
PS don't let your husband or anyone else guilt you into doing this. He isn't the one who will be getting up or letting something suck on him. He needs to be supportive of your decision, no matter what it is.

No real suggestions on this, my milk never really came in. BUT I am going to tell you as too few women have said, it is your choice and your business why or why you do or do not breastfeed. You do not have to rationalize it to anyone and they are jerks to make you feel even guiltier that you already do. I know, i felt terrible about it.
If it is not good for you, for whatever reason, it is not good for your son. Formula is great, yes expensive, get the coupons from the companies, a great help.
Do what is best for you and know that you are a good mommy. My son is healthier than all of his breast fed friends, he is smart and a great sleeper and eater.

I'm not sure why you want to stop breastfeeding, so please take whatever of what I say that helps and disregard the rest...

I know breastfeeding can be really hard, but I suggest you give it a little longer, and most importantly, get some support! (They say the 2 things you really need to breastfeed successfully is commitment and support.) La Leche League is one place to check: http://www.lllohio.org/groups/dayton.html They have local meetings, and can be very helpful to talk to. Also, assuming you had the baby in the hospital and not at home, the hospital likely has a lactation consultant who can help. If you are having problems with breastfeeding, talk to them, because they can help solve problems with pain or infections or whatever it is that's troubling you. (If you had the baby at home, check with your midwife about it, she will have resources.) I know it's hard, believe me, but it's SO worth it for bonding with your baby, for your health, for his health, for economy (as you said, formula is expensive!) and on and on.

It's completely legal to breastfeed in public in Ohio, I know it might be socially awkward but you can always carry a light blanket for coverage if you feel uncomfortable.

I hope you get some support, because it would be so lovely if you could continue for at least 6 months or a year. Good luck!

I am sorry I can't be of help with the drying up question. I am actually worried about this myself. I have a 12 month daughter who I still nurse. She is showing no signs of wanting to give up the breastfeeding and somedays I feel like I am going to be doing it forever. Anyway, enough about my complaining. I just wanted you to know that breastfeeding is a very personal decision. If you want to do it, great. If you don't want or can't do it then, great too. I am pro-breastfeeding, but I understand that it isn't for everyone. You have not failed at being a good mother. It is not a good idea to continue something that causes more stress/resentment or other bad feelings. Your child will sense these things. I am amazed at how much my children react when I am in a bad mood. Before you make your final decision, please make sure you have all the facts about the good and bad of breastfeeding. Then whatever your decision is, it will be the right one for your situation. Have a good day. Oh ya, I remember being pressured by the hospital staff when I had my two children to breastfeed. I had them at different hospital and was greeted with the same attitude that everyone else knew what was best for my family. I had already decided that I was going to nurse so that wasn't the issue. The issue was that it is my decision and I know what is best for the family. A happy momma makes for a happy household.

Not everyone breastfeeds. But that being said, it is the best thing... and it saves so much money!! Plus it is more convenient than bottle-feeding. So just really consider everything when making your decision to quit. Get in touch with a lactation consultant. You should not be in pain. It does take some getting used to.

Good luck, with whatever you choose!
L.

#1. You are NOT a failure as a mother because you cannot or don't want to breastfeed! As a new mother, I'm going to bet that you are doing the best that you can to provide for your baby while adjusting to a completely new routine and lifestyle.

#2. Do not feel guilty because you either had to stop or choose to stop. Only you know your family's situation and only you can make choices that are best for your family. I promise your child will not grow a tail or be the dumbest kid in the class because he is formula fed.

I did exclusive pumping for a little over 3 months because of serious BF issues with my son. I beat myself up mentally over it, listened to these well-meaning but hurtful comments from lactavists who insisted that one MUST breastfeed and sacrifice every single ounce of their being in order to make it work, and missed out on four great months with my child because I was consumed by making it work. The minute I chose to stop pumping was the minute life became happier for everyone: my baby, my husband, and me. I made a decision that was right for *my* family, and you should make the decision that is right for *your* family too, and don't let anyone make you feel badly because of it!

Now, on to drying up because that's what your post is asking (not asking to be badgered into continuing)...What I did was try to go as long as possible in between pumpings (or feedings in your case) and when I just couldn't stand it anymore I would pump but only to comfort. You don't have to have a pump for this; hand-expressing just to take that 'achy-edge' off will do. Don't pump any more past comfort though; doing so will continue to send signals to the brain to keep making more milk. I started by being able to go 8 hours, then 12, then 18, then 24, and slowly but surely the milk slowed and the pain subsided. Other recommendations have been cabbage leaves in the bra. I never tried it but I heard it works wonderfully.

No matter what you choose, you are making the right decision for your family. Best of luck to you and hope things work out well. And shame on anyone who is so rude to say things like "why are you going to stop, you should really try harder".

First off, congratulations on your new little one!

Don't feel bad - the fact is you tried (getting some exposure to the immunities are better than not getting any at all) and you're looking at the whole picture - if you're already uncomfortable its going to be harder to continue, and some of the benefits may not take place (I'm not sure about everyone else, but I would find it difficult to bond with my child when I feel like my nipples are ripping off lol.).

I had to give it up (cold turkey) before I planned as well. (I just hope you're not having to do it for the same reasons as I had to - my husband was very sick and had to be separated from my 2-month old son, who stayed at my parents' place 40 minutes away, and I really didn't have a means to get the milk to him on a regular basis).

I can understand your husband's concern about the cost, but he needs to look at the entire baby market - EVERYTHING baby is expensive. The companies know we need this stuff and, um, no pun intended, but they milk it for all its worth. There are a whole bunch of "how to care for a baby cheap" books in libraries - it might not hurt to check a few of them out.

There are so many more benefits to breast milk over formula than just the immune boost. It is the perfect food for your baby and formula is just sub-standard and always will be. Your DH is right in this instance, you should give it at least a couple of months before you give up. Call a lactation consultant or attend a LLL meeting if you are having problems. www.kellymom.com has a lot of good info as well.

I was told by a lactation consultant and also an OB nurse that cold medicines (like sudifed for example) will dry up your breastmilk.

Kudos to you for wanting to give your son the best start in life. You will never find a bigger supporter of breastfeeding than me, and the reason I say that is because I felt just like you do when my daughter was a newborn. I hated nursing her and it was so painful. It was awful. I wish you had written more about why you want to stop. Why do you feel you can't breastfeed as long as you want? My advice would be to stick with it a little longer. Like I said, I hated it and wanted to quit so badly, and then one day after about a month or so, everything changed. It wasn't uncomfortable anymore and it became such a wonderful experience. Maybe you are being too hard on yourself. As a new mommy you are sleep deprived and overwhelmed with all the love you feel for your son. So, give it a little more time. And in the meantime, take care of yourself too! Good luck!

It took a few weeks for my milk to dry up, but I breast fed for 8 1/2 months. My daughter weaned herself at that point. It is very painful if you stop cold turkey. If you can and feel comfortable with it, try and slowly reduce the amount of times that you feed per day. That way your body regulates itself and will slowly stop production. Also, it will help your hormones adjust too. I had a really hard time when my daughter weaned herself. It was worse than the baby blues. As far as feeling guilty, don't. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, your son will eventually pick up on that and feeding will get much harder. Yes, it is cheaper, but that isn't the right reason to continue doing it. You have to do what feels right to you and your baby. Good luck!!

I know you are looking for advice to stop breastfeeding. I can't help you there because my kids weaned themselves over time, so drying up was never an issue for me. I just wanted to say that no one ever really tells you how difficult breastfeeding can be. With my first, it was extremely painful, she had trouble latching on, and I was engorged to the point of terrible pain, cracked and bleeding nipples, etc. I've always said that I'd rather give birth again than nurse my first baby those first few weeks. It took a good six or eight weeks at least to get the hang of it, and by three months, supply/demand evened out, and it was EASY and wonderful from then on out. I'm not judging you for deciding to switch to formula, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone in having trouble and pain. In fact, it is normal to have trouble and pain! Society just gives us this image of the happy new mom easily nursing her infant, and that is not always the case. If you haven't completely made up your mind, I would highly suggest speaking to a lactation consultant (your hospital or pediatrician should be able to give you a number). They can be extremely helpful and supportive. Either way, good luck!

Hi - You didn't say why you wanted to quit breastfeeding. You just had the baby 10 days ago, so it can't be because you have to go back to work. I would assume you want to quit because it is uncomfortable or you're not getting the hang of it. Hang in there! People want you to believe that breastfeeding is so natural (which, of course it IS natural..), but not every mom or baby "naturally" gets it - it takes time and patience. You will be doing your body and your baby a great service by giving it time. People asked me why I breast fed my children so long, and I told them, "It's always there, it's always the right temperature and it's absolutely free!". Your uterus will shrink faster, you will burn more calories and you will be doing your baby a favor by giving him a natural food that will help him thrive.
That said....if you are having negative thoughts about your baby or find yourself not wanting to be around him because you are so troubled by breast feeding, by all means give it up. Your relationship with your baby is the most important thing. Talk to the lactation specialist at your pediatrician's office (most have them). They really helped me with my first child - it seemed likeI was calling her every day for the first week or so.
Good luck!

I'm sure you're going to get enough replies about how selfish it is not to breastfeed when you can lactate, so I'll just tell you that I saw a tea at Whole Foods the other day that is all-natural and supposed to help dry you up. It was in with vitamins/women's health/pregnancy and lactation right next to the tea that helps you lactate.

I was in the same spot as you with my first. She was lazy and I was inexperienced. I hated nursing we both cried and cried. My husband fumed and was angry with me for giving up. But she took to the bottle like no ones business! I just quit with her. I knew that if I would nurse just a little, then more milk would come, but the pressure would be off, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. With my second I tried again to nurse, amazingly after 2 weeks, the pain went away, and we both got the hang of it. Then it became the wonderful experience so many moms speak of. With my 3rd, the first thing home from the hospital I put a big red circle on the calendar. 2 weeks from birth, I could make it until then! Sure enough, after the first 2 weeks, the pain went away, my poor cracked nipples healed and all was well. So my point is, if you can, hang on for just 2 weeks, if you can't; just stop. My oldest did fine on formula, although it was expensive. Nursing was wonderful for me, and I've redeemed myself in my husband's eyes(LOL), but you have to do what you have to do. I wish with my first that someone would have told me to just hang in there a couple more days, it gets better; but then it may not have with her. Good luck with your decision, whatever it may be.

Actually, I think you should give it a little while longer. It is such a wonderful way to build up their immunities. It is awkward in the beginning, but once you and Hayden get the swing of it, it will be a wonderful time for the two of you.

Don't think you are failing as a mom. We have all been there! With my first, I would just cry and cry. Finally, my sister came over and helped me understand that I wasn't getting my son to latch on properly. Can you consult withe the lactation nurse at the hospital where you gave birth?

A., i have to agree that breastfeeding is without a doubt the best , for you, for him, however, that is not to trivialize the pain or trauma that can be experienced by some women as nursing is established. I highly recommend finding a craniosacral therapist who can work with your sons latch....if there is pain, especially if one nipple hurts more than the other, if he prefers one side to the other....these are signs that CST may help....

also if the act of nursing brings up feelings of loss of control over your body, or other trauma triggers, please get some help, counseling, therapy, support...this is nothing to feel guilty about and a great opportunity for healing...i do work call somatic trauma resolution that is helpful for this kind of physical response....

another thing to look at, which is more information is that they are finding uncool amounts of melamine in formula...that is the toxic ingredient that made all those babies in china sick....so its really important to do some research....

all that said, if you made it to the bottom of this email....the herb sage in a tea will help dry up milk supply...

good luck mama,
A. Chavez, lmt, strp, bd, ccce
bhakti integrated therapies and childbirth services

Do you want to give up because it's uncomfortable or because of other reasons? I breast fed my son for almost 2 years and he is, by far, the healthiest of all his cousins and friends. He's also the brightest. The immunities he gets from breast milk aren't just there in the first few days. They're there the entire time. If you get a cold, you will pass on those immunties to him and he will not get sick. And if he does, it'll only last a couple days. Not the week or more that you or anyone else in your household suffered.

There are so many pros to sticking it out. I know (oh, believe me, I know!) how difficult and frustrating it can be at first. It took over 2 weeks for it to finally not hurt. I wanted to give up so many times in that 2 weeks, but I knew I made this decision for a reason and I was determined to stick to it and I'm glad I did. Not only is it free, but you create a different kind of bond with your child that no one else can.

Try a little longer and see what happens. If you do decide that you want to continue, I would strongly advise pumping once your milk production increases and having dad give him a bottle daily. It'll make it easier for you and your husband if you ever want to go out without the baby for a little bit or if you're uncomfortable breastfeeding in public.

If you decide you really want to stop breastfeeding, stop as soon as possible. There are some remedies you can find online, but the one I've heard the most from nurses and other moms is cold cabbage leaves. The enzymes in the cabbage will dry up your milk. It smells pretty rancid, but it works. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! And Good luck to you with whatever you decide.

this is just my opinion, but I think that you should try to breastfeed your son for a few more weeks before you give up on it.... a little over a week does not give him as much of the immunities as he needs.

I know how hard it is when you are tired and may not have much help... I, myself, was very resentful of my husband when my son was born.... he was snoozing away while I was awake, miserable, hurting, and taking care of the baby, him, the house, and the dogs.

anyway, when you do decide to stop, whether its today or next month, I would suggest taking some motrin and just dealing with it... dont pump! that will just stimulate more milk production.... start by dropping one or two feedings a day... keep the morning and nap/bedtime feedings, drop the middle of the day ones.

or just stop cold turkey... you will hurt for a few days, but thats where the motrin helps.

also, in Massillon, by the KMart, there is a woman named Betsy Studer who is a lactation consultant. her business is called "The Breastfeeding Center"... she provides classes and one on one support... I was more comfortable with her than any of the other lactation consultants in the area.
she has a website www.thebreastfeedingcenter.com.... check it out and give her a call

good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Hello there, Yes you had the child 10 days ago. I had a TERRIBLE time with nursing and lactation nurse said to give it 2 wks to get them to latch on and by George it was 2 wks to the day they did it. I have been nursing my son for 17 mo and my daughter I did for 2 1/2 yrs. YES I KNOW very long lol... I LOVED nursing for 1 it was a BOND for us and 2 the BIGGEST is MONEY. lol U save so much money with nursing. Quentin my 17 mo is now only doing it at naps and bedtime and doing table food now. Yes it is YOUR CHOICE but I would try to do it if you can. Some just do not like the feeling and you get use to it at least I did and I enjoy it at night time we sit and rock and I sing to him and he looks at me and hums has he nurses lol. Good Luck on whatever you do.

Ok. I didn't read through the other responses, so if it's a repeat answer, sorry! :)

I'd say not to give up now! You're right at the end of the most difficult part!!! It took me 2 weeks to get through the excruciating pain of breastfeeding (yes, I'd rather have a full-blown contraction than the pain of latching on during that time), and I saw a lactation consultant to make sure I was doing everything right. It was just a matter of being sensitive and being a human pacifier. :) Once I got beyond the 2 weeks, it was SOOOOO much better! The pain was gone, and nursing was a time to just cuddle my kids and enjoy the time of not being able to do anything else but love them. If you're not using lanolin between nursings, that can help a LOT.

Having said that, don't beat yourself up about it no matter what your decision. But if you do want to continue to be able to nurse, I highly recommend talking to a lactation consultant. I was able to nurse my first child for 7 months before he weaned himself, and I nursed my second child for 14 months. It was totally worth the misery for the first two weeks to be able to nurse them as long as they needed.

If you decide to end nursing, you need to do it gradually or you'll be REALLY uncomfortable. Cut out one or two feedings a day (whatever you can do and still be comfortable) and replace with formula, slowly reducing the breastfeeding until you stop all together. Usually the right-before-bed feeding is the last to go. Both of my kids had already started solid foods when they weaned so my supply had dropped before trying to wean. I didn't have any problems with engorgement, so I'm just speaking from what I've heard. I've heard if you're really uncomfortable from engorgement, you can put cold cabbage leaves on your breasts, and it soothes the pain. I've never tried it, though. :)

Good luck!

A.,

My daughter is four months old and we still breastfeed and let me tell you there were many times that I wanted to give up. We both had yest infections three differetn times and she would not latch on correctly and still doesn't sometimes but my breast are so used to her being on the tip it doesn't even bother me now.
If you don't want to breastfeed then don't. It is your decision not your husband's. It is nice to breastfeed so they can get those immunities but if you choose not to then that is up to you. You can still have a bond with him and the cuddly time with a bottle.
My sister used cabbage on her breasts to dry up her milk and it was dry within days. She just took a leaf about the size of her breast or a little bigger and put it over her breast inside her bra. She would wear it to bed and some of the morning.
Don't think your a bad Mom if you don't want to breastfeed. If you don't enjoy it Hayden will sense that and it will be bad for both of you.
Good luck and congrats on your precious baby boy. I know what you mean about how much love you have for him. When I had my baby girl my sister told me I wouldn't know love until I had a baby. She was so right. You can't express it in words and you can't love a man like that or anyone for that matter. You get this ovewhelming sense to protect them.
Have fun with him and don't stress the small stuff just wait til they want to drive aaahhh.
M.

If you want to dry up and not ween yourself off then be prepared for a little discomfort. Wear a good supportive bra and take motrin. It only took me about one week to dry up. The first 2-3 days is the worst/ good luck

oh honey, your milk just came in a few days ago... give it another week --even a few more days and it won't be uncomfortable. i promise you won't be engorged and hurting the whole time... you just need to give your body a few days to adjust and regulate your milk. if you want to feed your baby regularly, like every three hours that will help the milk supply be consistent. it's worth it to hang in there! it will help you lose weight and calories, he will be less gassy... anyway. if breastfeeding hurts the solution could be in his latch, or your positioning. it should not be painful, if it is ask for help from a lactation consultant, that's their job!! the first few weeks are trickier but as he learns to hold up his head and latch on by himself it gets so easy that you don't even have to think about it.

anyway i'll stop my soap box and give you a few tips, because it sounds like you'd rather quit. if you do, DON'T just quit cold turkey!!!!!!!! if you think you're miserable now, wait till your breasts feel like bowling balls and you have milk up in your armpits!!! not pleasant, i promise! so take it slowly, and gradually wean. cut out one feeding every few days... cabbage leaves help, just put them in your bra, and if you get too full take a warm shower or put a hot water bottle on your breasts to help relieve the pressure. (or nurse...;)

congratulations on your baby, and welcome to motherhood!!! it's such a rewarding adventure!

Which part is uncomfortable for you? I had a SUPER hard time when I first started nursing my daughter. I had so much milk that she could barely latch on. I finally talked to a lactation consultant at WIC and she loaned me a pump. It was like a little piece of heaven! I would pump before I fed her, just enough that she could latch. It made things a TON better! If the latch is what is uncomfortable you little guy may not be doing it exactly right. You can also try some lanolin cream on your nipples if they are sore or cracked. I believe Lansinoh makes some and it's safe for the baby, even if they ingest it. If you want to exhaust all options before you decide to stop, talk to a lactation consultant. I know WIC has them as do most hospitals. You could also contact La Leche League.

That said, I only nursed my daughter for 5 months, not the full year I had planned. I was just ready to be done. I was tired of feeling like a cow all the time! And I was getting married and I, selfishly some said, wanted my wedding day to be mine. I didn't want to worry about pumping or nursing while in my gown. I started by cutting out one feeding a day. I would do that for four days, then I'd cut out another one. The first to go were the midafternoon feedings, then the midmorning and so on. I left the night time nursing till last. I think it took me about a month total to get her weaned. It was a slow process, but I never had any problems with engorgement or mastitis.

When you are looking at formulas, look at store brands. We used Target and WalMart brand and never had any problems. According to my daughter's ped, all formulas are the same (except the ones that are special like the soy or the gentle ease, etc). The store brands cost roughly half of what the name brands do. I know that Enfamil, Similac, and Carnation have websites. You can sign up to receive coupons and, I believe, free samples. Gerber also has coupons you can sign up for and so does Target.

Breastfeeding is a very personal choice. If you decide it's not for you, then don't let others make you feel guilty about it. There are lots of people that will chastize you for deciding to not nurse, don't let them bother you! YOU have to make the best decision for YOU and YOUR family! Sorry for the novel here! I just remember how incredibly overwhelmed I felt!

Breaking into breast feed can take up to 2 months. I encourage you to keep going. In the long run it is going to be much easier on you. You won't have to carry bottles with you, clean them, or ever be stuck without them. I know the first time hurts like heck but I guarantee you that if you stick it out you won't regret it. You won't be up in the middle of the night fumbling around looking for everything, waking yourself and the baby fully up. Please, please stick it out.

I was in your same boat about 2 months ago! I hated bfing and truthfully (after the fact) I realized my daughter did too. I thought it hurt no matter how good her latch was & I was way too uncomfortable to feed in public. I at first was going to stop but then decided and researched exclusively pumping. Have you considered this? At first I double pumped 4 times a day... now I only have to double pump twice. I do use one formula bottle a day before bed but that's just my choice. The pumping feels weird but it's so much better then bfing.

Wether you bf, pump, or formula feed you are not a bad mom! As long as your baby is getting enough to est then your doing good, no matter if it's formula or bm.