Another Breastfeeding dilema .... UPDATE 1st post

[Lindsay]

*UPDATE*

I have introduced formula to Chloe and she is a totally different baby. I was absolutely gutted doing it but I couldn't carry on like I was.

On Tuesday morning, I fed again all morning she seemed to have settled at 12, so I got Jacob sorted with his lunch but then at 1, she was awake rooting and crying for more food. Thankfully my friend and SIL were coming round so they could comfort her while I had my lunch. I fed her once I had finished eating and continued to feed her for the whole time that they were here (3 hours), thankfully Jacob was playing with my friend's son so he was occupied.

What really made me re-consider was on Tuesday morning, Jacob was downstairs with DH and I heard him say, "please don't go to work daddy, you have to stay here and look after me" I just sat upstairs and cried cos I knew that I wasn't giving him the attention he needs

I gave Chloe a bottle at 5pm on Tuesday and she settled straight away - she went into her moses basket (which we thought she hated cos wouldn't settle in it ever!) awake and settled herself to sleep. She slept for the whole night in her basket only waking every 3/4 hours for a feed.

I have to be honest, I felt terrible introducing the bottle, I cried while giving her the first one and felt like I had let her down and that I was a failure after feeding Jacob for so much longer but I had to do what was best for myself, Chloe and for Jacob. We are a much more happy, settled family now so I know that it's the right decision.

I know that breast is considered best and there will be a lot of people out there who will think that I should have perservered (some of my family members included) but I just couldn't carry on like I was and I hope that you all understand.

Thanks for reading my journal of a post!!!

Xxx

I have been exclusively breastfeeding Chloe since she was born but it is getting so tiring (sp) lately. Last night was the worst night we have had so far, she was feeding constantly from 7.30pm-1.30am, when she finally settled she slept till 5am before wanting some more food. This morning she fed from 10.30am - 1pm which was really difficult as I have Jacob who is wanting my attention too and I just can't give it to him.

I managed to feed Jacob exclusively for 6 months and really wanted to do the same for Chloe but it is difficulat as I don't have the time to just sit and feed.

In between feeds last night she was screaming but seemed to be getting her wind up - I have bought some Colief today and am going to try that tonight to see if it helps, otherwise she was just hungry and screaming for more food.

I am so tired

Xxx

 

[purple13]

its definitely the first few weeks that are the hardest and you've already done a good part of that...

do you co-sleep with chloe? if not, it might help you get some rest during those marathon night feeds. also, do you have a sling that you can feed her in? my cousin has a baby and a 3 year old and feeds her baby from the sling so that she can still play with her daughter - they do sedentary stuff like colouring in and making stuff out of playdough

i can't really offer advice cos i've only got the one baby, but i can empathise on the lack of sleep... i haven't had more than about 4 solid hours since connor was born

 

[sarah2807]

Gosh..that seems like a lot of feeding! Mind you they do that for a few weeks, it's just easy to forget.
What does the HV say? What about her weight is she gaining ok?
Hope you manage to get some sleep/break soon.

 

[flowergirl]

Do you have any family or friends who could help out for a couple of weeks? THe first 6 weeks were relentless regarding feeding my LO but things suddenly settled down and I could sleep again! You have done over 3 weeks now so things should start to settle soon. Have some you are doing brilliantly- I've seen how tough it has been for my sister who has a new baby and a toddler

 

[andreag]

It will start to get better soon!
I would try the sling idea so you can still play with your son, and see if you can draft in some family and friends to lend a hand. Lots of to you - you are doing really well.

 

[Lindsay]

Updated 1st post

Xxx

 

[sarah2807]

It sounds like you did what was right for you and your family and from what you have said it sound slike the right decision.
Good luck and don't feel too bad.

 

[kalia]

Yay for sleeping babies!

 

[Rachel]

Don't feel bad, you have done great

I know how hard it is trying to breastfeed a baby while you have a toddler and also how guilty it can make you feel

You have give her the best start and you are doing what is best for your family Well done!

 

[dannii87]

I know that breast is considered best and there will be a lot of people out there who will think that I should have perservered (some of my family members included) but I just couldn't carry on like I was and I hope that you all understand.

Oh Lindsay!! That bit made me really sad for you

Although I'm breastfeeding better now (I perservered), I do NOT believe that you can always do that. There has to be a limit, how much can you perservere?! Until you're up sobbing in the night alone, lonely, sore boobs, screaming baby?! I don't think you always can.

You've done great to get this far and as long as Mum & baby are happy, who cares whether it's breast or bottle that is put into their mouth to achieve that.

I'm glad you feel better now and family life for you all is great!! xx

 

[Geordie&Bairn]

I know that breast is considered best and there will be a lot of people out there who will think that I should have perservered (some of my family members included) but I just couldn't carry on like I was and I hope that you all understand.

Oh Lindsay!! That bit made me really sad for you

Although I'm breastfeeding better now (I perservered), I do NOT believe that you can always do that. There has to be a limit, how much can you perservere?! Until you're up sobbing in the night alone, lonely, sore boobs, screaming baby?! I don't think you always can.

You've done great to get this far and as long as Mum & baby are happy, who cares whether it's breast or bottle that is put into their mouth to achieve that.

I'm glad you feel better now and family life for you all is great!! xx

i compleatly agree i think you did what was best for your family and you our happy thier happy thats all that mattters .
well done for making the decision that works for you i for one do not think you gave in to easily. I gave Collier tops ups or the first 6 weeks and i felt bad about doing this but i dont feel like i did anything wrong i took a decision that was in the best interets of my son at the time . so im see both sides of the coin

 

[Steelgoddess]

Whether bottle or boob you happy= Happy family and THAT'S the healthiest thing possible!!

 

[happy-chick]

You should be proud as you've done fantastic to feed her for so long, you've made the right choice for you & baby and as long as your both happy then thats all that matters

 

[cloud9]

I am still breast feeding and know that it isn't right for everyone...you do what is right for you..have you considered a dummy though...i had to use one with D as he was having marathon feeds.
you have done the best you can whatever..just wanted to give another option incase you still aren't convinved

 

[Lindsay]

Thankyou all so much for your replies and for being supportive of my decision

Chloe has been formula fed now for 4 full days and it is going really well. I feel so much better for doing it now as I can see the benefits that it has had for my family. Chloe is a totally different baby, so much more settled and content.

I know that if circumstances were different and Chloe was my only child it would have been easier to perservere. I am now 99% happy with the descision that I made (there is still the 1% of disappointment) and am a much more happier person for it.



Xxx

 

[nutcase109]

Have you considered expressing breast milk at all, when you get chance, when shes sleeping etc? That way she could still get some b/milk along with her formula in a bottle? Any is better than none! And might help you feel better about it all. I put b/milk in a bottle for him and its working really well so far. Please dont feel guilty, do whats best for you and both little ones xxx