So many issues don't know where to start?

[ceebee]

This could be quite epic, so I'll try and keep it brief as possible

I think I need to stop breast feeding for the following reasons:

1) I am struggling with my health and bf-ing is adding stress to me, which is making me worse (inc having to get up at night and not being able to share feeding with DH)

2) There's some medications that I can't take whilst bf-ing

3) I've had big issues with my pelvis since giving birth (find it hard to walk even and cant carry a car seat) and it's possible that bf-ing is exacerbating them (due to the relaxin still being present in my body)

BUT

I love bf-ing - it makes me feel so connected with Harry and it's obviously the best for him. It's just something that came so naturally to me and it just feels so right when I'm doing it. Feel so sad about stopping


That's not all. I've tried to cut down on bf-ing twice now and both times have had issues and had to stop cutting down. I had possible mastitis the first time I tried to cut down and I now have boob thrush after the 2nd time (I don't know why the boob thrush happened? Coincidence?). I only cut out 1 feed on each occasion. Feel scared about trying to cut down now and don't even know where to begin. I thought about switching to just expressing so I could control how much I was cutting down by, but the thought of doing that fills me with dread and sadness.

Sorry for the length of this - thanks if you've read this far. Just feel so confused about what I should do. I really want to stop bf-ing but I also really don't want to. I know I will have to at some stage, but it breaks my heart to think I can't bf my little Harry for as long as I want to. Probably a pointless thread as there's no easy answer, but just needed to get it down....

xxxx

 

[Karate Kid]

Hugs Hun, I cannot imagine having to make this decision and I can see that it is with a heavy heart.

Exclusive expressing is tough the seven weeks I did it nearly broke me. But it can be done.

I have no suggestions I am afraid. Have you spoken to a BFing counsellor about reducing feeds braising? Xx

 

[Mrs Wibbily]

Awe no chick, big hugs to you. I can only imagine how you're feeling because it would be the same feeling if it were me having to make the decision. As KK said is there someone you can talk to in the professional sense?

Are you on medication now? That could cause the thrush. Are you taking vitamins?x

 

[l_maclean]

Just firing out some ideas here so forgive me if it sounds odd/pushing.

Ok - 1) would expressing for possible nights off be enough?? - would maybe mean you don't get the probs you had when cutting down but have a stash so DH can do some night feeds - but you could still bf for closenessx

2) if you REALLY want to keep bf have you checked the meds/alternatives. This also applies why dr thinks it might be affecting your health issues. I'm not saying this isnt correct (hope it doesn't come across as bullying) but unfortunately a lot of docs can be very uneducated about bf - I'd hate for someone to have to give up due to false info.


It might be worth contacting your local la leche Leaque. They will have up to date info about meds etc, but will also be able to advise on cutting down safely if that's the route you want to go.

Hope you manage to get sorted. X

On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[ceebee]

Thanks so much for your replies ladies I wasn't really expecting any! The HV is coming tomorrow actually, so will def discuss it with her as would much rather reduce feeds slowly than go straight to just expressing. Mrs Wibbly, I am on meds now, but there are some meds I've been holding off from due to bf-ing and it makeslife more difficult and yes I am taking vits

l_mclean - thanks hon, don't worry, you're not coming across as bullying, only helpful Thanks for your suggestions. The first one wouldn't work I'm afraid, as least initially as my boobs get so full as night and I would end up engorged I think, so couldn't start with missing a night feed unfortunately. As for your other suggestion, it's not really the docs who say I should stop bf-ing, it's more that I'm struggling in various ways so I feel I have to. I do really appreciate you taking the time though. I might give the la leche idea a go anyway

I think I will see what the HV says tomorrow and will give it a few days at least before I do anything (my boob thrush is still not great - doc has just given me 2 more weeks of fluconozole!) In the meantime I will try and make the most of every precious moment I have bfing my LO - even the middle of the night!

Big hugs to you all xxx

 

[l_maclean]

Just noticed - has you LO been treated for thrush as well??! You both need done at the same time otherwise it'll keep recurring. Not all health professionals are aware of this!! X


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[ceebee]

Just noticed - has you LO been treated for thrush as well??! You both need done at the same time otherwise it'll keep recurring. Not all health professionals are aware of this!! X


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

My gp said I didn't need to as LO has no obvious signs of thrush, but not sure I agree with this? Will also discuss with HV tomorrow... Thanks hon xxx

 

[l_maclean]

Just noticed - has you LO been treated for thrush as well??! You both need done at the same time otherwise it'll keep recurring. Not all health professionals are aware of this!! X


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

My gp said I didn't need to as LO has no obvious signs of thrush, but not sure I agree with this? Will also discuss with HV tomorrow... Thanks hon xxx

If they are treating one of you, the other should be treated as well. X


On my iPhone - so cant see tickers

 

[giz]

Did you take anti bs for the mastitis? That may have caused the thrush. If on antibs drink the probiotic drinks to replenish the good bacteria.

----------------
baby giz born 6th Feb 2011
next one due 12th Aug 2013

 

[ceebee]

Did you take anti bs for the mastitis? That may have caused the thrush. If on antibs drink the probiotic drinks to replenish the good bacteria.

----------------
baby giz born 6th Feb 2011
next one due 12th Aug 2013

Didn't take anti bs thankfully as it was the non bacterial kind. Just unlucky I guess! I always take probiotics... Thanks anyway xxx

 

[ceebee]

Quick update. Spoke to HV the other day and I'm going to try and cut down again. Really hope it works this time. Will start very slowly and see how I get on. That way I can continue feeding Harry for longer too xxx

 

[Emamay]

I had a MW give me meds for Cay's thrush, and when I asked about meds for me, she asked if I thought I had thrush...? Well, I don't know, I'm not a health proffessional :/. When I called the GP to get the prescription filled, I said to him about if I should have meds too, or at least be checked for thrush also, and he said I should if BF or expressing as we could otherwise just pass it back and forth.
He didn't even check me, just gave me some cream to put on my nipples.

Definitely if one of you is being treated for it, the other should, even if no longer BF/expressing, you should still both have the meds in case there's any lingering infection.

I'm afraid I can't help with the rest, except to say that if you do decide you need to give up BF, it's not the end of the world, I promise. Formula is a lot better than it's ever been, and you managed to BF for a while anyway, which is excellent

Maybe pick a time each day (an hour before bath time, an hour when you first get up, whenever works for you) and have some skin-to-skin. That way you still get the closeness.

Good luck with whichever desision you make xx