Will moving to formula help my mental health?
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Not necessarily no, I’ve looked after babies (children’s nurse) that don’t sleep who are formula fed and who struggle with reflux and sleep, the media would have you assume it’s breastfeeding but it’s not… I’ll be honest until 6 weeks it is really bloody tough. There’s two massive growth spurts which involve a lot of feeding but after that it should get so much easier (feeds will stretch and shorten). After that point then breastfeeding is just amazing, any single issue and you can just solve it with feeding and you never need to worry about sterilising a bottle What I would say is that if your boy is gaining weight then almost just lean in to it, try not to worry too. Enjoy all the cuddles and feel proud that you are nourishing him x
I have a 7 week old and have been EBF and it’s the toughest for like the first 4 weeks. I can’t tell you how many tears I shed. For me, it got better. With that being said, your baby needs their momma in a good mental state so if that means switching to formula then that’s what’s best. Have you considered pumping or maybe combination feeding? Then you don’t have to give up bf completely
I agree with the others, the first few weeks are pretty difficult either way you feed them in some cases, your hormones are really high still. I had stages of breaking down and wanting to switch to formula but decided I’d keep at it. Baby is still trying to get the supply right, hence the cluster feeding. Best thing I did for the first few weeks was put on shows and lay on my side with baby next to me and we slept together for the first round of cluster feeding (recommended by my midwife) because they really are on the boob alot at that stage. But really if you feel it would be better for you and dad can help with the feeding then go ahead, you need rest too❤️
I echo everything @Terri has said! It’s so so tough at the start but I promise it gets sooo much easier. You can go out without worrying about bottles, formula, how you’ll make up a feed, what if you’re out longer than you thought. Baby is bored, upset, tired, hurt themselves, fussy.. boob is the answer to all your problems. Find yourself a nice series, get lots of snacks, put your feet up and enjoy the stillness - you’ll look back one day and miss these days (hard to believe right now I know). You’re doing amazingly ❤️ That being said if it’s really not for you and you do genuinely think you cannot continue the most important thing is a happy mum and a fed baby, whatever that looks like x
It's usually the baby and not the breast! Some breastfed babies have big long feeds and can sleep loooong stretches, others just don't and that's normal too! Formula could hurt their tummy also and there's usually a lot more gas and reflux issues that come along with formula, and there is no evidence to suggest changing feeding method would help sleep. Tha doesn't make breastfeeding any less hard though! It's so tough, but those first weeks are the hardest by far! I would say after 6is weeks it got easier, then they hit the 3 month stage of fomo and distracted and on and off on and off feeding bit nothing is harder than those first few weeks! I would suggest trying to get to 4/6 weeks then rethinking if you still feel the same?
What's your biggest issue with it? Painful latch? Feeding quantity? I'm sure there would be some more specific advice for any of the issues your facing! It can be so tough, I remember my bay could literally feed for 4 hours back to back with a couple 5 min breaks in-between, it feels like being help hostage😂 always make sure u have snacks, water, phone, remote, book/kindle and anything you think you may need. Watch you absolute fav shows or films. Try and make the best of those moments. I know that can be hard to hear when you're in the thick of it! If nothing seems to be working and it's really affecting your mental health though, trying other options is not a failure!
I feel like I should absolutely say that also as much as I think breastfeeding is wonderful (and I even tandem fed for a while) that fed is best and a happy mum is so important for a happy baby so if you need to make the switch then you do that my lovely!
It is tough in those early days and it sounds like you are doing brilliantly if your LO is putting on weight. Pumping and feeding might give you a bit of a break but often they just want to be close to you and get such comfort with being on your chest. Just know it does get easier. I found it tough too, my LO is 9 weeks and I love watching her feed now, she strokes my chest, or holds on to my clothing or hair and its a really beautiful thing and great for bonding. Do what is best for you and baby but just know its does get easier and it rewarding for both you and baby if you stick at it xx
I’m currently feeling the exact same with my 5 week old. He never just chills. My 2 year old had formula and she was completely different could for 4 hours absolutely happy until next bottle.