Stop breastfeeding and pumping

Hey everyone, I’m reaching out for some support and kind words. I’ve had a really tough time with milk supply and sore, cracked nipples with all five of my kids. Thankfully, with my fifth (who’s now 5 weeks old), I discovered silver cups, and they’ve been a game-changer! They healed my nipples in just 48 hours—no pain, no cracks, nothing! I honestly recommend them to anyone struggling with nipple trauma. However, my milk supply has recently dipped, and I think it’s due to stress since my husband started a new job and isn’t home until bedtime. I’ve been pumping every 3 hours during the day (only getting 50-70ml combined) and breastfeeding at night. But now, my baby is starting to fuss at night because there’s not enough milk. He usually drinks 120-150ml every 2-3 hours, I’ve been supplementing with formula since the beginning as I already had a low supply. It’s becoming overwhelming looking after all the kids and the drop in supply is really affecting me mentally. I’m here because I’m considering stopping breastfeeding altogether, and I could really use some support with the emotional side of that decision. I’ve tried pretty much everything to increase my supply, so I don’t think more advice on that will help. What’s really weighing on me is the thought of missing those sweet moments with him rooting at night and how even though I was producing less, I still felt like I was providing something for him. But for my own mental health, I just don’t think I can continue anymore 😭😭

Show your support

I could have wrote this myself! Mine has dipped recently because my husband has been in hospital the past 2 weeks and now he’s home he can’t really help out. My little boy has struggled to put weight on and I’ve recently decided to stop breastfeeding too. You’ve got to do what’s best for you. You can still have sweet moments with him in other ways! He’ll be smiling soon and will still want cuddles ect. You’ve done what you can and given him 5 weeks of breast milk which is incredible! Don’t be too hard on yourself x

I’m in a different scenario, looking to move to exclusive pumping/combi feeding but totally relate to the emotional side. Could you still breastfeed for some comfort at bedtime/another time of the day? I listened to a podcast about combination feeding and they said the breast can still provide so many things even if it’s not providing the nutrition. I give a bottle before bed and then put him on the boob after for some comfort - may give you best of both worlds? Either way remember that bottle fed babies still have wonderful relationships with their mums and you’ll have a better bond if you remove the stress from your feeding situation - that’s what I’m focusing on right now as the mental toll of our breastfeeding journey is ruining these precious moments. Do what feels right for you and will make a happy mum ❤️

I think you have to do whats right for you mentally, physically, situationally - you have to look after number one (you) to be able to look after anyone else whatever that looks like 😁

In a similar position. I have no advice, just solidarity. Heartbroken and exhausted sums it up.

I also could have wrote this.. I had a great supply and used a hands free pump, I would get up to 5oz combined each time, but then my supply dipped to almost 0 (I blame the pump) I’ve never had any luck hand expressing so I went to a manual pump and I’ve gone from getting half an oz each boob to 1.5oz each (not every time but most) I pump every 3 hours but getting my supply back up has been draining, and I also have to top up with formula.. I breast feed in the night usually. It was suggested to me to power pump and to put him on the boob more and I think that’s what has helped but in your situation with other children I can see why this would be difficult, if your willing to or can it might be worth a try but if you choose to stop that’s completely fine, I’ve considered it too and I only have the one!

You may not have low milk supply. It’s a common misconception x https://www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com/blog/low-milk-supply-101?format=amp

Your children need a happy, healthy mum above all else. Breastfeeding fell apart with my first but she was always a contact napper and absolutely adored a cuddle, in fact she would only nap on me until 9 months. Even though she wasn’t breastfed, she absolutely still needed me and my body for comfort. Be kind to yourselves ladies!

I also want to add I agree with @Abi and @Georgia I have a 5 year old who was bottle fed and we have the best bond, she’s my little best friend! X

I’m in a very similar boat!! Currently combi feeding but I think soon I’ll have to stop breast as don’t think I can match his demand.

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌