Stopping pumping.

Could you try latching again? I pumped for the first 4 months of my firsts life then latched her for another 4, just as another option? But I was in the same situation as you for my first. I did in the end just swap fully to formula so it was one less stress for me. My baby didn’t get better at sleeping but it was one less job for me to think/worry about. I hated that I admitted defeat on breastmilk but it was the best option for me to be a more present mum so don’t feel guilty if it’s what’s in the best interest for you both x

Exclusive pumping is exhausting, it’s double the work and all the sterilising, well done on doing it for so long. I did it for 11 weeks, I had to stop, I tried latching again and thankfully that worked for us. However I told myself if it didn’t work we would swap fully to formula. At the time I didn’t really realise how physically and mentally exhausting it was, but when I stopped I felt 10 times better and a happier mum. Now I look back and think how did I even do that!! The guilt is difficult but once you accept the change or talk about it with someone you will feel better xx

I was really excited and open to bf but in reality and particularly with healing from C-section I found the experience the absolute worst! The pressure and shame directed at mums who want to feed formula is harsh and although I did bf then expressed until 10 weeks I felt like a still sleep deprived and all the rest but a completely new person. Before I felt constantly on edge like I could cry at any moment but when I stopped and regained some strength and new routine I actually begun enjoying and loving being a mum. Obviously just my experience and whatever works for you is the right way. No shame just love and support mama 💓

@Rhiannon sadly I’ve tried relatching a couple times but she isn’t interested now only wants the bottle. I think that’s the thing I don’t want to admit defeat but I know I need to do what’s best for her to have a happy present mum and I don’t feel like pumping makes me that at the moment! X

@Lauren Sounds like you already know what to do 💕 If you are going to stop pumping, don’t forget to do it gradually so you don’t get engorged. I use to still pump and then use what I got mixed with formula so started 80% breast 20% formula and worked it over a few weeks till it was full formula just to help the change with my boobs and for her tummy. I know it’s sad when you come to an end of a journey but at the end of the day she won’t remember being breast fed or not, she’ll remember a present mum 💕

Your baby will still get the benefits of any amount of expressed milk you give them and in the long run a well rested and happy mum is better for them over what kind of milk they're having! With my first I drove myself crazy trying to keep up with breastfeeding and pumping because I felt too guilty to stop but actually when I reduced and introduced some formula feeds then feeding time was a much more enjoyable experience for us both and really did us both the world of good. With my second I started combifeeding right from the start and it works so much better for us!

Hey, my little one was not very good at latching and I was recovering from a c section so exclusive pumping was great then now I regret not insisting on breast feeding more (she will gag if I show her the nipple) I had a strict schedule every 3 hours and she is amazing, sleeps through the night but no rest for mama. I was so tired and so close to depression and I just decided to pump at 4 hours and only one time at night and if I have to, I will introduce some formula and go with both. I found that having the right pump helps, I use a V12 pro mom cozy and empty my breast in 20 min while with others I had to pump for 40 min to one hour. I also have wto cups to collect the milk so I don’t have to wash it straight away. (I used an M5, M6, luna mammabum, manual all not for me) I get more milk now and I am less stressed and it helps because sleep regression is at peak times 🫣😂 Good luck and know that whatever decision you make is the right one, the little one had a strong mama xx

I only ever pumped 2 bottles a day so my partner could feed but I found I had to pump at 4/5am and then again at 11pm to get the most amount. We’ve had issues with possible CMPA so had to change her milk anyway but I stopped pumping at them times and I feel so much better, it was so draining having to pump and also lonely pumping when baby and my partner were asleep. I still pump to stop feeling so full but that’s when I need to not when I have to

I had to move to special formula after my baby got severe reflux, and I was exclusively pumping. I didn’t realise how much of a strain it had on my life!! I’m not suggesting formula, but absolutely empathise with how you’re feeling - it’s so hard 💕

I have done exclusive pumping for 5 months now and am exhausted by it! I dread the clock watching thinking i need to pump again! I have recently reduced the amount I pump and now only pump morning and night. My supply is reducing but manage to get enough for over half her feeds then supplement with the freezer stash. I feel so much better in myself and starting to feel like me again. I am to stop expressing completely when she is 6 months. If I can help in anyway please reach out :)

I had to give up pumping after 3 months for my own sanity. My LG has a tongue tie and ended up with bottle preference as it was a months wait for her tongue tie procedure. Pumping is double the mental load. I tried everything to get her to latch but I was exhausted trying to keep up the pumping, sterilising, baby and a toddler. Feel so much better now and feel like I’m in a better routine with getting more sleep x

I found pumping so incredibly draining and time consuming, and it massively affected my mental health so I gave it up too. Whatever decision you make, you’ve done amazingly to get this far, and your mental health and well-being is absolutely important too ❤️

Could you possibly try the Haakaa nipple shield that has a teat shaped like a bottle?

I stopped pumping after 3 months as the mental toll it was taking was too much. I was also sacrificing getting out and about with my baby for staying home to express on schedule. I’m not exclusively formula feeding. I can’t say that it doesn’t come with a huge amount of guilt that firstly breast feeding didn’t work out and then I stopped expressing but I know it was the right thing for me. Do what you need to be happy and healthy ❤️

@Lauren have you tried nipple shields? Might be worth a try X