in February 2025 Babies 🇺🇸

Try to decide on switching to formula

I am one month in on the struggle bus for breastfeeding. I am trying to decide whether to switch to formula completely as my mental health has been severely impacted. My little has a lip tie and struggles to latch and stay latched. Have seen numerous lactation specialists and varying advice. Waiting PA for treatment for lip tie. The breastfeeding journey started off very stressful as the hospital had us doing the triple feeding plan due to struggles with latching (I am very fortunate in milk department from start), received inadequate care from staff, and has been difficult to rebuild that relationship with breastfeeding. My baby was recently hospitalized for possible allergy to cows milk protein though they are not sure. I honestly think it is a foremilk imbalance and strong letdown. I have this unexplained drive to breastfeed but feel like the odds are stacked against us. Mentally I am exhausted, anxious, and feel like a complete failure. One would think switching to formula exclusively would be an easy decision but it isn’t. Pumping is not an option for me as I find it completely miserable. I guess I am looking to hear from other moms who decided to make the switch.

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Firstly you have done amazing with all the obstacles most would have given up and you can combi feed to help you decide if you would like to switch to bottle feeding please remember there is not shame in stopping feeding as long as baby is fed

My son had a lip tie and bf was extremely painful up until 8mo when we finally had it lasered. I also had DMER for the first 4 months which made it extremely dreadful for me. Maybe not what you want to hear but breastfeeding is hard. I stuck it out and that’s my advice to you. It’s unfortunate that you didn’t get the right support but things change and you may find better support. There are also lots of exercises you can do with baby to stretch the lip tie and strengthen their jaw.

I've had to switch to formula with both my babies

I want to quit pumping every single day but I can’t do it because I’ll feel guilty and I don’t know why. I wanted to be able to feed her from the breast so bad but her latch was bad and she wasn’t getting enough milk & that broke my heart. Breastfeeding is hard

My baby was tongue tied. We had it cut with an ENT when he was 3 weeks old. It was so easy!! Since then feedings and his schedule has been so much easier. He’s able to latch and I don’t have to pump. I hated pumping also!! Would suggest start with fixing the tie before giving up!

I’m so sorry that breastfeeding and possible allergies to formula have been stressful for you. Your frustration is valid and whatever decision you make moving forward will be the right next step for you. My baby also had a tongue tie and we got a referral to see an ENT at our first pediatrician appointment. We actually got the tongue tie procedure done today and my baby cried harder while getting numbed than the actual clipping. I don’t know yet how this will change breast feeding for me, but I’m sticking with it and have formula as a back up.

I’m exclusively pumping due to latch issues and already going to start the switch to formula at 6 weeks. The best advice I have is don’t let anyone make you feel bad for what you choose to do. You need to be the best version of yourself for your baby and if your mental health would be better switching to formula then make the switch!

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