BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

I've been BF DD since she was born (she's almost 5 mths old now!) and it's truly an amazing experience. I LOVE IT. My other 2 didn't take to it well (DD #1 didn't latch, DS was colic and I emotionally couldn't handle it).

Lately, every day I think about giving up BF.
Why, I don't know. I'm often sick of being the only one that can feed her (pumping has become difficult and I'm a tad lazy about it).

DH will randomly say he can't wait till she's done (not that he doesn't agree with BF being the best thing.....it's purely intimate)

Everyday I think to myself, "maybe she'd sleep just a little bit better/longer if she had formula" because she only naps for an hour at a time (on avg) with the occasional longer nap (like right now, she's been down almost 2 hrs).

I'm really on the fence....and it doesn't help that I feel like garbage these last 2 days...sinus problems, back aches/neck tension, dizzy/loopy feeling and I can't take any medications for it

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

DD is 14 months and still BF. I can say that she did NOT start sleeping more/better when she started eating solid food. Until recently (9-10 months of age) she was a horrible napper. She would only stay asleep for 1/2 hour unless I was pushing her in her stroller or driving in the car. AND, she only napped for me - never my mother who watched her 2x per week.

Now she has a solid routine of 1 nap a day 1 1/2 - 2 hours in length most days. She finally goes to sleep at 9:30PM instead of 10:30 or 11:00 (this started right after Christmas). She still doesn't make it to 6 or 7 AM consistently without waking, but I'll take 5 AM over 3 AM.

If you want to keep it up you can. If you want to give it up you can. You will find a lot of support for either position on this board. Just let us know in which direction you would like to be pushed and the collective we will help you along.

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

I think you're amaaaaaazing for making it to 5 months. Seriously You've given your DC a tremendous gift, so do NOT beat yourself up if you want to start weaning. BUT maybe in a few days when you feel a little better you won't want to stop just yet?? I don't know it's such a personal decision; I was ecstatic when we stopped (at around 8 weeks, I just could not hack it any longer), but I know it takes enormous commitment to keep going.
If you do switch to formula eventually you should be so proud of what you've accomplished

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

I have been EBF and now pumping for DS since he was born. Over 16 weeks later, we're still going strong. I have tossed around the idea of formula at times because I want DS to sleep longer. I also thought about it because I was worried he wasn't eating enough. However, I realized that I didn't want to switch for numerous reasons. I love the bonding that goes on when I am nursing. I love the fact that I am providing nutrition for my son. I am proud and honored that i can do this. I also worried that if I did switch to formula, DS would have a difficult time and I'd be in hell trying so many different kinds. In the end, I decided to EBF for as long as I can. My milk supply is good and I feel it's what is best for my son.

Hope you come to a decision soon.

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

I can't say I haven't toyed with the idea but that was when I was fighting for a milk supply. Now that I have a supply that can sustain him I wouldn't give it up. I have fought so hard to BF him that I couldn't imagine quitting now. Not to mention he loves it. Even if he gets a pumped bottle from me he's turning his head looking to nurse. He wouldn't quit easily.

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

I have a friend who successfully BFed 3 kids but used formula once a night. You can always try something for a few days to see how it goes, as long as you can keep supply up.

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

Just a heads up, my DS was formula fed and started solids at 4 months and he didn't sleep through the night til he was 1.

So, I don't think you should make the switch just based on that

Re: BF moms...do you ever toss the idea of switching to formula?

As others have said, think really hard about whether or not BFing is the problem. I felt like you did, but in the end for me it was just being overworked in general and needing help, formula wasn't going to solve that in my house! (It was just going to add to the pile of dishes overflowing the sink!)