Breastfeeding

I strongly recommend you contact La Leche League and ask if they can recommend a lactation consultant. She would know a lot more about this than any of us! Hang in there!

L. D., mom of three,
all breast fed.

Yes, I can sympathize with you. I too had trouble breastfeeding both my daughters. I did everything like you are doing. Even sleeping with her at my side so she could feed during the night while I was catching some sleep. I know that both my daughters lost weight and I had to supplement with bottles. I just made sure they were breastfeeding first and than gave a small bottle of formula. It was difficut for me, but at least they were getting some breastmilk each feeding. The first daughter breast feed for three months before stopping and only taking the bottle, and the second daugher breastfeed for 5 months. In the end you have to do what will meet the baby's nutritional needs. Try to get as much rest as you can and remember to drink plenty of fluids, always have a glass by your elbow. Good luck to you and know that what ever happens, you are doing the best you know how for your baby and yourself.

First I would like to say that I think anyone that can should at least try to breastfeed. I always tell my girlfriends that are having babies to try and give it at the very least 2 weeks to work things out--since so many things can be worked out in that amount of time-sometimes it takes longer but after two week the mom and baby have time o get the hang of it.
But the fact of the matter is, BFing is not the end of be all in motherhood. I spent the first 8 weeks going back and forth with many issues and finally had to quit due to an abscess (and a 3 day stay in the hospital). I felt sooooguilty about this because of all the pressure that is put on us to BF. I cried and cried, thinking I was a bad mom giving my baby formula.
This is so not the case. BFing just doesn't work sometimes--it's why there were wet nurses before formula and why we have formula now.
So if you think you are spending all of your time pumping and feeding and "missing" out, then you are not damaging your child at all by supplementing or switching to formula. Your child is not going to lose IQ points or be less of a person if you feed her formula. So do what you think is best for your family in the long run.
These moments are precious--enjoy them!

Hi, I breast feed a hundred years ago. (my oldest is 29) She latched right on and I breast feed until youngest was born. So I found that I had to drink, drink, and drink. I would sit down to nurse my girls and take a glass of water with me because it never failed I would sit down to nurse and my mouth would go dry. So my question to you is are you drinking a lot? Don’t drink tea or coffee because the caffeine with take water from your body. I found if I drank juice at breakfast and water through the day it gave me plenty. How ever let me tell you about my youngest. She has a very high palate and it was hard for her to latch on and I had to hold my breast for her. Make sure that you are far enough in her mouth so that she is getting enough suction. You may want to look in the phone book and see if there is a group of moms that are breast feeding and can be your support. Good Luck M.

Here I am on my 4th child. First one I breast fed for about 2 months, I was just to much into school and work to continue. 2cnd one I lasted about 3 months but even then I worked and went to school so I stopped. 3rd my little girl is almost 19 months and still after nini always!She was real small and nursed always! I supplemented starting in the 6month just so I could have a break and go to work parttime, pumping didnt work for me. 4th is only 4 weeks old today and eats non stop! Hes small but just a couple days ago gave him the paci. It has given me some free time and some rest! When we walk he is content. But I believe breast feeding is a full time job! Well worth it but you have to work with your own life schedule. Bottle feeding is easier for you and the baby but I truly believe not the best. My little girl has not been sick yet and I do thuink it is soley because I breastfeed. The best form of knowing your child to me is definetly breastfeeding. The sling does give you more time to do things but can be aukward. Good Luck

I would alternate breast and bottle feedings so you don't have to pump all the time. As she grows and get stronger you can breast feed only. Or you could just pump and offer the breast only a couple times a day so she doesn't forget how to nurse. You must be exhausted. It will get better as she gets stronger. God bless you for being such a good Mom.

It sounds to me like she isn't nursing, but suckling at the breast, so she's only getting the milk when you give her the bottle. Babies love to suck, and there's nothing better than being close to Mom, so they sometimes want the breast even though they aren't eating just then. You might try giving her a pacifier and cuddling her like you do when you are nursing, then offer the breast when she's really hungry and see how she does. The only good measurement of how much milk she's getting from nursing is the number of wet diapers she's producing in a day and how much weight she's gaining. I'd also ask the lactation consultant about using a tube to feed her from the bottle--it's a small tube that can be taped to the breast so baby is practicing nursing but still getting the milk from the bottle (which is easier).

Don't let anyone pressure you to continue nursing or stop nursing, either. You are the mother and you have to make the decision that is best for you and your daughter. Good luck to you!

Please keep breast feeding. It really is the best for her. Bottles are easier than the breast so some babies given the choice will prefer a bottle, others don't like anything but mom. My first was a long eater also. We would spend 30-40 minutes then she would fall asleep and wake up 15-20 minutes later and want to eat again. My husband was super supportive and knew that my job the first 3 months of her life was to get to know my daughter. Everything else came second. I do understand that you start to get ansy. Try a sling, that way she can nursing and you can walk around. Each baby is different. My friend supplemented with formula for 9 months. Each baby is different and that is ok. If you are tired of pumping, then stop. She will eventually learn to eat enough from the boob. I would suggest you take a week, start on Monday and just put down the bottle and don't pump. Let her eat, cuddle, nurse all day. Get a book, snuggle in bed, think of it as a cuddle experiment. If you get engorged while your body is regulating, have her nurse to relive the pressure. Before the week is out, I bet she is getting more milk and going longer in between. Trust in yourself. You can do it.

S.,

I hope you don't give up yet, kudos to you for trying so hard. I breastfed my daughter for 1.5 years and it was the most incredible bonding experience and my daughter who is 6 now is rarely sick. I believe it is due to the breastfeeding. As much of an advocate as I am for breastfeeding, you also have to do what makes you the best mom you can be and if you are constantly stressed out about this she is picking up on it. I would give yourself 2 more weeks and if you just can't take it anymore switch to formula. When I pumped I would do it first thing in the morning after I fed from one boob, then the other one would be really full and easy to pump and my body just produced more. That is one thing I learned to make the pumping easier.

Good Luck and hang in there!

D.

Hi S. -

Breastfeeding is the best way, if you can, to feed your baby. Neither one of my children would latch on so I had to pump for EVERY feeding. I learned to pump for about 15 - 20 minutes. I was producing around 5 - 7oz each time. My husband would take a least 3oz of the freshly expressed milk and feed the baby. I would then prepare a seperate bottle for her next feeding. This was great because it allowed my husband to bond with the baby as well. DO NOT feel guily about using formula!!!!!! You need to do what is best for your baby. If my little girl still seemed hungry after her feeding, I would top her off with an ounce or so of formula.

If you are going to use formula - I highly recommend Similac!!!

Hope this helps you and good luck!!

I have exclusively breastfed all 3 of my boys 14 years, 12 years, and 1 year. I know the feeling you have. They have to work much harder to get milk from your breast vs, the bottle that practically pours out. I have even heard from some professionals that said breast feeding causes the developement of many different facial muscles that it can litterally cause their faces to be more distinguished. I think this determination is also a personality thing. I mean I would hope that it is the reason my olders sons are very determined and stellars students. I know it seems frustrating to spend all that time pumping and nursing but honestly that is a difference in breast and bottle. Anyone can feed a bottle fed child. I was much too selfish for that I wanted continue our unique bond. I now breast feed my 1 year old in front of my older boys. They think it is so natural and my oldest actually said mom please don't give him formula. I was atonished that it mattered to him. As they grow, It gets better and they regulate and need you less and less... and then they are teenagers and don't want you to kiss them in public. It goes by so fast, I would say, "don't worry slow down and just nurse, it is such a beautiful thing that only you can do for your child." I too had thoughts of trying formula with all 3 at one time or another, especially through growth spurts. They seemed to nurse forever. I don't regret never giving one of them not a single drop of formula. That is not to say it was the easier choice, just the beter one for me. I recommend pediatrician, Dr Sears online or his book "Breastfeeding book" or "The baby book". He and his wife (pediactiric nurse) have 8 children and a wealth of knowledge.

All the best mom of 3 incredibly smart and amazing boys.

I would advice you to keep breastfeeding for a little while longer. Once you get through this hump, you'll see how wonderful breastfeeding is and how much easier it really is than formula.
But I completely understand your frustration w/ the pumping and spending all day getting just that one task accomplished.
Be patient w/ yourself and try to enjoy "the moment". I think it will get better slowly.

Hi S.,

HI, I AM EDITING THIS AS A WAY TO ADD MORE INFO. AND PUTTING IT NI CAPS IN HOPES THAT YOU ARE STILL READING AND WILL NOTICE THAT THIS HAS BEEN AMENDED.
I ACTUALLY FORGOT ABOUT THIS, BUT MY OLDEST GRANDDAUGHTER, WHO IS NINE, DID THE SAME THING WHEN SHE WAS AN INFANT. SHE SUCKED INCESSANTLY, DIDN'T GAIN MUCH WIEGHT, AND CRIED A LOT, THOUGH I DON'T REMEMBER YOU MENTIONING THE CRYING. IT TURNED OUT THAT SHE HAD A SHORT FRENULEM - WHICH IS TO SAY THAT THE LITTLE MEMBRANE UNDER THE TONGUE WAS TIGHT AND SHE COULD NOT GET HER TONGUE AROUND HER MOMMIE'S NIPPLE WELL ENOUGH TO GET THE MILK OUT. HOWEVER, THE LONG NIPPLE OF THE BOTTLE WENT FURTHER BACK IN HER MOUTH AND SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE MILK. sHE HAD HER FRENULUM CLIPPED AT ABOUT SIX WEEKS AND IMMEDIATEL, IN THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE NURSED JUST FINE. IT WAS A BLESSED ANSWER FOR HER AND HER MOMMIE.

Congratulations on your baby girl.
I have three daughters and five granddaughters. We have lots of tea parties.
I had my first baby at 30. I remember that, though it was something I had longed for so long and though I was thrilled beyond human measure, I got lonely doing all the unrelenting things this precious little bundle needed leaving little time for anything else. However, she was one of my greatest blessing in all of life and I wanted to do everything the best for her as I think you do also. I kept the pace for several reasons. Perhaps some of them will speak to you.

First, I believed that my breast milk was her perfect food. Thirty-four years later, and being very involved in alternative health and having more knowledge about it now, I believe it even more. Formulas never give your child all the good things that breast milk does. In addition, formulas invariably give your child some things that are not good.

Second, while your baby is a baby, the loving touch and gentle voices of especially you and also your husband is more beneficial to her presently than all the other pleasurable things you will eventually do with and for her. You are not missing precious time with your darling little girl when she is forty minutes at the breast. That is comfort time for her and bonding time for both of you. Look into her lovely eyes or at her sweet serene face while you caress her arms or legs, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

Third, if you are stressed about things around your house not being up to your usual standards, give yourself a break and know that can be handled soon enough.

Fourth, this time of intensity is a bit of training for the times to come when your child will need you in more complex ways.

Fifth, remember that in the time frame of the 18-20 years that she will be living under your specific care, these early weeks are very small in comparison even though they seem large because they are so very constant.

Sixth, I don't think you will ever look back in regret over these weeks of 24/7 time spent on your little girl doing what she needs most for the moment.

Seventh, if you choose another way, because you know your situation better than anyone else, don't get caught up in feeling guilty. The Lord made you her mother and you get to make the decisions, along with her father, about her and her rearing and her training.

Email me if you think I can encourage you in this wonderful venture and adventure.

I found this article that may interest you:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/t023200.asp

I hope you figure it out soon and continue breastfeeding at least part time. My son was breastfed for two years and he rarely gets sick. Good luck!

Personally, I think do both.... breastfeed and give her the bottle. She's getting the valuable breastmilk protection and you're going to get your sanity back. I did both with my son and am still doing both. He's 4 1/2 months and I love the bonding and the convenience! Good luck!

Hi S.,

I understand... believe me. My first son never once latched on, and believe me it was not for lack of trying. I fed him breast milk until he was six months old, and I only stopped then because I got pregnant with baby #2 and my milk production completely stopped. So, the ritual with my oldest son was pump milk, put it in a bottle and then feed him. It was absolute hell for the first couple of months because he was eating every two hours and I essentially was incapable of doing anything other than milking myself. Mooo...

It got much easier at about 8 weeks, when my son started eating every three hours and his stomach had grown to the point where he could ingest about 6-8 oz of milk at a time. Still, breastfeeding was an absolute chore for me and I was really starting to hate it. I COMPLETELY understand what you're saying here about never having time to leave the house.

For those of you who haven't experienced this, imagine having to leave the house with all of the stuff you take for your baby, plus a breast pump and supplies for cleaning. It's really excrutiating. My husband and I drove to Panama with our son, and there I was driving through Guatemala with a breast pump chugging away in the car. People must have thought we were nuts! Still, we did it because everyone said "breast is best," and I have no doubt that it is. I do look back on it now and wonder what else I missed out on, though. I was a SAHM at the time, and in many ways I feel my time may have been better served playing with my son or cuddling him than hooked up to a breast pump. And, yes, I worked with an ENTIRE STAFF of completely stumped (although lovely, patient and helpful) group of lactation consultants.

Now here comes the kicker... with my second son, he latched on and fed immediately, although we still had to work a little bit to get there. So, I think some kids just have a more difficult time. All of that said, I say do what you think is best. If you are frustrated, tired and resentful (and no one, least of all me, would blame you if you were) GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO STOP BREASTFEEDING. It does not make you a bad mother, nor does it make you a failure. Yes, I know all the things you're telling yourself because I said them to myself too.

There are good formulas out there (we used Earth's Best) and you guys may end up a much happier and healthier family in the long run. Please just do what you think is best and let others have their opinions. In my experience, no one else really understood what this felt like and I got a lot of advice that did not take my own feelings into account. I ended up feeling very, very depressed after my first son was born, and I think it was due to the difficulties we had with breastfeeding because as soon as I stopped I felt so much better (and keep in mind I was PREGNANT, AGAIN). Above all, you have to be healthy and happy to be a good mommy! Feel free to send me a personal message if you want to ask about anything specific. I hope this helps!

Were you a formula kid, or any body else you know? I was and I turned out just fine. It is not giving in, the happier you are, the happier your baby will be!

I had a problem with my son latching on so I was pumping constantly until he was 4 weeks old. I was alternating between the formula and the breast milk to make sure he was full so I wasn't always having to feed him then I just stuck with the formula. I had no problems with him health wise and he was more than satisfied with the formula.

Breastmilk is best. Why not just pump only and give it to her in bottles. I had to do that with my 2nd because she didn't latch properly. I pumped every 3-4 hours and just fed her from bottles with no problems. A really good breastpump cuts down on pumping time also.

Congratulations on becoming a mom and being able to breastfeed for 5 weeks! Many moms can't do it at all. ANY exposure to breastfeeding is great for baby. When you throw in the towel? When it starts becoming more stressful than benefitial to you both.
Don't beat yourself up over it. No guilt. You tried. You did it. She benefitted. If you feel like switching to formula now would be easier, go right ahead.
I was able to breastfeed only a short time with 3 of my children and then the 4th was solely formula. They're all healthy and happy. You gave it a good shot.

S.,

My milk dried up & went away within a week of the three month mark for me with all four of my girls. I feel I gave them a good head start on life. You have done the same. If it isn't working for you no matter what anyone says, start the transfer. A happy baby & Mom are the key to good mental health and good mental health relates to good physical health. The first 3 to 7 days of breastfeeding is critical because that is when the milk is actually 'cholostrum' (sp) which is like a newborn immunization. After that breastmilk is always best but common sense must prevail. Find the right 'fit' and wean your breasts and your baby to that formula and begin to actually enjoy your 'Motherhood' with your baby! Go out, enjoy the fresh air & sounds of spring! It WILL be a good thing!

A.

Hi S.,
Please do not give up it sounds as though your daughter is getting plenty and as long as she is producing the recommended amount of diapers I would not worry at all.and as far as doing things with your daughter to the most important thing you can do is bond with your child and that is what you are doing plus giving her the healthiest begining possible please do not give up it sounds like you are doing it all right by having a lactaction consultant.the more she nurses the more you will produce and she is going to get more naturally from you than you pumping.I just wanted to please encourage you to keep up the good work.
Many Blessing
J.
Mom and Full time Doula

Hi S.!

I can really empathize with you on this issue and I found the breastfeeding support group at TMH to be great help! It is in the mommy market across the street from the hospital and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-12pm (also free). There is a scale there so you can weigh your daughter before you nurse and after to see how much she is really getting (and also an awesome lactation consultant).

I am no breastfeeding expert so I can only share my experience. My daughter is about 6 months old and I can tell you that when we took her on walks before she was 3 months old, she really didn't appreciate it. It was more for my husband and I to get out of the house really. The time you are spending breastfeeding and even giving her a bottle IS precious time- more so than a walk. Before you know it, she will be nursing/feeding like a champ and it will only take about 10 minutes. I remember feeling like all I did was sit on the couch and nurse all day long! For me, it changed around 6-8 weeks.

Also, I tried doing a combo with nursing and bottle and my daughter did a similar thing with chugging a bottle. I learned that it didn't necessarily mean that she was still hungry when she took the bottle. Infants need to suck a lot when they are young. I gauged it more by whether she was satisfied after nursing or just a bottle of 2oz. Afterwards, I would try a pacifier or my finger and see if she just wants to suck more.

I stuck with the breastfeeding because it ultimately worked best for our family situation and really was more convenient for me than having to run to the kitchen to prepare a bottle each time she fussed to nurse. We're still solely breastfeeding/pumping and I feel like we made it through that initial hurdle after about 8 weeks. Feel free to email me anytime if you have anymore questions about that.

Good luck,

J.

Hi S.,
My advice is to try the "hybrid method" (that's what my husband calls it). As a newborn, my son also had difficulty trnasferring enough milk from the breast to fill his tummy. There were no issues with latching or anything, but he would nurse ALL day long (I am not kidding, he would nurse for an hour straight, take a 30 minute nap and then eat again.) I became an expert at nursing him while doing chores, talking on the phone, typing with one hand. I could never pump becasue he was always nursing. He was five weeks old when I finally sought help from the lactation consultant at NFRMC, and of all people, she is the one who told me it was okay to give him a few ounces of formula after a feeding to fill his belly, or even replace one feeding with formula. (She weighed him before and after a feeding and he had only transferred 1.5 oz of milk in 30 minutes) Initially, he got one formula bottle a day. It also helped when I went back to work, becasue I was never able to pump enough to supply him for a full day. I would nurse him full time when I was home, and then when I was at work, he would get whatever I had pupmped the day before, plus formula. I continued the hybrid method until he was weaned to milk at 12 months. I agree that breastfeeding is definitely what's best for baby, so nurse as much as you can, but also don't feel guilty if you have to supplement with formula. It's funny becasue people would always ask, "do you breast or bottle feed?" I was never sure how to answer that question, because in my case, it was both.

There are times in a mom's life when you just have to make a decision for yourself. My daughter had latch on problems, and then we had a case of undiagnosed yeast infection that made it extremely painful to latch on. We stopped going to the breast at all and I pumped the breastmilk from 6 weeks to 8 months. My point, though, is that you have to make this call on your own. If you truly think that Breastfeeding is something you really want for your daughter then keep going and do whatever you have to to do it. If not, then stop. One tip for you that I learned though is that, especially with pumping, you sometimes can get just as much milk with the pump doing it one or two pumpings less a day and letting your body store it up more. That way too though you can get out more with her, and enjoy your time as a mom. (example... when my daughter was 6 months old, she was requesting milk about 5 or 6 times a day, but I was only pumping 4 times a day at regular intervals even through the night. However, because I could get enough BM pumped at the four sessions, I didn't need to pump at the same time as all of my daughters requested feedings. If it was not at regular times though, I do think my supply would probably have decreased.)

Also consider this, You are almost at the 6 week mark. Right around the six week mark, your baby is going through a rather large growth spurt and therefore has been asking for more milk. Once it is over, you and her will not be feeding quite as much or more efficiently, and the longer you go on breastfeeding at the breast, the stronger her feeding muscles will get. Pretty soon they might get strong enough where she doesn't want or need the extra milk at the end.

If it is companionship , or lack of it, that is really getting you down, invite a friend over and have coffee... Sometimes it is hard to find someone around to share the time with, but when you can't get out, invite someone else in. It is worth it, especially if it is someone that you don't mind breastfeeding in front of. (I found tht unless I did the inviting most people will not call you thinking that they are going to stress you out more, or they don't know that it will help) Or if it is housework stuff getting to you hire a housekeeper to come for a couple of hours a week, and you and baby can get her started and then go hide in a bedroom for a while. Again, it is worth it.

Throw in the towel when you've had enough and you won't get down on yourself for quitting early. Everyone has a different no-guilt point. Find yours and be satisfied that you tried your best. Breastfeeding doesn't work for every mom and baby, and it's ok to bottle feed. If you are losing quality time with your baby, try not nursing, but pumping and feeding breast milk and then supplementing with formula when you need to. Your baby will be ok. Honestly, it isn't worth the stress. Do enough to satisfy yourself and then go ahead and enjoy your baby guilt-free.

Hey, S.~ My daughter is now almost 5 months old. I started breastfeeding in the hospital, but at the 2 week mark, I started both breast and formula. She's never had a problem switching from nipple to bottle, or from breast milk to formula. This gave me the time you are looking for and kept her nice and full. This was also beneficial because when I returned to work, she was already used to formula. I breastfed for the 1st 3 months, but pumping at work was SUCH an inconvenience!! The last thing I wanted to do after I'd been off for 7 weeks was to take off more time during the day to pump. I know it is our right, but it was very unproductive. Now we're working on real food and she is thrilled. I seriously have no clue how some moms exclusively breastfeed for 6 months or more! Taylor would be STARVING!! Good luck and no matter what any of us other moms say, use YOUR best judgment and try to read what your baby tells you. We are all different (thank heavens!!) :)

The bottle is so much easier for the milk to flow than the baby having to work it from the breast. Once they have the bottle they get a little lazy at the breast. Bear in mind too - the first one to three days are the ultimate nourishment of breast feeding - when the baby gets all the immunities and "mama goodness" so don't feel guilty.
Keep trying and good luck ! : ) It's worth it.

Hi S.,
A lot of the hard core breast feeders will tell you to never give up... I think you have to go with your instincts. My first daughter I nursed for 6 months (went back to work after 12 weeks), after 3 months of pumping my supply just couldnt keep up so I had to stop. With my second I have been at home with her since day one and she would scream and cry when I would feed her. Sometimes she would nurse fine, other times was a full on scream fest as soon as the milk would start to let down really good but she would generally drink pretty good from a bottle. All of the lactation nurses told me not to give her a bottle and she will nurse when she gets hungry enough. Well I'm not going to just let my child scream and cry when I know she's hungry and will take a bottle so I opted to just switch to a bottle after 2 months. You have to do what makes you feel comfortable. Nursing is a wonderful thing to do for your child and creates a great bond, but I know for a fact that I have just as strong a bond with my second daughter as I do with my first so other snuggling and cuddling works just as well! Good Luck!!!

Hi S.!

I breastfed my son (22 months old) until he was a year and it was as easy as pie. I have now been breastfeeding my daughter for almost 5 months and it has been work! We are now in the process of weaning her and switching to formula. I did have surgery shortly after she was born so I think that contributed to our problems. My philosophy on breastfeeding is simple...if Mom is not happy, baby is not happy and makes for an unhappy breastfeeding pair. If you have tried this long and it just isn't working for you, then stop. You don't need to justify it to anyone. You know what is best for you and your baby and formula is not bad for her! You have already given her a HUGE bonus start to life by nursing for this long! Way to go and good luck with your decision! I hope this helps.

Hi S.,
Adjusting to a new first baby is so much work. Who would have thought, huh? I have had four kids and breastfed each one, and each one was very different. The fact that your little one is latching on and staying there is GREAT. Many people, even some lactation consultants think that if the baby takes a pumped bottle afterwards it's ok. Your body is producing milk and your baby is the best pump. Supplimenting her will only teach her to prefer the bottle. She will drink the bottle faster because it's easier. My first son nursed so peacefully and soooo slowly. About 45 minutes of nursing every 1 1/2 hours...that's 12 hours a day of nursing!!! When he turned 2 months, my milk came in a little stronger and his meals were a little quicker, then again at 4 months, he started taking even bigger meals. By 8 months, he was downing about 10 ounces in 10 minutes. It gets better, these precious early weeks are all about eating and sleeping, and while you are feeding her, you are bonding more than anyone else in the world with her and you will look back and treasure these moments lounged on the couch nursing and nursing. You need the rest and you two need the time together. Keep at it. You will adjust and can successully pump while at work to keep giving her the great nutrition that is perfect for her and for your body as well. Call la leche league for help. The ladies there LOVE to call you and be there for you if you need someone to talk to. I found that the hospital consultants had very poor information. Your concern says you are a great mom and you can do it. Breastfeeding is easier, but it's also harder. Many people quit early because it gets so difficult during those exhausting early months, but within a few short months, you two will be experts, nursing effectively and anywhere you need to without feeling stressed or nervous. i would drop the bottles, she may be hungry for a few hours and will power nurse to get your body to produce more, but that's how babies get your breasts to adjust to their ever changing needs. It's amazing how they know. They will have a fussy day and seem to be nursing on an off all day and then the next day you will have a bigger milk supply and they will be back to nursing less often. BF babies this age nurse for 30-45 minutes every 90-120 minutes.

S. - Don't think about all the things you are not doing with your daughter because you will have plenty of time to do those later. Enjoy breastfeeding, it will get easier, your daughter will get faster. Realize that the closeness you are experiencing while breastfeeding is something you can't get back (easily) once you switch to bottles. Plus, the health benefits for your daughter far outway anything else ~ Yes, the breastmilk is great but there is also a lot to be said for a child who is latched on. Some experts say these children will feel more secure.

Enjoy this time because it only happens for a little while when you compare it to their life span.

I am still nursing my two year old and believe it or not, I and every other mother who I have asked says that their children all constantly nursed for excessively long periods of time at that age. It took a little time but my son gradually got better at it, and would nurse for less time. He actually went through a phase where he would only nurse for like five minutes but wanted to nurse like every thirty minutes. It's just something that takes some work. But, the good news is, believe it or not you ARE getting some good quality time with your baby. It may not seem like it but as the baby gets older you'll realize just how precious that nursing time is. I am soooo thankful that I am still nursing my son, it is VERY special to both of us. I didn't realize just how special until after we got through the hard part of it, which I would say was after he was eating a good amount of solid food. But, every child is different and so is every mother, only you can say what is too much for you, and don't feel guilty whatever that may be. A lot of moms don't even make it to the five week mark, you're doing good, keep your head up. :)

Hi S.:

While I agree with the majority of the posts that breastmilk is best, let me share my story with you. I desperately tried to breastfeed my son but we could just never get things worked out. He had some breathing problems at birth and was whisked away to special care and I wasn't even able to hold him until the next day - it certainly wasn't the best start to breastfeeding and things continued to go downhill. However, I was adamant that he would get breast milk so I rented a hospital grade pump and spent the first 3 months of his life pumping, feeding, cleaning up all the pieces, trying to breasfeed, and repeating the cycle. I began to dread the pump as it really confined me...at least you can breastfeed in public if you want to get out of the house but I had to be pumping every 2-3 hrs, and in between doing all the other things I mentioned. My "aha" moment came one day when he was about 10 weeks and just wouldn't nap and I desperately needed to pump. Finally, I put him in the bouncy chair in front of me and rocked him with my foot and he screamed the whole time while I sat there crying because I was connected to the stupid breast pump and not able to comfort my baby. I started weaning myself off the pump that day and can tell you I felt better about the whole situtation immediately. Only you can make the call but if you really feel that you are missing out on precious time with your daughter and you are unhappy, there is no shame in feeding formula. I became a much better mom when I stopped pumping because I was happy and I could spend time just cuddling and enjoying my son rather than feeling like I spent all my time feeding and pumping. By the way, he is a very bright, happy, and healthy 2 year old today!