I'm Not Ready to Stop Breastfeeding.

I think it's great to breastfeed, but if it's stressing you out, or you are unable to get your milk supply where you feel it is enough, don't beat yourself up about using a bottle. I breastfed all 3 of mine, and with my last, she went on strike for a few weeks, and I ended up just switching to formula. I was nervous about it, but it turned out that she started gaining weight, and she hasn't been sick. If you are dead set on nursing, then I would talk to a lactation consultant. I am pretty sure that there are ways to increase your milk supply. It will just take diligence on your part :) Good luck!

I took a week vacation when I was still nursing my first son. I just brought my pump with me and pumped at the times I normally breastfed him to keep my supply up. It worked out fine. Don't worry just bring your pump. You'll both know when the time is right to stop nursing.

Its okay to give in and give formula. My first daughter was in the hospital for a week. She refused to nurse. I did pump but i was getting stressed out and I did dry out by 6mo. With my second child, complete opposite, refuses the bottle. As long as i drink 20oz of water about every hour I am good to nurse all day and night. Try and relax and know if you have to give up, that formula is okay, many babies are on fomula and turn out just fine. IF you are going on a baby free vacation, enjoy your time with your hubby.

You will have to pump while on vacation to keep the milk flow comming,,
Remember to enjoy yourself and have fun, Its not the end of the world if you cant breast feed anymore after your trip. She has had it for 6 months that is wonderful,,,some moms like me can only breast feed for the first couple weeks...So you are doing great...
The more you pump or breast feed the more milk you will produce, you should have her feed off you first then finish off with a bottle if you are empty and she is still hungry...

Like Tara said, bring your pump with you to keep up the supply and avoid getting uncomfortable. You can also pump and leave milk for the baby . It will keep in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
I had a tough time quiting both times, I know it's best for them but let's face it......it was really the fact that they needed me and only me . It's the only thing that only Mommy can do for them, and that was very hard to give up .
Try to think about the freedom you will have when you "get your boobs back", lol. And don't beat yourself up if you do stop, love her tons and feed her good healthy food and she will be just fine.

if you pump while you are away you should continue to produce milk so you would be able to resume nursing once you returned.

I nursed my son untill he was one (thats not a brag.) so i understand that you only want the best for your little girl. do what you can and if you cant just remember that YOU TRIED! there are some moms that just go right to formula once the baby is born and never even try to breast feed.

I wish you luck and enjoy your vaca,
K.

If you are very diligent about pumping while you are away it will probably help you continue to breastfeed when you return. That said, don't make yourself feel guilty (or let others!) if you just don't have the energy for it anymore. I too tried EVERYTHING to breastfeed my daughter, but after 4 months or so my milk supply dissappeared anyway. I felt really dissappointed and guilty and some other people and moms added to my guilt by telling me I just wasn't trying hard enough. It was awful! There is a lot of pressure right now for moms to breastfeed no matter what. It seems like people just won't accept that sometimes it is not physically possible. That's why formula was invented! To save babies when their moms could not breastfeed. It happens and it's not your fault. I am sure you are an awesome mom and your daughter will be fine either way. I have been giving my girl formula exclusively now for about 4 weeks. I was so scared that she would become dull and listless but she hasn't changed a bit! She is still bright and active and alert and happy as could be. Now that I have let go of the stress I have more positive energy to focus on her too, because trying to breastfeed when it's just not meant to be is exhausting! I wish you the best of luck and don't feel bad if you decide to just relax and enjoy your vacation...you and your daughter may be better for it anyway.

It's really up to you. Based on your story, you've made every attempt to ensure that your baby has the nutrition it needs whether it's breast and/or bottle. I had two boys and had different experiences with each. My first was a nightmare,the second was a breeze. As mom's we are inundated with so many opinions about what is 'right' for our babies, when truly each choice is as individual as our children. If you do decide to continue, pump, if not, know that your baby will still receive the best nutrition because Mom knows best.

Many people can relactate. You need help though and you need some time to set aside to devote to just this. You could probably get in touch with Polly from the Care Connection, on Harlem. She's a lactation Consultant and very knowledgable. Is baby coming with you on the trip? If not I suggest bringing your pump because you are going to get engorged and it will be uncomfortable.

I applaud you for realizing how truly important breastfeeding is and how valuable it is to keep it going. Although I am not a Lactation Consultant, I am training to be a breastfeeding counselor, so please feel free to contact me if you need any help. I would love to help you get back on track!

K.,
Is it possible to take your daughter with you? Very few women can get a pump to work as efficiently as a baby. It is hard to duplicate nature.
HTH,
J.