Should I Stop Nursing? Please Help!

Updated on May 25, 2008
J.J. asks from Cleveland, OH
4 answers

Thinking about stopping for two reasons...what would you do?

1. My 3 month old son has been nursing (almost) exclusively since birth. He receives formula whenever we're away for a few hours or sometimes I've supplemented with formula. Problem is, he doesn't poop regularly and hasn't since 6-7 weeks! I've gone to the pediatrician and spoken to others who say that breastfed babies may not go regularly. This last time, he went an entire week and I finally gave him a baby suppository (per doc recommendation). I've also tried giving him juice, which has worked once before. I am returning to work next week and I was planning to pump, but he would also be receiving formula during the day. I am Im thinking that if I switch to formula all together, he will have regular poops. What do you think?

2. Since his birth, I never COMPLETELY stopped bleeding. Although there was no major bleeding, I would see some VERY light (brownish in clolor) blood when I used the bathroom.. I spoke to the OB/GYN and he said that some people may have their periods, even while nursing. Well, yesterday, the brown turned red I have been spotting. This concerns me because I don't think this should be happening while Im nursing. It makes me think that something else may be wrong inside. So again, I think maybe this is another reason to stop nursing because Im thinking that if I stop nursing, the spotting will stop and I will just go back to having regular periods. What do you think?

I am almost there...I bought the cabbage leaves and am ready to call it quits...please help!

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J.L.

answers from Cleveland on

OK, stop stressing. I can not really help you with the breast feeding info, my son was not really into it, and since he lost a lot of weight due to his laziness, it only lasted for seven weeks.

Anyway, if you feel that you are ready and your body seems to agree, stop. You have given him three months of great nutrition and love and it is ok to stop. People will berate you for stopping saying that it is the best thing for your baby, but if it is not working for you, it is not working for him.

I look at my perfect formula fed, ultra-healthy, happy, baby and say that formula is good, and sanity is important.

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S.P.

answers from Cleveland on

as far as the pooping goes, we went through the same thing with my daughter, she pooped once a week and was happy until right before going. She would get gassy and uncomfortable but otherwise she was okay. Per Dr. we tried Culturelle brand (he was specific about brand) probiotic and she has never had a problem since. Ask your Dr. look at the package (CVS or any pharmacy).
I have heard formula constipates many babies.

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H.G.

answers from Cleveland on

The nursing probably has nothing to do with the spotting. Ask your dr. about an ultrasound. I had spotting after my second child and they were concerned about retained tissue from the delivery (a hunk of placenta or whatever). Maybe having a look-see inside will get you some answers or set your mind at ease.

Keep nursing as long as you feel you should. Working/spotting/pooping are not contraidications for nursing.

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J.M.

answers from Cleveland on

hi,
i wouldn't worry so much. my little one has never been a big pooper. also, if you are worried about his tummy then i would stick with the breastmilk. formula fed infants suffer more from constipation than breastfed babies and this could only worsen his problem. that being said, did he receive any formula during the week he didn't poop?
i would stick to breastfeeding especially since you are going back to work because it will be a great way to make up for lost time during the day and to give your little guy some extra tlc. In fact, it could be quite difficult for him to adjust to no breastfeeding and mommy being away.
definitly would not quit because of the spotting. they may not even be related.

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