Time to Stop Breastfeeding, Please Help.

Hi,

Are you sure breastfeeding is contraindicated with the medicine you need to take? The majority of providers are ill informed about breastfeeding, they get very little (if any) education about breastfeeding in med school, so tend to give a blanket recomendation of weaning. Have you looked at the book or asked your provider to check Medications and Mothers Milk by Dr Thomase Hale ? He has a website that is quite informative also. http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/index.html
There is a huge developmental leap (Fussy stage!) between 5-6mths, and changes, especially big ones like weaning and you starting work are going to very difficult on a your baby around this time. Check out this website for great info about fussy stages. http://www.geocities.com/hedracita/Fussy_Stages.html
I'm sure you know (if your medication proves safe or if there is an alternative) that breastfeeding doesn't have to be all or nothing. Your baby can get formula during the day (if you can't or dont' want to pump) and still nurse when you are with her, your body will adjust to the new schedule. When you do wean, try to avoid a fussy stage, and also try cutting out one feeding a week, starting with the feeding your daughter is least dependent on. Good luck!

well, sorry to hear your going through this, there isn't a whole lot you can do. I know it's hard when it's your baby though. However it's better to stop then to continue and be on a medicine that could harm your pride and joy!:) maybe you can just focus on the positives of it, at least your husband will get to share in on the wonderful bonding experiences of feeding your little one when your unable too, and your daughter will not, I repeat, will not in anyway remember this or resent you in anyway I assure you lol.... I know being a new mom, things like that cross your mind, at least that's how I was when my daughter was that age. It shows your a great mom for worrying about it. good luck and congrats on the new job, your bundle of joy will adjust quicker then you expect. :)

She will probably take a bottle from anyone other than you better than she will for you (she can smell your milk). She will probably do ok at daycare.

I took me two weeks to wean completely. I went down a feeding each day. Try to pump a little to relieve the engorgement. It will get better each day.

Hey L., S. from East Lansing
Hope its not to late, but get a pump and pump safe breast milk for your daughter, that way you know that she is getting the best and you can feel better about taking the med that is important for you. Just thought I pass along my advice...:)

I second the advice to continue nursing especially since it will be a big change for your daughter when you go back to work. Here's another website from the AAP about the safety of drugs during breastfeeding: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/ped...

If the medication is not safe, why not ask your doctor to prescribe one that is? If you absolutely must take the medication, you have the option of pumping and dumping for the duration.

I breast fed my first daughter for six months and was just ready to stop after that. I know that all children are different but for me weening was a piece of cake.I started her on Carnation formula and that was the only formula she would take.I think it was because it has a sweet taste like breast milk. And I use a particular nipple by I think Playtex and that was the only nipple she would take. If youre interested in my advice, just send me a message and I willl get a definate name of the nipple. I like the other ladies would encourage you to keep breastfeeding whan you can.

Dear L., I was interested to read your story here, as I am for all of the breast feeding related items. (I am a Lactation Consultant.) I was really interested to hear of which medication you have been prescribed. I would highly encourage you to continue with your breast feeding, as you are able. Your baby will benefit, as will you, if you are in any way able to continue, even if only for part of the time. If not, I can give you more ideas on how to gradually wean. J. C.

So sorry to hear you have to quit nursing. Try getting the bottles that are breast shaped, hold the bottle as close to your chest as you can and turn her inward the same way you do when nursing. Nursing is such a bond for mom and babe, she may just feel insecure with the bottle. Also when bottle feeding try coo-ing at her, talking gently reassuring her that it's okay. If she doesn't take to it right away, don't push for it, just give her a few minutes. Best of luck, let us know how it turns out.

Do you want to stop breastfeeding? Have you tried pumping? If you still want to continue for as long as you can, pumping is the way to go. Especially if you are feeling engorged. Over time your supply will decrease but for now you can feed her naturally by breast when you are with her and you can pump when you are away from her which will make you feel better and continue the health benefits for her. Good luck!