Well as some of you know i've struggled with BF from the start despite being to drop in's and having 2 BF councillors over to help.

I was going to BF am and PM and FF during the day but even thats not working. Lily feeds for about 10mins a time, doesn't have a full feed in the a.m and is now refusing a long feed at bedtime...i put her down...she cries until i feed her again! HV says that baby's just feed on demand...but at over 6 months surely there should be some sort of pattern in place?

I feel so sad at the thought of giving up as i feel really connected to her but i'm struggling to fit BF in between work and study so then i start to feel guilty that i'm giving up for the wrong reason...but then i think its better to have a happy mummy rather than one whos stressed and upset...i think too much!

I feel all over the place but part of me feels like i need to get feeding routine sorted before i can get any other routine / life back in order!

I know there's not a miracle answer but needed to offload x

hey hope your okay. you shouldnt feel guilty (easier said than done right!) but like you say its better that you are more relaxed and not stressed ot whatever you decide. Ciara got to 6 weeks with her weight going up and down but never over her birth weight...so i was totally stressing about that because she was feeding every 2 hours...so now she is mixed fed and allthough i felt terribly guilty to begin with...seeing her grow and change has made it all worth it and i know that formula is what she needed...i still BF before every feed and often in between (because she wants it and i love the bonding side). You could try giving her 10 minutes on the breast and then top her up with formula...that has worked well for us...(and it keeps her happy and fed while the bottle is cooling.)

awww hun (hug) well please don't feel guilt (I know thats easier said than done) but you have given Lily the best start you possibly could & you have done everything in your power to do that!!

Is this a recent thing that Lily is having shorter feeds? I ask as Roo has been a real begger this last week or so which I am assuming is the heat and some more teething

Not sure what other advise to give you other than if you wish to continue perhaps run with her schedule for now?

good luck & you know where I am if you want a chat (perhaps we can arrange a coffee when the schools break up?)

Sarah
xxx

Thanks for your replies x

Hi Sarah...no lily has always been a pain...feeding has always been hit and miss but i did used to get a long feed at bedtime.

I'm sticking to bf am and pm and expressing after to keep milk supply up alittle then ff during day. I gave her a bottle today and it made me cry as she took it so well. If i could i'd just use EBM it wouldn't be too bad but i've been expressing since being back at work i get 3oz out in 30mins!

I never thought i'd feel so sad about giving up bf. I just like the bond i have with her and knowing i'm giving the best milk possible.

I guess as a positive i've lasted this long which is still a benefit.

Would be lovely to catch up over the summer. Would get to see your lovely girls too. Thanks for listening xx