QUESTION:

“It’s my first child and I’ve been breastfeeding for six months already. I am slowly introducing pureed food, but when can I give up breastfeeding? I’m really tired and would appreciate some help, plus I don’t want to feel guilty about stopping too early”

ANSWERS:

Tracey J.

As a mum who full time pumps for my baby, do what you feel is best for you. WHO recommends up to 2yrs. I haven’t been able to bf ant of my 3 girls and expressed for 4 months for my first 2 and almost 6 months currently for my third. If you can manage up to 1 yr you’d be better off then you won’t need to use formula.

Leanne K.

Do what is right for you. There are plenty of good formulas out there. If you’re not healthy then that becomes a serious problem. I couldn’t breast feed my boy due to a medical reason. He’s 13 now and careening towards 6ft with bones of steel. Good luck. Get some rest.

Marcia B.

Do what feels right for you. If you force yourself to keep breastfeeding then you risk developing resentment towards your baby. Baby needs your love and to feel secure, if that means you bottle feed then so be it. Remember that when it comes to Breast vs Bottle the reality is Fed is Best.

Katrina H.

You have given your baby 6months on Breast milk and that’s fantastic. But it is completely up to you whether you continue or stop breastfeeding. Your baby will be just as healthy on Formula and solid foods. What is most important is for both mum and baby to be happy. There is no need to feel any guilt with any decisions you make, because whatever you decide IS what is BEST for you and your baby. So best of luck! And just enjoy being a mum to you much loved little baby

Kritin M.

You can stop whenever you like.
My first was put onto bottles at 6 weeks because no one picked up she was tongue tied and I dried up.
My youngest was put on special script formula at 9 weeks old because my milk didn’t agree with her as she had cows milk protien intolerance.

Melinda B.

You do what is best for you, the choice is yours, don’t worry about what others think.

With my kids I was only able to breastfeed until 3 months and 4 months respectively, and then had to formula feed them until 12 months.

Sheree S.

You do what’s best for you because ultimately if your not happy Bub will know. You need to be in the beat place you can be mentally and emotionally and if breastfeeding isn’t getting you in that place then don’t feel guilted into breast feeding, there’s some amazing formula around now!

Becka S.

You can do what ever you like… i had constant supply issuies and gave up at 12 weeks.

Reannyn D.

I had to stop at 3 months because going back to work full time was not agreeing with my supply. It is most certainly up to you when you stop maybe start by mixing it up with breast and bottle and eventually just bottle and express if you need.
No such thing as stopping too early i think. P.s i now have a very happy and healthy 4year old x

Shannon M.

do whats best for you. breast feed, expressed milk and bottle feed or formula feed. 6 months is a great effort and giving them 6 months of boob is nothing to feel guilty about.

Maria O.

I highly recommend The Milk Meg. great advice, great support, great information. you need to do what is best for you both <3 you got this!

Jessie F.

Whilst WHO guidelines recommend 2 years, how have to do what is right for you.
For some mums that is feeding until baby self weans for others it’s transitioning at 1yo and others wean earlier for personal reasons and transition to formula as milk should remain babies primary food until 1yo.

Kathleen B.

Babies still need nutrients in breast milk or formula for minimum 12 months, expressing or making bottles is next, i had difficulties producing milk with my first (nothing after 2 weeks) and only had milk for 4 months with 2nd, 3rd breastfed for 16 months.
Its a personal decision and whatever makes mum and bub happy is best, i have known mums that refused to breastfed from the start and i have known mums still feeding at 2yrs, dont let anyone tell you that your decision is wrong or bad – its crap – all our kids end up the same.

Teasaidh A.

With my first I could only do 6 weeks. With my second 12 weeks. With my 3rd 5 months. I’ve worked full time with all my children n this is what I could allow time wise. You don’t have to Brest feed. It’s up to you what you do.

Christine T.

With my first I could only do 6 weeks. With my second 12 weeks. With my 3rd 5 months. I’ve worked full time with all my children n this is what I could allow time wise. You don’t have to Brest feed. It’s up to you what you do.

Louise M.

You’ll need to give either formula or breastmilk until 1. Then you can start introducing cows milk. If you are over breastfeeding then give the bottle a go. Mine wouldn’t take a bottle though.

Jess D.

The right time is determined by you the mum and your bub. Sometimes they wean before you’re ready, sometimes you choose that they need to wean. It’s your decision. But if they are under 1, give them formula rather than cows milk if you choose that route.

Monica T.

You don’t HAVE too hun. But if you stop you WILL have to give formula till bub is one. Because they need the nutrients in formula or BM till 1.

Do you have a question you would like answered from our FB community?

Message us on Facebook or email mail@cherubbaby.com.au – you can remain anonymous