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Breastfeeding? When is it ok to stop?

Posted June 26, 2013 - 5:05pm
I have a 5 month old son, and I have been breastfeeding him the entire time. I am really struggling with the idea of stopping breastfeeding at 6 months. I have read so much online about attachment and bonding, but I going back to work soon and not sure if its the right time to stop because of me going to work? What should I do?
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Suzanne.KITH
Do you want to stop, or are you concerned about being able to breastfeed when you go back to work? If you're feeling like it's time to switch to formula, that's 100% your decision (and 5 months of breastfeeding is a really great accomplishment). But if you're conflicted, remember that it doesn't need to be all or nothing. Depending on your work situation, you could always pump, or if that isn't in the cards, use formula while you're away at work and nurse when you are home with your baby. The bonding and attachment will happen with or without breastfeeding - you're his mom, you love him, and spending time with him, doing skin to skin, etc, making feeding times special- can all be done with a bottle as well as a breast. But if breastfeeding is something you are enjoying, and you want to continue, there is no reason you shouldn't continue- even if it's a situation where combo feeding makes it possible. Good luck, mama- the back to work transition can be hard, I know!

traceykdan
Here's a video that might help!

Haymalz

Here's a video that might help. It has advice about this specific issue. 


SuperDuperMom

Honestly, don't feel pressured to do one thing or the other. It's a good idea to consider all the options. I don't breastfeed my son anymore and he is 6 months old. Everything seems to be going fine so hopefully that is some positive encouragment!


sunnykathleen

Congratulations on breastfeeding for 5 months!! Depending on your schedule you could pump when you wake up and when you go to bed and then supplement breastmilk with formula. Either way, don't feel guilty if you are unable to. You gave your child a wonderful head start with 5 solid months of your milk. Take care


Hallz105

The choice is a very personal one.  You have to do what feels right to you.  It sounds like you aren't ready to stop.  You have choices!  You can pump at work and nurse morning and night or you can supplement with formula and just take nursing down to a couple of times per day.  Before I weaned my first child I was down to just nursing before bed.


Your Kid's Table

It's so hard as parents to find the balance sometimes. There may be a way for you to do both formula and nursing for a while so that it is an easier transition for you. I was able to do  the whole year with my three, but had an extrememly flexible work schedule that allowed me to easily do that. Wishing you the best!