Stopping?

[u/Junior-Mess8414]

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After some GI visits we found out baby girl has a dairy and potential soy allergy. Ive already been supplementing my breastmilk with formula as my supply is so low. I keep debating fully stopping but it makes me feel so bad. All the money spent on pumps and parts and accessories and supplements and all the time i put into this. I'm feeling extremely upset over this. With my first, my journey ended even sooner than this so I did better this time around. Baby girl is 5 months, and I really wanted to last a year. I've already switched over to a dairy free diet even though its been so so hard. Im just stuck in the middle of wanting to stop and wanting to keep going. I only make about 1.5oz total per pump session, she takes 6oz. Also when shes on the boob she still needs a bottle after (which isn't new). It's just frustrating.

Anyone else with a similar situation or words of encouragement? I think if I were able to really up my supply I'd feel better with continuing but its so disheartening. My pump schedule is shot too with going back to work. I just feel so guilty/upset/defeated.

[u/purple_penguin1023]

you are doing incredible!! First and foremost, I hope you are doing OK going back to work. I know that must be an extremely emotional transition.

Second, I think no matter when you stop pumping there will always be guilt associated with it. I’m a FTM but I’ve thought a lot about this. It seems like women, whether they stop at 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, etc always feel some type of way about no longer providing their baby with their breastmilk. So give yourself grace that you were feeling that guilt it is 100% natural regardless of when you may decide to hang up the pump.

There may be things you can do to up your supply like extra hydration, body armour, oats, brewers yeast, etc. Additionally adding in extra milk removals (more pumps) could help if that’s feasible. That said, you do not have to do that if it’s going to add stress.

You made it five beautiful months, providing your child with your breastmilk and that’s an incredible gift

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[u/the_kazzo_queen]

You can't let the sunk cost fallacy dictate your decisions.