[plzhelpme123]

K here's a question that I can't seem to get an answer for. I have been breastfeeding for about a month and a bit and have been having problems since the start. I have had a breast infection in my right breast and am taking medication for it but doesn't really seeming to help but I do have 3 more days left of medication . My boob is really red and swollen and can't get him to latch.I have done what everyone has told me to like bath massage and what not. I have decided I want to quit breastfeeding as of today. Can I do it . I have feed my baby formula already. So he is use to the bottle. :confused:

[Bonnie46]

The "Body Shop" sells tea tree oil. It is a natural oil that has disinfectant and soothing properties. (can get at any natural / vitamin store.) If he will take the bottle, you can use that method. Best is mother's own milk though. (less expensive than formula) Flush your system out by drinking LOTS of water and make sure you are eating healthy foods - your body needs the nutrients now more than ever. I'm sorry that it hurts, but if you can flush the milk ducts out and flush the infection away, it should be smooth sailing. Do you have any vitamin E oil or vitamin A oil that you can apply to the infected area?

[plzhelpme123]

No but I plan on going and getting some. Is it okay you think just to stop nursing altogether. I know it's a better way to go but this whole month has been hell on me and I don't think I'm producing enough milk for him. I've had him at the breast for almost an hour and then gave him a bottle and he drank the whole 4 oz.

[ang8318]

Your milk is best for baby, but it is up to you whether you use formula or breast feed. You can just stop nursing and start formula whenever you want, just be careful with my son, once he was on formula, he got constipated often... no matter what kind of formula I used.

[J_9]

It's okay to stop now. Your baby has been given the most important immunities in your colostrum (before the milk comes in). Remember too that it is impossible for some women to breast feed, yet their children still grow up happy and healthy.

[asking]

The first month is the hardest. I've been there, with the sore nipples, infections etc. :(

It is up to you, but I'm thinking you are nearly to the easy part because later on it really is way easier than bottles. So I hope you'll try a little longer.

If you give him formula, you will not make enough milk though. The longer he sucks, the more milk you make. My babes nursed up to 8 hours a day when they were little--so it can be time consuming. If you can't do that, do what you need to do.
Take care. I know this is a tough time for you.