I wrote this advice in late 2007 but never published it. I believe it is still valid, so here goes.

I wanted to let those who bottle-feed their youngsters know that they are doing just fine by their baby. I understand that 'breast is best' but there are

not always times when it is practical or easy to 'do the right thing'.

My milk dried up before Jasmine was three months old and even though I called the local health area nurse, Tresillian and the Breastfeeding Mothers Organisation, all I was told was to persevere and the milk would come back. Poor Jasmine went hungry for a couple of days before I decided enough was enough and got formula for her. Suddenly, no more problem and baby was no longer constantly hungry.

Just rememer, the more 'paranoid' you are that it is not happening properly for you, even after loads of advice and knowing that baby latches on correctly, the more likely you are to lose the milk. If it takes more than a minute or so to 'let down', then there is probably cause for concern.

Another thing - remember that you cannot produce milk unless you are feeding yourself correctly - this includes all normal foods as well as plenty of fluids. I think this may be where my personal problem lay as I have not had an appetite for many years now and find it hard to even to remember to eat a lot of the time, let alone enough for baby to be able to feed properly.

Anyway, Jasmine went on the bottle at just before three months and she has followed all her growth charts appropriately - no problems at all.

Don't feel guilty and don't feel pressured - do what you feel is right for yourself and baby!!!

Kelly

PS - My son also went to the bottle at three months and he is a healthy, happy and well developed fifteen year old now.