Breastfeeding pain: I've stopped but is it likely to harm my baby?

I've had to give up breastfeeding my new baby after only a few days because it hurts so much, but I feel very guilty. Is my inability to breastfeed likely to harm my baby?

Pain is one of the main reasons women stop breastfeeding. Pain is most common three to seven days into breastfeeding, so you're not alone. It usually happens because your baby isn't positioned and latched effectively, which can also lead to a decreased supply.

'Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed your baby for the first six months and restarting breastfeeding after a gap is possible'

Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended way to feed your baby for the first six months of life and restarting breastfeeding after a short gap is possible if you wish. However, deciding not to breastfeed will not harm your baby.

But good hygiene is important when preparing a formula feed, and follow your baby's hunger signals and recognise that they've had enough.

Feeling guilty is, unfortunately, reported by many mothers who stop breastfeeding early. Our recently published study found that up to eight in 10 mothers felt guilty about their decision to top-up or swap from breast to bottle.

Breastfeeding is one component of parenting and there are many other factors which influence your baby's health and development, including your emotional wellbeing.

Sophia Komninou, a university lecturer on infant and child public health

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