First things first, you're a GREAT mum, hun. Breastfeeding certainly does not come naturally or easily to a huge number of us, and in my mind any success is still a great success! You've juggled some huge obstacles and I know that this decision has been a very, very difficult one for you, but it feels like it might be a wise one. Sometimes it's not worth doing what's 'right' when that thing is in fact interfering with your relationship with your baby, and your mindset sounds very familiar to me - I've been there twice, and both times the switch to formula was the right one for me and my babies. I'm grateful that I made it to 5 months with DD2, but we've been FFing (with one or two BFs a day) for a month now and things are awesome - and the difference between you and I is that BFing was really easy for me, right from the get-go (the reason we switched was that DD2 just didn't seem to want boobie anymore, she still likes a little one at night to put her to sleep but LOVES her bottles now)! So I understand that you feel bad for making this choice, but seriously, you know what is right and I know all of us here are supporting you no matter what you choose. You've given it a bloody good go, you've sacrificed a lot to give your baby the best start, and you deserve a huge pat on the back for that Sometimes it just doesn't work out, and you shouldn't ever beat yourself up about it.
From my own personal experience, I used S26 (Gold with DD1, but am on a serious budget this time so just the regular stuff for DD2). They were both good-sized babies from the start and DD1 whacked on heaps of weight, but DD2 is just as much a fatty on boob juice as DD1 ever was so I don't think it makes a great deal of difference. It won't make a difference either which brand you choose, just be prepared for a BF'd baby to either reject formula at the start (causing you lots of tears over worry about her not feeding), or she'll take to it like a duck to water (especially if BFing has been stressful or difficult... but then be prepared to feel rejected and terribly upset that she prefers a bottle to her mummy! She still loves you, and will love a more relaxed you!). Then there are issues of constipation, wind, and tummy-aches caused by the switch, but please rest assured, these will sort themselves out within a couple of weeks so while you may have times when you think difficult BFing was in fact easier, it WILL get better
Best of luck with it hun, keep us posted on how you go with the switch, and know that we are sooo proud of you for trying so hard despite all the obstacles! You've done a fantastic job, now settle back and enjoy being able to feed your baby without unnecessary pain and suffering
You sound like an amazing mum to have gotten so far, well done. You have given your baby an amazing boost to their health and wellbeing by breastfeeding and should be commended. Please do not feel guilty about switching to formula. It is not a terrible thing, it is a good alternative when you cannot breastfeed for whatever reason.
There is no reason to have medication to dry up your milk. You will feel uncomfortable and full for a few days but this will pass. Try expressing a tiny amount to relieve the discomfort, but not too much or the engorgement will not pass. And remember that if you feel better once your nipples have had a few days to heal that it is very possible to re lactate if you want to. You may find it easier to have occasional feeds with your baby once the pressure is off, so to speak, and breastfeeding can be about fun and bonding rather than anxiety and pain.
Hun, I'm sorry to hear that you are still having so much pain I think you are really amazing for putting up with the pain for so long. That is really courageous. Making the decision to formula feed is totally understandable and you shouldn't feel bad for making the decision that is right for you and your family. At this point you can make that decision knowing that you did all you could to bf for as long as possible, and that you put up with a lot of pain to do so. That is really something to be proud of, and I hope it is enough for you to be able to switch without guilt.
Definitely give yourself the chance to heal and see how you feel about it in a few days. Many women have used formula just to get them through a rough patch and even just having a day ot two where you know you don't have to BF can do amazing things for you emotional state and give you a chance to try again.
That sounds like a good idea. Maybe after a bit of expressing you might find your nipples heal and you may want to try again.
BF'ing can be so hard to begin with, if you do manage to get past the rocky-ness at the beginning it does get easier. I had bleeding cracks and so much pain for about the first 8 weeks, i really sympathies, it was horrible, toe curling pain and i didn't look forward to feeding at all. But down the track i was very grateful to still be able to BF. It made my life much easier at times.
If it doesn't work out for you, that's ok too.
Regardless, how ever you chose to feed your baby is certainly no indication of how 'good' you are as a mother. So what ever path you choose, be happy with it and don't feel guilty.
no one can tell you what is best because you are her mum and you know.. I would totally do formula if I felt V needed it eve if it was just about the emotional relationship with her and I.
Good luck with whatever you do...When I was comp feeding I was using nan ha on recommendation from the hospital.
Sorry, one handed typing is not my forte....On another note take care of you too and I hope your bbs feel better
I was in a similar situation my little man and i just couldn't get it to work, I was so sore and he was so hungry and we would both end up in tears. So I stopped feeding him at 4 weeks old and expressed until he turned 5 months old (to the day)....and now that i have stopped expressing I am a much happier mum and in turn have a happier baby. Whilst i was expressing i was also giving him one bottle of formula a day to get him through the night and he was happy to go between both, my mchn recommended Nan Ha1 as apparently this tastes similar to BM and easy to digest....he is happy with either and hasn't had any problems with his tummy.
With the next bub if i have the same problems with BFing I will not hesitate with using formula as i missed out on a lot of cuddles whilst expressing...but i still have BF envy when i see other mum's successfully BFing.
Sometimes it just doesn't work out, and you shouldn't ever beat yourself up about it.
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I think you are really amazing for putting up with the pain for so long. That is really courageous. Making the decision to formula feed is totally understandable and you shouldn't feel bad for making the decision that is right for you and your family. At this point you can make that decision knowing that you did all you could to bf for as long as possible, and that you put up with a lot of pain to do so. That is really something to be proud of, and I hope it is enough for you to be able to switch without guilt. 
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