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