Hi all,

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the correct place - sorry if I'm not...

My DS is 7 weeks old and I have been BFing exclusively until now. I haven't really had any real issues with feeding and really enjoy the fact that I'm able to give my little boy the best start in life.

I have rheumatoid arthritis and before we started trying to conceive I had to come off my meds for a number of months and stay off them while pg and BFing. Although this was difficult, I managed with the help of my wonderful DH. Towards the end of my pregnancy I got some relief from the disease (pregnancy can have this effect) but ever since my DS was born it has gradually become so bad again that I can no longer pick DS up to feed him during the night and early morning. My DH has had to bring him to me and change his nappy at these times. This has been difficult for him as he has to get up early for work.

After seeing my rheumatologist on Friday, I have now been forced to make the sad decision to stop BF and switch to FF so that I can go back on my meds. If I don't, not only will I have to endure the pain, I will do permanent damage to my joints and not be able to take care of DS.

I know this is the right decision to make but I feel so sad about it. I was hoping to BF for at least 6 months. I feel like I'm letting my DS down. I really feel like I'm grieving - that probably sounds silly.

I guess I'm just posting this because although my DH is supportive he doesn't fully understand how disappointed I am. I'm hoping someone here might be able to give me some support?