"Dear Breastfeeding, we might break up with you..."

Dear Breastfeeding, my baby and I might have to break up with you. It’s not you, it’s us. You just don’t work for us.

You see, physically we DO work. But us being together is an emotional, torturous, right royal pain in the ass. So this could be goodbye.

Our time together hasn’t been wonderful. It has been full of pain. While we got together for all the right reasons, and it worked initially, maintaining our relationship has been tough.

My baby girl has reflux and constant wind. Every time we’re with you, it takes a good hour and a half to get the job done. She’s fussy, screaming, in pain and arching her back. And by the time it’s over, she needs to sleep, which means no quality time for her and I because we spend all our time with you.

As you know, over the last three months I’ve tried everything from diet changes to specialists, natural remedies and various techniques. But still, being with you continues to be torture, as are the after effects. And with a 19 month old toddler around as well, logistically it’s a nightmare. He sees how hard the process is and gets upset by it. Not the mention the fact that it’s ten times worse when we’re out and about.

WATCH the clip below for some breastfeeding tips...

The thing is, I do love you. The first time around, with my first baby, I didn’t make the most of the bonding you can give. This time I’ve loved the closeness and skin on skin time you give my baby and I. I love her mannerisms after having a beautifully long and satisfying time with you. I love how convenient you are and how when I’m packing meals, snacks and drinks for my toddler you’re literally all I need for my bub.

I’m still willing to give you a chance. Some days, we get along great. But others are very emotional and have us in constant tears.

So this could be bye bye. Call me slack for even considering this. Mums that couldn’t be with you at all will probably hate on me and many breastfeeding advocates would question me. Yes, I know that ‘breast is best’ - but what if breast just doesn’t work best for you, your bub and your whole family?

I know that on the bottle my baby is happier and life with my two under 19 months is just simpler. Mr Bottle means less stress, less tears, and less time my toddler is stuck watching TV or playing on his own.

At the end of the day, us mums need to do what works for our babies and our family. A happy baby and happy mummy equals a happy family life. Breast is preferable, yes, but FED is better.

How did you know it was time to stop breastfeeding?