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It sounds like you're already kind of set on formula based on your last question about how long to wait before doing so. If you are really already set, just switch now. There is absolutely nothing wrong with formula and if you are really so miserable and hating BFing so much, then it would totally be worth switching now, IMO because you being happier and less stressed is very important at such an early stage.
However, MY personal experience. The first week and a half, I hated it too. I was pumping a little bit, just in case it got too overwhelming for me and DH had to take him to feed him. Which I can assure you did happen. I felt sad and upset that I was getting so frustrated and NEEDING to pass him off, but ultimately it truly helped.
Around 2wks I hated it less, but my nipples still were super tender and when my LO would latch it would be a seering pain.
Then the 3wk growth spurt came and I was happier BFing, but still had a couple breakdowns. My nips weren't as tender but LO's initial latch still hurt.
We are now at 5wks and I haven't had to offer a bottle in a long time, I only pump to stash it away for when I go back to work. I've started nursing in public. My nipples aren't as tender and I hardly feel LO at my breast anymore.
We aren't quite to where it's "magical" like so many women say, but my LO actually makes eye contact with me while nursing now, so that's cool. And he grabs my necklace and bracelet which I love. I will point out that both of these could be accomplished through FFing too. But it is what I focus on when a BF session is goin less than ideal.
If I knew at 2wks what I know now, I would have slept a lot easier. It's a lot harder to believe when others say "I promise it gets better" when it really hurts so bad and its frustrating. My LO always knew how to latch but in the beginning it would take him 30minutes to realize that was what he was supposed to do. So he was starving and bawling and I was bawling. And leaking all over the place.
I know I'm rambling. Basically, it sucks in the beginning. I think most would agree that it does get better eventually. BUT there is definitely something to say for a mom's health and happiness and if you aren't happy, then do what you gotta do and know that there is nothing wrong with going either way.
If you want to continue BFing, make small goals. Say,"let's make it past the 3wk growth spurt" then if you still hate it, or if you are hating it less then "I'm going to nurse until my 6wk pp visit and see how I feel", etc etc.
One last thing. You could pump.
Hugs. It really is hard and NOT as natural as I thought it'd be or as easy as everyone makes it out to be.
Ok. I'm done. I hope I helped though.
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