So... I dried up. And I'm not feeling the best about it. I have tried everything in the book, but I have had to mostly formula feed since he was 1 month old. I don't want the bond to end, some mornings we'll lay in bed and just nurse even though I know that he's not even getting anything. Any mommies have any advice to get me out of my funk?
Well, as a EFF mom since LO was 6 weeks, I'll tell you it gets better. And saying that you don't bond with formula feeding is BS. I snuggle my nose into my LO's cheek while giving him a bottle. How is that not bonding? ❤️ You don't need to give him a boob to bond. It gets better, momma. You're doing awesome.
I know it's difficult but try not to think of this as the end. You don't need breastfeeding to bond with your baby. You can still lay together in the mornings and practice skin-to-skin. I like skin-to-skin cosleeping in the mornings and take baths with DD as a special bonding time.
My first was eff from two months and is my little snuggle bug. Even being a rampaging toddler, he has to stop regularly to get his fill of hugs and snuggles. In the evening he curls up in my lap and pulls my arms around him as we watch a movie before bed. He'll sit in my lap and lean in so I kiss his forehead then keep telling me "again" so I keep doing it. I don't think he missed out on bonding with me anymore than DD is missing bonding with her dad despite being mostly bf.
Hugs! I'm sorry your feeling sad, I'm not looking forward to this day either. My husband snuggles with our baby in the morning and they do skin to skin. Soon our babies will start hugging and kissing us back and you will feel much better.
I understand your sadness as I am going through the same thing. But I keep reassuring myself that I did it for as long as I could (had to stop recently due to medication). And just you caring and being so upset about it means you are a wonderful, loving mom and your baby knows that. Your baby loves you for feeding him anyway you can, whether ebf or eff! Lots of snuggles and kisses and smiles and the bond will keep being strong. Hope you feel better soon!
Re: Ending breastfeeding blues...
My first was eff from two months and is my little snuggle bug. Even being a rampaging toddler, he has to stop regularly to get his fill of hugs and snuggles. In the evening he curls up in my lap and pulls my arms around him as we watch a movie before bed. He'll sit in my lap and lean in so I kiss his forehead then keep telling me "again" so I keep doing it. I don't think he missed out on bonding with me anymore than DD is missing bonding with her dad despite being mostly bf.