Anyboby feel guilty about thinking of quiting BF/EPing before 1 yr?

smo321

I know BM is whats best for DD, but I have made it almost 9 months, much longer than I expected I would make it.  I was BFing and Pumping but for the last month I have been EPing.  I feel bad for feeling this way but i'm tired of the whole BFing/EPing thing.  Both LO's are so active.  My oldest 3, is on the go all the time, and youngest 9 months next week is into everything.  I feel like everytime I get involved in something I have to stop and pump.  But when I start to consider stopping I get filled with guilt, like how can I stop doing whats best for my LO. DH is no help he says its my decision.  Anybody feel or have felt this way and how did you deal with it????

emily0829

I was EPing too, and when my milk supply plummeted, I worked hard to get the boost back. It worked for another two or three weeks until it started to decrease more rapidly, and I was constantly fighting with my body. But, when I thought about giving up the fight, I was the same as you--- filled with so much guilt.

In the end, you have to do what is right for you and your family. Of course breast is best, and it's such an accomplishment that you've made it 9 months! You only have 3 more months until you reach a year. It doesn't sound like a long time, but it's only three more months out of your life to reach your ultimate goal. Do you think if you made it to a year that you wouldn't feel guilty?

Take more time to think about it and really weigh the pros and cons.

Hip2Bsquare

Actually I feel bad for wanting to quit at 1 yr. I don't know why either but I am so ready to be done with it. I got 6 weeks to go. I have a few friends that BF a lot longer than 1 yr and so I feel like the one quitting and giving up compared to them.

claire1983

I quit BF'ing over 5 months ago, not by choice, and I still have guilt. I know that I shouldn't feel bad but the guilt won't go away. I think that to go 9 months is fantastic and if it starting to cramp your style, go for the formula. Formula is so good these days, I don't think you should feel bad. Your daughter has received the benefits of BF'ing for so long and formula won't hurt her at all.

naturegirl417

I quit pumping three weeks ago and I definitely had similar feelings.  I got really sick around Christmas and after that my supply tanked and never really recovered.  I tried the tea, fenugreek, power pumping, etc and I was barely getting half of what she needs each day.  I talked to my doctor about taking medicine to increase my supply, but after much debate, decided against it and started weaning off the pump. 

I wish I could have made it to a year, but I don't regret my decision.  Whether you FF or EP, your baby will be well fed and that's all that matters.  Weigh your pros and cons and make the decision that's right for you. 

KRMac

I've been ready to be done for awhile now, but I've been sticking it out for until a year.  BUT, I'm not EPing and I don't have 2 kiddos.  You have to do what works for you.

I did stop pumping at 9 months and we started supplementing, which made a huge difference to me and made me feel like I could stick it out for a few more months.  I'm weaning DS from bedtime/overnight feedings now and we'll cut the morning feeding last, when he turns 1.   I'll miss nursing him and the convenience of BFing, but I'm so.ready.to.be.done.  

kate930

I stopped right before 9 months because I needed to start some medication. I was a bit bummed at first, but now I love it. I have so much free time and flexibility!

lynnf2

Hip2Bsquare:

Actually I feel bad for wanting to quit at 1 yr. I don't know why either but I am so ready to be done with it. I got 6 weeks to go. I have a few friends that BF a lot longer than 1 yr and so I feel like the one quitting and giving up compared to them.

 

I feel this same way. I feel like its the best thing I can do for her and have worked so hard and will feel guilty quitting no matter when it is.

greengirl0909

I have felt the same way several times.  They always say, don't quit on your worst day! I struggled with low supply issues in the beginning and it was really rough to keep going.  There was a time when only the girls on the low supply link kept me doing it every day! This is what I always think: my goal is one year.  If I stop before then, there is little to no chance I can start again.  I tell myself every annoying time I have to pump or whatever, do this now because eventually it won't even be an option for you.  I know it can be a chore! GL

carrotcake06

I'm conflicted too. For me, it's pumping at work. I'm so ready to be done w that & I've only been back to work for a month! But then I wonder if that's what's best for DS & what if he's not ready, blah, blah, blah. I'll still nurse morning/night but then what if not pumping during the day ruins my supply for those other times? I'm sorry I'm no help but I did want to let you know I know how you feel.

amanda31H

Yes.

I cut back the number of nursing sessions at 6 months and replaced the sessions with formula (I don't have time to pump).  Now at almost 9 months I'm dropping the last of the nursing sessions.

I felt guilty at 6 months when I wanted to start cutting it down, but then when I did it, I was fine!  The anticipation was hard though!  I started feeling really guilty lately when I wanted to drop the last of the feedings, but I figured it's going to be the same thing.  The anticipation of dropping them is worse than actually doing it.

It's really hard.  I loved so many aspects of nursing (including giving the girls what's best), but I had so many challenges - and still do- with it that I'm ready to move on.

g8trkim

I went back to work at 3 1/2 months. I made it to 6 1/2 of EBF. It's a lot of work. I felt really guilty. But honestly it was great not to spend all my spare moments pumping and cleaning pump parts and doing all the freezing and pouring and measuring. I could really enjoy DS. And by that point he was eating food so he was getting other things anyway. 9 months is great. You should be proud of yourself and do what's convenient for you.