tired of being judged for stopping BF

sarahjared

DS nursed some but I have been pumping only since January.  I have had mastitis multiple times and clogged ducts a ton (never had either with DD).  Not to mention I have been sick 4 times since February.  ENT thinks that lack of sleep and pumping aren't helping with that.  Since I am on antibiotics and steroids for my latest round of crap, I have to pump and dump.  Well, I have had it with pumping so I am trying to just dry up and be done with it.  I feel guilty for multiple reasons (plenty of milk so why take it away from DS, cost of formula, etc, etc.)  This weekend ILs were here for DD's recital.  They didn't say anything bad about me stopping pumping but you can tell they are just like WTF??  It is that silent judging sh*t and it is making me stabby.  Ugh.  Wish this wasn't such a big damn deal.  Also, I already feel like crap and don't need their help. 

Thanks for the vent

Rebekah1021

That stinks that you are feeling this way.

How do they know you are pumping and dumping? Can you just not talk about it or feed him in another room? Maybe prepare the bottle in another room and bring it in to feed him and they won't know the difference. 

Alexandra*sMom

Hugs.  I know it is hard to wean!!  I give you huge credit for pumping for so long!  I know if I had any issues BF I would have given up.  You are a rock star in my book!! 

Cbidt's girl

You've done your best. You gave it valliant effort and if is unfortunate that people judge. We all get judged. I currently get a combo of the silent looks and straight outcomments because I still am bfing. You can't win!

Kersbear

First of all way to go for pumping so long.  That's awesome.  I would just try to ignore their comments or "silent comments/looks" as much as possible.  I think no matter what people feel the need to comment on how a mother's baby is fed whether they breastfeed, bottle feed or both.  Since Casey has been 6 months old I've been dealing with comments about how I should wean him and they are only getting more common now that he's 11 months and still breastfed.  It drove me crazy at first and I always was defending myself, now I just brush the comments off and change the subject.

Littlejen22

Are you sure you are not just judging yourself?  Honestly I never BF either of mine and never got crap from anyone.  I would just be surprised for anyone old enough to be a grandparent to judge not BFing a 6mo, I find most people that age judge more with people that BF longer...but your ILs might be judgemental crazies.

chelle828

Dude, you got him to 6 months!! That's great! You should be patting yourself on the back for putting up with pumping for that long - it's really not easy! If you aren't a strong mommy health-wise then how do you expect to be able to take care of your family? I am a NICU nurse so believe me I KNOW the value of breastmilk, but I also know the value of a sane mommy. it's all about risk/benefit. You have done a wonderful job!!