My dh has become very unsupportive of my breastfeeding. He was fine at first but now that ds is 4 months old he says it's time to stop. I've tried reasoning with him and he won't budge. He has crazy reasons that don't make sense for wanting me to stop. So it's depressing for me that he doesn't support me. Is anyone else in my shoes? I'm so glad that I have you ladies to cheer me on and remind me how good I'm doing because I'm sure not going to hear it from him.
Re: Unsupportive dh.
Started TTC in 2006, LOTS of trying, and trying, and 7 rounds of IVF with 13 embryos, 2 perfect little boys and 5 loses....
All finished with babies, started to make diet changes, Keto, to be MORE for my kids, lost 30 pounds, still going, and 3 months in, I had a natural cycle, and then ovulated... Hubs and I are going to see what happens now... Maybe a natural pregnancy? After everything we have been through? Or just a return to normal hormones? We shall see what the future holds!
Baby Dust To All!!!
What are his reasons?
Guys can be so weird! My husband always complains that he can't put DS to sleep on his own because he doesn't have boobs. However, I feed DS, then I put him over my shoulder where he finally falls asleep. So, he doesn't nurse to sleep, but for some reason my husband doesn't believe me.
Anyway, I think some husbands are just insecure and scared about being left alone with the baby. The truth is they just need us to boost their ego and praise them for keeping the baby alive while we get a few minutes to ourselves. Your DH will find his rhythm. He'll figure out what works for him.
In the meantime, I would present him with research: health benefits for both mom and baby, financial savings, etc. I would also show him that American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first year and then for as long as both mom and baby want. Notice, Dad isn't mentioned in their advice. The World Health Organization recommends doing it for the first two years. You've got to be your baby's advocate. Keep breastfeeding for as long as you and baby want.
ETA: I'm sure your pediatrician will say to breastfeed for at least the first 6 months if not longer. You should call your ped's office and see what they recommend. Then, if they suggest longer, I would ask again at the next appt in front of DH. Maybe if he hears it from the doctor, he'd be more supportive.
Just know you are doing a great job and that even doing it for 4 months is an amazing feat. I hope you can talk to your dh and he comes around to your way of thinking.
I'm really sorry your DH is unsupportive. I would be interested to hear his reasons.
Know that you are 200% supported here. Do your best to stand your ground and continue BFing your LO because there are so many benefits...increased immunity for baby, superior nutrition, even a chance to gain a few more IQ points if the genes are right. Also, women who have breastfed children for an extended period of time have a significantly lower chance of getting breast cancer.
At the very least, try to BF until six months, which is recommended by the CDC.
Show him the facts!
https://www.naturalchild.org/guest/leslie_burby.html
Wow. I'd have a hard time not punching so done sayin that shiiit. My h thank goodness knows the benefits and is my biggest supporter. If he weren't, we'd rethink his role in my/ baby's life. I wouldn't want someone that ignorant and rude around my kid.
It sounds like he's jealous of your baby. It's a common after birth issue especially in breast feeding. I remember reading a study when I was studying human development in college and it said there is a spike in divorce/ separations within the first
year after birth and it is doubled for special needs babies.
Stand your ground momma.
Wow! Just wow! You need to educate him. Honestly, that just sounds verbally abusive. I'm sorry you have to deal with his crap. As another pp, stand your ground! Good luck!
I'm sorry you're dealing with this.