Ready to throw in the towel w/BFing

Lovemyfireman1 · August 2009

I'm just over it, she takes a bottle so well and it's nice knowing how much she is eating and being able to go anywhere w/o worrying about where to BF. I've been pumping and mixing with formula, I'm just tired of pumping. Tell me I'm not a horrible mom for wanting to stop.

Jackswife123 · August 2009

Your not a horrible mom. ?Do what makes you most happy.

TrinaKay · August 2009

You are not a horrible mom. You have to decide what is best for you and your baby. GL!

mavilabride · August 2009

You are not a horrible mom at alll. Happy mom is happy baby.

If you want to continue, there are solutions to some of the problems you listed:

1. Get a hooter hider/nursing cover. Most states allow public breastfeeding and when you cover yourself up, no one can see anything.
2. I know its tough not knowing how much your daughter eats at the breast but they do get enough food. You can always see a LC that will weigh DD during and after a feed to see if she's eating enough so that you can put your worries to rest.

But again, do what you feel is best for you and the baby. No point in bfing if you are miserable doing so!

tmp-493670500007520 · August 2009

you are not horrible.

breastfeeding and pumping is hard work.

MaliaMouse · August 2009

Happy mom= happy baby

nuttybunch · August 2009

You're not a bad mom at all. If you're a bad mom, I'm a HORRIBLE mom because I never BFed or pumped. I didn't want to--thought it was weird. DS is happy as a clam and couldn't be healthier!

BaltimoreGirl07 · August 2009

You're not a horrible mom! You gave it a go, and now you know that it's maybe not for you. I was in your same boat & recently decided to switch to 100% formula, and even thought not everyone is happy w/ my decision, I am, and that's all that matters. Hugs to you - I know that's a tough decision & you probably agonized over it for far too long, but like PP said, you ahve to do what makes you happy. Happy mom = happy baby.

wifeypooh · August 2009

Nope, you are a great mom for doing what you have done so far.

CalinsBride · August 2009

She got almost four months worth of breast milk! Good job!

dmogmo · August 2009

You've done a great job! Don't worry! I hated breastfeeding. I switched to pumping when he was less than a week and only did that for 4 weeks. I probably won't do it at all for the next one - I am in awe of anyone who makes it work for any period of time!

JosieH · August 2009

I feel the same way. Even with lactation consul help, DS has never latched on consistently (flat nips to boot). I've been pumping for breast milk and supplementing with formula and am also struggling with supply issues after large weight loss post delivery. I'm exhausted by it all and am trying not to feel bad about just stopping. I want to just be a happy mom with a happy baby. So no, you're not horrible.

mags507 · August 2009

Good job on BFing for so long! I've only been at it for 3 weeks and I'm ready to throw in the towel too. We are doing well from a technical standpoint and I'm still on maternity leave so I don't feel like I can switch to formula yet. But I don't always "enjoy" it. I find it stressful to always be "on call" and to be her only source of nourishment.

Your baby has 4 months of BM! That's great. I hope mine gets 2 months -- if that happens I'll be happy. Our babies need happy mothers more than breast milk.

jolis_petits_bijoux · August 2009

mavilabride:

You are not a horrible mom at alll. Happy mom is happy baby.

If you want to continue, there are solutions to some of the problems you listed:

1. Get a hooter hider/nursing cover. Most states allow public breastfeeding and when you cover yourself up, no one can see anything.
2. I know its tough not knowing how much your daughter eats at the breast but they do get enough food. You can always see a LC that will weigh DD during and after a feed to see if she's eating enough so that you can put your worries to rest.

But again, do what you feel is best for you and the baby. No point in bfing if you are miserable doing so!

This, exactly. Don't worry about your LO not getting enough food... there is a reason that most EBF babies are also chubby babies... they get plenty Smile

If you want to quit, don't feel guilty about it. Your LO has had the benefits of BFing for almost 4 months.... that's something to be proud of!

jolis_petits_bijoux · August 2009

nuttybunch:
You're not a bad mom at all. If you're a bad mom, I'm a HORRIBLE mom because I never BFed or pumped. I didn't want to--thought it was weird. DS is happy as a clam and couldn't be healthier!

You think BFing is "weird"? Hmm

mediadiva · August 2009

if you hate pumping then stop, if any part of you wants to give BF'ing one last try, go cold turky on the bottle and just BF for a 24 hour period. If you still feel like crap after 24 hours and are hating life, then just quit. It's fine no matter what you do, your LO will be fine!

MissLMS · August 2009

jolis_petits_bijoux:

nuttybunch:
You're not a bad mom at all. If you're a bad mom, I'm a HORRIBLE mom because I never BFed or pumped. I didn't want to--thought it was weird. DS is happy as a clam and couldn't be healthier!

You think BFing is "weird"?

My thoughts exactly. I can understand women like the original poster who give it their all for a little while or at the very least try to start out with. But I don't understand women who don't even try it, knowing all the benefits that breastmilk can provide. (especially for newborns.)

katypresson · August 2009

I stopped last week for the same reasons...I was soo sick of pumping and trying to nurse...my little man loves his bottle! It's so much less stressful for me to not have to worry about pumping at work...since I started work this week. You're not a horrible mom...stop if you're not happy with it!

lzybeanie · August 2009

MissLMS:
jolis_petits_bijoux:

nuttybunch:
You're not a bad mom at all. If you're a bad mom, I'm a HORRIBLE mom because I never BFed or pumped. I didn't want to--thought it was weird. DS is happy as a clam and couldn't be healthier!

You think BFing is "weird"?

My thoughts exactly. I can understand women like the original poster who give it their all for a little while or at the very least try to start out with. But I don't understand women who don't even try it, knowing all the benefits that breastmilk can provide. (especially for newborns.)

Let's please not turn this into one of those posts, ladies!!! Yes, the 'weird' comment was a bit off the cuff, but not the original poster's point. And to debate that one comment from one poster will only serve to probably stress out the OP even more.

My two cents...do what makes you happy! You gave it all you could and that's all that matters!

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