Breastfeeding

When does the guilt go away?

I am weaning this week.  I knew I wasn't going to be very happy about it, but I didn't think I would feel this guilty about it.  I have had to supplement almost since birth due to very low supply, so LO is used to getting 2 formula bottles per day anyways.  Before I was preg, I was on a daily migraine med which I was promptly taken off of.  During preg and the first 5 months BF, there were no migraines.  This last month has been awful!  Since my supply was getting even lower, and the migraines were coming back, I decided to go back on the meds.  So, this week I'm weaning so I can start them on Sunday.  I know this is the best thing for us - the migraines were effecting me horribly.  I just feel so guilty about it - like I should just stick it out.  I know better than that, I just don't know how to get over the guilt.  Sorry for rambling, just needed to get this off my chest!!
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Re: When does the guilt go away?

  • Oh gosh, I don't think you should feel guilty at all. You BFed to 6 months despite having supply problems  - that is amazing!
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  • imagesgrl:
    Oh gosh, I don't think you should feel guilty at all. You BFed to 6 months despite having supply problems  - that is amazing!

    This exactly!! Your LO got 6 months of your milk and that's awesome! Some babies don't get any, just rejoice knowing that you made it to 6 months. You baby will be healthy and happy because you are healthy and not dealing with migraines. I've been lucky that my migraines haven't returned yet, they are a PITA! 

  • Thanks!  I know I shouldn't be feeling guilty, but I just can't seem to help it.  I'm hoping that after tonight (his last night feeding) this weekend will let us adjust to the new routine.  I honestly didn't think I would feel this way - I wasn't even sure that I wanted to breastfeed at all!  Now I'm upset that it's over!!  Just the way things go, I guess.  Thanks for letting me vent!
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  • Like pps said, you made it 6 months that is wonderful!  I do know how you feel.  When I weaned DD due to a huge supply drop I felt horrible and like I was letting her down.  After a week or so I realized it was ok, I was happier not stressing about making enough milk and she was just as happy with formula!
  • I had stories similar to yours with both my daughters.... I think it took at least 2 weeks before I wasn't feeling guilty about it constantly.. Once you see them transition smoothly over to all formula and once you see that you are actually in a better place mentally since you are not now constantly worrying about low supply, headaches, etc... you will start to move past it. It took a few months for me to get totally past it but I think it was only a few weeks of real bad guilt.
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  • you have a medical condition that you didn't cause and the only way to treat it is to take this medication. it's not your fault! you've done the best you absolutely can for your child! 6 months of breastmilk!!

    pat yourself on the back, hold your head up high and cherish these last days/weeks of BFing. have your husband take pictures of you nursing your LO. journal your thoughts and emotions. and plan to do some things out of the house W/O LO for a week or so while you are adjusting to not nursing. especially at feeding times, have someone else do it.

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  • imageMrsZiz:

    imagesgrl:
    Oh gosh, I don't think you should feel guilty at all. You BFed to 6 months despite having supply problems  - that is amazing!

    This exactly!! Your LO got 6 months of your milk and that's awesome! Some babies don't get any, just rejoice knowing that you made it to 6 months. You baby will be healthy and happy because you are healthy and not dealing with migraines. I've been lucky that my migraines haven't returned yet, they are a PITA! 

    THIS! 6 mos is amazing!! Don't feel guilty at all. :)

    I do understand, though.  I am giving up this week. It hurts your heart no matter how long you made it work.  A wise woman (who BFed her daughter till she was nearly 2yo) told me once that a little piece of you dies when your child weans, whether that happens at 6 weeks, 6months, or 6 years.  That helped me a lot to know that I'd probably go through similar emotions a year from now anyway.

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