2 1/2 Weeks and I'm Pretty Sure I hate BF... :(

MyLittleSweetPea · July 2010

It's not even going that badly. I WANT to like it! I KNOW it is what is best for LO and on top of that I feel guilty about the amount of $ invested in a pump, nursing bra, etc. I feel so anxious about schedules because I never know when LO is going to want to eat and I'm not comfortable BF in front of others (except my mom and DH). I hate waking up feeling engorged and selfishly want my body back to myself after a difficult pregnancy. I feel like I would enjoy this time more if I didn't have all those anxieties, but I am so torn. Advice?

two-pink-shoes · July 2010

I'd give it til 6 weeks. For one, your LO is most vulnerable in those first 6 weeks so the BM is great for him. Also, at that point the engorgement will probably be gone and you may feel more comfortable about BF in public (or at least being able to gauge when he'll want to eat next). If you're truly miserable after 6 w then weaning may be the best option b/c your baby needs a happy mama.

pinkcallalily · July 2010

My advice is to give it more time. I hated it for the first month or so and really wanted to give up. My son had trouble latching and each feeding took at least an hour with 30-45 minutes of it being him screaming before he finally latched on. It gets much easier and you will eventually figure out the timing so you can go out and do stuff. I still feed him right before we leave the house to try to avoid feeding him when I'm out and I'm not really comfortable feeding him in public, but I just feed him in the car between stores or in a dressing room at the mall or whatever. We just started daycare last week so we have to deal with more bottles now and I really hate doing that. It makes me so glad I stuck with breastfeeding just so I don't have as many bottles to prepare & wash. You have to do what's right for you, but I would at least give it a few more weeks before making a decision.

glasgow_girl · July 2010

It's one of those personal decisions that you can get a boatload of advice about, but essentially it has to be something that you decide.

It does take a while to get the hang of things, especially knowing when LO wants to eat (with my LO it was sometimes 3 hours, sometimes 1 1/2). Things do regulate after a while and you won't feel so engorged, but I understand what you mean about wanting your body back. I don't feel like mine is my own anymore.

If you are not comfortable nursing in front of people, that's when you can take milk that you have expressed through pumping, or you can use a nursing cover. It does take a while to get used to everything though - if you can try to stick it out a few more weeks, and you might find you are getting the hang of things a little more.

Good luck!

BabyLove987 · July 2010

Just give it some time. I hated BFing for 6 weeks. Then moved to not hating it, but definitely not loving it. It was 8-10 weeks before I liked BFing.

iris418 · July 2010

It gets easier! I swear! and you will stop waking up engorged and leaking...And feeding time is less as they grow, my LO has it down to like 5-10 minutes!

PAmiler82 · July 2010

I could have written this at 2.5 weeks. Now it's been 11 months and I couldn't love it more. My advice: commit to one week at a time. short term goals helped me keep my sanity. At the end of each week decide what is best for you and go from there!

blondbomber23 · July 2010

two-pink-shoes:
I'd give it til 6 weeks. For one, your LO is most vulnerable in those first 6 weeks so the BM is great for him. Also, at that point the engorgement will probably be gone and you may feel more comfortable about BF in public (or at least being able to gauge when he'll want to eat next). If you're truly miserable after 6 w then weaning may be the best option b/c your baby needs a happy mama.

ditto

starkbaby22 · July 2010

Give it time, make short term goals (as pp said) commit to a week, then a month, then say you want to make it to 4 months, or 6 months. Maybe you could EP instead of nursing? I am SO EP-ing next time..but I'm in nearly 11 months, had a horrible time with my supply, but have never supplemented. You can do it, momma!

cindyhow · July 2010

I had the same exact feelings at that time, I really struggled with being stuck at home. BF gets easier and once I accepted that my schedule was no longer my own (even if I wasn't BF!) it got much easier. Plus when they get older you'll be more comfortable going out with baby. Try to get outside with or without baby for a walk or air during the day for even 15 mins. If DH or family can watch the baby so you can take 20 mins to walk or do something on your own, it's a big help!

you're doing great Mom!

ella.mabel · July 2010

I can't really relate because even though it was difficult and SO painful at first, i never considered giving up (just because i'm too stubborn). BUT anyway, i just want to point this out.... I often read posts from people who gave up and regretted it. So maybe try to think ahead - do you think you will regret your decision? You're probably the only person who can answer that question. Good luck!

jjs2010 · July 2010

you gave DC immunity in the first 10 days. Set short term goals from there. I feel the same way as you. I am just hoping to stick it out until 6 weeks, but I am making no promises. Do what is best for you and you child will be fine....formula has come a long way over the years.

bobbyme · July 2010

I felt the same exact way as you until about 5 weeks. Now I love the experience of breastfeeding and I am sad when I am at work and have to pump instead of being home with DS to feed him. It really is a special bond, if you stick with it. You can do whatever you want, but I would recommend waiting the 6 weeks out (as pps have said), and then see how you feel. You could be really happy you stuck with it!

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