DS is only 2 months old and I always thought I would nurse him as long as he wanted but for the past few days that seems like a daunting task. I don't enjoy feeding him like I did. I actually dread nursing sessions. It breaks my heart because even a week ago I loved breastfeeding and was very enthusiastic about it. I don't know what has changed. I feel guilty about considering stopping because obviously I know breast milk is best for him. What do I do?
Re: How do you know you're ready to stop?
I am certainly not against formula feeding if that is the best decision for you and your family, but at this point I would give it another week or two, like PP said. That will give you more time to figure out what it is that you don't like anymore, and determine if you are ready to stop.
This advice might be looked down upon here, but maybe you can try a bottle of formula for one feeding and see how you feel about it. I was *thisclose* to giving up breastfeeding over the weekend, and we tried a bottle of formula to see how DD would respond and how I felt about it. Well, it actually ended up convincing me NOT to quit breastfeeding. DD cried the whole time she drank it (she's drank bottles of breastmilk before successfully, so I think it probably had to do with the taste of the formula), and I cried too. It sort of opened my eyes to the fact that I really wasn't ready to give it up. If you try it and feel relieved instead, then maybe you are ready.
First round of Clomid in May 2012= BFP #1, DD born January 2013
BFP #2 in January 2014, DS born September 2014
The first few months are really rough. I felt like I would be feeding my ever hungry baby every 2 hours for the rest of my life. He finally started going a little longer around 5 months and now at 6.5months it's even better.
We battled a bad latch, persistent thrush etc. the first 2-3 months. So if it is a physical problem that you are dreading nursing - get it checked out with a Lactation Consultant.
It also helped me to not be resentful of the constant nursing to set up a little "nursing station." I had my phone charger, computer, books, snacks all in easy reach. That way when DH wasn't around I wasn't wishing I had this or that...
Good Luck!