burnt out nursing

kfelber07 · September 2013

so my twin boys are almost 8 months old. I feel like I need to be done nursing them. I am constantly feeling weak and dizzy and feel like my body is just being so heavily taxed supplying milk for the two of them. I have been feeling this way for about a month and have been trying to give myself pep talks but I just don't think I can make it a year. I feel SO guilty about switching to formula. I know that ultimately it is okay but I am just feeling like I need to vent and am wondering if anyone else had or is having a similar experience and what your plan of action is.

kellibelle0417 · September 2013

I think it is amazing you have made it 8 months! I'm only 5 weeks in and it is so hard.

kgs0505 · September 2013

8 months of BFing twins is awesome! A few months on formula won't hurt them. I just didn't have the supply to keep up with my girls, so I stopped much earlier. Yes, I felt guilty, but I got my life back not attached to the pump so much. They are doing just fine on formula, and your boys will too. It's only a few more months where they need it anyway. It sounds like your body is telling you enough is enough. The only thing I could suggest if you really want to continue is to increase your calories/protein and hydration. The boys are just taking more than you're putting in and you need to up your own nutrition so you get enough.

kfelber07 · September 2013

Thanks so much everyone. Crying as I'm reading all this, it helps to hear others say its okay to be done. We put so much pressure on ourselves!

Venti29 · September 2013

I'm four months in and feeling the same way. I'm attached to a pump, but just can't give in yet. I supplement already, it's a lot. Do what is right for you.

LALASEPT05 · September 2013

You've done tremendous! I lasted 3 months pumping about half of their supply. When I did stop pumping I did also get a bit emotional about it but in terms of quality of life it did help and the babies didn't miss a beat...3 years later I will tell you that parenting is a marathon not a sprint and this one decision will not determine the parent that you are. You've done great and you'll continue to do great!

LottaLattes · September 2013

Gosh, you have done an amazing job. We guilt ourselves over so much, but ultimately as long as you are being a good mom you are doing a good job and formula doesn't make you a bad or good mom, it is just food. Good luck!!

LittleLady77 · September 2013

8 months is amazing. Be proud of that! I will be extremely proud if I can BF twins for 8 months.

TobieRose · September 2013

8 months is awesome. You have to do what is best for your babies and yourself, and if you feel like you need to switch to formula at this point, then don't feel guilty! If you feel better you will have more to give to your babies.

JenniferF11 · September 2013

I'm only two months into breast feeding (I supplement too) and eight months seems like an eternity to me! I think it's awesome you made it that far! Your boys are lucky to have such a caring mom like you

lwatkins12 · September 2013

Eight months is amazing in my book. I'm planning on pumping/breastfeeding my twins without putting a strict timeframe on it. I BF my DS for only 7 weeks because I returned to work. One thing I've learned in being a parent for 19 years is to be flexible. I think having rigid goals only sets us and the children up for guilt, stress, and anxiety. I'm glad I BF my DS for that short of time but honestly it was extremely stressful for me and I think if I had just bottle fed, I would've been a much happier new mom. Trust me, there will be plenty of other things to feel guilty over. Don't be yourself up over this. I think having a more relaxed and happy mom will be more beneficial to my babies than having a stressed and frazzled one.

mrsmegs06 · September 2013

That is amazing that you went eight months. Give yourself a lot of credit. I only lasted six with my first one, and I'm really nervous about how long I'll last with our boys. Your post to me was actually very encouraging!

raraavis28 · September 2013

Ditto everyone! 8 months is amazing! I only lasted 4, pumped for 2 extra months, and supplemented the whole time. It was very emotional to wean, but the boys have been doing great on formula. You have to take care of yourself too, mama, and you're gonna need that energy now that your twins are getting mobile!! It's OK to let yourself be done.

Raggedy1 · September 2013

Are you looking for validation for weaning? Mama, you've earned it! But your body was built for this stuff and with some focus on you, your nutrition and your peace of mind I'm sure you could go a year and beyond. That said, you are NOT a bad mama for weaning if you think it will give you back something that allows you to be happier and therefore an even better mama. In conclusion: A.) you can do it! B.) But only if you want!

kfelber07 · September 2013

Thanks so much, you ladies are great! Ultimately I decided to keep it up and have tried to really focus on fueling my body well and letting myself nap when they nap, more sleep has made a huge difference! The cost of formula was too overwhelming to me and I think by the time we made the switch completely, they'd be ready for milk. So here's to a few more months of nursing these boys! Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

smscartozzi · September 2013

You can always supplement with donated milk if your body needs a break! Check out Human Milk for Human Babies. Great donor program, but the BM is not screened pre donation. It's is a mom to mom swap.

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