I think I'm done

huzzahuzza · November 2013

My supply has been dropping and I've had so many mishaps lately that I think I'm done. J and I can still bond over a bottle and he actually prefers me when being soothed anyway (which both warmss and breaks my heart) and it's not because of the milk that comes out of my boobs. I was going to have to make changes when my student teacher leaves in Dec anyway and when he cries at my boob because it's not giving him anything, it makes me feel aweful.

There is a part of me that feels like I'm giving up and I've been going back and forth on this decision for awhile. Please help me know I'm doing the right thing!!! Also, what do I need to know in giving up BFing and being a FFing mom?

delino · November 2013

I feel your pain. I only made it 10 weeks giving DD BM. My supply sucked and just kept getting worse. I held on as long as I could, but she kept wanting more and I kept making less. You're not failing him or giving up. You're doing what's best for both of you. He will be full and content and you will be less stressed.

huzzahuzza · November 2013

Thanks ladies!

surpriseaddition · November 2013

I can see you're a teacher, and I am too. I know first hand it is super hard to pump at work with so little time, etc. The only thing I wanted to say is maybe think about the timing. There is only 1 more full week, and then 5 days off for Thanksgiving (at least for me). Are you sure you want to make the break now...when in just a week and a half you'll have a good chunk of time to nurse and maybe boost your supply? I also know I only have 3 weeks after Thanksgiving until I have 2 full weeks off for Christmas. If you'll be traveling it wouldn't be relaxing so I guess it wouldn't matter, but if you're staying put like we are, I'm looking forward to just being able to nurse again and not worry about pumping. If you are really ready to move on, know you've done a great job continuing this long. But, if you have any doubts, personally I'd wait until after the holidays since you're going to have a lot of time coming up just around the corner which may recharge you and your supply. GL with your decision!

huzzahuzza · November 2013

@surpriseaddition unfortunately part of my reasoning is parent teacher conferences the two days before Thanksgiving break. It's going to be a PITA to try and find time to pump amongst parent visits.... I've been dreading that for weeks.

surpriseaddition · November 2013

Oh....sorry about those. We had ours on November 1st, so that is over for me. The really nice thing is my grade level (4th) held student-led conferences and we did 5 at a time, where the teachers for the different subjects were all available for questions, but the kids ran them. I had my whole class done in 3 hours! It was genius on the part of my grade level chair....why haven't we been doing that for years?!?!? I know in the past those were huge time commitments before/after school leading up to that day too. I completely understand your reasoning. Know you did a great job! I wasn't trying to pressure you...I just know its so hard when you're a teacher....and maybe hearing from someone struggling along with you would help. GL!

jedimindtrick · November 2013

You gave your baby BM for 6ish mo. You made it farther than the large majority of women. And many women aim to BF for this long, so don't see it as a failure at all! You did it mama! Great job!

HZ2012 · November 2013

NJAZgirl said:
You gave your baby BM for 6ish mo. You made it farther than the large majority of women. And many women aim to BF for this long, so don't see it as a failure at all! You did it mama! Great job!

This exactly!

Ridgebackmom · November 2013

Congrats for going this long--you have to do what is best for you & your baby!

mommatotwo2 · November 2013

I could've written this post...in fact...I was writing a similar post just now. All I can say, is I'm right there with you...this sucks! But I know that formula is completely healthy for baby. I just feel guilty and like I failed

Lolalipsy · November 2013

You've done great to BF this far. Be proud of that hard work.

I know it's easy to say but don't feel guilty about doing what's best for you and your family.

coffeeandbooks · November 2013

breastfeeding is great but it doesn't make you a good mom...being a good mom makes you a good mom...and you sound like a good mom! Don't feel guilty you have come a long way and if something inside of you is telling you it would be better to FF now then listen to yourself and be confident in your decision.

KLJ3 · November 2013

I threw in the towel after pumping for 4.5 months. When things start tanking, you really feel shackled to trying to keep up. It was super hard to quit because I felt so guilty, but after a couple weeks, I felt so much better about my decision.

Your baby will still be healthy, your relationship with him won't change, and I think you'll feel better in time. Formula is obviously more expensive than BM, but I look at it this way: formula is waaaay cheaper than feeding a teenager!