Mommy Guilt

TheLittleRedM · February 2014

I'm not big on giving in to any sort of mommy guilt, at least not more than a few minutes worth, because I know things happen and as long as baby is fine and healthy then everything is ok. But today royally sucks. I've had a hard time the last week or so keeping up with Noah and his desire to nurse all the time so I finally gave in and bought some formula to supplement with. I haven't opened it until today when I finally accepted that right now I can't keep up with him fully.

I know this is what is best for him but after 6 months of successful breastfeeding, I just want to cry. If I was alone, I would. I watch Noah contentedly sucking down his formula and I feel like I'm being replaced.

I think it might be an alcohol sort of night tonight...

[Deleted User] · February 2014

It's ok

my baby likes Pepsi, too.

Stina2012 · February 2014

Big hug.

I have Mommy guilt because my kid refuses a bottle. I know it's hard, but be happy that your kid eats! It's much scarier when they don't.

KTZ17 · February 2014

You're not being replaced! Do you see him eating solids as being replaced? It's just another form of nourishment and I'm sure he still loves nursing. Have you tried taking any herbs or anything for your supply? I've tried everything so let me know if you want some suggestions. I supplement quite a bit, and I know it's hard to accept when it's not something you intended on doing.

chiboo9 · February 2014

It's ok. He's eating. That's what matters.

TheLittleRedM · February 2014

I've been taking Fenugreek and I noticed a difference after a few days of taking it but now I don't think it's helping a lot. I found some nursing supplements and nursing tea I really want to try but I have to wait until payday to get it.

KTZ17 · February 2014

Fenugreek works best when paired with Blessed Thistle, both 3 pills 3x a day. Malunggay is a good option, too. I think it helped me some. At this point though I'm weaning from taking stuff because it does add up and I still have to give her formula so I figure I'll just buy the formula and that way I know how much she's getting.

TheLittleRedM · February 2014

Thanks! I will have to look around the stores here for those.

TheLittleRedM · February 2014

I can do that

Lelo2006 · February 2014

I'm sorry you're having these sad feelings

. I couldn't keep up with his hunger, either, so now he's getting 4-6 oz of formula a day. I was so stressed out with the extra pumping, brewers yeast (gag), oatmeal... I finally was like, kid got breastmilk only for 6 months, it's not a big deal if he gets formula. Time will pass and you'll feel more ok with it.

Love the name Noah, btw

TheLittleRedM · February 2014

Thank you @casey78, I definitely needed that.

@skleigh That is the main reason I've been putting off supplementing! I'm glad to hear your success.

@Lelo2006 Yes, I'm so sick of oatmeal. And as much as I like flaxseed, I'm getting so sick of it in everything. And thanks

It's been a favorite of mine for a long time. I was thankful DH didn't know anyone he hated with that name lol

Mom2bois85 · February 2014

Hugs first of all! Second of all try not to feel guilty! You are feeding your child and that's all that matters! Also just because you are formula feeding doesn't necessarily mean he will refuse BFing. I've been supplementing LO since he was 3 mo. Old. If you are having supply issues because of supplementing talk to your herbalist at your local health food store and get some fenugreek + some blessed thistle either in capsule or powdered form to add to juice or water etc. both herbs greatly help increase supply!!!
Good luck to you and hugs!

queenbone · February 2014

Don't feel guilty, you've done great feeding your baby so far, and you are continuing to feed him still. Nothing wrong with using formula. Good work, Momma!!

queenbone · February 2014

casey78 said:

Ok, here you go: https://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html You promised.

This was a great read.

But OP, more reasons not to feel guilty, the article states, "What’s more, food rejection or ‘pickiness’ is lower among pre-school children who were exclusively breastfed (Shim et al.,2011), so your child will reap the benefits for years to come!" I nursed DS2 until he was 15mo and yet he still received a diagnosis of a visual food sensitivity, for which he receives occupational therapy. The article also states, "...and will be much less likely to need orthodontia or speech therapy." DS2 has a speech disorder and receives services through ECSE. So even when we do all the 'right' things, it is no guarantee.

No worries about supplementing with formula!

atlvol · February 2014

Your baby is being fed. That is what matters. Hugs!

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