Need some encouragement to keep going!

88sharonlee · April 2014

So today makes it 5 months BF!
Yes I've supplemented with some formula for the past month or so but been able to keep it very minimal.

My original goal was at least 6 months, so I'm torn, I'm only one month away but that's also one more month of pumping and everything else- especially now that summer is coming!

I'd love to stop pumping during the day but still be able to nurse am and pm- but I think it's a little early for that.

So, what keeps you going? I don't want to give up too soon but part of me would love the freedom of being done with breastfeeding!

Thanks for the support!

ymmayer · April 2014

You're almost there! I'm at 2 months and my goal was at least 6 months too I wish I was where you are!

flcl · April 2014

You can do it!!! Like you and PP, six months is my goal too... Just think about how great you'll feel when you hit next month knowing that you've accomplished such a difficult task. You're so close

JennOH85 · April 2014

You're so close! You can do this. A month is so short in the big picture -- it'll fly by. Just think of all the good any amount of breastmilk does for your LO.

hpoff33 · April 2014

I set the same goal. First 6 months and I made it, so then it was 12 months. And I met that goal too. Here we are at 19 months and counting. I think the thing that kept me going was shear will. Nursing is so incredibly easy and natural for us now, it doesn't make since to stop unless my son is ready. Just focus on that goal of 6 months. When you hit it, you may find you just keep on going. If you decide to end before 12 months, that's okay too. You have already done an absolutely amazing job and should be incredibly proud of yourself!

VickyTGAW · April 2014

Five months is GREAT! Way to go! Don't be afraid or ashamed to make the best decision for you and your family. If you do decide to taper off, you won't get any judgment from me!

But since you asked for encouragement, here are some items that come to mind:

1) Think of all those calories you are burning. My poor husband went running every morning (even during the polar vortex) to see the scale stay the same. Meanwhile, I just breastfed and perused Facebook and I was able to report more progress than him. (He'll get his revenge in the future, I'm sure).

2) Like what @karissa2009 said, think of all the money you're saving.

3) Think of all the antibodies you're passing on. With both little ones, we had an incident where EVERYONE in the family gets sick... except the nursing baby. Amazing!

If you do keep it up to your goal, maybe you'll see the same phenomenon I see with my workouts. I'll set a goal of say 30 minutes. It seems like forever. But once I reach that 30 minutes, boy, I feel good and suddenly it is easy to keep going. Reaching the goal mentally frees me.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!

88sharonlee · April 2014

Thanks everyone, this is just what I needed. I think because I am still proud to have made it to 5 months I kind if mentally told myself if was ok to stop, which it is, but that kills the drive I had before where no matter how tough I knew I still had longer to go.

I agree with the benifits you all mention, $, health benifits (LO hasn't been sick yet -knock on wood) and like one post said I do feel a little like I should continue simply because I CAN!

It would seem a shame to not take advantage of this amazing natural ability when I do feel lucky that I've been able to successfully feed my LO.

I think I'll just keep going, day by day and try not to think about when I will stop, who knows maybe I'll make it a year! I do actually enjoy BF at night and in the morning, it's just during the day that is tough.

So thanks for the support and enjoy the weekend!

lilies&orchids · April 2014

I want to chime in!

You're doing great and I also need motivation to keep going at 8 months! Weekly/monthly goals are still great. Here's what goes through my mind regularly (my first son was FF):
- formula is expensive
- formula stinks
- formula spit up stinks

- formula poop stinks (you get the idea...)
- breastmilk is the perfect food, made specifically for my LO
- breastmilk helps keep him healthy when viruses are running rampant through our house
- 1 yr is a short amount of time in the grand scheme of things
- this is my last baby, last chance to bf
- bf is so easy now! It's always ready when I need it.

I hope that helps! You've done great so far!!

88sharonlee · April 2014

You will get there too! I remember trying to make it to 6 weeks!

TheBorg7of9 · April 2014

It's so much easier to leave the house with a bf baby!

Want a personalized experience?

Need some encouragement to keep going!

Re: Need some encouragement to keep going!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards