Mama Mental Health Thread

turtletaylor0522 · May 2022

Here’s a thread for us to check in with each other regarding our own sanity.

This community has certainly done me well mentally, so let’s keep it up with a safe place to vent, support each other, and share tips that have helped you cope with the stress of a newborn.

turtletaylor0522 · May 2022

My milk never came in. I was able to feed him colostrum at the hospital for a little over two days and the initial nurse said I was an over-producer. So they didn’t call lactation support in for me until the day we were discharged. I had started producing less and less so she told me to feed them pump every two to three hours. Make sure I was emptying.

I did that for almost four days but we had to start supplementing with formula on day two because I was dry. No milk at all. Well then it was the weekend so I had to wait until Monday for a consult. They said just keep pumping every three hours even if nothing comes out. I did. Monday came. They said keep doing it. I did.

Every time I pumped I was having extreme anxiety and when it came close to time to pump I’d have this feeling of dread. I spoke to our pediatrician (whom we LOVE) and he said formula was perfectly fine for our little guy. I said “but even on the can it says breastmilk is best.” He looked at me and said with a straight face “not if it’s making you miss the beauty of these days.”

I struggled with giving up on breastfeeding, but that made me think twice about what I need to stress over and what can be addressed then let go. So we’ve let go of pumping. We’ve fed formula. Baby is thriving, daddy is able to help more, and mama can sleep through the night.

It’s still really hard when I think about it too much but I try to just repeat what the Dr. said.

saizbat · May 2022

@taylorharris0522 I can understand how that feels. My son has a tongue tie and hasn't been able to latch, so I'm just pumping to give him breastmilk by bottle. The task of washing the pump parts and then pumping and then feeding, with no help except my husband's, along with the pain of not being able to bond over breast feeding is hurting me so much. Also worried about his future with the tongue tie. Trying to be grateful that at least he is getting my milk. I guess we need to keep looking at the positives but also let out a cry when needed.

skc040512 · May 2022

@taylorharris0522 I totally get this…we had to supplement with DD1 because she wouldn’t latch. The first little while is pretty hard to adjust, when you’re coming from expecting to be able to nurse. BUT. Formula is 100% fine, and you’re still able to bond with baby (try feeding while doing skin to skin - that helps a ton!). Remind yourself that you are doing what is best for your baby.

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