Losing heart (breastfeeding)?

I'm breastfeeding my 2 month old and wanting to give it up. I feel like the only reason I do it is because there are so many estremists out there who will think I don't love my baby if I don't do it. There's no way that it's this hard for everybody. Some people must just produce more milk than others. It's a full time job keeping my supply up and it leaves room for little else. I pump daily on top of nursing him full time and my supply still runs low occasionally. It's literally my only perogative now because it whipes out every other thing. I can't do housework or even leave the house unless it's urgent. I feel like a slave sometimes ... like my body doesn't even belong to me anymore. People keep saying it gets easier. When does it get easier?

It's really taking the joy out of motherhood ... is this why so many mothers switch to formula??

I know just how you feel. I remember sitting on the couch nursing my first baby and crying, because I felt like that was all I ever did.
You are right, it is not as hard for some women as it is for others.

I'm sure you have heard all about the many benefits of breastfeeding, which last well into the first year, so I will spare you the propaganda. (I am a bit of a breastfeeding fanatic.)

I never felt it really got any easier for me ( I have 3 kids, all breastfed) until around 5 or 6 months. It really can be so hard, at least until they start taking baby food.

If you are not enjoying it and are ready to stop, be sure and stop before you begin to resent your baby. One of the points of breastfeeding is to strengthen the mother/child bond. If it is doing the opposite for you, your baby will sense your tension.

You might consider supplementing your breastfeeding with 2 or 3 bottles of formula a day. That way your baby still gets the benefits of breastfeeding, and you get a little more freedom. If even that doesn't work for you, be thankful that we live in a day and age that you do have a choice about how to feed your baby. Don't feel bad, you have to do what is right for you and your baby!

Congratulations and good luck!

The main benefits of breast milk for the baby happen for the first couple of months. You have done that - you should go ahead and switch - there's no reason to make yourself miserable.

Don't feel bad at all. I only breastfed mine for about 5 weeks each. It does take up ALL of your time. I had some painful issues as well, and even though it wasn't for very long, I gave my babies a healthy boost by doing it. You will enjoy bottle feeding much more. Don't let anybody make the decision for you! 2 months is very commendable. Good job mom!

My first born was not getting enough milk, so I had to switch her to formula...not by choice, but it was the only option for her to stay healthy...
My second child, I produced enough milk to feed an army!!! It was a good thing, cause he was HUNGRY!!!!!!
Don't feel that you are any less of a mother because your baby is on formula, you are doing what is best for you both...

if it is taking the joy out of motherhood stop, the most important thing is that you love your baby and you are happy

the extremist out there would judge you if you did breat feed and judge you if you didnt so i say ignore them
mother nature gave us a great thing called instinct go with it

you will only be a mommy to a baby for a short time as they grow so fast so enjoy it

my wife is breast feeding out third and just watching it, I know what you're saying.

But there are a lot of health reasons to breastfeed. Breastfed babies have lower rates for asthma, allergies and a lot of other stuff that my wife tells me about but goes in one ear and out the other.

Do you really think a bunch of people in lab coats can design a better baby food than God? (or natural selection if you prefer)

That does sound very difficult. Have you tried talking to a lactation consultant. They can be a great help. You might think your supply is low but it might not be. If your baby has enough wet and dirty diapers they are getting enough to eat. If your baby is fussy it could be something other than hunger. Please don't lose heart. I know it seems hard but I am a breastfeeding mother and I take nights to myself and i go out with the girls. My baby does fine. She eats if she is hungry and won't if she isn't. Talk to someone in your community before you give up. People should not think you don't love your baby if you do stop. It is your CHOICE!!! Good luck. People are there to help.

you have lasted 2 months and that is great. no it is not easy for everyone. everyone is different and for some it is easy and some it is hard. if it is stressing you as much as you say i would try bottle feeding and yes you can do both, i did. good luck.

Poop on what people think and/or say. Are they that baby's mother? No, right? You love your baby, so who cares what they think. Some of them doing the loudest condemning are lousy mothers so don't let them get to you.

I applaud you for keeping it up for this long. Breast feeding was just starting to resurface when I had my daughter and I tried it for all the right reasons. I gave it up after the first try. Talk all ya want it was agony and I don't need that kind of suffering and sacrifice to prove I love my baby. You don't either. So if it is becoming more than a pain in the neck, do what you feel is best and give it up. There are many excellent baby bottles and/or feeding systems if you prefer but they all work just as well as the "old fashioned" method.

breast feeding is your and only your decision it right for some but not for others it was never right for me and I love my kids all 4 just as much as if I had breast fed my daughter just had my grandson in March and her doctor pushed her into doing it so she did try and found it wasn't for her either but she tried if it's not right for you you can't change it and it dont' mean you don't love your baby and you being under the stress of this can make it harder on you and your supply as well as your little guy good luck

I do not breastfeed, People are way to against formula feeding, I dont know why, really formula is almost just as good. Thats my opinion. I dont think people should be attacked just cause they dont breast feed, I had the worst time trying to, finally i gave up. It was way to hard with work. I think you should forget what people say about not breastfeeding, Do what is comfortable for you. There is so many healthy babies out there that werent breast fed. All 3 of mine were not breastfed and all heathly babies.

I know there are a lot of women out there who say that breastfeeding is the only way, and I do agree that breastmilk is best for the baby - but I also think that formula is SO much more improved over the last few years that the difference in quality is negligible.

Part of being a good parent is taking care of yourself - and if you are not enjoying breastfeeding, then your baby is probably picking up on that. It's stressful, and not everyone can do it!

If people criticize you for not breastfeeding, this is THEIR problem, not yours. It's a personal decision. Both my children were formula fed (I simply hated breastfeeding - they each got about 2 weeks of breastmilk before I gave up), and they're happy, healthy, and normal.

If you really, really want to breastfeed, then you have to just stick with it. Only you can make this decision. But I personally think that formula (while more expensive, of course) is a lot easier and less stressful. Good luck!

A happy mom who formula feeds is better than a miserable mom who breastfeeds. Stress can really affect your milk supply. Babies can sense that stress. Don't feel bad at all if you switch to formula full-time. Even the 2 months you've breastfed is awesome. Be proud of yourself.

You need time to relax and enjoy your new baby and bond with baby. Don't even worry about what others think. You do what you feel is good for you and your baby.

I don't think it gets easier...you may just get more used to it.

Hope that helps...good luck.

mari

How do you know your supply is low, chances are you have too much milk not too little. And having too much milk can cause problems for both you and the baby.

You sounds like a wonderful mother. All a baby wants and needs is to be loved and cared for, no matter how you do it. If you want to switch to a bottle - go for it!! It's definitely not for everyone. And it's no ones business but yours. Remember that.

Good luck.

okay, i'm so glad you asked this. you should not let the extremists influence you. i am just weaning my 2nd child after 5 weeks of breastfeeding. i nursed my first for four months before stopping. unfortunately, this time, though i love the bond and do not have many problems w/breastfeeding, it is too much. i completely agree with the feelings that i can barely get anything else done and i feel like i do not have any time to breathe.
i do not have any luck pumping, i find formula is just fine. these days, formula's are as close to breastmilk as they've ever been. do not let gulit rule your life. love and hold your baby, kiss and cuddle them often. that is the only thing that a baby really needs.

Breastfeeding is very good for the health of the child and it's physical development. Children who are breastfeed perform better that those who are feed otherwise. Breast feeding also helps with the bonding of both mother and child.

However, if it is causing you stress and pain you should speak to your doctor or a child nutritionist and see which bottle feed will be second the the breast milk so that both of you will be happy.

Take care of yourself and that child.

All the best.

Statistically its worth an extra 11 points on average to the child's IQ if they breast feed until they are six months old.

Formula does not do the same thing as mothers milk. The kids dont grow as large, nor are they as healthy. Your antibodies are transmitted to your child, so your immune system can fight the disease for your baby. Formula cant do that.

Talk to formula-only mothers, and if they are like my sister, you will be buying your kid cold medicine every two weeks for the next 2 years.

Hey, it also reduces the onset rate of childhood cancers.

I'll be slammed for this, but I breastfeed and I know where you're coming from. I'm not miserable, I enjoy it but I know what you mean about feeling like a slave. Anyway, if you are truly unhappy, just give your baby formula. The way I see it, your baby would benefit more from a mother who lovingly gives him formula than a mother who hatefully gives him breastmilk. But really, it DOES get much easier soon. My son cut back a feeding a couple weeks ago. He was eating 9-10 times a day and now eats 8. Only one of those is at night. He's 12 weeks old. So it DOES get better. If you think you'll feel guilty, stick with it. But if you think you'd be happier giving formula, that's what's important. Because despite what many say, babies eat formula and grow up to be fine. It's definitely not breastmilk, but it's a good substitute.

Many breastfeeding moms feel this way. Two months is one of those mile stones when the "newness" has worn off and you begin to realize how hard it all is.

As far as others go, it is your body and your baby. It is none of their business. It really does get easier though-most of the time. Learning to breastfeed is like learning to dance. Each partner has to get the hang of it.

Could I ask you a few questions?
How do you know your supply is low?
Why are you pumping? (to increase your supply?)
Are you taking breaks, resting, eating and drinking (8 glasses + water)?
Are you really stressed out?
Why do you want to breastfeed?
Why do you want to stop?
Are you getting a good latch and how long do you nurse in one stretch?
How do you know he isn't getting enough?

It really needs to work for you too. Yes, breast is best, but there are some situations where is isn't or it is just not working. Good luck and trust your decisions.

Breastfeeding does not have to be a horrible experience. You just need the proper support, and there are lots of things that can be done to help you. Wether or not you stick this out will affect your child for life. I know this must be hard, but hang in there, it doesnt have to be.

Check these resources out:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/resources/a...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/milkdrunk/
http://www.promom.org/101/

Chin up. I've breastfed 4 children for 1 1/2 years each. It can be difficult the first couple of months; painful nipples, feeling enslaved, worries, etc. but it does get better. Try contacting a breastfeeding consultant in your area to show you the proper latching on techniques. Unless you were advised to pump I wouldn't do that because sometimes you can pump wrong and just get more frustrated (babies are natural born "pumpers" they know instinctively how and how much to take. Try contacting family members that may have breastfed or La Leche League www.lalecheleague.org for additional support

Breastfeeding is definatly a full time job. I nursed my son for 15 months, but it was VERY hard the first few months. You have given the baby the good stuff for a couple months, if you need to supplemnt witrh formula if you don't want to give up nursing completely. I thought I had a low milk supply after 3 onths, but my midwife told me that after 2 months, the body will regulate to produce only what the baby really needs. I started drinking gatorade, and noticed an increase in my milk. No medical explanation for it, but it worked for me. Good luck, and don't let anyone make you think you're a bad mom if you stop nursing. About people producing more milk that others, that is completly true. Both of my sisters had so much milk in the freezer it wasn't funny, but like you, i felt i was barely making enough.

Not breastfeeding does not mean that you love your baby less.It is your body and no one elses.You can not do everything everyone thinks you should do.I have 6 kids.I never breastfed none due to the fact that I do not eat proper and I can not make myself eat the proper way to breastfeed.They say breastfed babys are healthier and smarter then formula fed babies.I do see my kids a little advancer then most kids their age but thats a family thing and has nothing to do with formula fed or breastfed.My youngest does have asthma but so does my friends son that is 1 1/2 and still being breastfed.My youngest is 2 1/2 and has never had a ear infection.Doctors claim that bottle fed babies are prone to ear infections where breastfed babies are not.The only true advantage I see with breastfed babies is the baby is not allergic to the breast milk like some babies are allergic to formula.You done good.Switch if you want.The baby will be fine and you will be happier caring for your baby if breast feeding is that much of a problem for you.

If you are not happy with it then you should stop. I breastfed all 3 of my children and loved it. It was hard with my first I had no support. I knew no one who breastfed and my mom and sister were telling me to give it up. I found a good resource in the hospital's breastfeeding support hot line and called at all hours in the beginning and even went back for lessons too. By the time my daughter was 2 months I was comfortable with the process if you aren't comfortable with it yet maybe you should switch to formula.