I really hate breastfeeding. I've tried pumping and giving it in bottles. My breasts hurt and it's so much trouble. But I'd feel guilty by giving formula.
2007-04-04 05:18:03 · 19 answers · asked by april_hwth 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
If your breasts still hurt after a month, something is not going right with your breastfeeding relationship. Your breasts SHOULD NOT hurt!
Is it the breast or the nipple? Constant aching, shooting pains, tenderness, what exactly are you experiencing? Have you been on antibiotics at any point since the birth? Are your nipples dry/cracked/bleeding? Does it hurt all the time or just when nursing? Knowing more about what you're experiencing could help you give you ideas how to fix the problem and improve your nursing relationship so maybe you can keep nursing.
Have you had a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and/or a La Leche League Leader check you positioning and latch on?
2007-04-04 05:43:42 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You're almost through the hard part! It's going to get easier soon. You won't regret sticking with it for a few more weeks. You should not have pain. I hope you choose to see a lactation consultant and fix whatever problem you're having. Many women do not realize that problems can be fixed. There are som many women out there who have a problem and say "I just can't breastfeed." They switch to formula, never knowing that there are wonderful women who can help. Call the hospital where you delivered and ask to be connected to the lactation consultant. If you have WIC, there should be an LC available throught hte WIC office. Don't bother talking to your doctor about breastfeeding problems; they almost never know about breastfeeding. What they do know about it, they've learned from formula companies. Formula companies invented the "if you have a problem, then switch to formula" nonsense. They didn't do it to make your life any better or your baby any healthier. Formula companies sabotage breastfeeding in order to make money, and they even admit it. I believe that you can fix your problem, and you will come to love breastfeeding your baby. It's so easy once you get it, and you're almost there!
2007-04-04 08:26:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to think about your reasons for wanting to switch. Parenthood is all about doing that is best and right for your child, not what is easy and convenient for you. I hate changing poopy diapers, but I do it anyway because it is what is best for my child.
On the other hand, your breasts should not hurt. Breastfeeding should never be painful, and if you are having pain while breastfeeding, you should seek help. Chances are there is an easy fix (such as correcting a latch) to your problem. Breastfeeding can be easy and enjoyable. So many women give up when they reach a problem because they don't know how to fix it and because there is an easy solution in formula -- even if it isn't the BEST solution for your baby.
"While breastfeeding may not seem the right choice for every parent, it is the best choice for every baby." -- Amy Spangler
2007-04-04 07:39:59 · answer #3 · answered by calliope_13731 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do not feel guilty. If you didn't feed your child anything, then you should feel guilty. The important thing here is that you want to provide your child with the best nourishment you can. For something so "natural", breastfeeding can be really hard to do. Sure, breast milk is better, but if you're not enjoying the time spend doing it, what's the point. If you aren't completely sure about giving up, contact a lactation consultant and see if she/he can give you some tips. There is an organization out there that can give you some support called La Leche League. My daughter was born very small, so I had no choice but to give her formula for the extra calories. Life doesn't always work out the way you plan, but that's okay. Giving your baby good food is all that matters. Chances are, you and/or your parents were given formula, and they are fine, right? It will be okay.
2007-04-04 05:28:21 · answer #4 · answered by Jenn 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I was the same way. I felt tied down. I couldn't go anywhere without having to stop and pump. Even when my baby slept through the night, I couldn't rest because I would wake up swollen and sore. But after I stopped and it was too late to go back, I regretted it. Breastfeeding is hard at first. If you're riding the fence, I would suggest trying it a little longer and find ways to pamper yourself to make it easier. The first month you are still hormonal and adjusting to this new responsibility. Just remember that baby can tell if you are resentful. If you continue to bf, psych yourself up before you pick up the baby so you don't transfer those bad vibes to to the baby.
2007-04-04 05:48:55 · answer #5 · answered by ladybug 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should applaud yourself for doing this for your baby as long as you did! Breastfeeding is not easy and for some women it can be downright grueling and painful. Over the next month, you can gradually taper off the breastfeeding/pumping while slowly introducing your child to formula (yes, you can combine breast milk and formula). That way, your child can still benefit from breast milk and you can spend less time pumping and more time enjoying your baby. I've been there before and dealt with the guilt. Now that I look back, I realize I spent so much time feeling guilty when I should have just been enjoying my baby!
2007-04-04 05:35:22 · answer #6 · answered by KatyZo 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Don't feel guilty. You tried it and you gave your baby breast milk for a full month. That is great. I always encourage women to try breastfeeding, but it doesn't work for everyone and that's ok too. Today's formula is very good, so don't beat yourself up. I would encourage you to try breastfeeding again if you have another child. At least for the first month. I breastfed both of my kids and I had a lot of trouble with my oldest. She didn't latch on well and my breast were always sore. I breast fed her for 7 weeks and then we switched to formula. With my second I figured I'd give it a month and see how it went. It was so much easier with him. I ended up breastfeeding him for 13 months.
2007-04-04 05:33:40 · answer #7 · answered by kat 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
properly i don't understand once you will recover from this yet i'm specific after some months of relax and while there are fewer hormones on your physique which will help. don't sense to blame. After the 1st month the colostrums is going away so your toddler has already have been given the excellent of it. in spite of the actuality that breast feeding is superb it isn't the top of the international in case you supply up. Beside in case you have already been supplementing with formulation then it’s no longer a stressful swap. I even have 3 and breastfeed with taken with a quick time. With the 1st i replaced into so drained and waking up each and every 2 hours replaced into killing me so I switched and finally have been given some sleep. Having help with feeding replaced into very effectual too. With the different 2 I breastfeed longer than the 1st yet after approximately 6months i ended and went to formulation. mostly for properly... egocentric motives like getting greater sleep, time to study, the liberty to take a bathtub and have daddy watch them. even however they are technically egocentric motives it’s no longer so undesirable because of the fact if it enables us to be greater effective mommy’s i think of they'd forgive us and you will forgive your self, too.
2016-11-07 04:55:24 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your not the only mother that has felt guilty for having to switch to formula. I felt guilty too in the beginning and it's normal because after having a baby your hormones are out of whack and your just so emotional over everything. I got through it and so has everone else it just takes time. And formula feeding is not a hassle just because you are using bottles and have to wash them,take them with you ect. In my opinion feeding your baby is not a hassle PERIOD, whatever way you choose to do it. If you think it will make you happier then do it, atleast you tried and if your finding out it's just not for you there is nothing wrong with that. You have to do what is right for you and what you feel would be best in your situation. And a happy mom means happy baby. Maybe you should talk to your doc or a lactation consultant and then go from there....It helps when you reach out to a professional because you may find out a lot of info you didn't know....And maybe breastfeeding can turn out sucessful....and if not at least you have consulted with someone.....
2007-04-04 05:56:39 · answer #9 · answered by KDB 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Don't feel guilty about giving formula, there is no reason to. It took about a month or more for my nipples to stop hurting when I breastfed, but it did end soon after, and it was alot more convienient for me breastfeeding then hauling bottles around once I did stop... but I live in Canada and got 1 yrs maternity leave, so I didn't have to worry about pumping or anything while I was at work either. But don't feel guilty at all, formula is perfectly nutritious, and you did it as long as you could, the baby has recieved all your immunities by now anyway, do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, happy mom = happy baby!
2007-04-04 05:35:50 · answer #10 · answered by Amanda R 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋