Feeling like a bad mom...?

Question

My son is almost 6 months old. I have been having a lot of issues with breastfeeding the last few weeks. My son has been acting hungry after feedings for about 3 months. I started him on some Rice cereal and some veggies. Well here is the issue: My SIL has been very successful with breastfeeding her baby (who is now 15 months old) She called me today to "encourage" me. She never calls me. She said something negative to my husband about me starting him on solids. Her daughter will not wean, she doesn't like food (except junk food) I feel I am doing what is right for my son, without creating major problems later on. He still nurses, but my supply has been down since before I started him on solids. I have done EVERYTHING the books say to increase supply: Not working for me. I am planning on letting him nurse as long as he wants, but supplementing solids in as well. He will not take formula. Im going to the Dr this week.

When I was pregnant, I ended up decideing to be induced (didn't work because of fetal stress. I had a c-section) When she found out I decided to be induced, she and my MIL tried to convince me other wise. I love them both, but I am his mom, doing what I feel is right for him. How can I deal with the "advice" I feel like I am being scolded...

Answer 1

You are going to have 18 years of having other mother's telling you what is best. The fact is, YOU are your son's mother and God gave you this child because He knew you would be the best one for him. That being said - you can listen to what they have to say, but you are the only one that can make the best decision for him.

I didn't breastfeed, wasn't able to. But if I did and didn't think my son was getting enough to eat, I would do exactly what you are doing. Don't worry, it is fine. You sure don't want him to starve!!!!! Surely that isn't what SIL and MIL want, either.

Don't second guess yourself. You sound like a wonderful mother to me!!!!!!!!!! Let their comments roll off your back. Next time, just say thanks for your advice. I will take it into consideration. Then do what you know is right. God Bless!

Answer 2

Don't feel guilty! I started feeding my son rice cereal when he was around 5 months and fruits/veggies not much later. He did just fine. Your milk supply goes down, but that is expected. As long as he is healthy and can handle the solids, it is an appropriate step to make. My son stopped breastfeeding at 9 months because my supply became very low. I had to supplement with formula. The main thing is that you do what is best for you and your son. Every baby is different!!! See what the Dr. has to say :)

Answer 3

Nod your head, say: "thank you for the advice." Then do what You feel is best for Your child.

As a side note. My daughter nursed all three of her children. However at about six months with the first baby he was screaming all the time. The child was hungry! She decided to put him on a bottle. For what ever reason her milk was not nourishing enough for him. Since then she has had two more babies and have successfully nursed both of them with no problems.

Answer 4

Every mother and Every child is different, just because your ways are different than theirs, do not mean that your ways are wrong.
Do the best you feel that you can and dont let what they say bother you. As long as your baby is growing and developing do not worry. Babies will let you know when they need something more, if you notice your baby needs more... instinct will prevail and you will do what needs to be done.
Every parent thinks they know best, that their way is the RIGHT way, just know that they mean well and thank them for the advice.
You dont have to do what they say but they may feel better just knowing that you took the time to listen.
Kudos to you! I'm sure you are going to be a great mom! The fact that you are concerned about your baby's nutrition shows that you care for it's welfare. If you have further questions; ask your pediatrition, they are ALWAYS ready to answer questions and will give you great advice!

Answer 5

nicely i'm a divorced, single mom now, yet whilst i became into married I felt like a single mom too! no longer a lot has replaced in my household projects between then and now, i'm nevertheless in charge for each little thing. My ex-husband made little or no $ (confident I specific know a thank you to %.'em) so i did no longer sense a lot of a financial loss. the sole ingredient I lossed became into the stress of a undesirable relationship, so i think of I relatively have it much less annoying now! be happy you get to be a stay at homestead mom, it won't final constantly, so get excitement from it. only think of in case you had to handle each and all the household projects you do now AND carry down an entire-time interest!

Answer 6

The best thing to do is to speak to a Dr or child nurse and get their opinion. You do not have to take it on board if you don't agree but when you are told something by someone else, you can say that you have spoken to a professional and what you are doing with 'YOUR CHILD' is what is best. If they continue, you have to tell them to stop because your the only one who can make the decision and as a mother, it will be the right one.

Answer 7

He's your child. You know you're doing the right thing. I wouldn't worry about it. You could mix some of your breast milk with the cereal. That's the only advice I would give you.

Interesting fact: Did you know that women are made to breasfeed for 3 years after giving birth?

Answer 8

Like you said this is your child and maybe you need to stress that to your family.

I had my daughter off formula and on milk and food at 5 months. She was on rice pablum at like 2 months. She is now 7 and fine. Actually she is healthier then most of my friends kids who were all breast fed. Figure that one out?!

Do what YOU think is right. Have faith in your decisions on how to raise YOUR children.

Answer 9

dont feel bad, your their mother and you no whats best 4 em. that chick needs 2 stay out of your business!

good luck!!

Answer 10

do your best issues may happen ,but still do you best.