Sunday, April 3, 2011
Breastfeeding
I think I'm about done breastfeeding. I have always said a year, but in the back of my mind I was thinking 9 months. I would just really like to have more freedom back. I am getting more comfortable doing it in public places..or my car, but it can be such a pain! I would like to be able to take her anywhere and just feed her a bottle. I guess I could pump and bring that along, but pumping is a pain too! I have to pump 3 times a day at work. For her daycare I have been sending more than she needs just in case, so I might have to start supplementing with formula to make sure I have enough. I feel selfish for wanting a little bit more freedom because breastfeeding is so good for them. She doesn't have any teeth yet so should I wait until then? I would just like to wake up sometimes and not be in pain and have to pump if she's not up yet. I would also like to be able to just go for a run whenever I wanted rather than go between feedings or when I'm not as 'full.' Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I feel like a bad mom for wanting this. The pumping at work is starting to wear me out. I have to plan my day around it and a few times I've had to miss pumping sessions because I was in meetings or something. How long do most people breastfeed for? Because I'm still able, should I keep going? I do like the special bond it brings us, and I for sure will miss that. Anyway, just been thinking about all that lately. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated! :)
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I don't think you're a bad mom at all for wanting more freedom. I say go for it. 6 months is a good amount of time to breast feed. I know you've heard this before, but soooo many babies are formula fed and you wouldn't even know the difference. This will give you more time to spend with her instead of pumping! Have you thought about just nursing her at night before bed and in the morning when she gets up? Your milk supply will adjust to the lower demand.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with Brenna. There is nothing wrong with your feelings! You have done great! Pumping that much cannot be easy. And like Brenna said your milk supply would adjust if you went to just mornings and nights with her. For Bay and I it just happened one day. She was 10 months old...I looked down at her and she looked up at me with, almost saying to each other this is it. No joke. We were BOTH done! Haha. I did not even have one day of pain with after quitting...it was just time. Not saying that will happen again with Bo:) But at least I can say it happened once! Most importantly just know this is your call, you are a great Mom and your daughter loves you no matter what:) No wrong decision there!
ReplyDeleteHey girl. Wanted to let you know that I recently went through the exact same feelings. Pumping was wearing me out, I never could pump as much as Stella was eating, and I just wasn't enjoying breastfeeding anymore. Stella didn't even seem to be enjoying it much. I was an emotional mess about it! Anyway, over the past three weeks, I stopped breastfeeding and all is well. (Stella is close to 7 months old.)Do just an evening and morning feeding for a while - that will make the whole process easier on both of you. Six months of breastfeeding is a wonderful accomplishment and you should feel GREAT about that!
ReplyDeleteRylee,
ReplyDeleteI think you should be proud of yourself for breastfeeding as long as you have. I completely understand how you feel and what a personal sacrifice it is to nurse. I think, you should do whatever is best for you - I think you are an excellent mom; you're doing much better than I did my first time! Honestly, its very obvious to me how devoted you are to your little girl, so please don't consider yourself selfish because that's just not true :)