Breastfeeding - quitting guilt

[isolemnlyswear]

So I always planned on breastfeeding for six months and then just see after that. C is 6.5 months and we are still going strong. She's EBF and we have introduced purees and puffs. I want to be done bfing... not because it's hard (I've been very fortunate) or my supply is diminishing (again very fortunate) but because I want to be. In comes the mom guilt.... I know bfing is what is best for her and because I have no good reason to quit besides I want to I just keep doing it...

Anyone else feel this way?

[mary1217]

I hear you. Due to supply issues we stopped at four months. I had a very hard time while making the decision. But you have to do what is best for you and your family.

[sararl07]

Is your baby feed? Is your baby happy and loved? If you answered yes...then don't be a victim of mommy guilt (I know easier said than done). Do what works for your family a stress free mom is a happy mom and that will be better for your baby in the end.

[Liv]

My supply went way down in the last 3 weeks or so. I had to start supplementing with formula right away, because I don't have a stash in the freezer (only about 20 oz for emergency). Honestly, it's been really freeing for me/her. Daddy can take over some feedings and we can more easily make and give her a bottle out in public situations. (She's kind of an octopus under a nursing cover!) If you'd like to move on from breast only, do it. Your baby will be just fine-- happy mama makes for a happy baby. I think breastfeeding is great, but only as long as its positive for both you and your LO.

[hurricanerek]

You did 6 months! That's a huge commitment to your lo. Do what you feel. Either way, your child sounds healthy and happy!

[lea]

6 months of breastfeeding is great! You did well, mama

[dawnfire]

I'm in the same boat. Though my supply has tanked supremely the last few days (Aunt Flo, is that you coming for a visit?) I'm lucky that I had a monster supply because I found out I couldn't donate my milk, so I'm hoping it'll see LO through the next few weeks. But I'm so tired of pumping at work especially when all I get is an ounce or two. It's a LOT of work and I know my DH has no idea.

[isolemnlyswear]

Thanks ladies. I might introduce formula for a feeding over the weekend to see how it goes. DH says he is supportive either way, and knows it's a personal choice.

[rlb]

Feb 10, 2015 17:04:21 GMT -5 Liv said:

My supply went way down in the last 3 weeks or so. I had to start supplementing with formula right away, because I don't have a stash in the freezer (only about 20 oz for emergency). Honestly, it's been really freeing for me/her. Daddy can take over some feedings and we can more easily make and give her a bottle out in public situations. (She's kind of an octopus under a nursing cover!) If you'd like to move on from breast only, do it. Your baby will be just fine-- happy mama makes for a happy baby. I think breastfeeding is great, but only as long as its positive for both you and your LO.

Very much this, you might be surprised once you make the jump. You  did outstanding - don't guilt yourself (says the supreme self guilt tripper).

[stellabunny]

I felt the same way when I stopped breastfeeding around 6 months. I hated pumping. I wanted my body back. It was driving me crazy to have to structure my entire life around the milk in my breasts. DH and I would try to get away for a night and I would still have to pump or have my boobs explode and risk a supply drop. It was starting to just wear me out and, even before I had DD, I promised myself I would do my best but not drive myself crazy. I felt like I achieved that. It was sad the last time I breastfed her, but we are all going to have that last time sooner or later.

[quinncat]

You did great. The mom guilt really sucks, but 6 months is great and a lot more than a lot of people do.

[ladytiffany24]

I'm having a similar feeling. While I'm not ready to give up breastfeeding yet, my supply has taken a dip and I think i'm going to have to start doing 1 bottle of formula a day to send to the sitter. I don't know why that makes me feel so guilty.

[luckynumbers81]

Going back on birth control tanked my supply so I started weaning. I thought I would be sadder, but my husband was able to take the past few nights of the 4am feeding and I couldn't be happier or more well rested. I'm weaning slowly so I still feed her 1-2 times a day but it isn't as bad as you think, I promise.

[mary1217]

Like I said before it was a very hard decision to make but once I made it I was so relieved. Our lives got easier - I was pumping at home in the morning and in the evenings - I'm home alone with lo in the morning so I was constantly worried about her waking up while I was pumping and in the evenings I pumped while she was still awake which took time away from playing with her.

[holidayarmadillo]

I stopped nursing at 4 weeks and switched to pumping because I couldn't handle the stress of it. Like you, I didn't have issues, but I felt so isolated and anxious when I would BF. Stopping felt so good. I EPed until he was 3 months, but I didn't really do it right (I was only pumping 2-3 times a day), my supply dropped and I didn't want to pump at work.

I felt guilty for a bit, but what I really felt was free. Formula is great, and anything that makes you a happy, healthy mom and feeds your baby is a good choice.

[liziz]

There are many happy, healthy humans who are and were formula fed. You've done a great job so far, don't beat yourself up over it.

The best thing you can do for your baby is to be a happy, healthy mom!