So glad that I had a DH who supported my BFing in all ways and did not have a negative attitude. I am glad he put my wishes and the welfare of the baby first and did not mind if he was inconvenienced.
OP gives me the creeps for being a cold husband and father. Not an ounce of empathy for what the wife is going through. Terrible husband and father material. I wonder how some women choose to marry such men? Oh wait, there is another thread about how Lee Malvo married in prison. I guess there is a shoe for every foot!! |
It seems you need the therapist, PP. Op all you can do is support her. It must be hard to see her dealing with so much, but I would not even suggest she stop. |
You are being supportive by being concerned about her mental and physical health! Try talking to her. |
Research shows the benefits are minimal. Breast milk benefits are overrated. |
So basically, OP, you’re the one who is inconvenienced. You probably miss your life before the baby and the wife you had then. Get over it. Your wife is a Mom now which means you take a backseat and your baby’s needs come first. Don’t disguise your selfishness as concern for your wife. |
You people on here are crazy. Breast milk is not that nutritional and the benefits are overstated. OP has an almost 5 month old and his wife isn't even breastfeeding. She is pumping because her child hates to nurse. There is final benefit when pumping milk. Her baby sleeps 11 hours and she is up every 2-3 hour. She can't do anything and always complains to him about having to pump. If you're husband omplained to you about having to do something he solely chooses to do, you would be aggravated too. It sounds like OPs wife needs therapy. I wouldn't want to deal with her. |
Marriage counsellor, pronto. |
I exclusively pumped for 10 months and it was particularly difficult in the beginning, so I get it, OP. It’s frustrating to see your spouse struggle and to have something completely take over their life. But I agree with PPs that the best thing you can do is to say (repeatedly) “I support your decision. Switch to formula or keep pumping - either way, I’m here for you.” But don’t use the word “quit.” If she’s emotionally tied to the idea of breastfeeding, that word will result in very hurt feelings. |
OP here. Nope. I love being a dad and actually take care of him more than she does. She suffers from PCOS and nerve pain. I do wish my wife was more present and less moody, but no I don't miss my life before my child. It's also affecting her work too. My child's needs do come first, but pumping comes first to my wife. She rarely spends time with him because she is pumping. She spends most weekends sleeping in because she has been up all night pumping. I do everything - cook dinner, clean up after dinner, put baby to bed, help wash pump parts, make bottles for the next day, etc. She doesn't have much time to do anything but pump. |
I completely disagree. He’s not negative; he’s realistic that pumping is negatively affecting his wife’s mental and physical health. |
I pumped and feed exclusively for 6 months. Tried for the first 2 months to get a latch. At 8 months I eventually started adding formula. Would I do it again, or recommend someone else do it - NO.
At the time it seemed a very personal and important thing to me. To be honest I would have despised anyone who tried to convince me to do anything different than what I was doing. Thinking hormones, exhaustion and first time Mom issues messed up my perspective. I was so focused on trying to do everything right, I missed some of the joy of the early months. |
If she is pumping every 2-3 hours, she is not getting REM sleep. One needs 4 hours (or so) in a stint to do that. That would concern me. If she is getting at least one 4 hour stint, then I would not be as worried. |
+1. Her pumping and not being able to do anything else for the baby is taking its toll on OP and the baby. People shouldn't be pumping to prove something (eg: I am a good mom if I forced myself to pump and feed my kid those few ounces of breast milk because it is beneficial to him. If I don't do that I fail as a mom). I wasn't able to breast feed my DC. The amount of time it took to pump for a few oz of milk, combined with the difficulty my preemie had with latching when trying to breast feed made me give it up in a month. My DC is fine I think. And no, I do not feel like a failure as a mom. I did my best. The only thing I feel is I missed out on the mother/baby closeness while breast feeding. OP, talk with her in a supportive and encouraging way like a PP said and state your feelings on the subject. It can't go on like this for her or for you if it brings so much stress. It is unhealthy mentally and physically. Make sure she knows you are there whatever she decides. |
Actually, research shows that breast milk is the best for children. I wanted to give all advantages I could give to my children and so it was an excellent choice for our family. You are welcome to give whatever you want to your own child. Trust me, I do not care what you choose to feed your child. |
If OP's wife has an issue or a need to vent, she can talk to her doctor or even post here.
OP seems to want to control his wife's choices and body. I find it creepy that he is posting here and basically gaslighting her. Let me guess - another White male! |