Could use some cheering up...need to start supplementing formula

[Anonymous]

I'm feeling really down tonight. I'm back at work and just not able to pump enough for my 3 month old.

I've always had lowish supply and have been able to feed my baby 90% breast milk only due to a ton of effort. Now it's clear I'll have to send both bottles of formula and breast milk to daycare on a daily basis. It seems like everyone I talk to has/had massive supply and didn't have this issue until their baby was older.

I've read Emily Oster and I know formula won't hurt my baby but it still feels disappointing to accept.

[Anonymous]

In a couple of months, this won't matter. I had to switch to formula at 5 months. I felt like you did. But it went away. Concentrate on the good stuff, like your baby will be fed and full. That's all that matters , not how it is accomplished.

[Anonymous]

It'll be okay, supplement but keep the night time
Feeding if you're able to do so.

[Anonymous]

Do not stress about BF!! There's lots you're dealing with-this is no failure or worth feeling like a failure with!! I breast fed my first three kids then had twins. Breast fed them exclusively too until one was in hospital for extended period. I pumped and pumped and pumped then just realized the stress not worth it. I stuck a bottle w/formula in baby at homes mouth and never regretted it at all. I did continue to BF hospital baby but that was because of difficult health issues.

[Anonymous]

Your worth as a mother is not based on how much breast milk you can produce! You are not a failure. You are providing for your baby. Fed is best.

I had to give up nursing due to issues other than supply (but we’re still out of my control). It was hard. Sending you hugs and positive energy. You are a great mom!

[Anonymous]

It'll be awesome. You have your baby so much already. You can supplement and then stop pumping earlier and have your nights back and your body back and be a happy mom present for her kid and not tied to a pump.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry. The societal and self-imposed pressure on this is crazy. I Pumped 12x/day and never made enough milk to feed my baby more than 50% bm. Formula was absolutely best for us. Fast forward 8 years and she is thriving in every way. Keep the night feed or don’t - just do whatever helps you be the most present and happy mom.

[Anonymous]

The benefits of breastfeeding are from the presence of breast milk, not the absence of formula. Fed is best!

[Anonymous]

I was with you a decade ago.

We never made very far with breastmilk for various reasons and I remember feeling quite down. My kids are now in Middle School, and they are healthy, smart, athletic, curious, kind.

It will be okay.

[Anonymous]

I hate what breast is best has done to us women. Like we do t have enough pressure to be the most perfect wives and mothers and employees and citizens of all time. You are a GREAT MOM and formula will never change that.

I went through this last year and what the poster above really got me through it- the benefits are because of the presence of breastmilk not because of the absence of formula. The benefits are there from an ounce a day.

The best thing you can ever do for your child is give them a happy and stress free mom.

[Anonymous]

From a mom who nursed all four of her kids: I don’t think it matters one bit and wish I’d been able to let go of the idea that I absolutely had to breastfeed. My kids are now 7, 9, 12 and 14 and I’m not currently breastfeeding them, and it turns out they’re doing just fine. It’s not my milk that makes me their mother.

[Anonymous]

I’m in the same boat and I feel really sad about it too. I know rationally fed is best, but it’s been a big disappointment emotionally. I’m sorry you’re struggling. I take comfort that she’s undeniably bonded to me. Sending a hug.

[Anonymous]

I tried my best to breast feed, never worked out. I painfully pumped for 2 Months then went to formula and never looked back. I was happier, better rested and so was my baby. It will be fine, you tried your best now time to move on

[Anonymous]

I know how you feel, OP. But this feeling will pass. And eventually you’ll realize that combo feeding is the best of both worlds. And no more stress about hitting some milk goal, trying to squeeze out every last drop. You’re doing great!

[Anonymous]

If I had it to do over again, I would not pump at work at all. Ultimately I struggled with supply and ended up having to supplement and it was completely freeing once I came to accept it (but hard at the time).

You're doing great.