I hate breastfeeding

[Anonymous]

I said it and I feel relieved. I feel extremely guilty because I know it’s the best nutrition and I make more than enough for him to eat but I hate it. It has never made me feel closer or bond more with him. I actually feel more tied down and starting to resent it. Feedings take forever and I still have some pain issues because of my sensitive and flat nipples. He often wants to nurse just for comfort and I’m tired of being a human pacifier. I hate that I’m the only one who has to do the work at night. I hate that I have to pump while I will be at work. I just hate it. It has not been a magical thing that everyone has told me it would be. Can anyone else relate?

[Anonymous]

Yep. I felt the same, so I quit and switched to formula with the full blessing of our pediatrician. No regrets!

[Anonymous]

How old is the baby? If it's been a week and you hate it, I might say give it a little longer. But there is no shame in stopping breastfeeding at any time. Formula is perfectly fine. Your health and happiness matter, too.

[Anonymous]

Yes I hated nursing and pumping. I also had supply issues and had to supplement with formula and did pumping and breastfeeding and bottle feeding and it was so exhausting. It's okay to stop! It seems like a big deal when you're in the middle of it, but I promise your child will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is the baby? If it's been a week and you hate it, I might say give it a little longer. But there is no shame in stopping breastfeeding at any time. Formula is perfectly fine. Your health and happiness matter, too.

OP here. He is 4 months old.

[Anonymous]

It wasn’t a love-fest with me either but I kept going. It really does get easier. But, bottom line, there are sacrifices we make as mothers for our children. It’s just the way life is. Don’t expect to love every aspect of motherhood and you’ll be better off in the long run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It wasn’t a love-fest with me either but I kept going. It really does get easier. But, bottom line, there are sacrifices we make as mothers for our children. It’s just the way life is. Don’t expect to love every aspect of motherhood and you’ll be better off in the long run.

But this is not a sacrifice this mom needs to make! You mommy martyrs are the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It wasn’t a love-fest with me either but I kept going. It really does get easier. But, bottom line, there are sacrifices we make as mothers for our children. It’s just the way life is. Don’t expect to love every aspect of motherhood and you’ll be better off in the long run.

No it doesn' always get easier. Enought with bein martyrs for breastfeeding. OP if you hate it, and want to stop, then stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old is the baby? If it's been a week and you hate it, I might say give it a little longer. But there is no shame in stopping breastfeeding at any time. Formula is perfectly fine. Your health and happiness matter, too.

OP here. He is 4 months old.

You've done amazing, and you do not have to keep doing something you resent. Talk to your ped about the best way to transition him to formula and do it guilt free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It wasn’t a love-fest with me either but I kept going. It really does get easier. But, bottom line, there are sacrifices we make as mothers for our children. It’s just the way life is. Don’t expect to love every aspect of motherhood and you’ll be better off in the long run.

But this is not a sacrifice this mom needs to make! You mommy martyrs are the worst.

Keep your wig on maw maw. The pp isn’t actinf a martyr. She hated BF but in the cost/benefit analysis, kept with it.

Op, I don’t know if anyone actually “enjoys” breastfeeding. I felt it was worth it to slog through the first year. Do whatever makes sense for you. Your mental health is important.

[Anonymous]

It starts getting much easier at 6 months. Hang in there.

- mom of 3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It starts getting much easier at 6 months. Hang in there.

- mom of 3

For you. It doesn't for everyone.

[Anonymous]

I hated it too. Exact same reasons. You are not alone.

[Anonymous]

Why not stop when you go back to work? Or reduce significantly? Maybe just nurse in the morning and evening? Or even just at night?

It’s not all or nothing.

For what it’s worth, I loved breastfeeding but I think pumping is stressful and I wouldn’t hesitate to stop. Going back to work is stressful enough, it’s okay to be kind to yourself. ((Hugs))

[Anonymous]

I recall I really hated it with my first and couldn't wait to wean him down. But once we got to one year it wasnt bad at all, like a 2 or 3 5 min sessions a day. I ended up actually enjoying it by the time he was 18 months old and it was no bother to me to continue as it seemed important to him. I finally weaned at 2.5- way, way longer than I ever imagined.