I hate breastfeeding

I promise it gets easier. The first month or 2 is so so hard but you will likely hit a HUGE turning point in the next 3 weeks or so and it will be smooth sailing from there. Perfect milk on tap anytime any place. I felt exactly like you and here I am, still breastfeeding (and loving it) a few weeks before my sons 2nd birthday because I gritted my teeth and got past the first couple months 🥹💕 for supply, keep water intake UP and keep baby at the boob. Pumping will help (I recommend a Hakka as it’s effortless) but your body reacts to the saliva on the nipple. Skin to skin will help too. Could you mix some breastmilk into the formula to give you a break? For bottles, it’s important someone else gives her it as she’ll likely reject it from you as she wants boob. Also, remember baby is new to this too! It takes some time, you’re almost past the hardest part I promise. And it is soooo hard at the beginning as you’ve so much else going on as well. Keep going, you’ll get there ❤️

Feel free to message me girl, I know exactly how you’re feeling ❤️

@Shannon thank you so much ❤️ it feels so hopeless 😭 for me it's been by far the hardest thing postpartum so far. I don't know if it's because I'm sleep deprived or what 😭 how do you mix breastmilk and formula? Is there like a ratio and does it still need to be heated to a certain temperature? We have the Enfamil ready to feed formula

I promise where you are is THE hardest point. It’s everything piling up, you’ll still be sore, sleep deprived etc.You’re in the deep slums of postpartum, the point where it would be easier to give up but I promise it’s worth it to keep going. As for mixing, it’s not something I done so I’m not entirely sure but seek advice on ‘combination feeding’ although be aware this can impact your supply due to less feeding at the boob, it could also mean more work for you as you will have more bottles involved and also need to pump to replace missed feeds at the breast. It might be easier in the long run just to grit your teeth for the next 2 weeks - I PROMISE it gets easier, baby will get the hang of it and be much quicker at feeding, also, seek advice from a breastfeeding specialist as there may be other fixable issues at play such as tongue ties etc ❤️

i hated breastfeeding too, then when my baby started refusing to breastfeed i hated it even more. i ended up switching to pumping and it was the best thing for my mental health, and took some of my stress away with being able to see exactly how much he was eating. hang in there mama 💜

I feel you. I struggled sooo much with breastfeeding, but I stuck it out and am loving it at 16 weeks. Feel free to message me if you want to know what worked for me - getting my supply up and helping with the pain and exhaustion.

I also know women who exclusively pump and bottle feed and it works beautifully for them So long as baby is fed, you've gotta do what's right for you xx

It's so hard. I'm sorry you feel like this but I'm glad you're able to share and I'm glad others have said the most supportive things. I felt how you're feeling and it's awful but just know you're not the only one and even though you might question if there will ever be a time it feels better, I assure you, there will be. X

I’ve been there….horrible place to be. It got better for me at 1,5months, snd now (4m) I’m very happy I didn’t give up because I love it and it’s super convenient. For me power pumping was key. Once I had enough supply for my baby yo thrive, no more pumping. And by then he was also able to latch (despite a light tongue tie). But if it’s affecting your mental health, remember that fed is best and your partner will have to understand and be supportive. Sending hugs your way!

I completely understand you!! I hated breastfeeding at the beginning and I literally faced the same issues as you. Now little ones nearly 3 months and it’s got a lot easier. But one thing I will say is you and your mental health come first so do what’s right for you. My little one wouldn’t take a bottle but I got other people to try for me and persisted with it now she does. Here if you wanna chat! x

Thank you so much everyone, I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one that's felt this way. I wrote that post at like 5am after being awake with a baby that would not latch so I was definitely frustrated. I appreciate everyone's support and advice ❤️ I'm going to keep pushing 😭

Honestly, I think you're right, the sleep deprivation makes a horrible situation seem so much worse. I'm 13 weeks into the struggle but it doesn't feel anywhere as bad as it did 6,7,8 weeks ago. You got this mama. X

@Samantha thank you so much ❤️

It’s so hard. The hardest thing I have ever done but I promise it does get better. Just remember breastfeeding is only right for the baby, if it’s right for the mum. I value my partners opinion but your health/mental health comes first. Have you tried goats milk formula? It’s the only one my little one will take and it mimics more the taste of BM and think it’s slightly easier to digest. I am in the UK and use the Nannycare brand which seems to be working for one bottle a day. Stay strong mama, you got this!

Pump 10 minutes after feed. You can definitely make 1-2 bottle feeds and your partner can feed during the night. I'm doing the same. Also honestly I'm also on the same boat. My boy is 5 weeks old and has a really poor latch. I'm having swellon sore areola. I feel you. DM me. We can be in this journey together. ♥️