Anyone else forced to breastfeed?

Question

I didn’t want to breastfeed my third baby. My mental health was horrible when I did with my first 2. I have other reasons I don’t want to also. 
I don’t have the option to use formula anymore because it’s expensive and we are very very poor. Not the mention the formula shortage. 
I’m scared. I’m scared I’ll go crazy again, I’m scared I lll get so stressed again my milk will dry up and then I’ll have to buy formula anyway. I don’t even trust what’s in it given all the recalls. 
I understand that many want to breastfeed and can’t, this isn’t about that though. 
I feel so much pressure to breastfeed when I don’t want to.

Answer

You should apply for WIC. You might be able to get help with buying formula

Answer

That's tough momma. Maybe see if a perspective shift helps. You are blessed to be able to provide nourishment for your little one. Also, since you already know breastfeeding affects your mental health, maybe be proactive in seeking treatment.

Answer

I’m sorry you feel like this.
Just think about how much better it is for baby ( and I’m not shaming bottle
Feed I was bottle feeding both my kids)! 
I think breastmilk is healthier
Think about all the money you’re saving!
Or: could you mix it breasfteeding and bottle feeding ?

Answer

100% go for WiC. I’m breastfeeding my youngest and I still get WIC for my toddler and myself/youngest. They won’t cover all of it but it will help with the majority of what you need monthly. And if they haven’t replied, call them. Call them daily until they get you in and approved. 
Breastfeeding is so hard. It’s exhausting and draining, mentally and physically. If you don’t want to breastfeed, then don’t. If you know it affects your mental health, then don’t do it. You have to take care of yourself too! I understand feeling forced. I was also terrified of not being able to produce enough or having to deal with the monetary aspect of formula or the shortage. I felt forced to breastfeed because of those reasons but it’s been a very pleasant journey surprisingly.
I hope you can get WIC pushed through so you can formula feed your babe. Or if you do decide to breastfeed, it doesn’t take such a huge toll on you mentally.

Answer

Your first experience with it is very similar to what happened with my son. We made it 6 weeks and that was with supplementing. My daughter came along and I decided I would just try it and if it didn’t work we’d move on. She was born with sugar issues and 16 hours after being in the hospital was admitted to the NICU. They tried to give her formula when I couldn’t be there because I was too sick and hospitalized for a week myself. When I did go over the first night, though, they told me jokingly that she was a boob baby and didn’t want the formula but they were getting it into her. We tried weaning her off the formula when we both finally came home and it was clear she preferred to be latched to me. She wouldn’t even take a pacifier. Around a month old I just decided to breast feed and it was seriously the easiest thing for us and she breastfed until she was almost 2. I’m not telling you this to make you feel more pressure but just so you know that both of my babies were totally different experiences and it was so much easier with my second. I don’t know if my body just knew what to do this time or what but give it a try and see what WIC says in case you need a backup.

Answer

Maybe try to get assistance with paying for formula? I have WIC & they provide me with 9 cans a month

Answer

Call or just go to a WIC office. They are typically very responsive. They will help with formula

Answer

Hospital will give you free breast pump through your insurance and then you can pump and bottle feed. But i definitely say keep fighting for WIC!!!

Answer

Keep applying for wic.. find a number to call and call them daily. Apply for any benefits you can. Keep these struggles in mind when thinking about having anymore children.

Answer

I wasn’t forced to persay but my partner wanted me to. I tried it, I did not like it. I toughed it out though the formula shortage and my mental health really suffered. My milk supply was never any issue but I just honestly hate it. Not everyone likes it and that’s okay. While you’re waiting on WIC, talk to your pediatrician. They may have samples or they may be able to write you a prescription to get your insurance to cover it.

Anyone else forced to breastfeed?

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