Exclusive pumping guilt?

Question

I started pumping exclusively after my LO was 1 week old. We had a lot of trouble at the hospital latching and the first night of cluster feeding I panicked that i couldn't sustain only breastfeeding and not dread each feeding. I decided to start pumping and feeding and bf got harder. After about two days we were strictly pumping because I was upset he wouldn't latch anymore. My husband is supportive but I still feel like he is a little disappointed that I "gave up" so quickly.  He is concerned that I will not bond with my son as well now and I am constantly feeling like a bad mom. Anyone go through something similar to help me feel like I'm not alone??

Answer

I felt the exact same guilt and I tried for 6 weeks of attempting to breastfeed. My baby screamed and cried so much and I know now he wasn't getting anything out. I saw 3 lactation consultants and STILL felt guilty switching to EP. Looking back, I realize how much happier we both are. In fact, it's like he's a different baby. That being said, no matter when you decided to stop BF, there probably would have been guilt.
You have no reason to be guilty. I've found SO many other ways to bond with my baby and try to be thankful I have a supply that can nourish my sweet boy. You are doing an amazing job momma!

Answer

I have a similar story. There so many things to feel guilty about, but that's false guilt. You have no reason to feel guilty. You are doing something very hard for the benefit of your child. I suggest lots of skin to skin contact when you are not pumping and you will bond, I guarantee it.

Answer

While exclusively pumping can be harder bc of the extra work with all the cleaning and stuff, don't feel like a bad mother. EPing is giving your LO breastmilk. Latching is difficult and sometimes LO prefer bottles. I am currently EPing for baby two. My DD is 4 and we are bonded. When you pump, lay your baby next to you to play and interact. When feeding LO make sure to hold him and the bonding will happen. Keep up the good work and don't feel guilty about anything

Answer

You have nothing to feel guilty for. Breastfeeding is about the bond you form with your child while nourishing him with your body, whether you do that with your breasts or bottle, his nourishment is still from your body. I EBF for my daughters first 6 weeks and then switched to pumping and supplementing because I didn't pump enough. She's now been off formula for a whole week and had nothing but breastmilk, I miss our nursing time but I still feel the bond we share because I know my body is keeping my baby girl alive, just like it did the entire 39 weeks she was growing inside me. If you don't feel that special connection, I can suggest snuggling baby boy and taking a nap, I always feel closest to her when she's snuggled with me and sleeping, and I always pump at least an extra ounce afterwards. The bottom line is, don't let your husband tell you that you haven't bonded with your baby, as long as you feel that connection, his opinion on it is irrelevant. Keep on pumpin' momma!

Exclusive pumping guilt?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products