Advice? Support?

Question

So I always thought I'd never breastfeed my baby..... Well, I ended up breastfeeding him...

Anyways, now because when we are in the car he will get cranky(when he is hungry), or when my husband "wants to help" him and now my mom always give me crap and say "you should have never breastfed/this is why I didn't want you to breastfeed" 
It really is getting to me and at this point I just wanna cry and give up..... I just need some encouraging words, or advice on what to tell them/do

& I can't buy a pump because you all know how pricey they are, and we are already broke(we COULD pay for formula, just don't have the extra $150-200 for a pump right now, and with our insurance we would get reimbursed, them not pay out front) :/

Answer

Yes by law, your health insurance has to provide a pump, even if you have Medi-Cal. You can also rent one if need be. Please hang in there and keep breastfeeding. It might be harder in the beginning but it ends up being the easier route!

Answer

I breastfeed 100% it's healthier for baby and cheaper for you. Pacifier in the car. Pumps at Walmart are $30. They work fine. If you can't afford that, try wic. If you can't do that see if your insurance will pay. They should. Most pumps are free on insurance. Breastfeeding is actually way more convenient. You never run out really. Worst comes to worse you are out and about and he gets hungry, go somewhere and feed him. You know?? On top of that, breastfeeding reduces chances of colic and overeating.

Answer

If you are broke you need to keep Breastfeeding for sure!! You can't control other people just try to remind yourself you are doing the absolute best for your child and yourself and helping your family with money! Next time your husband says something go show him the cost of formula. As far as your mom you just have to brush it off she is just upset because you chose a differnt patenting path. Breastfeeding is so good for baby don't give up. Try a pacifier in the car or when your mom or husband holds baby. Good luck and you can do this!

Answer

Do you have health insurance? I think they usually provide a breast pump!

Answer

I managed to get a manual pump from the hospital & I still use it a month later! Go through your insurance & they will actually send you a breast pump either free or very cheap! I'm broke as hell, too, so I'm constantly taking easier routes.

Answer

You are doing great! Breastfeeding is challenging. With people around you being unsupportive, it's even more so. You're mom sounds like she has sour grapes about not breastfeeding you and is trying to undermine your choice. Ignore her. You are doing a good thing for your baby. Check out the Medela harmony pump. It's a manual pump, about $30. It works really well. It's not ideal if you are going to pump all the time, but for a bottle here and there it works great. It's the pump I use, I prefer it to the electric. I don't think you need to pump if you don't want to, but it might be nice for you to have a break once in a while and have your husband feed the baby (perhaps at about 3am. Tell him babies bond best with their dads and need lots of helping at 3am.)

Answer

Look up Aeroflow Breastpumps. I got my pump through them with my insurance and paid nothing up front. That is if you want to pump, which I think is WAY harder than nursing and a waste of time if your baby will nurse (but that's just me 😊). My husband did the same about wanting to help. There are so many other ways he can help! For some reason they just can't see it!

Answer

Good for you for sticking with it! I would also suggest "topping baby off" before car rides (nurse before you go even if it's not on schedule). Then, if he's fussy, it's not because he's hungry. Let people know that this is a good choice for you and baby (cite research if necessary) and tell them nicely but firmly this is what you're doing and you would appreciate any other comments to be kept to themselves.

Answer

I personally really enjoy breastfeeding and the bond I have with baby. It took a couple weeks to get used to it/over the sore nipples, but it's so healthy for baby and I just plain like it. That said, I think it would be really hard to keep breastfeeding if I didn't have the support of my husband. But you can do this! It sounds like financially, breastfeeding makes the most sense. Have you tried talking to your husband about how you need encouraging words? Once baby is 3-ish weeks old, you can start giving pacifiers to help with car rides. Or maybe one of you can sit in the backseat to help soothe when your lo is fussy? Good luck! You can do it!

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