feeling guilty - am I wrong?

Question

My son is 2 months old and probably a week ago has stopped breastfeeding (when he is hungry he wants it right away and the bottle does that). At first I cried and then after a few days I enjoyed giving the bottle, I could look in his eyes and felt like we really bond. I try my best to pump after he feeds and get up at night to pump. Recently my breasts have been very uncomfortable and sometimes hurt and wake me up at night. I also hate after feeding him having to put him down and take the 20 min to pump. I feel it takes away time I could be spending with him. Thinking of pumping has just really put me in a bad mood these last couple days.
I have started to consider switching over to formula and getting my body back. I feel I can't go out with the fear of needing to pump. I have pumped in bathrooms and the car.

Has anyone else felt this way and switched over to formula and felt it was a great idea and made such a difference? I have a bunch of milk stored up so he will be able to get breast milk for atleast another month. Any suggestions or support would be great I am just feeling so guilt for even thinking of switching over.

Here is a pic of my very well fed son 😍

Answer

Just want you to know you're not alone! I have been exclusively pumping since the beginning (long story), and little guy just turned 4 months yesterday. Yes, at times it is hugely inconvenient, yes, I hate that I have to put him down in his swing for that whole time, yes, I hate the feeling of being tied to the house because my world revolves around that machine, and yes, a thousand times I've contemplated switching to formula. But, every time I think of quitting I remind myself that he's getting the benefit of antibodies, and all kinds of other goodies, from fresh breastmilk that formula doesn't provide, and convince myself that a few more days, or weeks, or even months of inconvenience are really nothing in the big picture of his whole life. Now, I'm not trying to lay any pressure on you, just sharing what my journey has been. My goal is to make it 6 months or more, and we're slowly getting there. If you want to, you CAN do it; it won't be easy all the time, but you can. If you decide formula is better for your situation, don't  eel bad! Fed is always best, and that little guy will still be happy and healthy and benefiting from a happy mom as well. 😊

Answer

Do what works for you. I hate pumping but I really want to solely use breastmilk so I'm going to tough it out. But I completely agree that pumping AND breastfeeding can be a total pain in the you know what.

Answer

I'm in the same boat, he refuses the boobs anymore. It's hard at first because you miss that connection, but you get used to it. I still offer my breasts sometimes and he may or may not take it. I am not telling certain people because they want to guilt me.

Answer

I started supplementing when my daughter was 3 months in preparation for going back to work. I supplemented for about two months and now my daughter is strictly formula fed. I had some guilt at first, but it has been a really good decision for both my daughter and I. Formula gets a bad rap, but it is still really good nutrition for your baby and nothing to feel bad about. At the end of the day, fed is best!

Answer

He's adorable.  I switched at 6 weeks because my supply had stopped and honestly I was over it.  It has been great for both of us.  I felt bad for about a half a second until I saw my girl smile and be happy with formula

Answer

I had a very similar experience to yours and somewhere around 8 weeks I made the switch. Personally, I couldn't be happier. Not having to worry about pumping made me so much more relaxed and honestly a better mom. Everyone is different. You have your son a great start with the breast milk. My doctor was supportive of my decision and I haven't looked back.

Answer

Had to supplement from the beginning for weight issues then pumped til he was 2.5 months and emotionally I couldn't do it anymore. Felt like I was pumping more than spending time with him and hubby. He's 10.5 months and hitting milestones and doing really well.

Answer

I pumped a lot that first month because my husband also wanted to feed my baby girl, and I finally was exhausted, and stressed, and my milk dried up. And I had to switch. I don't regret it! The first month is so very important. Fed is best! Whatever works best for you momma!

Answer

Best. Decision. Ever.

Answer

I switched to formula when my daughter was six weeks. I had dysphoric milk ejection reflex and post partum depression. I was suicidal and mentally checked out. I hated my daughter and breastfeeding. And it actually wasn't hard for us it was a reaction to breastfeeding. I wasn't making oxytocin or prolactin like a normal breastfeeding mother would. She is now 15 months old. She's hit all of her milestones. She is attached to my hip. You have to do what's best for both of you! For us it was formula. If I would have breastfed any longer I'd have killed us both. And that is no exaggeration. I'm pregnant with our second child and I'm starting out with formula this time.

feeling guilty - am I wrong?

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