Breastfeeding blues

FTM. In my mind, breastfeeding was going to go smoothly. I had a plan to pump. All the supplies. Baby would get good breast milk and we would also save money on formula. It would be great...

Little did I know.

I’ve got flat nipples and have used a breast shield from the start. (Given to me by an LC.) Carrying that alone is frustrating.

breastfeeding is more exhausting than I thought. I LOVE my baby but I wish my husband could do more feedings. I’m trying to pump after feedings but it is SOO time consuming to do after baby nurses for 30+ minutes then I turn around and do it all again.

He has started getting extremely fussy in the evenings and nothing seems to calm him. However just now I supplemented with formula and he is so quiet and content. It makes me feel like my nursing him isn’t doing enough for him. (Have his 2 week appointment tomorrow to ensure he’s back to birth weight.) I get plenty of wet diapers from him so that’s a little more reassuring.

I realize this is turning into a rant but any supportive comments or methods that worked for other moms are appreciated right now.

I’ve considered switching to mostly pumping and just nursing in the evenings like I will once I return to work in 6 weeks but am stumped on how to do the switch over as I feel like I don’t pump enough due to him nursing. I usually only get an ounce per breast right now.