When does it get easier?

Question

My little boy is just over two weeks old now and no body really tells you just how hard breastfeeding really is! At the minute he’s constantly feeding and wanting to be with me which I’d LOVE to be able to do but I have a house to upkeep and I have a toddler to care for and split my attention between (she wasn’t breastfed) then there’s the constant worry of ‘is he getting enough from me??’ And trying to make sure I eat and drink enough so that baby is getting what they need as well as myself! 
Some days I think about giving it up but I know I’d regret it if I did but it’s so difficult at times especially when you see other breastfeeding moms who seem to have taken to it like a duck to water 😥

Answer

I completely agree about nobody telling you how hard it is. I had no clue - in fact, I thought it'd be the easier option. Boy was I wrong. 
I'd say try baby wearing; a lot of the time, babies nurse for comfort and having that contact might help and still let you be mobile enough to care for your toddler and home. It will get easier and remember, not everyone will show you their struggles. You're not alone 💙

Answer

Honestly, I think the absolute hardest time is when they are a couple weeks old. Many babies go through several growth spurts and your supply hasn't really regulated yet so they are nursing all the time and the lack of sleep starts to get to you. With both my kids, around 2-3 weeks I had a night where I wanted to throw in the towel, crying, thinking it was awful, and then they sort of get over all the cluster feeding and it gets better, at least that's been my experience twice.

Answer

We strictly formula fed our oldest from birth and have zero regrets in that choice. I chose to *try* breastfeeding with our second simply for the extra antibodies through the summer months with COVID still being a big issue. I tried it out in the hospital during our stay and completely hated it. I don’t understand the appeal. It was only a few attempts and in those attempts, it was way too annoying and stressful fo me to not know if our daughter was getting anything let alone getting enough. My husband and I then weighed the pros and cons and came to the conclusion that there were far more cons to it for us (the bigs ones being the added stress, my mental health, the fear of our daughter not getting enough, the fact that it seems far more complicated and annoying than formula feeding, etc). I switched to formula right before being discharged and instantly felt a sign of relief. There’s absolutely zero reason to ever feel guilty for not breastfeeding. Science is phenomenal these days and the differences between formula and breast milk are very small. Breast milk isn’t going to make your child smarter or healthier or any of that and our daughter doesn’t lack in any way there either. So if you decide not to do it, it’s more than okay! And after speaking to a few friends who have breast fed, they told me it took weeks if not months for everything to settle down and for them to get into a good routine with it.

Answer

You are 100% correct, breastfeeding is harder than anyone makes it seem. Its also different for everyone. My first child took to breastfeeding well for the most part, but it was still SUPER hard and there were times when he would all together refuse to eat for some reason and that scared me to death. He was always on the smaller side, so making sure he was eating was so stressful! And when you’re body isn’t used to breastfeeding, it can become super painful! The first month was the hardest for me with breastfeeding. It’s good that you are at least used to the baby phase, because with the first kid, it makes it even more tiring and stressful. Once you get through the first month, you will most likely feel more confident and your baby will as well. As long as you are feeding whenever you’re baby is asking, you body should be producing enough for them. Good luck! You can do it! I was a big baby about it and somehow powered through, so i don’t doubt that you’ve got this! I have 2 kids now and I will tell you, that with my second, it was a breeze. I think it’s because I was more comfortable and understood more what to expect. I’ve never loved breastfeeding like most people say though. I’ve always felt like it was a chore. There were moments when I felt a deep connection, and I’m grateful that I was able to do it for both my kids, but they both stopped at a year because I was ready to have my body back for myself.

Answer

I nursed my 1st for 4.5 months and was so relieved when I was done. I’m pregnant with my second and I’m going to try it again, but as soon as it brings on too much stress and anxiety I’m stopping; even if it’s only been days. Last time it took to much of a toll on my mental health.

Answer

Oh god I hear you. Mines 3 weeks and I've been ready to give up a few times. She likes to do full out cluster feeding at night, but I still feel like everytime i turn around shes wanting to eat. My son was formula fed. My fiance lost the only job  in the household due to covid, and is working a very part time commissioned based job that makes next to no money, so I'm determined to make breastfeeding work because let's face it, formula is stupid expensive. I've been trying to pump to give myself a break, I get nothing. Everytime my son (2.5) wants something, or wants to play, my newborn is feeding. I feel terrible for him. Weve created "games" we can play while I'm busy feeding so I dont think hes super bothered. But I am lol. At this point I'm just hoping It gets easier. It's hard enough for me to juggle a toddler and  newborn, this just makes it seem impossible.

Answer

The moms that do have their ducks in a row is so rare I doubt they exist. Most moms who seem like they have it together in those first few weeks put up a facade that theyre doing great. Our society has taught us that it makes us "less then" if we ask for help, which is complete bs. If you looked on the outside like what you do on the inside, you'd look like a truck hit you, and I'm pretty sure your partner wouldn't be wanting you do to do any housework as you rest up.
As far as breastfeeding, it's as "natural" as walking. There's going to be falls and subsequent bruising, there's going to be frustration, there's going to be running into shit as you find your feet. It's ok, you're doing great. Give yourself time, both you and baby are learning this.

Answer

I’ve been nursing 21 months and I’m ima big advocate for telling people the truth on nursing. Yes it is best for baby but it is a little bit of hell for the mom. I won’t be nursing baby 2.

When does it get easier?

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