Mom guilt over the thought of switching to formula?
I just had my 4th baby 6 days ago. My oldest two i was unable to breastfeed and used formula. My third i was able to breastfeed. I didnt enjoy breastfeeding and it was very hard on me mentally as he nursed very frequently and never really took a bottle so i never got a break. So when i got pregnant with my daughter i went back and forth and eventually decided i wouldnt put pressure on myself. I decided to nurse for the most part and supplement as needed/wanted and most likely make the complete switch to formula at some point. Well now im 6 days in. My daughters latch is not great (we're thinking slight lip tie but need to get into a lactation consultant) and it has caused me a lot of pain when nursing. Ive been using nipple shields in the hope it would help her latch and i dont think it really has (it has helped my discomfort a little). We do one formula bottle a night so that i can get one pump session in and start a freezer stash. Its getting to the point where im so uncomfortable (whether nursing or pumping) that im really starting to think about just making the switch to formula now. But for some reason I feel so GUILTY thinking about making the switch. I dont know if its because this is my last baby. Or if its just because of societal pressure to breastfeed. Or what. Any advice? Solidarity? Im just not sure what to do at this point.
Achieve your health goals from period to parenting.