When my first child’s birth took an unexpected turn and became quite traumatic, breastfeeding became my refuge. I didn’t hold my baby until he was twenty-seven hours old and didn’t nurse him until he was three days old. Thankfully, he took to it easily. Once he was out of the NICU, I just offered my breast, and he latched on like a pro. It was the only thing that unfolded as I had envisioned, and I desperately needed that small victory.
I ended up nursing him for fifteen months and my second child for around fourteen months as well. Now, I’m breastfeeding my youngest, and we’re nearly ten months in. She’s starting to slow down, and I suspect she’ll wrap up around the same time as her brothers. Soon, I’ll be saying goodbye to breastfeeding for good. I thought I would feel sad about it, but honestly? Breastfeeding can be downright annoying, and I won’t shed a single tear about retiring my nursing bras in the coming months.
First, let me express my gratitude for being able to breastfeed. I wanted this experience so much, and I’m sincerely thankful that it worked out for me. I recognize that many women desire to breastfeed but cannot, and I don’t carry that sadness. However, I feel it’s important to speak the truth.
Yes, breastfeeding is free, convenient, and can be incredibly sweet. But for me (and many other mothers), it can become exhausting and frustrating after a while. I’m relieved that the end is near, and we should definitely discuss this aspect of the journey.
I can admit that nursing a tiny, sleepy newborn can feel magical. When they let out a little sigh of contentment, it’s like a moment of pure bliss. In those postpartum hormonal days, it can genuinely feel divine to provide your baby with the nourishment they need. If you can overlook the intense cramping that can occur post-birth (and as long as your baby latches well), you might find yourself experiencing those beautiful, happy moments with every feeding. The beginning can indeed be lovely.
Even now, occasionally, breastfeeding still feels like an extraordinary experience. My baby is beautiful, and in the right light while she nurses calmly, I sometimes think, “What did I ever do to deserve such a precious gift?” It can be heartwarming.
However, most of the time, it’s just not the same for me anymore. Nursing an older baby is a different ballgame. You can find yourself nursing six to twelve times a day for months. Every few hours, even if you’re exhausted, you have to stop what you’re doing, whip out your breast, and feed your baby. Again.
It isn’t always a sweet moment. Sometimes, it feels like a chore, and it can be exhausting. It’s perfectly okay to look at your baby and think, “Are you kidding me? Didn’t we just do this?” Feeling overwhelmed and touched out by breastfeeding is completely normal. It can be time-consuming, and there’s just so much touching involved. It can feel like someone is on you every minute of your life.
When your baby is next to you, pulling your shirt down and shouting, “BOOBIE!” while smacking your breast like a drum, it’s natural to need a moment before fulfilling that demand. And then there’s the phase where they can’t quite figure out what they want. They climb up, nurse for a few seconds, want to play with a toy, and then come back for more just as you’re about to put your breast away. The first ten minutes of each session often involve a lot of latching and unlatching.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity of wrestling, you get them settled, only to have a distraction—a dog barking or a toilet flushing—and suddenly they whip around, popping off your nipple and spraying milk everywhere. And trust me, that hurts.
Speaking of pain, many breastfeeding babies bite. It can sting even without teeth, but add those sharp little incisors, and you’re in for a shock. Just remember not to yell out! Your baby will act like you’re the bad guy if you make a sound when they chomp down.
I genuinely appreciate many aspects of breastfeeding. It’s free, I don’t have to wash bottles, it’s beneficial for both baby and me, and it can be very sweet. It’s worth pursuing if you want to and it works for you.
But if breastfeeding leaves you feeling touched out and frustrated at times, that’s completely normal. If it becomes too overwhelming, it’s perfectly okay to stop. Formula is a valid, acceptable alternative for feeding your baby. Even if you want to continue and have no plans to stop, nursing can feel like a huge commitment, and it’s not always a blissful experience. We should definitely be more open about these challenges.
For more insights, check out this post on common experiences during breastfeeding. And if you’re interested in exploring other options, take a look at this resource for home insemination techniques.
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In summary, while breastfeeding can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience, it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated at times. It’s a significant commitment that can come with challenges, and it’s essential to acknowledge and discuss those feelings.
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