Tired of Breast Feeding!!

Marianne - posted on 06/25/2012

I am breastfeeding my 4 month old and chasing my 2 and 3 year olds. And if you are feeling like me you are TIRED. Breastfeeding and getting up in the night take a lot of energy. In fact just breastfeeding is equivalent to a couple mile jog per day. So here's my advice: take a nap with your baby in the afternoon (right after breastfeeding we both fall asleep and it's heavenly sleep), make sure your diet has everything you need, drink lots and lots of water. And know that this precious moment is going to go by way too fast.

Ania - posted on 02/20/2011

I would say...I went through a crisis like this too where I was just tired of breast feeding. Hang on soon he will start eating solids and you will have more time for yourself. I have to admit I've been stuck at home...I rarely get a break, I usually go out with some of my friends for a couple of hours at night when my husband can stay with my sleeping son. You are not alone in this misery and if you feel that you want to quit just go over the benefits of BF don't just say breast is best....I would try to convince you to keep doing it, it doesn't last forever in a few months you will get time to yourself....It's honeslty only few more months. Good luck

Nellie - posted on 02/20/2011

All I can tell you is my experience. I've always absolutely despised breastfeeding 100% right from day 1. Everything about it has been difficult. My daughter, Kayla, is tounge-tied, so it was insanely hard to get her to learn how to latch properly. I remember the first time I fed her in the hospital thenurse asked if she was doin ok. I said it hurt a lot. Their response was is it so bad you cant continue. I was determined so I suffered through. Two days later a nurse noticed a rash because Kayla hadn't been latched on properly. So, I got cream. She still gave me a rash every now and thenbut eventually got the hang of it. Next there was the six hour feedings...yes I said six hours. Kayla would scream and scream and sream if I took her off before that. I tried everything, soother, walking, rocking, toys, bath, etc. Nothing worked. She'd just keep screaming till I gave in. This lasted until 5 months. At three months she got acid reflux (actualy she had it all along, my doctor just never told me, I didn't find out till I went to the walk in clinic) so that cause her extreme discomfort and made it difficult for her to nurse. So I finally got Kayla on the appropriate medication and everything was good for two weeks. Then she got thrush. Instead of wasting my time with idiot doctors who didn't know what they were doing, I researched her symptoms, came to the thrush conclusion, went to the doctors, told them she has this this and this and she needs this medication. I got it and a couple days later she was feeling better. Then there's the head bobbing. Kayla needs to know of everything going on so she would nurse for a couple seconds then stop and look around. Then she got very very sick with respitory issues. So she was feeling absolutly horrible and not wanting to eat and was losing weight. All throughout this I continued to breastfeed. Also, I should add I'm a single mom with no support at all from my parents and very little support from the community. When Kayla finally got healthy, I'd had enough. I needed to quit breastfeeding for my own sanity. I hated everything about it. Kayla was FURIOUS!!!!! She didn't want formula, she wanted breast. I tried every type of formula made and she still refused. But I didn't give in. Finally I managed to go two days without breastfeeding...and I was going nuts! I felt like an addict needing a fix. I had put cold cabbage on my breast to get rid of my supply but I was going insane. It makes no sense because I absolutly hate breastfeeding, even the closeness because she takes so long. I hate everything about it. And yet I craved it. After two days I gave in and pumped and took DonParadon to get my supply back up. I still hate breastfeeding, but I still do it. My daughter is 8 months old now, and I'm just starting to gradually wean her. She'll get a bottle, but only as a snack. And most importantly, I'm weaning her at both of our paces. I know it seems like you hate it, trust me I know, but you WILL crave it. So if your gonna wean your child, do it VERY slowly. Also, if your supply gets low, ask your doctor for DonParadon.

Erin - posted on 05/26/2009

I'm new here but your post caught my attention. I think we've all at one time been tired of breast feeding. I was counting down from the day we started. First I had to tell myself I would go six months, then nine months and so on. My goal was a year and we've made it and haven't weaned yet. I think he first had formula around nine months when I was away. There is nothing wrong with formula, some babies never have breast milk at all, they do just fine. I think if you give yourself the choice and have a little freedom nursing will be easier. After I bought a can of formula and then finally convinced myself I wasn't a horrible mom I felt better just knowing there was another option.

Karrie - posted on 05/26/2009

Don't feel bad I felt the same way. I did not have enough extra to pump so I had to start supplimenting with Formula when I was not around. I did mainly breastfeed till my daughter was 9 months old but then we decided to start weaning and both of us seemed much happier after that.

Heather - posted on 05/26/2009

Quoting Teresa:

You have to do what is best for your entire family. Formula is not an 'evil' option, but I certainly don't think it is the best choice. That being said... I nursed my twin girls til 15 months. I was only away from them three times in their first year of life. I am currently nursing my 14 month old son. Not only have I never been away from him, but I'm also a single mom this time. The longest I've been alone in 14 months is a 10 minute shower. It's tough, but certainly doable. Hang in there a bit longer and see how you feel!!

omg..... you;re like super mom.  where do you live.  I'll babysit for you.  maybe you could have a 30 minute bath and shave your legs

Heather - posted on 05/26/2009

Quoting DD:

I completely understand! My frustration is not from time...but from pain! My son pinches, kicks and chomps me while we nurse...but he's so peaceful when he gets a bottle. I nursed my 1st for 14 months, but there was never any issues...he was a big baby, loved nursing and I never questioned my supply. With my baby (8 1/2 months) he's small, doesn't love nursing, and I question my supply. I've never been able to pump, even with my really awesome medela pump I got with this baby...1-3 oz is all I get. So, we supplement with formula. I do 3 nursings a day, usually 1st thing in the morning, right before 1st nap and then 1-2 nursings at night. The rest is bottle (or solids) You don't have to give up completely! If you love those 2 nursing sessions, keep doing those. Personally, yes, breast is best, but sanity is even better! When it stops working for your family, and your sanity, and your wellbeing, then it stops working for your baby! Honestly. I am very pro breastfeeding, but it doesn't have to be all or nothing...or sacrifice your everything all the time. Just do what you can, and feel comfortable with. A happy mommy means a happy family!!! :) Good luck! Hang in there!!!

I think that you put it great

Lori - posted on 05/26/2009

BF isn't for everyone... so dont feel like you are a bad mom! Just think.. you did a great job for 5 months!! Formula is good for him too.... and alot of babies do well on it. My personal goal for BFing was 6 months.. and my son is 9 months now! dont feel like a failure! Many moms dont even try!!! Great job on a good 5 months!! =)

Natalie - posted on 05/26/2009

do what makes you happy, you ahve breastfeed for five months and if your really getting down about it then stop, but remember you'll never et this time back with your son, so make sure it's what you really want ? remeber that as well when your son starts weaning your feeds will drop, so they won't be so demanding, your so close to it as well !

good luck

Karla - posted on 05/25/2009

if you don't want to breastfeed but still want to pump, try mothers milk tea to get your milk flowing again. it works wonders!!!

Emily - posted on 05/25/2009

Often times babies become more efficient nursers and their nursing patterns change significantly. In the beginning my twins would nurse for a mininum of 45 min each. Around 5 mo they began to nurse for 20 min each. Then suddenly it was down to 10 min. Now...I am lucky if I get 5 out of one twin and 8 min out of the other. Just some food for thought...



If you are afraid you are going to regret a decision to stop I'd wait...wait until you KNOW you won't regret it. That might be two weeks from now, or a few months from now. Be sure of your decision and don't look back whatever you decide. You have dont a wonderful thing for your son no matter what!

Melissa - posted on 05/25/2009

I breastfed my first daughter up till 2 years not my choice she refused to stop and I couldnt tell her no to food. Until I finally knew I had to I knew I could not do it any longer I felt strange odd and had even told everyone I was no longer breast feeding I was almost ashamed of it. With my second little guy he has had a few formula bottles when I get in those moods. a bottle here and there should not harm your baby and might give you a short break there is also fenugreek to increase your milk flow and other things to discuss with your doctor good luck hope this helps the other posts were all true as well this is a typical feeling at this time

Mary - posted on 05/25/2009

Totally understandable to be tired and frustrated with breastfeeding! It is demanding - physically and emotionally! Try boosting your support as others have suggested. Spend time with your partner, a friend, or a family member! Have someone bring you drinks, food, and give you a foot massage, when your nursing. Definately connect with other nursing moms and commiserate! See if you feel better about nursing. The demand for nursing eases up as the baby can consume more in one session and as he/she gets food from other sources.I remember that when my daughter was around 6 or 7 months, I started to feel like my world did not have to revolve around feedings! Good luck!

Teresa - posted on 05/24/2009

You have to do what is best for your entire family. Formula is not an 'evil' option, but I certainly don't think it is the best choice. That being said... I nursed my twin girls til 15 months. I was only away from them three times in their first year of life. I am currently nursing my 14 month old son. Not only have I never been away from him, but I'm also a single mom this time. The longest I've been alone in 14 months is a 10 minute shower. It's tough, but certainly doable. Hang in there a bit longer and see how you feel!!

Bry - posted on 05/24/2009

I had the same thoughts when my daughter was 5 months (she is almost 6 months now). I was loosing my supply and I had to give her top ups. I went to my doctor and they have given me medication to help boost my supply as this can be common for women at the 5 month mark. I boosted my supply back up and only give one bottle a day now. I am sticking with breast feeding for as long as I can do it (its cheaper and I really dont have much money) You can do both bottle and breastfeeding! Keep one or two feeds up if you can as that will give you little one some mommy goodness.

Angela - posted on 05/24/2009

I can relate! There are days when I want or need to be doing something else, but yes once you wean you'll miss this time. This is a way to make you slow down and appreciate what you have. The only reason bottles are faster is because the whole is bigger in the nipple and babies don't know when to stop usually. Try to hang in there; you are doing such a wonderful thing and children grow so fast. My second daughter is 14 months now and I still nurse her 3-4 times a day. It will get better as he gets older and you can space the feedings farther apart. And if you want to leave him with a sitter, just nurse before you leave then come back after 4 hours and you'll be able to nurse him again and get a nice break in.
Being a stay at home mom is a job, and there will always be parts of any job that you don't like. No job is perfect! You just enjoy the good and make it through the "bad".

Adriennne - posted on 05/24/2009

I totally agree with DD. My son is 10 months and he is still nursing. I don't know how long I plan on breastfeeding, but it has to be what works for my baby and me not what others say or think. I completely support breastfeeding, but my oldest son was on formula when he was two weeks old because I had emergency surgery and was in the hospital for three weeks. He couldn't have my milk due to all the drugs and all the toxins that were in my body. And he is a wonderful, smart, healthy boy.

I get frustrated sometimes too, but I keep it up because I do enjoy it more than I don't. You have to really do what makes you happy. If you regret it, then you regret it. You learn from your actions. If you are stressed while nursing or your baby feels rushed, then it's not enjoyable for either one of you. People have said to me "How long are you going to do that?" as if it's something terrible. I tell them that I will do it as long as it works for the two of us. No one should judge you if you decide to breastfeed until your child is two or older, just like no one should judge you if you decide to stop at 5 months. Do what's best for you.

Vanessa - posted on 05/24/2009

keep breastfeeding........5 months is still so young.
you have done the hard part.....it only gets easier from here.

Gillian - posted on 05/24/2009

I think you will regret it in the end, your supply is dropping cause hes getting bottles which I find bizarre you think are easier. Do what makes you happy but I stopped BF my 2nd son because Id had enough and to this day I regret it. We do all need a break that will come soon enough I promise my 2nd son is of to kindy at the end of the year and he will be gone and grown up I have too many regrets, that with my 3rd I will not be making the same mistakes trust me!

DD - posted on 05/24/2009

I completely understand! My frustration is not from time...but from pain! My son pinches, kicks and chomps me while we nurse...but he's so peaceful when he gets a bottle. I nursed my 1st for 14 months, but there was never any issues...he was a big baby, loved nursing and I never questioned my supply. With my baby (8 1/2 months) he's small, doesn't love nursing, and I question my supply. I've never been able to pump, even with my really awesome medela pump I got with this baby...1-3 oz is all I get. So, we supplement with formula. I do 3 nursings a day, usually 1st thing in the morning, right before 1st nap and then 1-2 nursings at night. The rest is bottle (or solids) You don't have to give up completely! If you love those 2 nursing sessions, keep doing those. Personally, yes, breast is best, but sanity is even better! When it stops working for your family, and your sanity, and your wellbeing, then it stops working for your baby! Honestly. I am very pro breastfeeding, but it doesn't have to be all or nothing...or sacrifice your everything all the time. Just do what you can, and feel comfortable with. A happy mommy means a happy family!!! :) Good luck! Hang in there!!!

Rosie - posted on 05/23/2009

Whatever you do, just keep BFing baby. I'm sorry to say, but you will regret it. Especially since you are a stay at home momma. My daughter is now 8 mos old, and it was so tough leaving her with anyone since she wouldn't take a bottle at all. At least your baby does take a bottle, but don't give up! You've made it this long.

Tamara - posted on 05/23/2009

I understand. I felt that way quite a few times while nursing. The thing that got me through was remembering that the feeling will pass. What do you have in the way of a support system for nursing? Do you go to an LLL group or something similar? What's your family support like? Having that support in one way or another is so important to breastfeeding success.

Holly - posted on 05/23/2009

Breast feeding can be difficult and emotionally as well as physically draining. you say you dont pump enough to be able to save. how long and how often do you pump? when i first started pumping i only would get 1-3 ounces at a time depending on what time of day, but i kept it up. morning time is the best to pump and after about a week i doubled the amount i was pumping and now i get b/w 5- 9 ounces. breast feeding is wonderful but if it is more like a chore to you then maybe you should stop. I personally feel that my sons nutrition is my top priority so i put him first.

Ania - posted on 02/20/2011

I would say...I went through a crisis like this too where I was just tired of breast feeding. Hang on soon he will start eating solids and you will have more time for yourself. I have to admit I've been stuck at home...I rarely get a break, I usually go out with some of my friends for a couple of hours at night when my husband can stay with my sleeping son. You are not alone in this misery and if you feel that you want to quit just go over the benefits of BF don't just say breast is best....I would try to convince you to keep doing it, it doesn't last forever in a few months you will get time to yourself....It's honeslty only few more months. Good luck

Erin - posted on 05/26/2009

I'm new here but your post caught my attention. I think we've all at one time been tired of breast feeding. I was counting down from the day we started. First I had to tell myself I would go six months, then nine months and so on. My goal was a year and we've made it and haven't weaned yet. I think he first had formula around nine months when I was away. There is nothing wrong with formula, some babies never have breast milk at all, they do just fine. I think if you give yourself the choice and have a little freedom nursing will be easier. After I bought a can of formula and then finally convinced myself I wasn't a horrible mom I felt better just knowing there was another option.