Giving Up

Don’t be heartbroken and you are doing the best for the baby .what matters the most is that baby is fed and your own mental health. Baby couldn’t latch baby couldn’t latch we can’t force it . I was in the same boat as you so went to pumping . For me it was more social media and societal pressure that breastfeeding is the only way and I was taking that on but once I saw him drinking from bottle and being happy and healthy that’s what helped me stay positive

yeah it's not the feeding part. I think I just really wanted that experience y'know?
It definitely helps though when she's happily drinking ❤️

I know what you mean but don’t be hard on yourself I wore my baby in front a lot I know it’s not the same but for me that’s how I got the closeness .
You got this x

Sometimes we just can’t have it all. I have been trying to introduce bottles but my LD refuses. She is almost 4 months. Most important thing is that our babies are healthy and fed after all

I am in the same boat but barely can pump out 7oz in a full 24 hour period. My first daughter I breastfed no problem and went on to feed for over two years. This time it’s been hell ☹️ 😭

Ugh I'm really sorry to hear that! Funny how things can change from baby to baby.

you know that's actually quite helpful ❤️
Nothing makes me feel closer to her than having her wrapped to me!

have you tried Avent bottles? I've heard BF parents have had success when using both

I’m so so sorry you’re going through all of this- breastfeeding struggles are a stressor like no other.
Something to consider- since you still have a milk supply and you’re able to pump, something that might help you a lot is to make the breast a “place of comfort” instead of just about feeding. Whenever you cuddle with baby or lay down with them or put them to sleep etc, have baby near your bare breast. After not being able to latch for nearly a month I started doing this and randomly my baby started latching. If you google “Medela back to breast” it has a lot of good info. If it’s important to you, you don’t have to give up! But if you’re ready to move on please feel proud of yourself because many people wouldn’t work that hard trying to figure it out. You’re doing an amazing job and you’re more to your baby than just their food- you’re mama! Hang in there.

Nothing wrong with that💜 your mental health has to come first. I’ve been exclusively pumping for almost 8 months now and even though I would’ve loved to have nurse at least I know she’s still getting liquid gold. Fed is best at the end of the day regardless of how it happens 💜 don’t beat yourself up about it, you’re still giving baby everything they need even if it’s through pumping ☺️ you’ve got this mama!

yeah I've tried this :/ she's just not interested. There's too much of the world to see now. She looks everywhere else and won't go near my breast. But thank you 💙

I breastfeed but I actually feel closer to baby when I give him a bottle as he stares into my eyes but he can't on the breast as he's facing it on his side. As the only food source I'm constantly sleep deprived (atm he's refusing bottles so i do all night feeds too). He pulls at it so much I'm convinced I'll have saggy nipples after all this. He sees me as food so he wont fall asleep on me or just enjoy a cuddle without nipples being involved. Just saying this to highlight the downsides and that it's not all its made out to be by mums on social media. I think as long as they're fed that's all that matters and there are pros and cons to all methods. I understand you feel disappointed but you're doing amazing 👏 try and focus on the positives of bottles 🍼 Sending love xx

thank you for your words of encouragement, I hope you do find the joy in breastfeeding as well ☺️

Have you asked a specialist about tongue tie? This is why my baby doesn’t latch. I’m getting him the operation tomorrow.

yes, she does have a tongue tie but it's not severe and she's not showing enough interest in the breast to justify cutting it