Breastfeeding Resentment

Is anyone else struggling with feeling resentful towards their husband for his freedom while you’re breastfeeding? It seems so stupid because I very much enjoy and want to breast feed our baby. However, I find myself building up resentment towards him doing whatever he wants whenever he wants to for however long he feels like it. Again, I feel bad for even admitting it because he really is an awesome dad and spouse. He took three months of parental leave when our daughter was born, and was very helpful the first couple of months. However, once she passed the newborn stage and then he later went back to work, he’s seemed more and more checked out when it comes to taking care of our baby. I went from working full-time to now being a full-time STAHM, but I still can’t help but think that I’m working 24/7 while he is working 40 hours a week… When he leaves for a whole day on a weekend he doesn’t even give it a second thought because it’s normal for me to care for our baby by myself. I’m not sure how to tackle the feelings of resentment that I don’t have the freedom to do that, and that he doesn’t understand that “just taking time for myself” isn’t helpful since our baby still eats every 2 hours. I have to think about pumping and storing milk etc… I’m usually very good at communicating my needs, and he is literally so sweet that he would NEVER do this intentionally, so I know the conversation would end with him saying “do you forgive me?”. But somehow that’s not what I need? I feel like I just need some understanding from him not and apology. Has anyone else struggled with this?

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I actually feel the opposite where I feel “bad” because I feel like breastfeeding offers me more time with baby and I’m able to provide something my partner can’t. I think all of these feelings are completely normal. I would suggest asking your husband to help by being the primary person to clean pump parts, bag and label milk, etc. when I was pumping more, we did this and it allowed the feeding experience to feel more equitable

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I truly empathize with your situation! I’ve been dedicated to exclusively breastfeeding, but balancing that with a full-time job has been quite challenging for me. The constant pumping and storing of milk can be overwhelming. My partner is incredibly supportive and works full-time at night, but I also find myself feeling a bit resentful. It’s tough to navigate these feelings!

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You’re emotions are valid and you should talk to your spouse about how your feeling. Sometimes it’s good to just let it out. I worked full time and now I’m a SAHM which yes it’s hard to be feeding on demand and you have to make sure baby’s needs are met before leaving. now I wish my toddler (2year old) was on the boob and I didn’t have to figure out what he wants to eat today because it changes everyday. It’s just a phase pretty soon babies will be trying purées and the solids and etc..
so it’s okay to feel this way it’s just a phase you’ll get through it. I’m here if you need to vent

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