I feel guilty for not wanting to breastfeed: Thoughts?

As long as baby’s belly is full and baby is loved, you do what is best for your family! My first I was determined to breast feed, he ended up in the hospital and formula fed from then on. My second baby was exclusively breast fed until she was a year old. Both are perfect and never missed a meal. Once they are on table food exclusively No one can tell how they were fed in infancy.

14 Likes

If that’s what your heart is telling you, then formual is the way to go! Every mom has that choice and it’s nothing to feel guilty about.
If it’s mainly the latching issue, I would consult a lactation expert before making your choice. They have lots of tips on how to get a baby to latch. They are a great resource and can help you come to the healthiest decision for you and your baby :smiling_face_with_three_hearts::smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

Fed is best, you’re a great mom! And don’t feel guilt, I was 39 and didn’t produce much milk, my daughter was hungry so I fed her, whether it’s milk from you or a formula, either way the child is getting nutrients and love! My daughter has grown up to 5’8 , she’s 14, and healthy!

17 Likes

Fed is best! Both my babies were formula fed and they are alive and kicking today and 9 and 6. There’s nothing wrong with it at all. I tried breast feeding my youngest but he had colic and it just wasn’t happening. Fed is best. Doesn’t matter how.

Don’t feel bad. Your decision is yours and yours alone. Do what’s best for your health and sanity. I had issues and used a nipple shield in the beginning. Life saver for me. No one persons breastfeeding journey is the same.

1 Like

Not all of us WANT to breastfeed…and in this day and age that’s totally FINE. Fed is all that truly matters. It, just like having a baby or not is a PERSONAL choice. YOUR choice. I myself was not a fan of “babies” [I prefer the toddler stage] my husband however was. Our four children, including our last who was a preemie, were all formula fed, so he could also partake in the care and bonding of them…

1 Like

Fed is best mama. I tried breastfeeding my oldest but had a lot of latching issuses and i was still in high school. So after two weeks we went with formula. My second i breastfed for the first year but dried up when i got pregnant again and with my third i breastfed for 6 months before i found out i was inevitably drying up and she was loosing weight so we switched to formula. All that matters is your baby is fed

1 Like

Went through the same thing! I was pumping every 30 minutes and couldn’t even get an oz of breast milk. And my baby wouldn’t latch either. It was stressful and painful . I was disappointing myself. After a couple weeks i went to formula and so much was lifted off my shoulders . All that matters is if your baby gets fed :heart: some people just aren’t meant to BF and that okay , doesn’t make you less of a amazing mama!

Don’t… It wasn’t for me and beside some comments here and there everyone respect my choice. It’s was a life changing when I decided to formula feed my baby.

24 Likes

This is a concern I have for when I give birth at the hospital. They almost force it on you and I am not breastfeeding. I formula feed my first and she is thriving. However, when I had her I felt so pressured at the hospital that I attempted breast feeding even though it wasn’t my plan and I ended up being so stressed out!

Feed the baby and keep yourself happy. Those are the most important things right now! You’ll second guess everything from here on out, but for your baby fed (either way) is best!!!

1 Like

Fed is best! I breastfed for 1 months and gave it up. My milk wasn’t making her feel full so I switched to formula. There is nothing to feel guilty about as long as you are giving your baby what they need.

1 Like

I breastfed my 1st and formula with my second. Both of my children turned out perfectly healthy. As long as your baby is getting all of the nutrition they need, that is what matters.the “mom guilt” is real and please don’t beat yourself up to much.

1 Like

Dont feel guilty i chose not to either and my daughter was just fine its personal choice

2 Likes

Fed is best, don’t let anybody or yourself make you feel guilty about it. As long as baby is fed and healthy that’s all that matters

3 Likes

Its okay if you don’t want to BF, if you feel discouraged, It took me 2 months to latch my baby good, he breastfed for almost 3 years.

2 Likes

Fed is best. I only ever started out that I would do my best for the first week for the colostrum. Ended up longer but we did both for about two weeks as it was do hard. My milk didn’t come in for days so we gave him a bottle, then did half and half. My health worker was horrible about it and I felt horrible as result, untill my usually placid partner put her in her place. Do what’s best for you and your baby, and fed is best.

1 Like

I was in a somewhat similar position last year and chose to formula feed and omggggg it was the best choice for me. Pumping made me feel sick and so uncomfortable. I am pregnant now and plan to formula feed again because it was perfect for our family. You are the only one that knows what your family needs. Please trust your gut.

I tried didn’t work…I did formula, don’t feel guilty about what works best for you and your child…as long as he is healthy and fed that’s all that matters

1 Like

With all three of my kids I had breastfeeding problems… I could only breast feed no longer than 2 months and my milk would dry up; you have to feed your baby and formula was my only option… fed is best and you have to do what makes sure your baby gets to eat… formula is just as good as breast milk

2 Likes

Most hospitals have lactation specialist to help you and your baby If you truly want to breast feed. Do what is best for you and baby. Babies do just fine on formula and you shouldn’t be stressing so much.

You do what’s best for you and your baby. I breast fed for a month and then exclusively formula fed. My baby is happy and healthy! Don’t feel guilty. You being happy and in a stable state of mind is what you and also your baby needs. You’re doing a great job momma!

So long as your baby is getting loved and fed it doesn’t matter how u feed him / her.
My first was breast fed for 4 weeks, he had issues with feeding and wasnt a bonding session at all, I dreaded feeding him. It was painful for both of us, my mum went and brought formula and it was a lovely bonding time with us. My 2nd I could only breast feed for 2 months and wasnt getting enough milk, so I changed to formula, both my kids are loved and thriving. Do what is best for you and bubs. There is no right or wrong xoxo

I decided not to breastfeed my last baby and it was the best decision I ever made! She was able to bond with others and is a wonderful sleeper. My other 2 were exclusively bf and they were completely dependent on only me because they refused bottles. They also did not sleep through the night. To each their own! There’s no shame in choosing not to breastfeed. Do what’s best for you and your mental health!

Children need a happy momma, not a “perfect” one. If breastfeeding makes you miserable, then DONT! Your child won’t care. Please be happy! Being happy is the only way to great parenthood!

My first was formula fed, she’s 2.5 and a happy, healthy, crazy toddler. My 8 week old is breastfed. We had latching issues and he wound up having a lip and tongue tie. Having them fixed saved our journey.

Either way, both of my babies are doing amazing. Do what you have to do. A happy mama is the best mama

I was able to breastfeed my daughter no problem. But when it was for my son he was having trouble feeding from me. Was weeks before we found out he was allergic to milk and wasn’t getting what he needs. I’m scared to even try breastfeeding the new one in a few weeks because of this. I’d rather babies be fed and healthy than other people judging which is best for babies.

You need to do what is best for you and your baby.
If you really want to breastfeed- have you been offered any support with regards to the latching issues. That would be a good place to start.
If you want to exclusively pump then there are a few groups on fb that can help support you with that. I exclusively pumped for my eldest and it’s double the work, but I was very stubborn in that I wanted to give my baby breastmilk. I ended up managing 15 months of pumping.
If you have tried the above, or decided formula is the route you want to go down then don’t feel bad. That is what formula is for - to help feed your baby and you will be doing your best no matter what. Either way your partner needs to be on board regardless of anything else. Informed and supported is best, fed is mandatory, and he needs to support your decision on how to feed your baby. No matter what - you can do this! x

1 Like

I formula fed my first two cause my supply just wasn’t enough. I understand that feeling in the back of your mind of “I can do better” and you are. You are trying to find what works best for you AND baby.
There’s nothing wrong with formula feeding whether you leak or not.
Baby needs a happy momma and if formula is what will help then go for it

Both of my girls are formula babies and thriving! The older one had a hard time latching on and my milk supply was so low I was completely dried out within a week. I wanted to breastfeed SO badly, I felt guilty and stressed so much over it I ended up with PPD. My pediatrician at the time along with some members of my family seriously made me feel like a horrible parent for not being able to breastfeed. My second baby latched on easily, I was so excited, but once again my supply was low and completely gone within a week. I have a different pediatrician now and when I told her, she said listen as long as your baby is fed and happy that’s all that matters. She did also recommend a tea called Mother’s Milk to try and increase the supply but it didn’t work. My baby is six months now, she’s happy and healthy! Formula needs to be normalized and shaming moms over not breastfeeding needs to stop. Whatever you decide, as long as you’re happy and your baby is healthy that is all that matters! Don’t stress over what anyone says, she needs a happy mama! Best of luck​:two_hearts::raised_hands:t3:

Breast fed or formula fed the baby is still fed. I understand what ya husband wants but honestly he’s not the one doing it. Just bc he was breastfed doesn’t mean u have to with your child. Totally your choice!!!

Girl don’t stress about this one… your baby will be fine with breast milk and/or formula. You have do what best for both you and baby. We have enough stressors as new moms to add one more to the list. Enjoy your time with you lil cutie and congratulations :heart:

I formula fed my first. Breast fed and formula feed my second, and exclusively breastfeeding my current baby. All three of my babies are alive and thriving💛 us moms have enough guilt to worry about. I’d say do a mixture of both especially since you don’t want to abruptly stop pumping and get engorged boobs or a clogged milk duct. Id say. Pump a little here and there, gradually having less pumping sessions until your milk supply dries up. Give baby that and formula💛 exclusively breastfeeding is one of my biggest accomplishments as a mom but it is very demanding mentally and physically. I’m ready to get my son off my Boob and now he won’t give me my boobs back😭 good luck and whatever you do don’t listen to anyone that isn’t going to be there feeding your baby for you.

If you’re already feeling this much stress about the idea of breastfeeding and/or pumping, then stick with formula. Breastfeeding, especially if you struggle at first, can be mentally exhausting. And pumping takes a lot of work and dedication to do, especially for a year or more. It can also be mentally taxing. There is nothing wrong with feeding formula. Fed is best. And yes, maybe your husband may be disappointed, but he needs to remember that it’s your body, your choice and he just needs to be supportive of both you and your baby.

Girl, if you don’t want to breast feed, don’t! You do what you want! I didn’t even start to breast feed my second child, because my mental health was important too! Your baby will be healthy and happy with either! You do what’s best for you! So you can be your best self to take care of baby!

I hated breastfeeding and everything that came with it. I felt so much relief when I switched to formula with my oldest. He got switched to formula at 3 weeks and my youngest I knew I didn’t want to try. I felt slightly guilty not trying with my second but I knew how much I hated breastfeeding. But both my boys are happy healthy and growing like crazy being formula fed babies!

Seriously don’t feel guilty! A fed baby is the best and a mentally healthy mom! I have 3 kids and only breastfed for a short time and guess what theyre all intelligent, happy and healthy.

Feed your baby, momma. Your mental health is very important, so try your best to shrug off any guilt and know your decision to bottle feed is perfectly fine.
I tried to breastfeed, but my supply took too long to come in, my kid refused to stay latched because the flow wasn’t there, and she thrived on formula while I tried to pump between bottles and attempted boob.
The tears and guilt were not worth it, so I let her be a formula baby. She’s a bright 4 year old who’s entering pre-k and gets mistaken for a 5 year old because of her speech, abilities, and height.

I wanted to breastfeed but I had very little milk. He was still taking a full bottle after I spent an hour with him on me. I could only pump a few drops. At 6 weeks I had enough of the nightmare and it was amazing the difference. Everyone in the house was much happier. Don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Do what’s best for you and your baby!

I tried to breastfeed all 3 of my kids… it just didn’t work for us. They all did formula! It’s totally OK, mama!

1 Like

Give that baby formula and don’t feel guilty. I wasn’t able to breastfeed either of my children and they are very healthy and very smart. Do what is best for all of you.

I tried for 8 days and he was still
Losing weight so I started with formula. He was a much happier baby and it is honestly easier for me because his dad can feed him. I was only getting 2 oz every 5-6 hours. He wouldn’t latch. Fed is best. I cried for 2 days and felt like a failure when I was told I needed to supplement with formula. But he is a month old now has gained 2 pounds and is happier than ever! It’s honestly what works for you and you little one, don’t feel guilty for whatever way you choose to feed your child.

Don’t feel guilty for what you’re comfortable with. I decided not to breastfeed my first, simply because I just didn’t want to, and that’s okay :woman_shrugging:t2: I won’t be breastfeeding my twins when they get here either, because I just don’t want to. Never feel ashamed or guilty, or let anyone else shame or guilt you for your own preferences. Fed is best, and as long as baby is fed and happy, that’s really all that matters. You do you girly :two_hearts:

Mine wouldn’t latch either. After a month of pumping, I was exhausted. Switched to formula. Helped tremendously. She’s almost 3 now and doing well. You do what’s best for you and yours and screw all the haters. You got this momma!

Definitely second every one with Fed is best! I tried all 3 of mine, but due to medical issues and medication I was unable so formula came to the rescue!

Do not feel guilty if its what is best for you and baby then do it. I started breastfeeding my now three year old daughter but ended up switching to formula because breastfeeding her was taking a toll on my mental health it made life easier and happier for the both of us because then her dad could help feed her if i needed him to

All 3 of my kids were bottle babies. With me working any everything I never thought breast feeding was the best option. The other thing I liked about the bottle is daddy can help !!!

Please don’t feel bad. I didn’t even consider bf, i used formula, there are great formulas out there! Everyone has their own opinions though and just because you have one and he has one and everyone else has one, you should go with YOUR opinion.
I’m sure a lot of ppl would find it weird to be breast feeding until 2 yrs old…then again others won’t. Just proving the point that EVERYONE has an opinion and I say to chose your own :slight_smile:
Good luck mama!

How about doing both. Breastfeed at a time convenient to both baby and mom. Use formula too. That way baby gets good stuff and bonding with mommy and mommy gets some freedom. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. PLUS you would not have to feel guilty. Give it time and blessings on your new journey

These comments are amazing ! I was thinking I’d read shaming and instead see all you mamas supporting her !! Way to go Girls

2 Likes

Breast is Best. I’m still breastfeeding my 25 month old and now 7months pregnant, about to breastfeed both. Toddler RARELY gets SICK and if so for a day. The immunity it gives is BEYOND!!

Fed is best :heart::heart::heart: Do what works for YOU!! My son didn’t latch on and I was pressured “Oh try this, he needs breast milk!” Talk to your Dr also because some of not wanting to breast feed could be part of PPD ( Post partum depression)… once again

FED IS BEST. For both baby and Mom!!

As long as babies belly is full, you decide how to feed your baby. My 22 month old was formula fed from day dot (I tried breast feeding but had trouble) and he is a healthy boy…:blue_heart:
You make your own choice

I can understand feeling guilty but you know what mama…. FED is best! :heart: I also had a lot of latching issues with my son, so we went formula route and he’s still the greatest little dude ever!

Fed is best! It doesn’t matter if it’s breast milk or formula as long as the baby is fed. Don’t ever feel guilty because breastfeeding is not for everyone. My oldest 3 was strictly formula fed and my last 2 I tried to breastfeed but it didn’t work out for me. With my 4th child (first breast feed) I thought my milk wasn’t coming in good because I was under a lot of stress due to her being a nicu baby. Also she was never able to latch because she was tube fed. So I finally gave up pumping. With my last baby I was determined to try again but only last 2 weeks. With her she would latch and then let go every few seconds and I was in extreme pain and my milk was not enough so I said forget it and went and fixed her a bottle of formula. Breastfeeding was not for me and that’s ok. My babies was fed, happy and healthy and that’s all that matters. I don’t regret it at all.

The same thing happened to me! I officially quit after 2 months. Breastfeeding and pumping was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my whole life. It’s so demanding. Don’t forget you are a human being, you’re not just food supply. Your baby will love you no matter what you feed him. Plus, formula makes babies chunkier and who doesn’t love a chunky baby! :heart:

Did you have her evaluated for oral ties? That can cause trouble with latching. Don’t ask a pediatrician, they’re not good at finding ties. You should ask a pediatric dentist.

I also strongly recommend looking up The Thompson Method. The method hospitals teach for latching your baby are aggressive, wrong, and leave you more likely to experience pain and nipple damage. And definitely make it harder for baby to latch.

However, if you really don’t want to correct the latch, there’s nothing wrong with formula. While breast may be best, it’s NOT the only option. Formula exists for a reason. It’s not bad, it’s not poison. And your husband is NOT the one with the breasts, so he can get over it.

I didn’t have proper support or education to successfully breastfeed my first. I end up supplementing with formula at 6 weeks and he was mostly on formula by 4 months. My milk fully dried up by 9 months.
My second was exclusively breastfed, he’s almost 2 and is still nursing.
Both are healthy, happy, thriving boys.

2 Likes

Honestly I struggled with the same thing. I’m a first time mom and i never wanted to breastfeed but when I got pregnant I wanted to breastfeed. I was back and forth my whole pregnancy up until about 2 weeks before having her. Idk it just wasn’t for me. I have the freedom to not be feeding every 2 hours. My babies dad never got maternity leave through his work and only got 4 days off so for me being by myself with a newborn and being a new mom it was hard. Aldo, my milk didn’t come in for days after having her. He and My family can feed her when I need a break and I felt guilty at first but now I’m glad I formula feed

You do what’s best for you and baby. If that’s formula, that’s formula, if that’s breast by bottle only, then so be it. Honestly no matter what you do, it’s normal to feel guilt, but you’re doing what you think is best and that’s all that matters :heart::heart:

you know what is right for you and your baby! Do not let people bully you over this and they will try. I pumped and added it to the formula until my milk dried up. That way he got enough to eat and also the antibodies in the breast milk.

I formula fed my daughter, breastfed my first son and now formula feeding my second son. I honestly prefer formula feeding over breastfeeding after doing both ways formula feeding is just better for me. I was constantly stressed, over tired, could never get anything done I was literally just my sons personal cow

Do what works best for you love :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: if mentally you don’t want to breast feed you don’t have to that’s what formula is for. Baby being fed and mama being happy and healthy is the most important thing :heart: I formula feed my son because mentally I couldn’t breastfeed it was draining me and he’s happy and healthy and I’m happy and no longer suffering

Fed is best! Your mental health is important too. I formula fed due to my milk not coming in with either of my kids. I basically tortured myself with my first trying to breastfeed her. I felt such guilt but at the end of the day I had to do what was best for myself and my child. Don’t let anyone pressure you either way.

Happy mom and fed baby (regardless of which way) makes for a happy baby. All 4 of my kids were both formula and breast. You do what’s best for you and your baby.

Do what feels best for you. My first baby was starving because I wanted to just breastfeed. She was sad and hungry and I was a mess. We switched at 6 weeks and it made a world of difference for us. With my second we did a mix of formula and breast milk from the beginning and that worked really well for us until about 8 months and we just switched to formula. Don’t let anyone guilt you. If it was me I wouldn’t want to only pump. I would looking into lactation specialist if your problem is latch( could be you need a shield or the baby could have a lip or tounge tie) but if you decide its just not for you. Let your guilt go. Feed is best.

Breast feeding should be a bonding experience for both baby and mom… so do what you need to do to make feeding time a special time for both of you. No guilt please… just love on that baby. Your baby got tbe important colostrum and the early milk.

Having the right bottle matters too because they get confused with the nipples. There’s a couple brands like mam that are made so it doesn’t confuse them if you switch between nipple and bottle

1 Like

If its hurting your mental and physical health formula feed. Do what you need to do just feed your baby either option is a feed child. Your child needs a healthy mom most.

I felt guilt and got depression each time I gave up breastfeeding/pumping. I’ll go against the grain here and just urge you to keep trying so you don’t feel any guilt. You can try nipple shields and then slowly stop using them! Either way you’re a good mom but I really want to stress that most moms feel guilt for giving up this early.

Fed is best… toyr body, your bany, your riles. Do NOT lwt anyone tell you different.

It’s completely irrelevant on how your husband was fed in all honesty.

Good luck xx

Your baby, your body, your choice. Don’t feel guilty. Only you know what’s best for you and your baby. As long as your babies belly is full, that’s all that matters, period.

1 Like

Pumping is hard. I breastfed for 16 months and didn’t want to stop but had too. This is personal thing. If you don’t want to pump, formula is fine. You tried. Didn’t work. Formula is made for this reason and is healthy and good.

If you want to fix her latch, contact a breastfeeding consultant (la lache leagues or international breastfeeding centre for example) or see for some nipple shields.

But no reason to feel guilty. It’s hard but keep telling yourself, you’re doing fine. Because you are.

I knew before my sons were born i didn’t want to breastfeed so i didn’t. The hospital nurses fought with me on it both times but i stood my ground and both were formula fed. They are both growing great, very smart and healthy. You do whats comfortable for you :blush:

I tried breast feeding my daughter but I had a lot of issues trying to maintain my milk supply. So from 1 mo and on she was strictly a formula baby. With my son I didn’t even try breast feeding because I knew my body can’t handle it, he’s a very healthy, very active 1 yo now. A fed baby is a happy baby. I will add though, it may take a couple formula changes to find what works best for your baby. My daughter could only drink the orange can of similac, whereas my son could only drink the purple can.

Breastfeeding has always grossed me out :woman_shrugging: it’s not for everyone girl. Formula is so much easier and a fed baby is best. Doesn’t matter how to feed baby. Don’t guilt yourself into something you don’t want to do it. Not wanting to breastfeed is breastfeed is 100% a good enough reason.

Edit: my son is 2.5 exclusively formula fed. Healthy as can be, met/exceeded all milestones. Been sleeping through the night sense 8 weeks.

3 Likes

i’m a young momma, and i felt guilty i couldn’t give her a lot of my milk because i was still busy with school and extracurricular activities. but when i realized that even if she only had a few days of my milk, i found that her being on formula didn’t matter because she was just happy being nice and fed! you got this momma! babies aren’t gonna care because they just want to be fat and fed and happy! you’re going to be okay ! :heartpulse:

Do what you feel is best for you! I was the same way. I tried with both my boys and it just didn’t work out. I have two very healthy and intelligent boys that were formula fed.

If you feel like you want to pump for a month or 2 and then just formula feed after that then do that. Some breast milk is better than non but it’s your body. Mine dried up after 3 weeks and I was totally Ok with that. Some is better than non but formula fed babies do just as well as breastfed

You could do both by only pumping say in the evening instead of all day. I formula fed my daughter during the day and breastfed early in the morning and at night for a few months. But there’s absolutley nothing wrong with just doing formula. It’s about what is best for you and the baby. They’ll still be healthy on formula. I just wish I had stuck to breastfeeding/milk longer with my son because when he went to formula it started horrible constipation issues that lasted till he was almost 3 years old.

You do you mama. Every new mama is different. I breast fed, not going to.lie my first child I was like what and why am I doing this. If you are not comfortable and it’s stressing you out don’t. You will be fantastic no matter what you do. Congratulations on your new baby.

I breastfed the first for several months and didn’t breastfeed at all the second baby. For me, formula was the best route. I have never regretted not breastfeeding. You decide what’s best for you and your baby. Don’t feel guilty. My formula baby is healthy and did just as well as the other child.

The supply is low because your baby only needs that , your baby has a tummy the size of a pea

Fed is best. Doesn’t matter how they eat as long as they do. Don’t feel guilty! Breast feeding is not for everyone and it is painful and difficult. It’s your decision. Chin up momma

As long as your baby isn’t going hungry… Does it really matter what anybody else has to say? If your husband is so adamant then maybe he should try doing the breastfeeding??.. Lol not gonna work. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anybody else.

Fed is best, no matter what. Sounds to me like you’ve made your decision, your sanity is much more important than breastfeeding. There will always be people who can’t or won’t understand your decision. Your daughter, your choice. For me personally, I tried for months, it screwed with me mentally when I couldn’t provide enough milk even tho I was constantly hooked up to that damn machine. It felt like other people were obsessed with my milk production, which made me stressed TF out and I believe caused me to dry up. Oh well! My daughter is 22 months old, eats everything and is the happiest little girl ever. Good luck on your journey, and congrats on your baby girl :heart::heart:

You do you. Do what is best for you. I didn’t breastfeed had no intention on doing it. My child is fine. You will be okay mama.

1 Like

Hey my first baby wouldn’t latch so I couldn’t breastfeed her and I felt guilty but eventually I came to realize that fed is fed as long as baby is healthy. Now my second baby is breastfed and man I did that for three months. Yes it’s way harder to breastfeed in my opinion but I’m okay with both. It’s whatever you feel comfortable doing. And in the future if y’all were to have another baby you can try breastfeeding.

Is baby being fed? Are they happy and healthy? Do not stress. My daughter wouldn’t latch on so I expressed my milk for two weeks before I caved and decided to formula feed. Guess what? She’s a happy nearly two year old who is thriving. Do what’s best for you and your baby, if baby won’t latch and you’re running out of options don’t worry about formula. Good luck.

Dude I cried for days when I made the choice to stop
And 2 and half years later ppl will still be like “remember when you GAVE UP breastfeeding.” :sob:
It’s a tough choice but ultimately it’s yours and the baby needs a happy mom so if pumping is gonna take him out of your time to spend with the baby and it’s gonna stress you out then it’s not worth it in my opinion

If you don’t want to then don’t. But nipple shields helped me immensely if you would like to try them out. babies don’t come out knowing how to latch so it’s difficult but they eventually get it.

If you want to formula feed, don’t feel guilty about it! Are there benefits to breastmilk? Absolutely. But I think that the comfort and sanity of you and your child outweigh that 10fold

Don’t feel guilty. I pumped with my first right after I went back to work till the first year. My twins were born 2 years later and 12 weeks early… I pumped exclusively for a year again. It’s hard. It’s exhausting. I thought the benefits overweighed everything and that’s what kept me going, but it’s not for everyone. If you do formula and your baby is fed and happy, and you’re happy, that’s all that matters. You do you.

1 Like

You do what’s best for you. Formula is perfectly fine, and your child will be fine on formula. It’s a lot more important for you to not be stressed out and anxious than it is for you to breastfeed just because you don’t want to disappoint your husband. Trust me there’s a million other things you will feel guilty about in the next twenty years, don’t let this be one of them.

Its ok if u don’t want to breast feed sometimes just don’t have the urge to breadth feed but if u do breadt feed consult a lactation consultant thru your obgyn better no matter what fed is best the babyvwill get the nutrition ot needs no matter what

I didn’t breastfeed either because my supply didn’t come in. My baby was suffering because she wasn’t getting enough which made me feel incompetent. So I started supplementing and went to formula all together. The one thing I’ve learned was I’m going to get mom shamed anyways. People are going to have opinions of you no matter what. Those opinions did nothing to help me with my daughter. She’s a healthy 3.5 year old. Not breastfeeding didn’t hinder her in any way.

I formula fed from 5 months as he grew teeth which hurt like crazy and it was becoming impossible to do all the other house duties & cooking bare in mind I was alone 90% of the time as husband was at work from 9am-6pm

Fed is best. Not everyone can or wants to breast feed. It’s a lot of work and can add extra anxiety/depression. You have to take care of yourself too. Do what’s best for all of you and don’t feel guilty either way. Both my kids were bottle fed due to different medical reasons and I feel no shame. Both my kids have always been healthy.

Your health is just as important as that baby’s!! There’s no shame in wanting to formula feed. Yes, breast milk is amazing for babies but formula is great too. If it’s stressing you out too much to continue, then don’t feel bad for wanting to stop! That baby isn’t going to benefit from a stressed out mommy. As long as she’s full and happy, you’re doing your job right. Do what works best for you.

They make breast/nipple shields making latching easier for newborns. Also, lactation consultants can help you or also just help in making the decision either way. Breastfeeding isn’t so bad, I hated pumping! But I needed a shield with my first baby. Good luck either way!

Nope
I tried with my first and it made me sick to my stomach
It grossed me out so much I couldn’t do it
I did pump for a while but couldn’t put her to my breast

With my second I want to but it got to hard so I pumped

With my 3 rd I Desire to try it for some reason which is weird because I was completely grossed out about it 4 years before and we did for 10 months and it was so hard but I loved it

So don’t feel bad at all

Do what’s best for you
BF is hard and you can’t get help

Formula is easier and everyone can help which is nice

All my kids are healthy and they say BF baby get sick less but my son has Actually gotten sick the most