Something’s not right
- Mark Discussion as New
- Mark Discussion as Read
- Float this Discussion for Current User
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Printer Friendly Page
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
05-04-2018 07:11 PM
05-04-2018 07:11 PM
Post Breastfeeding Depression
My baby is 13 months old now and for the most part, I am very lucky with how I coped postpartum. The one thing I cannot shake feeling like an absolute failure for not being able to successfully breastfeed my daughter.
After two weeks of screaming all night long and not gaining adequate weight, my midwife noticed that bub wasn't sucking hard enough to get milk, despite feeding almost constantly. I tried a supply line to no avail and started exclusively pumping. At bub's three month growth spurt, I couldn't pump enough milk to keep up and my midwife, lactation consultant and GP all advised that in my situation, formula was the breast option.
Ten months later and I still cry whenever I think about not breastfeeding my daughter. All you ever hear is how breast is best and all women can do it if they have the right support. I feel judged when people ask me about it and I feel like I let my daughter down. We do have an incredible bond (which actually strengthened once I quit pumping all day long and could actually play with her), but I feel like I missed out on all of that bonding time and a fundamental motherhood experience. I know I can never go back in time and try again, but I just don't know how to be okay with it.
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
05-04-2018 07:27 PM
05-04-2018 07:27 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
05-04-2018 07:31 PM
05-04-2018 07:31 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
05-04-2018 07:35 PM
05-04-2018 07:35 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 01:53 PM
06-04-2018 01:53 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
I too struggled with breastfeeding. I had milk during the day - but very little at night. I used a pump. I tried tea's designed to help with milk production. Nothing worked. In the end my body just wasn't able to do it.
So by one month of age, I put my son on formula. It was the best decision I ever made. He was finally getting enough milk. I was more relaxed. We were both happy.
It's a myth that all women can breast feed. In the old days and still a practice in some countries, a wet nurse is used. Because, our bodies don't always work the same. We are all different.
How wonderful that you and your daughter have such a great bond. You don't need to breastfeed to create a bond. You just need to love your daughter & she will know she is safe and loved by you.
Sounds to me like you are a fantastic mum. Yiur little girl is very lucky.
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 03:00 PM
06-04-2018 03:00 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 03:34 PM
06-04-2018 03:34 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
Men don't breastfeed, but they can still bond with their baby.
I think the classes - prior to birth, only talk about a 'perfect world'. There is no discussion on postnatal depression, or not bonding with your child right away, or having a child with a disability. They just talk about a 'fairy' world of perfect.
Luckily for you and I, we got perfect babies. And we are perfect mums - breastfeeding or not.
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 03:36 PM
06-04-2018 03:36 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 09:03 PM
06-04-2018 09:03 PM
Re: Post Breastfeeding Depression
Hi Tiger Mumma
Dont be so tough on yourself. Formula milk is very good too these days...so show yourself some compassion. As moms we want the very best for our kid but there are some things that we give it our best shot and then we know that we did our best. And at least u r able to play with your baby rather than stress yourself over producing milk. the bonding will always be happening throughout your lives together.
my son is 12 now and we defiintely still bonding...hehe...enjoy your baby now...these cute moments dont last that long ...hahaha dont be stressing about your lactation or lack of milk.
Stay well 🙂
- Mark as New
- Favourite
- Subscribe
- Get link
- Flag for Moderator
06-04-2018 09:10 PM
06-04-2018 09:10 PM