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mosh913
baby boy coming spring '11
Member since 5/05 3133 total posts
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I'm thinking about giving up BFing
I don't know. As I posted a few days ago, I'm having such anxiety. First with the BFing in public, then the green poop, now I'm convinced I'm not producing enough, plus she won't take the bottle. I'm overwhelmed and tired. I know my pediatrician's office has a lactation consultant. Maybe I'll call her.
Message edited 1/4/2008 8:09:33 AM.
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Posted 1/4/08 7:58 AM  |
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
I WISH my peds office had a consultant-definitely give her a call. It's a personal decision and I know there is alot of anxiety that goes with it, I still feel this way sometimes.  It's not for everyone and formula will still allow your child to grow healthy and strong. GL with your decision.
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| Posted 1/4/08 8:07 AM |
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Dragonfly75
I love Hypnobabies
Member since 3/06 2333 total posts
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
If it's not right for you, by all means choose an alternative, but if you want to continue speaking with a lactation consultant might help ease your mind.
It's normal for new moms to feel anxiety and if they don't have a lot of support for breastfeeding it can seem overwhelming. In my experience, the first few weeks were the hardest. It got so easy after that. At first I was nervous about BFing in public, then after I did it a few times and realized no one around me even cared or seemed to notice and it was no big deal. I really feel that the lifetime benefits of breastfeeding are totally worth it.
I don't want to put pressure on you to continue, but if you need support I'll gladly offer it. 
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| Posted 1/4/08 8:09 AM |
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mosh913
baby boy coming spring '11
Member since 5/05 3133 total posts
Name:
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
Posted by Dragonfly75
If it's not right for you, by all means choose an alternative, but if you want to continue speaking with a lactation consultant might help ease your mind.
It's normal for new moms to feel anxiety and if they don't have a lot of support for breastfeeding it can seem overwhelming. In my experience, the first few weeks were the hardest. It got so easy after that. At first I was nervous about BFing in public, then after I did it a few times and realized no one around me even cared or seemed to notice and it was no big deal. I really feel that the lifetime benefits of breastfeeding are totally worth it.
I don't want to put pressure on you to continue, but if you need support I'll gladly offer it.
It's funny, because I think I want to be pressured to continue. I'm so torn. I love it, but I hate worrying all the time. If my supply had decreased, she wouldn't be pooping and peeing, right?
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| Posted 1/4/08 8:11 AM |
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
It's funny, because I think I want to be pressured to continue. I'm so torn. I love it, but I hate worrying all the time. If my supply had decreased, she wouldn't be pooping and peeing, right?
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If she's wetting and soiling enough diapers, then your supply is good! I know what you mean about wanting the pressure in a way. I was and am still so exhausted that you almost need someone to say "it's okay, maybe you should give it up". I can tell you though, this is the hardest time. It gets easier, it really does. DC will sleep more at night probably and you will get more rest. My LC said not to worry about the green poops in the beginning and foremilk and hindmilk, etc. She just said to concentrate on the diapers and your feedings and getting rest (that combined with drinking your water too).
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| Posted 1/4/08 8:24 AM |
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2BEANS
wow time is going fast.
Member since 9/07 16106 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
I felt the same exact way you do right now when i first started. Its so overwhelming, i even said thats it i cant,,and gave her a bottle of formula. Then i started crying and decided too try again and now 3.5 months still doing. I do occasionally give formula, my dd wont take breast during daytime, so if i dont have anything pumped I have too. I try and always have BM in fridge, but there are times when i dont have any to pump.
What i relized tho its YOUR decision and do whats best for you and your child. Best Wishes.. also i learned when you really have a hard time, this forum is great place to ask for advice.
Alot of GREAT moms on here willing to help.. Thanks Momss
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| Posted 1/4/08 8:45 AM |
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jerseypanda
Life is good.
Member since 1/07 9164 total posts
Name:
Amanda
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
First of all, here are some hugs for you...
I was very lucky, apparently my little guy was really good at BFing!! 
I do know what you mean about the public thing. I have actually not yet BFd in public yet (except at other people's houses who I know). DS is 4 months and any time I go out with him, I usually do it after he's eaten and I know I will be home before he needs to eat again. In the beginning that was tough, because I could only go out for about an hour or so. But now that he is eating every 4 hours, I feel as though I have some freedom back.
If I knew I was going to be out when he got hungry again, I would pump and take a bottle. So, that's how I deal/dealt with the BFing in public thing.
I hope you come to a decision that you are comfortable with! Good luck!
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| Posted 1/4/08 9:16 AM |
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partyof6
b nice like u want ur kidz 2
Member since 7/06 7752 total posts
Name:
jeannine
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
do whatever makes you not stressed and do not feel guilty...you are not a bad mother if u stop.
Its not easy..
maybe do both? Ii tried with the twins...I couldn't do it...I never produced anything
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| Posted 1/4/08 9:23 AM |
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Dragonfly75
I love Hypnobabies
Member since 3/06 2333 total posts
Name:
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
Posted by mosh913
Posted by Dragonfly75
If it's not right for you, by all means choose an alternative, but if you want to continue speaking with a lactation consultant might help ease your mind.
It's normal for new moms to feel anxiety and if they don't have a lot of support for breastfeeding it can seem overwhelming. In my experience, the first few weeks were the hardest. It got so easy after that. At first I was nervous about BFing in public, then after I did it a few times and realized no one around me even cared or seemed to notice and it was no big deal. I really feel that the lifetime benefits of breastfeeding are totally worth it.
I don't want to put pressure on you to continue, but if you need support I'll gladly offer it.
It's funny, because I think I want to be pressured to continue. I'm so torn. I love it, but I hate worrying all the time. If my supply had decreased, she wouldn't be pooping and peeing, right?
OK, since you asked for it. Here are some great reasons to continue breastfeeding
Yes, as long as she's pooping and peeing your supply is fine. My advice is to set short-term goals for yourself. Commit to breastfeeding for 3 months or 6 months -- you can always stop, but you can't always go back to it. There is so much research indicating that breastfeeding is the best choice, so you can take comfort in the fact that you are giving your baby a wonderful gift by breastfeeding her. Good luck! Check out kellymom.com for more support.
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| Posted 1/4/08 9:57 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
I was lucky that DS "got" it right away and that I had a HUGE milk supply. It was very exhausting and demanding. BFing is very hard even when everything goes right. I sticked to it but was not sure all along how long it would last.
I stayed home with DS so I never really had an issue wih the public BF. Then I started pumping so I would bring pumped milk and it we stayed for a while to someone's house, I would bring my pump or BF DS in a spare room.
This is such a personal choice!
I really suggest you talk to a LC.
Good luck!
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| Posted 1/4/08 10:19 AM |
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chelle
It's a Good Life
Member since 8/06 15404 total posts
Name:
Isn't it obvious?
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
FM
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| Posted 1/4/08 10:33 AM |
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MST9106
My life:)
Member since 6/06 9589 total posts
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
I know exactly what you're going through and I think all of us BF mommies went through the same thing. I think very rarely do you see that the child "gets" the BF right away. Its a learning process for both mommy and the baby. I say it took me appx. 2 months to finally BF comfortably...without the sore and cracked nipples and the wacked out supply. One thing that was great though is that I pumped and DS had no problem with taking a bottle.
I say continue to try, meet with the LC and if it is really draining you and you don't feel comfortable doing it then stop. Your DC got the most important vitamins from the early feedings. BF is great and you will get better at it and I guarantee you will end up loving it. If it wasn't for the support I got on here I think I would have stopped as well...but knowing that there were other ladies who were going or went through the same trouble while BF as me, gave me that ooompfffff to keep on trying, and I am so glad I did.
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| Posted 1/4/08 10:45 AM |
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ckdk
My girls
Member since 5/05 7027 total posts
Name:
Cheryl
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
With my first DD, I almost gave up, the first few weeks are so hard but then it became 2nd nature and I EBF her for 11 months and it ended up being the best thing I could have done...
Talk to the LC, hopefully she can help... if not, you tried and there is no harm in stopping...
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| Posted 1/4/08 11:13 AM |
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alexlynn7
Big brother to be!
Member since 9/06 6314 total posts
Name:
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
Posted by mosh913
I don't know. As I posted a few days ago, I'm having such anxiety. First with the BFing in public, then the green poop, now I'm convinced I'm not producing enough, plus she won't take the bottle. I'm overwhelmed and tired. I know my pediatrician's office has a lactation consultant. Maybe I'll call her.
my baby is 12 weeks old today and i still go through these same emotions at least once a week!! i've been SO exhausted (until last night when he ACTUALLY SLEPT!!! but that's another story...) and i'm not good at handling stressful things when sleep deprived.
in my worst moments i find myself SO anxious about BFing. is he REALLY getting enough? am i REALLY making enough even though my pumping output sux? should i be taking herbs? should i be taking prescription meds? and last, but certainly not least - is it WORTH all the anxiety? would i be better off just switching to formula and stopping all this worrying?
but i keep going, and i have no idea what force is driving me to continue, but i just take it day by day for now. seeing the LC definitely has helped me - if you find one you like it will be worth every cent!!!!! i love mine.
in my worst moments i find it most comforting to be reassured that it would be okay if i stopped. so i will tell you the same thing - IT'S OKAY if you switch to formula!! you are NOT a bad mommy if you stop breastfeeding!! formula is a perfectly healthy alternative to breast milk, and what's most important is your happiness and comfort.
Message edited 1/4/2008 11:13:49 AM.
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| Posted 1/4/08 11:13 AM |
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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
Posted by mosh913
It's funny, because I think I want to be pressured to continue. I'm so torn. I love it, but I hate worrying all the time. If my supply had decreased, she wouldn't be pooping and peeing, right?
It sounds to me like you want to do it, so if you do- you should. I think that once you stop worrying, you will enjoy it more. Now I know worrying is SO NORMAL. I have to say, what really eased my mind about BF was being in the hospital for 5 days with a c-section. The nurses were so patient and soothed every fear I had.
If your supply decreased and your child was taking in less food, then you're right, she wouldn't be popping and peeing as much. I used to worry because DD always fell asleep when I nursed her at first. But the nurses assured me that if she was making diapers she was fun. Sure enough by 3 months I had a little chubbette.
The best thing you can do is relax. Do you have any other breastfeeding mommy friends you can talk to? That may ease some of your anxieties. If not, FM me or come on here. We are all here to support you.
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| Posted 1/4/08 11:13 AM |
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vegalady
Love my family
Member since 6/06 4546 total posts
Name:
SNV
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
YOu have to do what is right for you. However, i would reccommend seeing a lac consultant before you stop. I had the same exact concerns and saw a lac consultant (la leche league) and she helped me out so much. I gained much more confidence once I spoke to her. I am so glad i spoke with her b/c I BF'ed for 6 months and loved doing it.
The green poop can mean that you child is getting more hindmilk than foremilk. If DC is soiling diapers atleast 2-3 times per day and has enough wet diapers than all should be fine. Have you had her weighed? If she is gaining weight than she is doing fine. I understand your concerns completely but dont give up hope yet.
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| Posted 1/4/08 11:22 AM |
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Mrs
LIF Adult
Member since 6/05 1652 total posts
Name:
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Re: I'm thinking about giving up BFing
its definitely a personal decision but, since you posted, I will just give you my opinion.
I would DEFINITELY go to the lactation consultant - in fact I went twice with my DD because she had issues gaining weight. The LC really helped to relieve A LOT of my anxieties. I can tell you, in the begining, when we were feeding her every 2 hrs and I didn't feel right I used to be petrified, so scared before every feeding. I had so much anxieties. But, the LC really helped. And, with every feeding was better and better. I also thought that recently I was running out of milk, but when I pump (mind you DD is only 5 weeks) I pump out 6 - 8 oz. Thats enough for 2 of her feedings!
Do you have a pump? Maybe it would help to relieve some of your anxieties too.
Also, if you are really unhappy to breast feed in public, can you pump? My DD takes both bottle and breast, so you can pump into a bottle and take it with you.
I feel breast is best - and that is what I would do. Because once you put her on formular, it will be harder for you to go back.
The LC recommended Gerber slow flow wide neck bottle because it mimics the breast best. DD took both from 3 weeks - with no confusion.
Message edited 1/4/2008 11:47:13 AM.
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| Posted 1/4/08 11:39 AM |
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