Parentinglogy.com – “I hate breastfeeding and I am feeling guilty!” The fact is, you don’t have to enjoy every aspect of parenting and raising a child. It’s completely OK to stop breastfeeding and feel good about it!
Your baby wants to breastfeed all day long. You’re exhausted and drained from waking up every two hours at night just to feed the baby only to have them want to eat again right after.
When you are unable to breastfeed, you are not only upset with yourself but also your spouse or significant other.
How do you tell your partner that you are disappointed in the fact that breastfeeding is not working out for your family?
What should you do when you choose not to breastfeed, but still not feel guilty and be happy with the alternative that works for them?
Yes, Some Moms Do Not Enjoy Breastfeeding
You are not alone in your feelings about breastfeeding. Many women feel the same way you do, especially if they have breastfed before. Your baby wants to breastfeed all day long.
It is normal for mothers to experience physical difficulties when they are breastfeeding.
Many mothers feel as though they are not producing enough milk for their babies due to feelings of frustration and anxiety over breastfeeding.
You must find a lactation consultant or a doula who can help you learn how to cope with your feelings about breastfeeding to have an easier experience.
Your baby is in pain because they are not able to get the milk that they need.
It is also possible that your nipples are so sore you can barely tolerate them being touched by a hairbrush, let alone having your child suck on them all day long.
It will be difficult for you to cope with breastfeeding when you just don’t enjoy it. You will need to learn how to cope with the stress and frustrations that come along with this situation.
Do not feel guilty for choosing what you feel is best for your child and your family.
As a mother, you have taken on this responsibility because you are capable of doing it. You will need to know when to ask for help to be able to provide the best care possible for your baby.
Moms feel guilty about not breastfeeding their newborns because they think that formula is bad or that they are giving their child a lesser quality of life by feeding them with a bottle instead of breastfeeding.
The formula is not something to be ashamed of and you should never feel guilty about using it if that is what works best for your baby and your family.
Is It Normal to Not Enjoy Breastfeeding?
It is normal to not enjoy breastfeeding if you feel as though you are doing it solely for the baby.
If you are feeling pressured by family or friends then this pressure may be making things worse for you.
If your feelings about breastfeeding are consuming you and you find yourself thinking about it all day long then it may be time for you to talk to someone who can help you work through these issues.
Women must make the decision whether or not they will be breastfeeding once their baby is born.
You don’t have to like every aspect of parenting and raising a child. If you don’t enjoy breastfeeding for whatever reason, it is alright.
What’s important is for you to stop feeling guilty, learn to cope with it, and look for alternatives.
I Hate Breastfeeding, How Can I Stop Breastfeeding Without Feeling Guilty?
There are ways that you can stop breastfeeding without feeling guilty about not providing the best for your child.
The first thing you will want to do is breastfeed your baby as long as they want to eat. This will help ensure that they get enough food so they stay healthy and happy.
If at this point, you feel like you cannot go any longer, then let someone else help you. Ask a friend or family member to help you out so that your baby can get fed and you can rest.
Whether you choose to breastfeed or not is up to you, only you know what feels best for your family when it comes down to making these decisions.
Just remember that formula is not bad, you are allowed to stop breastfeeding when it’s not working for you anymore.
Sometimes, women continue breastfeeding because of their own insecurities.
If this is the case, you must look within yourself and find a way to rid of these insecurities.
It may mean seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can help you cope with your guilt and frustration.
Breastfeeding Makes Me Miserable and Alone
It is normal to feel as though you are not producing enough milk for the baby if you feel as though it has been less than a week and you haven’t gotten your groove back.
If this is the case, then try not to compare your experience to that of other mothers who breastfed more easily and quickly.
It takes time and patience and each woman’s breastfeeding experience is different.
If breastfeeding has become something that you feel pressured to do, then this may be taking a toll on you and making you feel alone.
If this is the case then consider speaking with someone who can help support you through the process of finding ways to cope with your feelings about breastfeeding and finding a way to enjoy it.
Is It Ok to Never Breastfeed?
If you find yourself struggling with breastfeeding, then is it ok to stop breastfeeding and try again with a different technique or method?
It is important that you research your options and speak with a lactation consultant before making this final decision.
There are plenty of ways to feed your baby if breastfeeding does not work out for you. It is important that you find something that works for you and your baby.
How to Cope with Breastfeeding
It is important that you find a way to cope with your feelings about breastfeeding.
There are plenty of women out there who have been through the same experience as you and they can help give you some advice on how they coped.
Books on breastfeeding may also be helpful in finding ways to relieve the pressure and stop feeling so overwhelmed with nursing your baby.
There are plenty of methods out there that may work for you, depending on your needs.
If breastfeeding is causing you to feel overwhelmed than it may be time for you to speak with a lactation consultant who can help educate you on ways in which you can cope and learn to enjoy your breastfeeding experience.
If breastfeeding is not working for you and your baby, then it may be helpful to look within yourself and do some soul searching.
There are plenty of ways you can find your happy place as long as you stay positive and understanding of your own situation.
Start by speaking with someone who can help you cope with your feelings about breastfeeding.
Find Alternatives to Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding, you may come across some difficulties. These problems can cause stress in the family and in your marriage which is why it is important that you seek help when struggling with these feelings.
Finding an alternative to breastfeeding does not mean that you are weak or incapable of caring for your child. Find ways to cope with your feelings and find other ways to bond with your child.
There are many alternatives to breastfeeding these days such as breast pumps, milk banks, goat’s milk, and soy milk.
It is important that you find a solution for yourself and your baby. Don’t make yourself miserable over something that may not be a big deal in the end.
Breastfeeding is not for everyone, especially if it makes you miserable. Find alternative ways to bond with your baby and find new means of caring for your child.
Conclusion of “I Hate Breastfeeding”
Whether it is time for feeding or just cuddling, then this is an important part of being a mother.
This will only last for so long and eventually, your baby will no longer need you for this.
If you feel as though breastfeeding is causing anxiety then it may be time to speak with someone who can help.
It is important that you seek out the support of others, so that way you can avoid feeling alone. Take advantage of all the time that you have with your baby to enjoy the precious moments.
There are plenty of ways that you can cope with breastfeeding and it is important that you find a way to deal with your feelings about it.
Finding yourself in this situation doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you, it simply means that you are human and no one will ever be able to completely enjoy every aspect of motherhood.
If you are experiencing anxiety then it may be helpful for you to speak with someone who can help guide you through your feelings.
You do not have to go through this alone and there are plenty of resources available for mothers who feel as though they are struggling with breastfeeding too much.