@ashleysheikh, I’m sorry that you’re stressed. It sounds like you’re doing a great job! Your husband and MIL need to be educated on the difference between formula and breast milk and how supplementing with formula can actually negatively affect breast milk supply.
Just remember that your baby needs you at your best, and that you need to take care of you. Your son will be happier with a happy mommy. None of us are perfect, and embracing the different aspects of ourselves can make a major difference in our parenting.
Good luck!

You really need to give them information about breast milk and the benefits of having baby drink only breast milk. Can you give them information about it? Ask your doctor for pamphlets about breast feeding and give it to them.

As for your MIL just tell her straight forward " I don't like how you overstep me, I want time with my baby too. You had your chance to be a mom and your kid/kids turned out great, it's my turn please let me have a chance at being a mom."

@ashleysheikh, I tore a lot and got a lot of stitches from it so I was taking it to help with swelling. It wasn’t until we got home and his friend (who is finishing up some specialized pharmaceuticals degree) showed up shortly after and heard me ask for one and told me. I cut way back and took more hot baths and my supply went from 1 cc from both (she never latched so I have to pump and feed so I know what I’m producing) to producing more than she could eat in just a few days. I know your body is going through so much right now so the last thing you want to do is fight through the pain but it was a huge difference in my supply before and after. And I found the hot baths helped a bunch too

@ecahanes, thanks

@caffeine.fiend, my MIL and husband both believe that the formula and breast milk mix won't be a problem but I don't want to risk it and go dry. And I've been really stressed so I think I will try to remind myself that it will affect my supply. Thanks. Also I haven't been eating well cuz I've been super distracted by my baby and getting important things done for him and I don't find the time. I have a lot to work on to be a better mother and to be able to feed him better

Oh and drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Good luck!

@angeleyes1364, I will probably grab some from the store today. Thanks for the advice

@emilyinsd, I didn't know about the ibuprofen thing but I have to keep taking it cuz of my stitches from the episiotomy. They have been helping a lot with that and my cramping

@ecahanes, I think I will try it today and start acting like a better mother. That's my baby and I don't want to wait until my MIL goes back to Saudi to start connecting with my son.

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Breastfeeding can be hard, especially the first time. The more often baby is latched, the quicker the milk should come in. I would greatly encourage you to voice your desires not to use formula to both your husband and MIL. Your MIL may not know she’s making you feel like you don’t have a voice or that nothing you do is good enough. She may need to be reminded that this is your baby and that while her help is appreciated, she is not to take over. The more stressed you are, the harder breastfeeding will be.
From experience, oatmeal and plenty of water help with encouraging milk production. Please make sure you’re eating well, because if you aren’t getting enough calories, your supply will suffer. Also, please keep a bottle/glass of water on hand when nursing as you will need to stay hydrated.
Good luck momma

Tell them to stop. You need to bond with your baby. Try milk bars to help your milkflow I heard they really help

I don’t have any advice on how they are acting but I do have a few for helping up your supply. Ibprofin/Motrin can lower your supply (I didn’t learn that until after we got home), eat oatmeal when you can, drink half your weight in plain water (obviously not pounds of water but in ounces, example: I weigh 155 lbs, I need to drink just over 75 oz), if you have any caffeine you have to drink twice as much water (one cup of coffee needs to be replaced with 2 cups of water afterwards) and hot showers helps release your milk. I know it’s hard with so much going on but relaxing does help.

Good luck momma and I hope you can find your voice 💜💜

I remember at one point I just was so over my head with her helping I just said "no, no, no. Stop" and that moment forever changed our relationship. But we are still close but it is different. It's for the better though

@ashleysheikh, I'm sorry but there is fine line and she is crossing it. My mil is awesome and we get a long very well but she has had her moments too and I always keep it real with her. It's time for you too as well. My mom told me..."kids always bring out the real side to relationships and how you are as a mother" and let me tell you that is very true.

@ecahanes, I hope ur right and I hope I can keep breastfeeding. It helps me feel special to him. Something that nobody else can give him.

I can't believe they are going behind your back. That is absolutely terrible. Tell them to fuck off. Stand up for yourself and for your son. You can do it momma you are stronger then you think

@ecahanes, she's a nice person, she just doesn't see that she is overstepping her bounds a bit. I just feel like I'm not connecting with my baby as much as I could cuz she is always doing most of the work.

Formula is probably what is making him constipated and him being fussy is from that and over eating. Relax, take a breath and trust your body. As in your breastmilk. He only needs 2 ounces at the very most. Probably only needs one ounce right now. He wants snuggles and skin to skin from mom. Try and remember he was in your belly and that this is a whole new world for him so he's adjusting to it

Tell her to fuck off! But just know babies know their mother I wouldn't worry about that but I would tell her to leave

I've told my husband how I feel but he just doesn't understand

I miss him being in my belly and being just mine. Now I feel like he's better off without me. Even after I breastfeed him, he still seems hungry and doesn't seem to be going the bathroom enough. He is constipated I think and he never burps for me

It will be okay, tell them how you feel. Your milk will come in your body just had a baby and now it’s getting geared up for the breastfeeding stage. At least you have a team there to support you... but you will always be Mom!! 💐

Speak up! Communicate with them. Let them know how you're feeling. If you don't speak up about how you feel they'll never know.