Ranting because I feel like no one else understands me outside of this app..

It’s so overwhelming in the beginning. Do you have some nipple cream? It definitely helps. If she’s having problems latching you might need a nipple shield. It’s all ok mama it’s a new process all over again. Just breathe and take it 1 step at a time so you don’t get completely overwhelmed. And if you can’t breastfeed then that’s ok too. You aren’t a failure and as long as she’s fed and happy then you’ve done perfect!

Nooooo, don’t feel bad whatsoever. If it’s not working, it’s not working. And that’s totally okay. Don’t beat yourself up, mama. You have to do what’s best for you & your baby. And only you know what’s best 💜💜

Girl. Pumping is more exhausting than just breastfeeding. In my opinion. And let me tell ya, I let myself get in such a bad headspace both times I tried for my boys & it wasn’t worth it. Fed is best! You need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your babies. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than bc you tried! You gave it all you could & it just wasn’t a good fit for you. And that’s okay, momma. Hang in there. You’re doing great, no matter what you choose. 💚

I understand you. I felt like I wrote this 5 years ago. No one I knew breastfed my own mother said formula is easiest. No one supported me and it was hard and painful. I found nipple creams helped so much at the beginning and also finding so many different positions helped I watched YouTube videos how how to try new ways. It's so tiring its takes everything out of you. But remember you got this you grew that little human you are strong and if you choose to continue to breastfeed or switch to bottles or even formula you are an amazing mom.

@raisingbabes, Awh I’m so sorry mama! It’s a hard process to go through and it’s very touch and go! I have done it with all of my babies and I genuinely understand your struggle. It can mess with your mental state and your emotions. Do what you can and anything your baby gets is awesome! Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, you just gave birth, you are a mom of two toddlers and you are recovering. You are doing a great job by just trying to breastfeed. Hang in there, it’s okay 🙂

Girl it’s ok just breathe I had to pump when my nipples hurt and then use creams my husband was in oil field and gone 24/7 and I had two other kids as well so I feel your pain it’s tough at first the men don’t get it it was probably two weeks after I came home till I got a shower 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ I went from bottle to pump to full bf it just takes time to adjust goin on 5 years breastfeeding and I only wanted to do it a couple weeks

Breastfeeding is hard. I can’t imagine strictly pumping! I found coconut oil really helped me. You have to do what’s best for you and baby and that’s exactly what you’re doing weather you pump or do formula don’t let anyone tell you different ❤️

If she’s showing no interest you might need a nipple shield .. I felt the same way with both my kids they would eat but my nipples were soo sore that every next feeding was worse and worse but I got threw it and it was hell the first 2 weeks

BF is hard as fuck and pumping can be harder. You are a bad ass Don't be so hard on yourself! You are doing everything right for your baby girl

Make sure your flanges are the right size your nipples will hurt for awhile like a bitch but the pain will stop

I felt like this with my 3 month old, I really tried to breast feed, I breast fed for 2 weeks until my mind and body just couldn't do it anymore, my hubby gave me a shitty response and made me feel like a shitty ass mother when I told him I wanted to feed him formula, yes I could have tried harder for longer breastfeeding but it was draining the life out of me 😩 😔 don't feel guilty mama, as long as your baby is fed that's all that seriously matters💕 I told my hubby that it's not easy to breastfeed a baby and take care of toddlers all while trying to do everything else around the house and trying to take are of yourself, hubby got my point and said he probably wouldn't be able to do it either, I breastfed out oldest for 3 months but he wasn't gaining weight the way he was supposed to so I got him on formula, hubby didn't like that but h eknew our boy was being fed so that's all that mattered, your hubby can't talk, you are doing the best you could possibly do, no one is perfect, no one is a super human, you do what you need to do to make sure your baby is taken care of and fed, my 3 month old drinks 6oz bottles every feeding, I get to sleep all night 6-8 hours of sleep I get at night, formula is working for us🙌💕 i hope you find something that helps as well💕💕 @raisingbabes

I know you said it's difficult to get her to feed off the boob, but I'd suggest trying to express some milk with your hands, just enough to get the flow and put a few drops on her lips. If not a nipple shield may help but that is also your choice. Some Women don't get that just because THEIR journey was easy doesn't mean EVERY journey is easy. My journeys were easy but I always helped those who's journeys weren't.

In the end you will do what's best for her and that is ALL the matters. Fed is best.

Also pumping, do you have the correct size? I noticed I was using too small of a thing, sized up and the pain slowly went away. Also nipple balm and cremes are a MUST. My youngest ate so much the first few weeks they were always cracking and bleeding 😂

It's a tough journey for some but worth it in the end. But NEVER regret the decision you decide whether to continue or formula feed because she's being fed and that's all that matters.

I feel this so much. After I had my daughter, I was drained and so done with pumping/breastfeeding. When I mentioned formula to my husband, he was more concerned about the cost of it than my feelings. It was so much harder when I had a toddler to take care of too while doing it, so I can only imagine how it is for you with 2 more! I had guilt for feeling the way I did because I was also a SAHM. I ended up breastfeeding her until she was 10 months and then switched to formula. I’m glad I stuck it out, but it was no doubt exhausting. You need to do what is best for you, too! If you feel you are not ready to give up yet, stick it out a little longer, use some nipple cream, and maybe try a nipple shield if you want to try nursing again. But if you really are so miserable and you are feeling like it’s just not for you right now and one of the biggest reasons you are continuing is because of what other people are saying, then switch to formula! There is no shame in that and you need to focus on your mental, emotional, & physical health too so you can continue to be the awesome mom you are! You are going through a lot right now. You just had a baby and you are still trying to get adjusted to life with a newborn. It’s definitely ok to feel the way you feel, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! ❤️❤️

I honestly hated breast feeding and stopped after one month. I would cry every time I had to do it and felt myself going the depression rabbit hole. you have to do what’s best for you also and there’s no shame in that.

This was heartbreaking to read. I’m so sorry that you are struggling. Pumping is breastfeeding so don’t feel that just because your baby isn’t latched that you aren’t breastfeeding. It’s sooo hard in the beginning. Maybe try pumping on a more gentle suction so give your nips a break. I’d also suggest that when you put baby on, make sure she isn’t starving. Try to catch her early. Also once her mouth is over your nipple, give your breast a little squeeze to give her a taste. It may encourage her to work and let her know that this is where the milk is. Your baby is a whole new person that you’ve never known before. It takes time to get into a rhythm and if it doesn’t work then you can decide what you want to do from there. I’m sorry your support system is lacking. It’s tremendous task to bring a new human into the world. Men don’t get it. No matter how supportive they try to be. I’m sure you’re doing a great job and just need to give yourself a break. It’s ok to cry. My husband went back to work the day after I got home. I was released after 24 hours. I was all alone with a two year old and newborn after delivering vaginally. I’m still bitter and resentful about it. It’s ok to feel your feelings but don’t for one second blame yourself or think what you’re feeling isn’t valid. You can always message me if you need some encouragement. Hang in there. I hope this rough patch passes for you quickly. 💕

Your human. Your allowed to feel. Your most definitely not alone although a lot of people may say different. What works for one mom doesn’t for all. Not all babies are the same. Not all situations are the same.

Try to take it easy on yourself. I’m sorry you feel isolated! I’ve totally been there. What is suppose to be all fun and happy can be dark and left with feelings of inadequacy.

Girl you are more than enough! As mom and wife. Don’t allow others to dictate how you feel. I wish I had bf advice for you but I struggled as well. It was straight up aggravating because I was so drained.

Follow your heart and do what is best for you and baby. A fed baby and happy mom is best. Chin up. ❤️

Pumping is so stressful! Your feelings are valid and I’m so sorry your friend and husband wrote them off. It shouldn’t be that randos on an app are more supportive than your IRL friends.

Your mental health is important - if managing to pump every 2 hours is unrealistic and doing more harm to you, it’s okay to stop and figure something else out. Maybe every 4 hours is more realistic for you and your family and you can alternate between formula and breastmilk bottles. Breastfeeding or exclusively pumping doesn’t have to be all or nothing, any amount of breastmilk for baby is a good amount.

I found that coconut oil on my nips before I pumped really helped with the pain. Also making sure you have the correct size flange and aren’t pumping on the highest setting. It only needs to be high enough to get the milk flowing. The hands free pumping bras and a battery powered pump I could carry around with me also helped me feel more like I was able to get stuff done and not like I was glued to a couch. Many pumps have a battery alternative, if you look up your model online it should be easy to tell.

Oh it's sooo hard when you're starting out, but it can be worth it. With my daughter I had similar issues: weird latch, sore nipples, a toddler who basically wants to hang on my body when I breastfed. Fast forward 3 months: breastfeeding does not hurt anymore, my daughter latches well most of the time, my toddler knows when I'm breastfeeding and goes to play independently. I also get a really uncomfortable feeling with the letdown which has subsided a bit as well and I just breathe through it. Also, nighttime sleeping/feeding can get better (it sometimes takes a while). The first month I would say is the hardest.... it's like getting a new car. The first few times driving it takes all your concentration and effort, and after a few weeks it becomes second nature. Honestly, everything you're going through sounds "normal" to me, so if you want to hang in there, things probably will improve 🤞I so hope it works out for you!!!

DO YOU! I felt like a failure because I didn't breastfeed my daughter long but let's be real sitting attached to a wall (depending on pump) is irritating ASF. Who cares if you're a stay at home mom. Its not like you're saying you're not gonna feed your baby at all 🙄 yes breastmilk has better nutrients, but breastfeeding is HARD ASF especially if baby doesn't latch! The only thing I have to say is if you want to continue you HAVE to eat more or that will be a big reason your supply decreases. If you don't wanna continue, EFF it 🤷 they're your tits only you know what you can handle with them and formula will still keep baby healthy 👌💖