https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:18:36 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-558090 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 15:10:32 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 558090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't totally weaned my toddler and I am STILL dreading breastfeeding a newborn again! We had such a rough beginning with my first, but I can say that in the long run it was SO SO worth it. It's ok to be nervous but know that whether it comes easily or not, you CAN do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-558076 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:49:32 +0000 pl0508 558076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really dreaded it too and honestly it has gone wonderfully. I was even sad when I pumped a bottle for DH to give ! The best advice I can give is to not stress over it until you see how it works for you. It truly is different for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-558066 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:33:24 +0000 sea_bass 558066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: Yeah, I can't imagine anyone staring a thread off saying " Breastfeeding going GREAT, absolutely nothing to report here!" Thread over. </p> <p>Hah </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557995 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 13:00:21 +0000 rachiecakes 557995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I didn't dread it, it was a challenge I didn't expect. You seem to be pretty well educated about that. It wasn't easy in the beginning for me, but I think it was even harder because I thought it would just fall into place. I didn't know the things that could go wrong and how to try to fix them. Once I was over that hurdle, I LOVED breastfeeding. I wanted to keep going as long as DS wanted. Around 9 month he only wanted to be nursed morning and night. Then he dropped morning, then night. And now I miss it!!<br /> Just go with the flow and don't stress yourself out. Every baby is different and has different needs. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557993 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:58:20 +0000 lemondrop 557993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My take on it is you have to play the cards you are dealt. Know ahead of time where you can go to get help and support if you need it.</p> <p>I was very nervous about it, so I took the class and made my husband go too. Even with that prep, there is still a learning curve when you are finally hands on. </p> <p>I never had bleeding or cracked nipples, I used lanolin like crazy. I didn't get mastitis or a blister until 11 months. Early on we had problems with bilirubin, so we supplemented with formula for the first 3 weeks- I saw a lactation consultant twice a week during that time too. This was a blessing in disguise because I pumped bottles, and didn't have to breastfeed in public until I felt more comfortable and ready. Giving a pumped bottle let my husband bond a little more and gave me a break.</p> <p>Mentally the first 8 weeks were rough, then it got easier and I enjoyed it by 6 months. We are 13 months in and looking to maybe wean around 18 months. It makes me a little sad to think about that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557987 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:50:43 +0000 sarac 557987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sea_bass: I think that is EXACTLY it. People want to share their issues and get help and support, but people feel bad about saying 'oh it was so easy for me'. I felt bad typing that because I don't want to seem braggy at all - I'm not some sort of breastfeeding superstar. I just had a lot of support, a lot of confidence and knowledge going into it, and then I had a lot of good luck. I have lots of friends who went into it with the same kind of support and knowledge I did who really struggled. A lot of it is luck of the draw. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557981 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:44:45 +0000 sarac 557981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't feel that way. And I want to tell you, I had almost none of these issues. My daughter was in the nicu and didn't nurse at all until day five. We just got a little help from the lactation consultants and then it was fine. And that was it - I never had any of the trouble that some people have. </p> <p>Lots of women have an easy time - and you could very well be one of them! Find the resources, take a class or read a book, make sure your family is on board to support you, and then forget it! It doesn't have to be all about stress at ALL! If it reassures you, than have a little formula around so that you know your baby won't starve, no matter what. If you go into it knowing that it's going to be special, it's going to be wonderful, and the rest is just bonus, you'll have a much easier time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557973 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:38:49 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: me too i hated it until i was in my mid-20s, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557969 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:35:59 +0000 immabeetoo 557969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I dreaded it too!! I was committed to sucking it up and turns out I had a super easy start and its been great. Some days I wish I had a little more freedom but seriously its been the complete opposite of what I expected! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557968 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:35:39 +0000 hummusgirl 557968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurpleUnicorn: Thanks! I'm pretty much a hummus-aholic, though I actually hated it until college. Glad I acquired a taste for it because it's amaaaaaazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557965 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:33:33 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: SOO true! In fact, DH and I are taking our first family vacation purposely before we start L on solids because it will be so much easier to pack and feed him while on vacation! Also purposely before he starts crawling! I am guessing this is the easiest time we will have on vacation with him for a long time to come! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557961 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:30:00 +0000 hellobeeboston 557961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's a benefit (besides all of the ones you mentioned) : it's fast and convenient (most of the time) especially in the beginning.... Baby crying? Whip out boob and you at set!! Otherwise if baby is crying you have to go get bottles, mix or warm it up and that all takes time.... Same if you are going out, you don't need to add another thing to bring - your boobs are with you! ;</p> <p>I was pretty freaked about it too, and it's gone really well for the most part! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557953 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:15:22 +0000 jedeve 557953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you considered exclusive pumping?</p> <p>Yes there are downsides. But lots of benefits too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557951 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:13:14 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: i just wanted to say i love your username, because i eat hummus with everything, LOL! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557947 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:10:31 +0000 hummusgirl 557947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't dread it but I was worried I'd have all sorts of issues after reading people's experiences with thrush, mastitis, pain etc. In the end, I didn't have those particular problems but did have my own special set of issues which unfortunately prevented me from nursing very long (low supply, baby wouldn't latch, would just scream at the breast so it wasn't a bonding experience to say the least). </p> <p>I'd say like everything else having to do with babies/parenting, go in with an open mind and don't worry about things that may not even happen to you! Your LO will come with its own unique challenges and you'll manage those (and google like crazy) when the time comes. </p> <p>Other than BFing, I've lucked out with a dream baby. I'd read all these horror stories about the 4-month sleep regression (hasn't happened to us, knock on wood!), colic (nada), refusing to sleep in crib (he pretty much loved it after the first week, at least at night) and we've been able to handle other difficulties without too much trouble. Problems will arise for sure, but I'm trying not to waste today by worrying about what-ifs. Good luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557936 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:01:40 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@creativemomma15: i second that it is nice to take him away and nurse privately when you have family over! We had my family and DH's family come stay with us from out of town over the holidays and L was just barely 6 weeks old then. Our little apartment was so chaotic that i was relieved to take him in the other room to nurse alone. It gave us both a break and i was still really sleep deprived then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557933 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:07 +0000 SleepyMonkey 557933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also wanted to add that before having a baby, I was pretty uncomfortable showing my boobs to anyone but my mom and dh. But I lost all modesty in the hospital because you have a bunch of nurses and doctors poking and prodding at you and that just made me more comfortable with breastfeeding. I had no issues with whipping out the boob in front of mil and my sils. Around men that's a different story.... but to echo all the pp's, I spend a lot of time worrying about things before they happen. Most of the time it ends up much better than I expected. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557931 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:59:07 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 557931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>See I thought it was going to be all rainbows and unicorns and the first 6 weeks were really hard for me, whereas my friend who swore she wasn't going to breast feed had the easiest time. Really, I wouldn't psych yourself out yet. It will be what it will be and you'll make it through! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557930 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:58:09 +0000 creativemomma15 557930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was nervous about the whole experience too, but remember everyone's experiences are different. I have had my struggles with breastfeeding: worrying about supply, pumping extra time, transitioning from a nipple shield, etc. But, in the grand scheme of things it has gone pretty well. Two things I thought of: first, when we are with family or friends it can be kind of nice to take my son back and go in another room to nurse and have some time with him. My family tends to take him from us and they really enjoy him so the time away can be nice to just be together again. Yes, it can be annoying sometimes to be secluded but most of the time I don't mind. Also, your baby might not be a comfort nurser. I haven't weaned my son yet, but he never looks to nurse for comfort. He rarely falls asleep nursing since like 2 or 3 months old and if he is upset or needs comfort, he is content with snuggles, his lovey or his pacifier and even prefers those things. I am not too worried about weaning because he has other comfort items (but who knows, I may regret saying this in a few weeks!) Also, I do agree with previous posts that once you get through the first 4-6 weeks it is easier and you and baby are more comfortable with it!</p> <p>Good luck!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557928 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:53:00 +0000 sea_bass 557928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I have all the same fears. I also agree with @prettylizy: in that you tend to hear the horror stories more than the complication free stories as people don't want to come across as bragging when it all goes normally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557922 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:48:29 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i just read prettylizy's reply and wanted to echo what she said too! i never had cracked or bleeding nipples, something else i had been scared about. i didn't have pain except for that pinch right at the beginning. And i also bought lanolin cream and i returned it after a few weeks because i never used it! i haven't had to use any products or supplements. i only invested in a good nursing pillow because i found it made it so much easier to hold him in the right position, but then a few weeks ago we were in the movie theater and he urgently needed to eat, i just grabbed him, put him on his side, opened my bra and held him correctly, no pillow! i guess i didn't realize till then that i had really gotten the hang of it! At home, i still use the pillow for convenience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557918 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:47:13 +0000 MrsH 557918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not KU yet but yes I'm dreading it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557915 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:46:30 +0000 autumnlove 557915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did dread it the first month. I cried almost everytime it was time to nurse because it hurt and I never knew if I was doing it right or if she was drinking enough! I started to enjoy it around the 6 week mark when I stopped worrying about my supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557912 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:43:10 +0000 PurpleUnicorn 557912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i can't say i dreaded it, but i was a bit like you - i was planning to do it because i knew it was best for my baby and it was free, and just what my body was designed to do, so why not try? I was also worried about all the issues that could happen. </p> <p>and well my experience has been mostly positive. i've been thinking about starting a post for moms to share about how BF has been good for them - not to brag or make others feel bad - but to let anxious moms-to-be know that a lot of people don't have any issues. it seems like we only post when we have problems (and i have had one lately), but really i am sure a lot of people have no issues latching, no mastitis, engorgement, thrush and all that - i haven't! granted i am only 3 months in, but i feel pretty good about it.</p> <p>Oh and not sure if this will help, because i know i am the kind of person who needs to see/experience to believe it....but before i had L, i thought i would hate feeding in public and i would need to cover up and be discreet, i didn't think about the "bond" too much...but really since i started, i just don't care who i BF in front of. I do it so often that it just doesn't faze me, I have covered in public a couple of times, but more for the sake of other people, i just found the cover annoying. </p> <p>And i did not expect to enjoy breastfeeding! but i do! i really saw it as a "duty" before, and now i like it and know i will miss it! i haven't thought about the comfort issue and that i will have to take it away one day. We do mix in serving BM in a bottle sometimes so DH can feed him and i can have a break, so i guess i don't think it will be an issue as there are other ways to comfort him, just holding and cuddling and we will always be able to do that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557911 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:42:42 +0000 prettylizy 557911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh honey, I felt EXACTLY the same way as you did... I spent so much time reading and researching how, what, when etc. I was determined to prepare myself for all possibilities and then I was going to muscle through every pitfall that came my way. I was also SUPER conservative (wouldn't let anyone even see my stomach skin, no one was allowed at our ultrasound etc). I want you to know it's not all that bad, really it isn't.</p> <p>As for the bonding thing, I'm sure she is more bonded to me because of nursing, but I don't L.O.V.E. nursing in that halmark commercial way, I love that I'm able to, and that I don't have to wash bottles ever, but that's okay too!!!</p> <p>I'm on month 11 of EBF, I have never had mastitis, thrush or so much as a crack or blister on my nipples. It stung for 10 seconds for the first few weeks when I was getting used to it (kind of like a suck in my breath curl my toes deal for 10 seconds) then it was fine. My right nipple was a little flatter than my left but that sorted itself out on it's now and isn't a problem anymore. I was terrified to nurse in front of people and in public, I'm totally not a lactivist, but it got really easy to pull out my cover and go for it. I also got over my modesty in front of my female family members (mom, sister, MIL, SIL and BFF) after a while. My supply has always been enough for her without needing supplements. I had cooling gel pads, lanolin and fenugreek in my house before she was born because I was sure I was going to need all of those things. Fenugreek = never opened. Lanolin = used 2 or 3 times. Cooling pads = still in the fridge, never used!</p> <p>It's really not all that bad, I promise. I think us moms who didn't have those kinds troubles are afraid to share our success stories because it almost feels like bragging. I'm not trying to brag as much as I'm saying don't do what I did and get wrapped up in the scary, because it's not scary for everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557910 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:41:30 +0000 SleepyMonkey 557910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The thing to remember is that breastfeeding is different for everyone. I had no physical pain from it at all. The physical aspect of it was a breeze for me, but the mental aspect was so tough. I hated having the "burden" of being her sole food provider and that I couldn't control my day anymore. But once I got over that, I started to like it and I really enjoy it now. The bonding part didn't happen for me until maybe 2.5 months because at that point she was looking at me while feeding and before that she had no idea where she was. I think I will really miss it when we stop. Anyway, try not to stress about it and just take it one day at a time when you get there! Like you said, you may even love it! And if you hate it then that's OK too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-dread-breastfeeding#post-557899 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +0000 Cherrybee 557899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can I prefix this post by saying that I AM planning to breastfeed - for at least 6 months. I've read and researched and I know it's the best thing for my baby. I know breastmilk is more easily digestible, I know it prevents illnesses, allergies, asthma..... </p> <p>But I'm really dreading it. I know that it hurts at the beginning. I know that it's hard work and requires perseverance. Breastfeeding positions, latch issues, engorgement, mastitis leaking, worrying about my supply, nursing clothes... I don't want any of this!! I want to enjoy being a mummy, not stressing about my boobs!</p> <p>I don't want to feed in public. I don't want to feed in front of my inlaws, even, or my best friend. I am really dreading this - because I know I'm going to have to get over it, I can't spend 6 months hiding in the nursery!!! It's a hurdle I need to cross. </p> <p>Oh and the special bond everyone talks about?? Well even that causes me worry.... I just don't want to offer my baby comfort in a way that I will one day have to withdraw. The stories on here about inconsolable toddlers, clawing at mom's shirt, totally confused as to why mummy is suddenly denying them the comfort they crave. The thought of it just breaks my heart. </p> <p>So, yeah..... Like I say, I'm going to try really, really hard. I know it's the right thing to do - and who knows, I might love it and wonder what all the bally-aching was about! </p> <p>I just thought I'd be brave and put it out there - I mean, other ladies might feel this way too and it's comforting when you don't feel so alone, right?! </p> <p>Anyone else dread breastfeeding? How did it pan out? </p>