https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 17:59:31 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447563 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 11:26:09 +0000 Spinny 2447563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up EPing for my son for many reasons and now at 6 months, he is on formula. I also struggled with this and feel a lot of guilt. BFing was so much harder than anticipated, I feel like I failed. I keep saying I will get it right with the next one, but at the same time it is the one thing I am kind of dreading about having another one. All in all, you're definitely not alone and you have to do what is best for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447464 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:23:39 +0000 blackbird 2447464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: That's great!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447356 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 09:30:35 +0000 ldh112 2447356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: The guilt was so overwhelming for me too. I fought so hard to keep breastfeeding and was so upset about how it worked out for us. Like you, I felt like I needed to keep trying harder and felt like a failure when it just continued to be such a struggle. It was quite the mind f*ck to be honest. Almost everything about it was devastating and I didn't think I'd ever get over it. Its been two months since she weaned (not by my choice, as I tried to keep doing 50/50). </p> <p>It's hard to have perspective in the thick of it. But in time you'll feel more confident about your choices and the guilt will lessen. :) I look back and know I did everything I could and it just didn't work for us. Sure I still think "what if" at times, but the whole thing just isn't as overwhelming anymore. You'll get there! Be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to feel okay about whatever happens! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447263 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:30:02 +0000 Ash 2447263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: go glad things are going well!! Baby deserves a happy mommy and you deserve to be happy!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447249 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:19:18 +0000 youboots 2447249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: yay! Thanks for the update. So glad you are all happy and well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447180 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 07:22:03 +0000 regberadaisy 2447180@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: glad to see you're in a good spot! I supplemented regularly with my first and we BF till she was 25 months! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447170 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 06:57:07 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2447170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>*Just an update!*</p> <p>I broke down last week after my baby was so fussy and upset and constantly at the breast. I was starting to mentally break down after 3 months of frustrating breastfeeding and no sleep (judging by the nursing session where I cycled between maniacal laughter and sobbing - sorry husband!)</p> <p>I've been doing formula for every other feed, and for the first time in 15 weeks, my baby is calm and relaxed and sleeping for 7 hours a night instead of 2 to 3. </p> <p>Wishing I wasn't so stubborn! It's hard when you are told "breast is best" because you want to do everything possible for your baby and that phrase makes it seem like you aren't choosing a good option if you use formula. And you can always "try harder" with breastfeeding. That thought process almost did me in with relentless frustration. </p> <p>We are all feeling so much better this week with almost-rested parents, a mom who can see clearly again, and a smiley, relaxed little babe who is no longer focused solely on getting enough food!</p> <p>Now hopefully my supply keeps up enough to continue doing half and half, but if not... I won't let it get me down. It's not worth it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding/page/2#post-2447165 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 06:46:53 +0000 Applesandbananas 2447165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: please don't feel guilty! Your baby only needs around 4oz of breastmilk per day to reap all the benefits! It sounds like you have the best of both worlds! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2447163 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 06:43:05 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2447163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425989 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:03:08 +0000 alphagam84 2425989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I knew I wouldn't enjoy breastfeeding and would resent DD so we did formula from the get go. I'm so happy with my decision. She is thriving and we are so happy together-and DH gets to feed her too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425426 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:49:37 +0000 Kemma 2425426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425417 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:55:16 +0000 brownie 2425417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: I have been there my son was mspi (banshee 12-15 hours a day) and my daughter is calmer but more complicated elimination diet (corn, legumes, fruit). We had to do neocate because neutragamin wasn't even enough for him. That's super expensive.</p> <p>I love la leche but with difficult babies (mspi and tongue tie) they just aren't there. Baby girl had a tongue tie. You did a good thing because that can effect so much more than just bf. It can hurt speech and even the ability to take a bottle. So don't let that keep you doing something you hate.</p> <p>The only thing I can recommend is to see your doctor. I have seen many moms feel this way, quit breastfeeding and then find out they had post part mum depression. Not saying you do but you may find another ear helpful (and leave your baby with someone for that appointment).</p> <p>Breastfeeding is not all roses all the time. Nothing is. It can suck royally. But so many things about being a mom are wonderful and horrible. Don't let one thing hang you up right now because something else is coming down the pipeline. Cherish the good parts and make the bad whatever you need to for your family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425406 Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:10:30 +0000 gingerbebe 2425406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>BFing was soooo hard. My son didn't have MSPI but he had severe reflux and I was on a total elimination diet that was basically like apples, bananas, rice, broth, and roast chicken. I drank weird vegan protein shakes with melted coconut oil in it just to get enough calories. I had severe imbalanced output, it took a week for my milk to come in, I pumped no more than 1-1.5oz in a day at first and I was pumping after every feeding. By 12 weeks I was able to pump 24oz a day while on every lactation supplement available, but not a drop more. My son hated nursing, screamed constantly, and I got no sleep. It was complete misery.</p> <p>We started formula supplementation - just one bottle - and I switched to largely EPing because he was having weight gain issues and I was falling apart. We did Nutramigen for a few weeks when his reflux was at its peak to calm his system down (he went 10 days without sleeping more than 20-30 minutes at a time) and while it was expensive, it was so nice just to pump and freeze and not worry about feedings other than making bottles. I froze my milk and gave it to him a few months later when his reflux had passed.</p> <p>We stuck with combo feeding until 9.5 months when I just didn't feel like pumping anymore. I really feel like it was the best of both worlds. I always knew how much he was eating, I didn't have to stress about my output, and I could nurse for comfort whenever he needed it. I got that happy snuggly experience - it just wasn't tied to his caloric needs. Taking that stress away really helped my PPA/PPD and my son never had any issues with going between formula or breast because we had supplemented from early on. </p> <p>If combo feeding is an option for you, I'd go for it. And get the XL flanges!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425388 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:29:02 +0000 simplyfelicity 2425388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: Breastfeeding is so so hard. For something so natural, it is so stressful. I really feel like our struggles and the pain robbed me of some enjoyment with my son. When he cried to be fed, so did I because I was dreading the pain. LO was born with a tongue tie and lip tie but, even after having them cut, I saw very little difference. I always felt like it was two steps forward one step back. I tried EPing, saw every LC in the area, watched many youtube videos (the best was about a nipple sandwich.) I HATED breastfeeding. One day, I fed him on one breast and it didn't hurt and then the other one eventually didn't hurt. I simply had to wait for his mouth to get bigger. It was an extremely difficult experience and no one can properly prepare you for it but you are doing everything for your LO and, in the end, your sanity and happiness will make you a wonderful mom (not how you feed your LO.) Wishing you all the best. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425382 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:25:10 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2425382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion @ldh112: I feel similarly. It's been beyond difficult, and the excruciating first weeks of breastfeeding were so traumatizing I really feel it interfered with our bonding.</p> <p>I also seem to make just enough milk to keep my baby growing, but not a drop more. Frustrating! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425379 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:16:55 +0000 MrsGeePerez 2425379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all for your advice and commiseration. It helps to know I'm not the only one sludging through.</p> <p>I gave my baby a few ounces of formula tonight because he was refusing to latch but was screaming in aggravation and hunger. Hopefully his digestive system grows more accustomed to it and maybe I can supplement more often to save my sanity.</p> <p>Many thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425147 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 20:35:14 +0000 ldh112 2425147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: My experience was very similar. I too am scared to have another baby after how difficult BF was for us. It really did a number on my mental health (counseling and antidepressants helped). </p> <p> To the OP, I think you've gotten some great advice here and I echo much of it. I kept sticking it out until I just couldn't any longer. Only you know your breaking point! </p> <p>Also- my husband helped to challenge my stubbornness/obsessiveness over BF. He just wanted me to be happy and healthy and I could trust him to point out when he was concerned it was longer the best choice for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425070 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:59:11 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2425070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: OMG I could have joined that group with you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425068 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:56:34 +0000 DillonLion 2425068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a very challenging time emotionally with breastfeeding as well. It just did not go at all like I had planned! I so wanted to be the blissed out mom nursing and providing buckets of milk. </p> <p>We couldn't every get a good latch, my supply never came in fully, and I ultimately became an exclusive pumper (even though exclusively pumping around the clock still didn't make enough for her)</p> <p>That whole experience is really one of the main reasons I don't want any more children. I can't go through that again. I just can't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2425050 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 19:46:01 +0000 loveisstrange 2425050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Keybee: Don't feel guilty, mama. :heart: We all just do what we have to do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424982 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:40:29 +0000 Greentea 2424982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: I hated it dearly. I would look at magazines and see a happy mom nursing and think WTF? I hated it and didn't really know where to go for support for someone who hates it, but is intensely tenacious like me! I wanted to start a support group called "Breastfeeding is the worst thing ever but I'll do it no matter what even though I hate it." It got better.</p> <p>I ended up nursing until 2.5 when LO self weaned. It is no small feat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424975 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:30:03 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2424975@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were never able to breast-feed because DD could not figure out how to latch. But I was trying to EP instead and I just hated it. We switched to formula feeding around 6 weeks and life was much better for it. Your mental health and happiness and lack of stress (or at least minimized stress!) is important too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424969 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 18:19:21 +0000 Keybee 2424969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you for sharing! I hate it too and I don't have any good excuses. My Lo is 5 weeks, I feel like all I do is feed her! It's really hard for me. I take it one day at a time. Sometimes, mostly nights, I get really frustrated and give her formula. I feel guilty, but less angry... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424953 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:43:52 +0000 loveisstrange 2424953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You don't have to do it. It's completely okay to not like it and not want to do it. That's a perfectly valid choice. And you shouldn't base your life around "I can do X while other can't, so I should suck it up and be grateful". Live for you, not anyone else. </p> <p>IMO, it's more important to enjoy your baby and not resent them because of feeding. Check out the fearless formula feeder page on blog/Facebook. There are a lot of stories about women and why they chose to ff, or why they had to. You're not alone. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424929 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:02:41 +0000 Golden 2424929@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was on a specialty formula for my first due to allergies, and now with my second am really enjoying how cheap and easy Bfing is. I truly appreciate the $1000/month savings. As well as the ability to feed him quickly without lugging around hot water, bottles, and formula every time I leave the house. Try pumping first. Ffing is fine but it's a lot of work. You may find pumping to be a happy medium for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424902 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 16:15:23 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2424902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry. You are in a tough position. </p> <p>One of the biggest things that helped me was the breastfeeding mothers support group offered by our hospital. I got to meet lots of mothers twice a week as well as a IBLC to sort through the various issues that constantly arise. I've nursed two kids and said there is no way I could do it on a special diet. But if that's your better option than formal right now great job!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424899 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 16:08:48 +0000 Mrs. Tea 2424899@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh I'm so sorry you're going through this. I had one little one that was an awful breast feeder and I literally cried for two months every time she latched. I was so so afraid to stop ( I finally fully did at 6 months ) but I had to say she is the healthiest three yet old and my post partum anxiety/depression got so so much better imeediatly after. . I honestly wish I had stopped earlier with her because then I might have enjoyed those early days more. </p> <p>My second baby was an awesome breastfeeder but couldn't keep breast milk down. He would eat and spit up like crazy. At almost ten pounds he was a super hungry baby so I just threw in the towel instead of trying elimination diets etc. He was full formula fed from one month on and is doing great at almost 13 months.. I do feel a little sad about stopping sometimes because it was enjoyable with him ( minus the being covered in spit up.) </p> <p>There is no easy answer. But know either way that your little one will be fine. You need to listen to your heart and do what will be the best for your little one and for you as the Mom too! </p> <p>Sending you a big hug! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424835 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:42:55 +0000 Cherrybee 2424835@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is such a difficult post to reply to because the fact is, if you stick it out, it will probably get easier..... and Id hate to think of you missing out on that, after all you've been through, because I said the wrong thing at the wrong time. But you really sound like you don't want to keep breastfeeding and so I want to tell you that formula feeding is fine. My daughter was FF from birth and she is absolutely fine. If breast is best, its really marginal IMO. You do not need a reason not to breastfeed - "because I didn't want to continue" is fine (although it sounds like you have a bunch of compelling reasons as well). </p> <p>I really want to BF my second but ONLY because I want that experience. It sounds as though BF is ruining your experience - don't let it. :heart: </p> <p>That's just my opinion. Good luck :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424831 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:40:41 +0000 blackbird 2424831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't find it as stressful or overwhelming now that T eats food. Month 3 and 4 sucked big time, though. Sorry :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-hate-breastfeeding#post-2424803 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 14:26:23 +0000 Littlebit7 2424803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsGeePerez: I switched to EPing at about 4 months. I too was BF, but it just wasn't sitting well with me. I was constantly stressed that she was getting enough, she was distracted, it just wasn't "smooth". Anyway, EPing is tough in its own right but I like having more control over the entire situation. I'd check with a LC to see if the flanges fit you properly. What pump do you use? I was using the wrong size flanges and had a much better output once I was sized correctly. And oddly enough at about 8 months I had to have a 27 mm on the L and 24 mm on the right. </p> <p>I just quit pumping (almost 10 months) and we are fully 100% formula now. And I'm totally happy because of it. Its $$$ (Holle) but everyone is happy now :) Good luck. Whoever said BF was easy needs their head examined. I'm sure it is for some people but it is totally NOT easy for others. </p>