https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:18:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-497944 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:04:31 +0000 lomom 497944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for sharing your stories! It's been hard to listen to so much discouragement from those around me. I really hope I'm able to breastfeed but if not, I appreciate the ladies who said not to beat myself up over it. </p> <p>I hope it all works out for LO and I. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-497820 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:35:36 +0000 bunnylove08 497820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I struggled for about a month. My DD was in the NICU for about 4 days and I was having trouble with latching. When she finally did she was a champ at BFing and when I couldnt get her to latch it was a different story. </p> <p>I cried at every feeding because it hurt so much and finally at 1 month everything clicked and she was an expert (or maybe I just got it) but it was not an easy road. My DH and MIL saw I was struggling and they meant well when they told me to just give her formula, but I was determined to BF her and after a lot of tears and help from a LC and my sister we're going on 4 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-493247 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:43:37 +0000 littleveesmommy 493247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oy the negative comments - they always made me very upset! I didn't get many but I definitely got the "oh you should just quit, it's so much easier with formula" and "the baby has eczema, you shouldn't continue BF'ing her because that's the cause". I just kept trucking along and honestly, HB was my rock through all my BF troubles (thrush, mastitis, mastitis, mastitis again, drop in supply, and now weaning). You have all of us here for support and hey, if you choose not to, we are still here for ya! =)</p> <p>I got lucky and was able to EBF until today at 11 months 9 days.... today is Day 1 of weaning for DD. My mom is mixing whole milk with pumped milk at 1:1 ratio today and I'm anxious to find out how it went! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-493170 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:58:19 +0000 yoursilverlining 493170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope; my milk never came in. I pumped and pumped and tried to feed to get it going but no dice. I saw an LC too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-493109 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:21:27 +0000 sorrycharlie 493109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree that medical issues aside, determination is huge! I was nervous about breastfeeding and all the scary things that can come with it (cracked nipples, mastitis, thrush etc). </p> <p>Turns out I got all of them! And each one for whatever reason made me more determined to get it right. At 8 weeks it was like a switch flipped and it's been smooth sailing since! </p> <p>If you can't, though, it's ok - just set the mindset of "I can do this! But if I can't, I'm still gonna be a great mom." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-493059 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:27:20 +0000 Rosie Girl 493059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to and struggled at it for 6 months. The ends of my nipples got ripped off, my supply was low, I got infections, LO wasn't getting enough and had other health issues. I really wanted to and really tried so I am happy with how it turned out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-493008 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:06:35 +0000 lemondrop 493008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, still going at 12 months, slowing down and not sure when we will end up weaning just yet. I have really enjoyed it for the past 6 months. </p> <p>The first 8 weeks, frankly sucked. We had a lot of issues early on, jaundice, extra hospitalization, latching issues, weaning from the nipple shield, supplementing (a blessing in disguise, one of our best decisions, he still gets a bottle a day so I get a break), and later on mastitis twice and a milk blister. </p> <p>We used several lactation consultants and support groups helped. Also being obnoxiously stubborn helped too. It got much easier with time for us, he got stronger and we started working as a team. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-492973 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 01:23:59 +0000 Running Elley 492973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm able to. We fought through latch issues, thrush, vasospasms and a super fast letdown that makes my LO very gassy. There are so many times when I've just wanted to give up and I now completely understand why so many people do. It is honestly the hardest thing I've ever done. LO is now 13 weeks and due to the gas/baby discomfort issues we're considering making the switch to formula. As hard as it's been breastfeeding has definitely been worth the fight to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to/page/2#post-492954 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:45:35 +0000 HLK208 492954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did with DS for 13 months and I plan to with DD until about 15 months. We had: really bad latch, blistering/bleeding nipples, mastitis within the first month and so I had to pump to alleviate the pain, but by 3 months in, breastfeeding became easy so I'm glad we kept working through our problems. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492951 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:31:57 +0000 owlmom 492951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was super determined to make it to a year, and at almost 15 months, we're still going strong. But it took a ton of willpower - I dealt with latching issues, thrush for 2+ months, an under supply, an over supply, and a lump and plugged duct that caused a breast cancer scare and a day in the hospital. I worked with an LC who I really liked and trusted, and without her help, I'm not sure I could have done it. If you really want to breastfeed and are having problems, don't hesitate to get help from a lactation consultant. And whatever happens, don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go as planned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492903 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:39:49 +0000 LittleFox 492903@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to breastfeed and am doing so. I had a c-section and my milk came in a little late, so I had to supplement with formula and pumped milk in bottles for a few days because he lost too much weight. He gained it back quickly once my milk came in and we're so far so good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492894 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:32:20 +0000 Grace 492894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You know, I think it's still important to realise that breastfeeding is hard and that not everyone is able to make a go of it. I have a friend who couldn't. She just didn't have enough milk and she beat herself up about it for months and months, thinking she was a failure and a terrible mom. I think it's awesome that there is a poll here, actually. It shows that most women can breastfeed (which is awesome encouragement, btw), but that 15-20% couldn't. And that's ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492889 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:28:43 +0000 skibobrown 492889@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's true that the vast majority of women *can* breastfeed successfully if they keep at it and work their very hardest to overcome any hurdles. However, I was one of the women who did absolutely everything and was ultimately not able to breastfeed. I produced almost no milk. My milk *never* really came in at all. It was heartbreaking and awful, since I had been planning on exclusively breastfeeding, and I had been told that as long as you try hard enough, you will be able to BF. While my case is rare, it does happen. I was completely unprepared for the possibility that I might not be able to breastfeed, and letting go of my dream of BFing DD was extremely traumatic for me. I wish I had known that, yes, there is a possibility that you might not be able to breastfeed. </p> <p>In any case though, good luck! I'm sure things will go fine for you, but if they don't, please don't beat yourself up over it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492870 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:18:05 +0000 Minnie_Girl 492870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been able to breastfeed this first month IN SPITE OF the traumatic delivery/lack of support/horrible advice/general BF challenges. And I intend to continue. (Soon without the nipple shield, I hope!!) </p> <p>I think this is one of those things where it depends on how hard you're willing to fight for it. Though it's true that BF can be a tough battle to choose to fight, you can totally succeed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492826 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:55:45 +0000 sarac 492826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That is SO obnoxious that people would try to discourage you. 99% of people who want to breastfeed can, it's mostly a matter of getting the help you need. A good lactation consultant, supportive friends and family, and the la leche league will all be helpful. I'd just remove the negative voices, personally. You don't need that kind of discouraging talk.</p> <p>I went into it just assuming that I'd be able to do it, knowing how important that was. Failure wasn't on my radar. Then my baby had a hard birth, went into the nicu, and wouldn't latch or suck. We got help, I pumped, and I figured it would come with time. I just knew it would happen, even if it wasn't perfect or immediate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492789 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:35:21 +0000 Springtime 492789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to BF and planned to do it. My LO had latching problems and we had to use a nipple shield from day 1 which I didn't mind, it worked so I was going to use it. </p> <p>He was EBF until 6 weeks when I had to go back to work. I still planned on giving him BM only and would just pump (didn't realize how hard that would be). However my job didn't offer a place to pump. I was pumping in the morning before work at 7 am, I would have to drive home at lunch to pump (10 min commute) around 11:30 am, and when I would get home at 5pm. </p> <p>I was so engorged in between feedings, it was painful, uncomfortable, and very stressful. I was tied to the pump whenever I was at home, not to mention I would have to work late because I would go over my lunch break which led to more engorgement and less time with my family.</p> <p>Eventually my supply decreased dramatically and I was ready to call it quits when my LO was 3 months old. I miss it so much, it was such a special time for us. I wish so badly I would have found a way to make it work but I just couldn't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492782 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:31:52 +0000 heffalump 492782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a no. I tried, but after a long list of problems starting with my milk not coming in on time I realized I couldn't do it anyway. After having lo my migraines were awful and I needed major meds, so breastfeeding was out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492773 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:25:51 +0000 mrsmate 492773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had assumed I would breastfeed. I was of the "Of course I'll breastfeed, breast is best!" attitude. Unfortunately it did not work out for us. I tried for about 6 weeks but DD just flat out refused. She was quite jaundiced and needed fluids to flush out her system but my milk didn't come in for almost a week. She was given formula at the hospital and she never wanted the breast after that. DH and I saw two lactation consultants, but it didn't help at all. I'm actually happy with the way things turned out; we got to split nighttime feedings, DD is doing GREAT and I never had to worry about caffeine/alcohol intake or food sensitivities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492771 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:25:47 +0000 mamimami 492771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I heard a lot of what you heard and I was worried too! But I have successfully breastfed two kids now - the first for 18 straight months and the second for three months and going strong. No supplementing. You can do it! The odds are in your favor :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492765 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:22:52 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 492765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I EBF for the first 9w...then supply dipped due to breast tissue issues. Despite medical intervention, I am now down to 3 breast feeds a day, his other 3 feedings are formula. I voted "other".<br /> I'll continue this year until the 1 year mark &amp; I'll hope for better luck with #2 :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492745 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:14:47 +0000 pinkcupcake 492745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was so stubborn about breast feeding. We went through every single problem imaginable: bad latch, LO wasn't gaining weight, milk took a week to come in, we battled thrush for 3 months straight, I had mastitis twice, etc, etc, etc, but I was determined to breast feed and at 10.5 months, we're still going strong. It was probably the single most difficult thing I've ever done, and I'm beyond proud of myself for sticking through with it. I know I'll make my goal of a year, and if anything, we'll probably go longer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492742 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:13:54 +0000 yin 492742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't able to breast feed directly because my LO had no interest and couldn't figure out the sucking reflux for a long time. I decided to exclusively pump and did it for 13 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492741 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:13:30 +0000 hummusgirl 492741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was sort of able to breastfeed. Unfortunately the biggest roadblock was that my son hated the breast (despite skin-to-skin right after delivery etc.). It was truly awful trying to force my boob into his mouth while he screamed and I cried. I also had low supply so when he would latch, he wasn't getting enough and didn't gain weight. I took all the supplements, had a lactation consultant come to my home and pumped, but in the end I only lasted about 7 weeks, and most of that included supplementing with formula. It was heartbreaking to stop when I became overwhelmed with pumping (40 mins to get 1-3 oz, 6+ times a day), but ultimately it was more important to me that he be fed and happy (which he is, now!) than that I reach my breastfeeding goals. </p> <p>I'm in a moms group of about 40 women and everyone seems to be EBF except me and the moms of twins, so it does seem rather rare to not be able to breastfeed. I was shocked to go to the first meeting and see everyone's babies happily latched, and mine crying his head off. I thought maybe everyone's did that! </p> <p>Hopefully you'll have a smooth go of it and won't need this info, but just in case, I'd recommend reading up a bit on bottles and formula so you're not caught completely off guard like I was. I got the impression from Kellymom and La Leche League that you shouldn't even *learn* about formula or have any in the house because it could lead to "giving in" and supplementing, but I now think that's condescending and untrue. I think supplementing with formula helped me breastfeed as long as I did. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492739 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:13:01 +0000 prettylizy 492739@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ten months tomorrow and she's never had anything but mommy's milk. I'm very proud of that!! I think half of it is a mental game, when things get tough, it seems like there is no end to it, you're hormonal, you're tired. Then the fog lifts and suddenly it isn't so much work. I like that we've saved money on formula, and the effort of making/cleaning etc bottles. I never worry about running out of food for her, and making sure I have enough packed. It made our vacation this summer incredible easy :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492724 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 22:06:38 +0000 Mrs. Pen 492724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that if you are 100% committed and willing to endure anything to make it work - then (almost) anyone can do it - like 99% of moms. IF you're willing to go through anything for it. </p> <p>I wanted to give up when we had a 3-month bout with thrush. It was soooo painful and I hated it but I pressed through and I'm glad I did. The only thing that got me through was telling myself there was no other option. It's been 10 months now and so worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492711 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:56:48 +0000 SAHM0811 492711@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wanted to for my first, but I had issues and extremely low supply and it just didn't work out for the best after a few months. In hindsight, I lacked enough support too. An LC who came to my home was even discouraging and pessimistic saying it would have been hard for me to keep going. I had a lot of guilt about it for months, even a year later a little... I blamed myself for a long time, but I eventually learned to accept it. For the record too, I had breast surgery pre-kids for three adenomas... </p> <p>I breastfed my second baby very successfully though (almost too successfully... She doesn't even take bottles!). We're still nursing at 18 months and I'm letting her self-wean. It's still pretty tough because she is super attached to me, but I still value the rewards/benefits at this stage and don't mind it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492710 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:56:43 +0000 lovehoneybee 492710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I wanted to and have been very lucky/grateful that I've had no pain or issues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492707 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:55:00 +0000 mrskc 492707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: I agree. I think you have to be determined to do it </p> <p>I've been lucky and have had a pretty easy time with BFing. The first 4 weeks were hard because it was an adjustment and I had a crazy key down. LO and i were a milky mess for awhile. Now it's smooth sailing and I feel like I can make it to a year or more. Don't listen to those discouraging words. I had people tell me the same things. I do suggest reading a book first so you kind of have an idea of what to expect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492692 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:46:24 +0000 rawrasaur 492692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess I am one of the few who have had no issues and we hit it off from the start (aside from the normal nipple pain). She is only 5 weeks, but EBF. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/were-you-able-to-breastfeed-if-you-wanted-to#post-492646 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 21:27:11 +0000 hilsy85 492646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After having been through what felt like a million issues, we are still breastfeedng, and it's finally going smoothly! I've heard that 75% of breastfeedng success is due to moms determination, and it seems like its true, even just reading here about mamas that have overcome so many challenges. </p>