When my first child was born and things took a chaotic turn, breastfeeding became my lifeline. After waiting twenty-seven hours to meet my baby, it wasn’t until three days later that I finally got to nurse him. Thankfully, he latched on like a champ once he was out of NICU, and it was the only aspect of my birthing experience that went according to plan. I ended up nursing him for fifteen months and my second child for about fourteen months. Now, I am currently breastfeeding my youngest, and we’re nearing the ten-month mark. She’s starting to slow down, and I anticipate we’ll wrap up around the same time as her brothers. After that, my days of nursing will be over for good.
You’d think I’d be sad about it, but honestly? Breastfeeding can be incredibly frustrating, and I won’t shed a tear when I finally retire my nursing bra.
Before I dive deeper, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to breastfeed. It was something I deeply desired, and I’m fortunate it worked out for me, unlike many women who struggle with it. But let’s keep it real.
Yes, breastfeeding is free, convenient, and can be quite heartwarming. But for me (and many others), it often becomes tiring and annoying. It’s okay to recognize this aspect of the journey.
Sure, there are those magical moments when you’re nursing a tiny, sleepy newborn, and they fall asleep with a contented sigh. In those postpartum hormonal days, it feels like a beautiful blessing. It’s incredible to know your body is nourishing your little one.
If you can overlook the intense cramping that often comes with breastfeeding (and if your baby has a good latch that doesn’t hurt), you might find yourself having a heartwarming moment with every feed. The initial stages can feel enchanting.
Even now, there are still instances where breastfeeding feels like the sweetest experience. My baby is beautiful, and sometimes when she’s nursing peacefully, I find myself thinking, “How did I get so lucky?”
However, most of the time, it’s not quite like that for me anymore. Nursing an older baby is a different ball game. You’re feeding your child six to twelve times a day, and every few hours, you have to stop whatever you’re doing (even if you’re napping) to whip out your breast and feed them again.
It’s not always adorable. Sometimes it feels like a chore, and it’s exhausting. It’s perfectly normal to look at them and think, “Seriously? Didn’t we just do this?”
Feeling overwhelmed and touched out from breastfeeding is entirely normal. It’s time-consuming, and the constant physical connection can feel overwhelming. It’s like there’s someone attached to you every minute of the day.
When your baby is beside you, tugging at your shirt and yelling, “BOOBIE!” while smacking your breast like a drum, it’s understandable to need a moment to prepare yourself before meeting their demands.
Then there’s the phase when they have no clue what they want. They want to climb up, nurse for a moment, then get down to eat a snack, only to crawl back to you just as you’re putting your breast away. Those initial minutes often consist of them latching, unlatching, and twiddling the other nipple, while they look around and squirm like they want to get down, but cry if you try to stop nursing.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity of wrestling, you get them settled, feel that familiar letdown, and hear the satisfying suck and swallow. But then a dog barks or a toilet flushes, and without warning, they whip their head around, popping off your nipple and spraying milk everywhere. Ouch!
And let’s talk about biting. Nursing babies can bite, and it hurts, especially when they’ve got sharp little teeth. But don’t let out a yelp! Your baby will act like you’re the villain if you react to their painful chomps.
I genuinely appreciate many aspects of breastfeeding. It’s free, I don’t have to clean bottles, and it’s beneficial for both baby and me. It can be incredibly sweet. It’s worth pursuing if it works for you.
However, if breastfeeding makes you feel exhausted and frustrated at times, that’s completely normal. If it ever becomes too much, it’s totally fine to stop. Formula is a valid, effective option for feeding your baby. Even if you want to continue but feel overwhelmed, nursing can be a significant commitment that isn’t always filled with bliss, and we should discuss this more openly.
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Summary:
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience, but it can also be exhausting and frustrating, especially as your child grows. While many cherish the bond and benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with nursing, including feeling touched out and overwhelmed. It’s perfectly okay to consider alternatives if breastfeeding becomes too much.