How did you keep going...

[Samantha2]

...when you just felt like giving up?

I am finding it more of a struggle to keep up with the breastfeeding this time around. My supply is fine, and she is putting on weight nicely but she is not a natural at it and I have to work hard with her.

It is hard with my other 2 as well, they have been so patient and good but it is hard work.

I feel like it would be easier to stop. Then I feel guilty because the only person it would be easier on is me. I am just tired, sore and feeling sorry for myself. But I don't know how to keep pushing myself anymore

[thats.all.folks]

for me, with DD [as I haven't had the issue with DS2] I kept remembering how determined I had been prior to her birth, how much of a healthier start to life I was giving her, how much easier it was for me to breatsfeed [as in no bottles, formula etc]

they were the main things but tbh it was sheer determination and stubbornness on my part. DD weaned 6 weeks ago..

[TimeTraveller]

DD and I were TERRIBLE (truly terrible - hour long fussy feeds, very low weight gains) Breastfeeders for 14weeks......

The ONLY thing that kept me going when most other would have given up - was that i KNEW BF provided the BEST start in life. I had had a disastrous pg and birth - and this was within my control.

DD self weaned at 23 months.

You can do it - you are giving your LO the best and healthiest start to life. Surround yourself with people who are BF advocates to support you.

Good luck

[rydemum]

I know how you feel. I felt exactly the same way with DS1. Every feed went for at least an hour, sometimes two. The thing was I really wanted to do it, I knew it was the best possible start for him and in all honesty, much less hassle than preparing bottles etc.

Once he hit 3 months, he seemed to get his groove though - actually we both did. He started feeding for less time and I started to enjoy it. He eventually BFed for 16 months - weaning when I was pregnant.

All I can say is persevere, it WILL get easier. I think maybe (and excuse me if I am talking out of turn) you are tired and need a good rest/sleep, or time to do an activity on your own that you love. A recharge of your batteries sometimes gives you the extra push to continue.

Good luck. I wonder if you are feeling overwhelmed because it's Christmas (and have all the stresses of this time, as well as a newborn). I hope it gets easier for you soon and you can start to enjoy the wonderful experience BF is!

[Abbey1]

You Can Do It!!!

I often have the same thoughts so you are not alone. Nobody tells you that BF is such hard Mental work. I have to push the negative thoughts out of my head.
With DS1 I had everyone saying "It's OK to go to formula"
This time with DS2 I have only listened to and spoken to people who have said that I can do this and to stay positive.

I hope you get some rest - I know that is hard with other children.
Can you get to an ABA meeting or call the support line?
I find just chatting to another mum helps me.

[kath]

As others have mentioned- I think of the enormous health benefits, the bonding, remind myself of all the GOOD things and the beautiful cuddles.
Also as TAF said, I was SO determined to not 'lose' the battle.
And being my last child, my last attempt at bf, my last chance to get it right, made me more determined than ever.

[SalSam]

You can do it, you are going great and nearly over the hard part. Keep your eye on the prize of optimum health for you and your child and easy feeding later on. IT is hard now but later on it is sooooo easy. You can feed anywhere, no bottles to prepare, wash steralize. You can feed instantly rather than bub screaming while a bottle warms up. It is hard now but hang in there and the rewards are amazing.

[tuple]

I have had pretty rough starts with both ds1 and ds2, it can be such a struggle at the beginning but good things are worth fighting for I agree with pps, surround yourself with ppl who will encourage and support you- my dh and mil were so pro breastfeeding that it pushed me thru some hard times when I wanted to quit. I also used to set small goals for myself when things were bad, I would tell myself just til next week, just til the christening etc until suddenly it was easy and effortless and so so so worth the fight. Big hugs.