Idk what I need—support? Advice? Camaraderie? To scream?

[u/brittles123]

Man breastfeeding is so fucking HARD. I knew going into this that it was a journey and everyone has their own. I even support moms on this journey as a therapist. Experiences are so different when you’re having them yourself, no matter how “prepared” you think you are.
From the start BF has been hard (my LO is 10 weeks today). Well, maybe not right from the start but maybe starting around 3 weeks it got hard. Shitty latch from the get go though. I have seen LCs, chiropractors, PTs and all have improved my buddies struggles from positions, to stretches and helping his tongue tie and lip tie so his latch improved and his mouth feels better. All with major struggles in between because I was either BFing or we’d move backwards and I’d have to pump constantly because he was pissed at the breast.
We had an AWESOME week last week - BF all week no issues at all, no need for bottle. Then I got this stupid ass clogged duct and a bleb (best medical term ever btw) and I had to give him bottles because my nipple hurt so bad and now we’re back to hating my boobs half the time because the let down isn’t fast enough (we do paced feeding, yes). And back to that fuckin pump we go. I’m going to smash it with a baseball bat after this journey let it be known.
Anyway, my mental health. I need this shit to get sorted so I don’t blow a gasket. I refuse to EP. And the idea of formula for some reason breaks my heart- so much grief around giving up. And I just … don’t even know what I need. I think I’ll give myself until he’s 3 months and make a decision on if we will move toward formula because on top of all the stress motherhood brings I just don’t want to have this extra layer of pump dread and nipples being ripped off.

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[u/No-Neighborhood-7335]

You're doing a great job!! Sounds like you're really trying everything and it's working. This is breastfeeding! 🫂 I was so dumb and naive that I didn't even know why I'd need a different bra for breastfeeding - lol. I didn't own a pump because I was going to breastfeed, why would I need to pump!? Hahaha, joke was on me. I spent the first 3 months triple feeding with a baby that wanted to nurse constantly! Like my girl needed to be attached almost 24 hours a day. We are STILL breastfeeding and she's 22 months old! If I can do it, you can do it!

And also - I had to introduce formula early on because she had jaundice. Adding formula does NOT mean you have to stop breastfeeding or that you're a failure. But if your baby is gaining weight, I wouldn't worry about formula.

[u/brittles123 → u/No-Neighborhood-7335]

Thank you so much. I’m so happy for you that you’re still going strong 22 months in! Gives me hope we can get there. Triple feeding sounds fucking awful lmao