So much pressure to breast feed :( I'm not producing enough and this pumping 8x a day is just hard. Did others feel the same and eventually once they got the hang of it does it get easier?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I never had enough milk for any of my kids. Tried everything under the Sun and after a few months just threw in the towel. I think there is way too much pressure on moms to breastfeed. It’s great when you produce a lot and it works but I always felt like a failure when I would spend hours pumping and nursing and had nothing to show for it. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Formula is perfectly fine.

like

Same

I nurse and almost never pump. If I had to pump, honestly I’d quit bf. I have an aversion to pumping for whatever reason. But I’m fortunate to have a nanny and I wfh so nursing and working is possible. There are one of situations where a meeting doesn’t allow me to nurse and we do a bottle and I pump but that’s pretty rare since I can mostly be off camera.

like

Similar experience here. I pushed for accommodation to stay home for a few months after leave and now I go in a couple half days. Would have been impossible if I had to just pump! My pump output was also low.

like

I struggled with BF both kids and went with formula. I felt terrible for doing it with my first child but was completely at peace with it by my second one. There are enough stresses with parenthood, don’t add to it.

I think that parenting books significantly downplay the struggles and stress of breastfeeding. I felt like a failure and that I was the only one. Such a lie I told myself. So many of us struggle with it.

like

I never wanted to breastfeed.
Didn’t breastfeed any of my 4 kids. Tried pumping for a few days with my first, had a low supply, was tired all the time, so I called it a day.
My kids are happy and healthy.
Who is pressuring you? Don’t listen to anyone, it’s no one’s business but yours how to feed your baby.

likesmart

The most important thing for your baby is a happy, healthy mom. If you have a breastfeeding center in your city, they have great resources and for many it gets better eventually. If you can supplement formula with bf that’s great. If bf’ing isn’t working, formula is fine. I personally didn’t have issues with supply, but I went to a weekly bf support group at the breastfeeding center in DC and heard a lot of moms who were struggling. I get that there are a lot of benefits to breast milk and bf’ing. But if it’s making mom feel bad about herself, it’s just not worth it. You’re doing the best you can and either way, you’re going to make sure your baby is healthy. Make sure you take care of yourself too.

like

I supplemented with formula, and that helped take the pressure off, so much so that I’m still nursing 18 months later. I stopped pumping around 12 months, but gradually had weaned down on the pumping to 3-2-1 times during the workday. Pumping was not fun and I wish I stopped sooner for my sanity! I will def stop sooner next time.

helpful

Breastfeeding 8x a day is hard… I would think pumping 8x a day is even harder. The truth is the benefits of breast milk are often overstated (when you meet a new adult are you able to tell whether they were breastfed?)… and the toll it takes on mom to EBF or pump is often understated.

If it’s going to tangibly improve your stress/mental health to supplement or give up pumping altogether that’s a more than reasonable trade off to make sure your babe has a mom that is happy and firing on all cylinders.

like

I pumped and simply made a decision to only pump a certain number of times per day. I simply didn't have time to pump every couple of hours. Whatever milk I made I fed to my baby. If my baby needed more, I supplemented. Don't stress it. The evidence that breast milk is "better" is pretty tenuous. If it comes easy to you, by all means do it but, if it doesn't, it isn't worth driving yourself crazy about.

like

Have you seen a lactation consultant? That might help. I had a hard time in the beginning and was pumping nonstop. I found that pumping 2-3 times a day with mostly breastfeeding is more manageable for me. If I'm lucky now I might pump twice a day. When I feel like my supply is low I eat the lactation cookies and that seemed to help.

like

Have you met face to face with a lactation professional? There are sooooooo many little nuances that can set you back - babies latch due to ties and equipment (appropriate fit, etc.). My nipples/breasts were too small compared to the average size the pump supplied. I would have never known. I received equipment that fit my body and then I became an over producer.

like

Totally endorse meeting with a lactation consultant. My mom was one (she retired this year) and it was super helpful for me.

I never produced enough and had to supplement with bottles the whole time. In the end, Fed is best. If you're stressed out from the pressure of breastfeeding, it's ok to use bottles and formula. Stress is counterproductive and can dry up your supply, which can cause more stress from feeling like you're not enough.

BF as much as you want to/can and use formula if you need to supplement. Whatever keeps your kid fed and healthy.

like

F

I EP (exclusively pump) and did 8x a day for the first few months until my supply regulated and now pump 5x per day (1 MOTN + 4 during day). Facebook support groups have been super helpful imo.

How long post partum are you? Are you latching baby at all? I could not exclusively pump but I know some women who have. They got by with using wearable pumps, having a set schedule, and supplementing with formula after 6 months. Could you have someone donate milk or use formula? Have you been to a lactation consultant?

Pumping in general is hard. I always hated it. I was lucky enough that BFing came easy enough to me and my babies and I produced enough but I stressed a lot with my first about pumping enough when I went back to work. It was really hard and only got easier when she was around 1 and would only nurse at night and sometimes in the mornings so I didn't have to worry about pumping anymore. I did supplement with formula in the early days for both babies before my milk came in and I definitely felt like I was failing at that time, but it was also such a relief to have the formula and know they were being fed and were happy. Ultimately you need to do what is best for you and your baby and that doesn't always mean BF. I know there is tons of pressure to BF, but fed is best and a happy, healthy mom is a good mom. Continue to try to pump and breastfeed if you really want, you can get through it. I had a friend that exclusively pumped for a year so it is definitely possible. But everyone is different and has different experiences so please don't feel guilty if you decide it's too hard or stressful and choose to supplement or switch to formula all together. I also have several family and friends that also used formula in some capacity and all of our kids are happy, healthy and thriving.

I exclusively pumped for about 6 weeks and honestly I regret not switching to formula sooner. My baby is 3 months now and the other night my husband was reminiscing about his newborn days and it made me so sad because it’s all a blur to me. I was so tired and stressed and spent so much time attached to the pump, I feel like I missed out on time with my son I will never get back

BF and pumping was not for me. I stopped at 2 months old and it was the best decision for me and my son (now 16 months) is thriving! Do what’s best for you and your family.

It gets better, promise. I nursed then pumped right after. I ended up producing way too much. My first two I struggled producing. But it does get better. I also drank “mother’s milk” tea and it helped.

Never measure how much milk you're producing as to whether or not it is "enough," or how much your baby cries or wants to eat - only by the number of poopy and wet diapers and whether baby is growing ok. You can take your baby to a pediatrician anytime to be weighed, no appointment is necessary. Most women think if their baby is crying a lot that they're hungry and they want to eat more and they aren't producing enough but it's generally not true. Even if you exclusively pump, babies generally don't need as much breast milk as formula. You see babies with big giant bottles of formula and think oh my baby isn't eating enough, but you can't really compare it like that.

Only measure poopy/wet diapers. Not crying, not baby acting like their tummy hurts, not how much you are producing when pumping, etc.

Related Posts

Has anyone done general assembly or galvanize? How was it? I’m looking to do a data science boot camp and thinking about those two. Open for other suggestions as well!

like

We got morning or evening lifters here? I’ve found when I force myself to go in the morning this allows me to save evenings for putting out the inevitable fires that come. Getting up at 5 sux tho!

like

I have an interview with the hiring manager of a team coming up! I believe it will be behavioral but I’m pretty rusty when it comes to interviewing and I’m so nervous 😖 any tips?

like

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of this year? ✨

like

How much better is CMAAS vs ARA? Work seems similar, but CMAAS has broader services based on the job description. CMAAS also mentions leveraging technology quite a bit in the job description. Does ARA place the same emphasis?

likehelpful

Something to brighten your day 🤗
May Allah bless you all with ease, happiness, great health, and success ameen! Wishing you all the best 🫶🏻

Post Photo
likeuplifting

Thinking about divorce. Wife had an affair 3 years ago that I haven’t been able to move past. Been married 11 years and have two kids though. Restarting individual and couples therapy before I pull the trigger. Anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I blow up the family if I can’t get beyond this?

like

How much does a nanny in NYC cost per month?

like

Anybody have salary negotiations at sealed air? Were they able to offer more if so?

like

Sunday Wordle 310 5/6

⬛⬛⬛🟨⬛
🟨⬛⬛⬛🟨
⬛⬛🟨🟩⬛
⬛🟨⬛🟩🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

like

Are there any D at Rosslyn office who would like to have regular salat ? I think there's a room on 12

like

I have wipro 13lpa Capgemini 14lpa virtusa 16lpa.
Which one should i join. Looking for wlb with training support. Please suggest

like

My daughter (10 y/o) has expressed interest in trying to have a career in acting and she’s already started doing some shows at the local theater. Any advice on finding and landing gigs for children?

like

Hello everyone
27yo french guy with 1 yoe as AM Google Ads and 3 yoe as AM for Xerox in Europe, I would like to reach a sales position in one of a FAANG company in US or Canada in September.
Any tips or advice ? Thanks

like

The pragmatic programmer is fucking long!
It's certainly useful in a lot of ways though. But damn is it long.

like

How much is average for SoCal area. New grad nurse: in choc, saddleback memorial, mission, Torrance memorial and Uci

like

Has any of you had any luck joining another firm as a partner while not being one at your current firm?

like

Hey all,

Looking for a job switch.
3.5 years experience in conventional AI (NLP, ML , deep learning)
Looking for Research Engineer, Data scientist roles at Bengaluru Location

like

@EY GDS why are some folks hesitated to tell their project name to others in EY GDS? Are there any risks involved?

like

Additional Posts in Working Moms

I am planning to have kids in the next 4 years and currently work in an industry role. I’ve been looking into management consulting to gain additional experience at a fast pace before I decide to have kids. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on this topic?

like

Please help - what are some reasons for sudden chronic constipation and natural remedies?

like

I find myself on maternity leave with a sweet baby that likes to nurse basically all the time. Can you ladies suggest streaming series / podcasts / audiobooks etc? All subjects are fair game. Thank you!

like

Hi moms! I was a part of layoffs that took place at my company today and am 32 weeks pregnant. Heading full steam ahead into job search mode but I’m also just emotionally exhausted. Looking for any advice, tips, or words of encouragement. Additionally, if anyone one has any leads on any remote marketing jobs, I’d love to hear more! Thanks ❤️

like

Is anyone living on different floors with ~1 year old? Does it work, PROs, CONs? Our master bedroom is upstairs. There are two bedrooms downstairs so I always thought we’d use one of those rooms as our bedroom so we’re on the same floor with baby but it seems husband wants to stay upstairs. And he’s using one of the rooms downstairs as a home office. We bought this house so cannot move in the short term.

like

I have a 2.5 year old boy getting stir crazy with the cold and covid restrictions. Thinking about finding subscriptions or local classes with good precautions. Any recommendations on things that have worked for your kiddos?

like

Yes please 😂

Post Photo
likefunnyupliftingsmart

I had hoped this formula shortage would be solved by now but every week I go to the store the shelves are mostly empty. How have new moms been getting by? I am due in a few weeks and nursing didn't work for me with my first. My milk never came in despite all the crazy hoops my lactation consultant had me due. Just feeling anxious about keeping a newborn fed with the shortage

like

My son will be 5 in January and still has accidents at home or at school. I don’t understand why, he is smart and very much aware it’s bad to pee himself. When he doesn’t have an accident at school...

Hi Moms, anyone's OB suggested to get induce between 39 - 40 weeks if you are lower risk to decrease risk of c-section? Was told there's a study on it but as a FTM, I want it to start naturally if possible and not sure how I feel about inducing before due date.

like

Please keep me active

like

My son’s first birthday is coming up and my parents want to gift him $1k in a separate account under his name for him to use in the future. My husband and I make about $250 combined so but paying off student loans and a mortgage so don’t have much in assets. My parents only make $50-70k a year. We’re all pretty clueless about money. What would be the best way to invest in his future?

like

I’ve got a really good job. Wasn’t looking to move but a big 4 consulting firm reached out. I received a very generous/life changing offer. I’m so worried about work/life balance if I take this offer. Also worried about layoffs in a year or two when the market gets back to normal. I’ve got an infant and a 5 year old. I know that I can manage my current workload. I don’t want to pass up a great opportunity but I’ve got to be available for my family too!

like

How would you know if your infant hates daycare?

like

Curious with this new higher tax credit for kids, do we need to be adjusting withholdings? Or is it kite just expect a bigger refund next year?

likehelpful

Looking for recommendation on maternity dress pants. Currently 18 weeks and need to buy dress pants because the one I have does not fit….

like

Anyone return to work from maternity leave experience a major change in their role (i.e. getting sidelined or unofficially demoted in their role)? What steps did you take to address this?

like

Would you take on extra responsibilities when in early pregnancy if it would help your chances for a promotion or pay raise but not guaranteed? Opp would last for the entire year 2023

like

Does anyone have input on an au pair? We are expecting our fourth child. So we will have four under four. I’m thinking that hiring an au pair would be more cost effective and convenient than daycare but I’d love to hear about some personal experiences. Thanks in advance!

like

I feel like I am failing my kid by having them in daycare with these increasing covid, flu and rsv cases. Shes 5 months old and already has had RSV, covid and has been coughing everyday since I put her in daycare two months ago. Please Mamas tell me Im not crazy for being stressed out😢

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal