When my first child was born under challenging circumstances, breastfeeding became my lifeline. I didn’t hold my newborn until he was twenty-seven hours old and didn’t get to nurse him properly for three days. But once he was out of the NICU, he latched on like a champ. That small victory was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
I ended up nursing him for fifteen months and my second child for about fourteen months as well. Now, I’m breastfeeding my third, and we’re nearing the ten-month mark. She’s starting to slow down, and I suspect she’ll finish around the same time as her brothers. I’ll likely continue for a few more months before retiring my nursing bra for good.
You’d think I’d be sad about it, but honestly? Breastfeeding can be incredibly annoying, and I’m not shedding a single tear at the thought of saying goodbye to it.
Before diving in, I want to express my gratitude for this experience. I desired to breastfeed my children deeply, and I’m thankful I could do it. I recognize that not every woman has that opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly. But let’s be real: while breastfeeding is free, convenient, and can be heartwarming, it can also become exhausting and frustrating.
Yes, those initial moments with a sleepy newborn can feel magical. In those hazy postpartum days, it’s easy to think you’ve been blessed with a little angel. It’s incredible to nourish your baby with your own body. If you can bypass the intense uterine cramps and avoid any painful latching, you might find yourself having those blissful moments regularly.
However, as time passes, breastfeeding becomes quite different. You might find yourself nursing your baby six to twelve times a day, stopping whatever you’re doing (even if you’re sleeping) to whip out your breast yet again.
It’s not always a sweet moment. Sometimes, it’s just a chore, and you might catch yourself thinking, “Seriously, we just did this!” Feeling overwhelmed and touched out is completely normal. It can be time-consuming and overwhelming with constant physical contact.
Imagine your baby tugging at your shirt, demanding, “BOOBIE!” while you gather the energy to meet that demand. Then there’s the phase where they can’t seem to decide what they want: nursing for two seconds, then getting distracted by a Cheerio, only to want the breast again. The first few minutes of each session can feel like an alligator wrestling match, and just when you think you’ve settled them in, a loud noise can send them popping off, causing a milk spray that’s both painful and messy.
And yes, let’s talk about the biting. Even without teeth, it hurts. Add in those sharp little incisors, and you’re in for a surprise if you react too loudly.
I appreciate many things about breastfeeding: it’s free, there are no bottles to clean, and it’s beneficial for both mom and baby. But if you sometimes feel touched out or frustrated, you’re not alone. If it ever feels like too much, remember that formula is a valid option, and it’s okay to step back if you need to. We should have more conversations about the complex realities of nursing.
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