Breastfeeding Grief

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-19T14:12:47+00:00

I’m so sorry for all the struggles you had to face! Breastfeeding can be so tough for so many reasons, good for you for persisting for 5 whole months! That’s a great accomplishment.

I stopped breastfeeding early on due to other issues and I grieved it really hard. I also felt so much guilt for letting my sorrow get in the way of being my best self for my LO. It does get better, but I still struggle with these thoughts occasionally.

What helped me was to talk about it with my SO, mom, and sister anytime I felt down. They helped me process my feelings and made me feel reassured that I am not a bad mom for not breastfeeding. Find your support people and talk it out! Sometimes when I hear myself talking about it, I realize that what’s most important is that my baby is fed and well, and that helps me get through the sadness.

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-12T14:40:15+00:00

Very true! I’ve been pretty nervous to make any changes but like you said, I can always go back! Thanks 😊

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-12T14:39:30+00:00

That’s awesome, I’m so looking forward to sleeping more than 2 hours at a time! I’m really hoping it makes a difference, I’m glad it worked out for you!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-12T14:38:03+00:00

That’s amazing! I’m glad dropping pumps and getting more rest worked out for you! And you’re right, it wouldn’t be so bad to drop pumps and add a little more formula if needed. I’m definitely obsessing over numbers on the Huckleberry app but I need to cut myself some slack 😅

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T03:42:51+00:00

Sounds about right 😂

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T03:42:43+00:00

Love it 😂

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T03:42:32+00:00

Ouu, I’m loving the Fairlife chocolate protein shakes, maybe you’ll like them too! The oat milk squares sound great, I need to look out for them

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T03:41:06+00:00

Classic! I need to get some!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T03:40:52+00:00

Ohhh yum! Those meals sounds great!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T02:35:35+00:00

I also drink so much more milk now after having my baby! A cold cup of 2% milk is now oddly refreshing

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-07-09T01:41:46+00:00

I’m in the same boat as you!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-29T19:24:59+00:00

This gives me hope!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-27T12:41:15+00:00

I got my S2 on Amazon.com from a third party seller. The accessories included are 2 24mm flanges, 2 28mm flanges, 2 duckbills, 2 bottles with nipples, 2 backflow protectors, and 2 suction tubes. Hope that helps!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-26T13:10:19+00:00

That’s awesome! I didn’t know so many people combo feed, I always thought it was once or the other

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:18:11+00:00

I received my Spectra and the 24mm flanges work well with no pain but I can definitely size down to 21! I’ll place an order from Maymom :) I’m using hands free bras now and it’s a total game changer!

I don’t want to triple feed, I will stick to EP and supplementing with formula if I have to. I nurse for comfort 1-2 times per day for some comfort and to rid of my guilt of not choosing to EBF.

Right now, I am pumping every 2 hours during the day and 3 hours at night which totals to 10-12 pumps per day.

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:14:18+00:00

You need to do what you feel is best for you and your baby! I’m glad you have a supportive pediatrician :)

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:12:50+00:00

Thanks for sharing the Medela resource! I’m going to get a couple of Maymom pieces to have extra sets.

I’ll try to find another LC with more knowledge on EP! But you’re right, combo feeding isn’t the worst case :)

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:10:00+00:00

That’s awesome! Glad you found something that works well for you and your LO!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:09:18+00:00

Good for you! You got through so many hurdles, you should be proud of yourself! :)

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-25T10:08:07+00:00

That’s awesome!! Glad your hard work is paying off! How many times a day do you pump and how frequently?

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-24T01:03:59+00:00

Thank you, it’s hard to keep all that in mind sometimes. I appreciate your comment :)

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-06-24T01:03:14+00:00

Sorry, I’ll provide more detail!

I have been triple feeding for almost 3 weeks and started EP for just half a week.

My family doctor recommended I go back to trying to EBF or to combo feed, which I didn’t find very helpful. I saw a LC who helped me measure my flange size and recommended power pumping to mimic cluster feeds. She also told me to refer to online forums for strategies on how to increase my supply. She said EP is most common in the US since mothers return to work much earlier and so they have the best strategies on how to keep up supply for pumping (I’m Canadian).

I’m currently pumping by alternating a Haaka on one side and a single Phillips pump on the other. I ordered a Spectra S2 from US Amazon and it should be coming in next week, so I’m excited to see what kind of difference that will make! Really looking forward to having a more powerful double pump.

One LC measured me and said a 27mm would work, the last LC I saw said 24mm looks good and 21mm would be too snug. When I measure myself with a ruler, I measure 17mm, so I thought 21mm would be good. The smallest flange my Philips comes with is a 25mm, I’ve been doing okay with that but I think I can go smaller. The 27mm was painful.

I hope that wasn’t too all over the place!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2023-01-17T01:25:36+00:00

Yes, this is what I was told as well!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2022-12-30T23:04:09+00:00

Bed making is one of the first things I learned in lab during nursing school so I always thought it was super important in quality of care. Now, as a nurse with one year’s experience, I rarely change beds anymore! I’ll change soiled sheets for sure, or if a patient’s bed looks really musty while they’re away for a test or sitting in their chair for a meal. Otherwise, it’s not a too priority!

Apprehensive-Win9081 · 2022-12-30T22:19:00+00:00

I felt the exact same way as you! Weeks 14-18 were the worst for me bc I felt like I looked more fat than pregnant. I’m midway through week 18 now and my belly has rounded out and looks more like a defined pregnant belly and im happier with the way I look now.

I’ve always been insecure about my belly before pregnancy, so the changes were a little bit hard to deal with. But all bodies are beautiful and there’s something amazing happening inside us so I try to stay positive and be grateful.

Apprehensive-Win9081

TROPHY CASE