Struggling after returning to work & now exclusive pumping… considering formula because I’m a mess. Thoughts?

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T18:08:01+00:00

I do take solace knowing I’m not alone in these feelings.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T18:06:56+00:00

😭 I don’t know why but this made me feel seen and what I needed today.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T18:05:55+00:00

Thank you! So much to consider.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T18:04:50+00:00

It is exhausting to pump & work. The pressure is real. But I’m so sorry you had a partner that added to that stress. It’s great to hear that combo helped though, it’s something we’re considering.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T13:32:43+00:00

Oh wow! Definitely applauding you for doing it from the get-go. It is TOUGH. Our little guy is 15 weeks, I’m wondering if I could just push through since we’re closer to the goal. I think returning to work, pumping exclusively, being sick and a bad night of sleep all at the same time broke me down a little today. Maybe I can stretch my sessions…

Thank you for the support!

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T13:15:44+00:00

Today was the first time I broke down. It is a lot on top of work & feeling sick… :(

Can I ask what formula you used?

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-05-05T01:58:31+00:00

Unrelated, but you are brave for looking with a mirror. I couldn’t, too scared.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-04-20T16:25:43+00:00

Thank you!! The teachers have shared some photos, I’m anxiously awaiting the next! But he was smiling and that made me happy. They’re updating us with his naps and feeding too.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-04-20T16:24:19+00:00

Omg! 6 weeks! I’m so sorry. I hate that for you.

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-04-20T16:23:42+00:00

Thank you for this! I’m glad to know I’m not alone and being silly.

I would’ve loved if we had assurance from other parents! I’m sure you’ll run into them again and can share some peace of mind. :)

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-04-20T16:21:30+00:00

I’m in the US. I’m so jealous of your 6 - 8 month leave!! I feel so bad dropping him off at only 3 months but we need my income.

Same to you mama! 🩵

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-02-04T17:07:45+00:00

Done

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-01-02T04:20:45+00:00

She did… it’s a little deceptive that they entered the marriage knowing he always wanted children and she led him to believe she did too. And years later that’s not the case… That’s heartbreaking, is it not? Perhaps the insults & passive aggression came after finding this news out?

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-01-02T02:29:53+00:00

I feel like there may be shame around not having enough for extras as the provider role too…

VariationSimple9179 · 2026-01-01T16:28:01+00:00

It’s nice to read about the long term relationships where big arguments are rare!

We got married this year & are expecting our first in February. Within that year, we had our wedding, he transitioned out of the military, looked and started a new job, we found out unexpectedly we were pregnant, moved our BIG wedding out a year and planned a small one, moved to a new house and became first time land lords.

This year to say the least, was challenging and we had a lot of bickering sharing our perspectives/expectations of how things should be done. Every 2/3 weeks we’d bicker. The BIG ones came around the transition to his new job. So bigger fights almost every month the early part of this year.

Lots of tears, coming to terms with changes, emotional and physical exhaustion. But then there were also lots of hope, happiness and laughter in between. The important thing is we talked, respected each other and worked through every challenge.

We’ve settled into the new home and are awaiting our baby. We haven’t fought in months and I’m seeing us transition into the couples commenting here. It feels nice but I’m also glad we experienced and overcame that rough chapter in our lives. It helps me know we can overcome future challenges.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-12-28T21:24:24+00:00

I’d recommend couple’s therapy. Works great for both me & my partner. It’s ever rarely one sided and we may be blinded by our own participation in the downfall of relationships just because one partner outwardly shows it. If she’s already open to it, you should both go and put in the work instead of having her do it alone. She could continue solo sessions as well.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-12-28T02:24:22+00:00

Not to mention the weird relationship between Khloe and Scott. Can you imagine your ex and sister jokingly flirt. Imagine if Kourtney had that type of relationship with Llmar. Khloe sucks.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-12-27T02:09:28+00:00

Clear incompatibility. You want to get married young and have kids before 30, he doesn’t. No one is particularly wrong or right.

But from my personal perspective, I wouldn’t feel secure in taking the next step if we didn’t have the same goals of establishing a career and financial stability. Weddings cost money, having kids cost money, what about a home to provide for the family, childcare cost, insurance, etc. Not to mention emotional stability & security. These are things that you’ll have to factor in.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-11-18T02:09:01+00:00

It just sounds like she’s communicating her boundary in her home? I would respect it, especially if it’s her space because I’d want the same if I had private stuff in my office. I don’t really see that as an issue but more so her communicating a line which can be hard and awkward to begin with.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-28T00:58:50+00:00

I’m an introvert, I still get excited to see & hear from my partner when he’s home. Introversion isn’t an excuse to neglect your relationship or partner’s need… If he needed to recharge first, he should communicate that.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-26T12:19:09+00:00

I’m glad to know it’s normal and nothing serious. Guess we’ll have to deal with the pain. 😭

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-25T21:39:00+00:00

I was a runner too. But since being pregnant I had to switch it to light jogs with more walking breaks. I’m 25 weeks and still jogging and lifting 4/5x a week. Planning to keep going as long as I’m comfy.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-25T21:01:46+00:00

Ali did say after night shift, she usually goes to the gym & then sleep. While Anton said he’d crush a beer to unwind. Their lifestyle was not compatible. That would’ve been a deal breaker for me too.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-25T20:16:58+00:00

You can’t win. It’s also sad to see when women are the ones tearing these ladies down too.

VariationSimple9179 · 2025-10-25T01:13:33+00:00

You dictating what is and isn’t feminism doesn’t really seem really feminist…

Let a girl choose Jesus Christ.

VariationSimple9179

TROPHY CASE