Frustrated & feeling bad

[Sprk]

I know I've been relatively lucky with bf. While we've had so,me ups and downs, she feeds well and is gaining weight. But tbh - sometimes it just drives me crazy. Every few days she will want to cluster feed and it's like I can't even put her down. I love Emily, but Sometimes I just want a break and a rest and I can't get one. Haven't been able to express bough for dh to help out feeding her. He can help settle her after her night feeds and help get her to nap in the day, but by then I need a nap too (I really want time for a hot soak but when she's asleep, I just have enough energy to sleep ) I'm happy I can fb, but if don't enjoy it. I feel very selfish for feeling this way.

 

[Maud]

*hugs* The first weeks are really tough! You're not selfish; it is exhausting doing all of that feeding and at times it does feel relentless. I remember the days/weeks of feeling like I couldn't get off the sofa and feeling miserable with it. But it does get better if you can stick it out. I used to question my sanity continuing through all of our struggles but I don't regret it at all now. The more support your OH can give you the better. And make sure you have everything you need near you when you're feeding so you don't neglect yourself. Do you know any other breastfeeding mums you could meet up with to chat? (In addition to chatting on here of course)

 

[Sprk]

Don't reAlly know many people here, def no other bf mums. I'm relatively new to the country, so most of my friends are co workers (that I don't see now that I'm on leave). Just spent most of the weekend on a leaders camp for scouters (not that I'm a Scouter - was helping out my dh who organized the event). We came home each night instead off sleeping there, but I was frustrated the while time, as I had to spend most of each day sat I the car fb'ing. I know it would have been fine for me to do it outside (and I d d once at the beginning) but it was easier to get in a good position in the car. Which meant I spent most of the weekend alone. I've sent nearly all day today on the sofa. I usually put her to bed around 9 and tonight (yesterday too) she decided she wanted to constantly feed from 7. I dreaded knowing that at 9 I was gong to have to take her upstairs and feed her before bed after her 2 hour 'snack.'

 

[CamFi]

If it's any help evening cluster feeds may mean she's getting in as much food before bed and she may start sleeping a bit longer at night. Hang in there, the early weeks can be lonely. Maybe search on Facebook to see if there are any mums groups in your area that you could join.

 

[Marcel]

I had the same problem with not having enough milk to express and by 3.5 weeks I was cracking up withoit having a break from bf. After much debate we decided oh would do one formula feed at the end of the night so that I could have a rest from the constant feeding and it really improve my mood since I was able to get more rest. Eventually lo started spacing out the feeds himself so we could stop the formula feed at night. It does get better I promise xx

 

[cam]

It will get easier i promise! The first few weeks feels like a constant feed, its really tough but i just kept reminding myself that it was only for a short time in my life. Your lo will in time want fewer feeds and it gets so much easier. My lo is nearly 1 now and im dreading him wanting to stop because i love it so much. x

 

[Sprk]

Thanks everyone. I know that bf is best for her, so I'm going to keep at it. By the end of the day though, I am so worn out and sore that I want to give up.