Did you check out my post yesterday about 5 reasons why I love breastfeeding?? Because, truly, I DO love breastfeeding, but there are several things I hate about it, too!
Fortunately, for me, breastfeeding has come fairly easy and I’ve gotten better at it with each of my three children. I never had complications, other than those first two weeks, and my babies seemed to do well with it.
HOWEVER, there are just some things I hate about it and look forward to being done with it.
The beginning is hard.
For me, in those first two weeks, my body is like a cow. My body has a REALLY hard time regulating the amount of milk my baby needs and until it does, it’s painful. I’ve had engorgement all three times, always feeling like I was going to explode, all the while, “the girls” were hot to the touch and felt like big rocks. Not fun.
I’ll never forget getting measured for a nursing bra right after Langston was born. I was so engorged and the sweet lady who measured me told me I needed a bra with a cup size I didn’t even know existed. Ugh.
And let’s not forget the pain from all of the cracking that goes on. Those times I nursed through the pain were unforgettable.
I’m the ONLY person to feed unless I pump.
And, I don’t like pumping. I don’t know many women who do.
Not only that, but my babies have never been big fans of the bottle, so it limits me to how far I can be away and for how long. And, sometimes Brantley doesn’t just want to nurse because she’s hungry, but usually when she’s tired or just wants comfort. It’s almost a full time job without much of a break.
Whenever someone holds Brantley, she just stares at me, the entire time. I always wonder if I wasn’t the only person feeding her, would she still do that?
I usually have to sit in one place.
Occasionally, I am able to walk around while I nurse, but that’s usually because I have to tend to one or both of the boys. My preference is to have a nice comfy spot, with my Boppy on my lap and baby on the Boppy.
When Langston was young and I was nursing Riverson, it wasn’t a big deal because I could just go sit in Langston’s room, shut the door, and let him play with his toys in there, while I nursed.
Now that the boys are older and busier, it’s harder for me to corral them in to their bedroom and even tougher for me to keep them in there while I’m feeding Brantley. This usually means, while Brantley is eating, they’re finding something naughty to do because they know I won’t be getting up for a few minutes. 
The clean up around the house after each of my nursing sessions sure is fun. :/
The “girls” are punished.
Let’s face it, they’re just not the same, after.
You have to pay attention to what you eat.
If you have a fussy baby, you have to think about what you ate. Gassy baby? Well, what did you eat? Whatever you eat, affects what they eat and how their body responds.
With Brantley’s eczema, I’m having to change EVERYTHING I’m eating because she’s got so many food allergies.
What things do YOU hate about breastfeeding??
**DISCLOSURE**
I will say the same thing I said yesterday because the way women choose to feed their baby can be a VERY sensitive subject matter. This is just about my experience in breastfeeding and I really think that how you choose to feed your baby is your business.
At the end of the day, you have to do what works best for you, your baby, and your family!
Amen!!
My least favorite thing about breast feeding is the “I usually have to sit in one place” part. I didn’t mind this when I just had 1, but it’s really difficult with 2. And my oldest knows that I’m like a sitting duck, so she chooses that time to deconstruct the house! Lol
Yes, now imagine you had two of those “not nursing” kids who play off each other and go through the house like tornadoes while you’re nursing. I know you are shuddering at the thought. Ha!!
Like you, I did like breastfeeding, but there were also drawbacks. I think I felt very tethered–I either had to be home in time to nurse or pump. I felt like I was always on the clock when I was out and about & I’d stress about where I’d nurse, if there was a nursing room, etc. Or leakage! I was scared I’d leak and not know it and everyone else would!
Rach (DonutsMama)´s last [type] ..Essence of Now: Under Construction
Twitter: AmyLNorton
says:
“Whenever someone holds Brantley, she just stares at me, the entire time.” Yes. This. Cam looks at me like I’m a piece of meat. Ha! Oh these babes.
Amy´s last [type] ..Food Goals for 2013 {Eat Well Spend Less}
Twitter: TheTshirtMama
says:
Sounds crude, but we basically are like cows. Milk machines. I hate feeling like I’m not good for anything else.
I can also now add the awesomeness of thrush to this list! It makes me want to stop nursing completely!!