I feel so guilty about not breastfeeding

Don’t feel guilty. Lots of women can’t breastfeed for many reasons. There are other ways to bond with your baby. It can be overwhelming, especially with your first baby. At the end of the day, what’s important is that baby is happy and fed, whether that’s formula or breast. Don’t worry about next time now, just enjoy every moment with your baby xx.

I was the exact same with my first. I literally tried to breastfeed ONCE and I was sooo anxious and under pressure and it was so overwhelming I ended up pumping for only 2 weeks then formula feeding. I just had my second (11 years later) he is 4 months old and I was able to do a lot more research before I gave birth this time around and have had a really successful BF journey. Having your first baby is really hard because everything is new, you are literally learning a whole new life. My second has been a breeze because I know what’s what and what to expect etc so this time I was more confident and able to focus on breastfeeding more as I didn’t have to focus on literally EVERY other thing that was also brand new to me. So don’t lose hope about not being able to BF your next child. There are lots of mamas who BF with a little kid around. I believe in you 🫶🏽 and just remember, you baby is FED. And your baby is going to love you the same no matter what! 🤍

Don’t feel guilty. Breastfeeding is so so difficult, it’s mentally and physically draining on your body Your baby will love you either way xx

Your feelings of regret and guilt are valid but remember that you gave him a few days of colostrum, which is so good for a newborn, and you have been feeding him and loving him ever since. Your son will not grow up unhappy, unhealthy or resentful of you because you chose your mental health over breastfeeding. He will probably grow up happier because you were able to focus on recovering from childbirth. You absolutely can bf next time, if you choose to have another child. And next time, get yourself seen by the feeding clinic ASAP for support. Midwives and health visitors have nothing on the feeding clinic team. Sending love, please remind yourself that you are doing the best you can for your baby and that is enough!

Also I’m not sure but maybe you can bring your supply back? I don’t know how this works though. Maybe 4 months later your body will still reproduce? (I don’t have the info on this) but maybe you could do some research and find out 🥰

I’ve never breastfed, not even looked back on it, my boy is 4 months old too and is happy and healthy and he’s developing so quick and I’m sure your baby is too and that’s all that matters

I didnt breastfeed my first baby at all. Being a new parent (especially a first time parent) is hard enough! The fact you managed a couple days is amazing 👏 Its took me 3 children to get the hang of exclusive breastfeeding (my 2nd combi fed). Youre doing great xx

I went through this but switched due to pressure from midwife to use formula to help baby clear her jaundice. We were both miserable anyway from the stress of trying to make it work, but stopping caused me to breakdown so much and honestly go through a terrible grieving process, I cried for days and felt bad about it for weeks and weeks, however in time I realised that in the long run the formula was better for my mental health- when I started being able to have breaks and get my nails done or take a bath etc while all my BF friends had absolutely no breaks, I know myself I couldnt have handled this. My daughter is now one and thriving and in daycare and no one knows how any of them were fed! I understand the guilt etc but truly fed is best and theres no need to beat yourself up ❤️❤️❤️

@Sera Kay ✨ this is such a good way to put it and great experience to share ❤️

@CeeCee still BF’ing and I feel guilty that ONE DAY I will stop. It’s such a fucking weird thing how we get so guilt tripped over it. It’s like our brains have been manipulated into thinking we are shit mums for not BF’ing or shit mums for stopping. I hope one day this mindset goes away and we can just be happy and content with whatever our choices are! Like who even started this guilt trip?! So wild we have to feel this way. Fed is fed!

Please don’t feel guilty. Although it’s something you didn’t continue with, you need to be proud of the days you did do it, even if it was for a short period of time. You still did it for a little bit! Breastfeeding is SO hard and extremely overwhelming when you have just had a baby and you’re recovering yourself and then trying to keep a little human alive too. It’s exhausting and so physically and mentally draining. There’s a huge pressure to breastfeed nowadays but the most important thing is that your baby is loved and is fed, whether that be breastmilk or formula. I’ve been breastfeeding my little girl for nearly a year now and it’s been the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. I almost gave up myself as it was so hard, I had 0 support from anyone and she lost so much weight to begin with due to a poor latch. It’s a lot to deal with! So please don’t feel guilty. Us women have enough to deal with after birth as it is, don’t be so hard on yourself xxx

Dont feel guilty. I disnt breastfeed with my 1st due to the same feelings etc. And now i have my 2nd and I have been able to enjoy the journey. My firsy born is pretty interested to see it all but with setting boundaries he giving me time and space. End of the day it is just important your baby is happy and fed. 🫶

@Sera Kay ✨ I have looked into relactation and it is possible! I did speak to the health visitor and a breastfeeding councillor about it. They didn't give me a set pumping schedule but basically said as much as possible. I did give it a go before Christmas but pumping 6/7 times a day with one a night was a schedule I found it hard to keep up with. I was thinking about trying it again but it's probably time better spent with my little one. Just constantly feeling guilty at the moment!