Many women have difficulties when trying to breastfeed. I’ve never really put myself in that class of women because I’ve always had an ample supply, and my babies have always latched on easily. This baby is no different. However, I found myself wanting to give up breastfeeding last week. I was in a lonely place. I was severely sleep deprived due to 3 nights of pretty much no sleep as I trialed eggs in my diet to see if my little guy could tolerate them. He can’t.
I realized, that I also have a struggle with breastfeeding, but it is just a different type of struggle. I have had many Moms tell me I should give up breastfeeding due to all the food sensitivities my little guy has. It is hard. It is a long process to figure it all out, and there is a lot of pressure on me. In fact, I feel solely responsible every time he hurts, or has a bad day of refluxing. I can’t help but worry about every piece of food I put into my mouth because he has so many problems.
The problem is that I would have to put him on a formula that would be extremely expensive in order for it to not contain any ingredients that my little guy is reacting to. Plus, I would never really know if it was dairy, soy, or WHAT my little guy is reacting to. And, even with my diet restrictions, I know that breast is best. I feel a lot of guilt when I want to just give up on breastfeeding.
No matter what your struggle to breastfeed is, you need to find support. I have found that is the key. If you feel alone and like it is too hard all by yourself, then it will be easier to justify giving it up. One way I have found support is through message boards with other Moms that are also on elimination diets (aka-cutting out some type of food that baby is reacting to) while breastfeeding. There are some Moms that are cutting out pretty much everything but chicken and rice. I feel support from them, and realize that I CAN keep doing this.
There are many other problems with breastfeeding that women can have like poor latching, low supply, too much supply, inverted nipples, mastitis, thrush, fussiness at the breast, and the list goes on and on. When you look at those issues, it can be easy to say, forget it! But, I truly believe that every Mom owes it to her child to try. The benefits are too great!! So, if you are struggling with breastfeeding, and feeling like giving up, look for support for your issues. There is power in knowing that you are not alone, and other Moms are sometimes the best resource out there to help you come up with a solution.
I have called and emailed complete strangers on the other side of the country trying to come up with ideas and think things through with other Moms. These “strangers” have helped me more than a lot of doctors have.
Don’t give up if you truly want to breastfeed. The truth is that breastfeeding is hard, but if you can stick with it in the beginning, it can be so worth it in the long run. I promise.