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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Breast feeding and child seeking comfort

31 replies

idontmatter123 · 17/05/2026 16:05

I wasn't able to breastfeed and had troubles with bonding after birth.... Issues with my own low mood.

I was wondering if the lack of breastfeeding and co sleeping is why my toddler isn't as cuddly as other children!?

OP posts:
AliceAbsolum · 17/05/2026 16:32

I mean it could be. Could not. Impossible to say.

idontmatter123 · 17/05/2026 16:22

yogpot · 17/05/2026 16:07

Children are all different and all have different personalities. Breastfeeding and cosleeping is not required. I’m sure you did a wonderful job and your concern now shows deep care and concern for your child.

I hope you feel recovered after what sounds like postnatal depression and can resolve this feeling of guilt you seem to have. Be kind to yourself.

Thanks but I didn't have post natal depression

OP posts:
cheddarcheeseontoast · 17/05/2026 16:10

I'm sorry to hear you had a rough time postpartum. 💐

Breastfeeding & co-sleeping don't automatically equate a strong mother-child relationship. Instead of focusing on that, what are you currently doing to enjoy motherhood? Are there any special activities you & your little one like doing together?

Thehop · 17/05/2026 16:09

I breast fed my 3 youngest until they went to school. Eldest was bottle fed.

its son 3 who's very averse to physical cuddles. The feeding made no difference, theyre just all very different children. Find out what does help you feel close and do that. Ds3 liked sharing books and games when he was small and we go cycling now he's older or talk about amateur photography.

goodenoughmum88 · 17/05/2026 16:08

Hi,

It sounds like you had a rough time. Did you have anyone to talk to about it?

Some kids are cuddlier than others, some constantly want to be held and cuddled, for others that’s torture. It’s more about the individual rather than anything else.

I have one super cuddly child, and one who isn’t cuddly at all. Both parented the same way.

yogpot · 17/05/2026 16:07

Children are all different and all have different personalities. Breastfeeding and cosleeping is not required. I’m sure you did a wonderful job and your concern now shows deep care and concern for your child.

I hope you feel recovered after what sounds like postnatal depression and can resolve this feeling of guilt you seem to have. Be kind to yourself.

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