To hate breastfeeding

[Garethkeenansstapler]

I’m 6 weeks in breastfeeding DC2. I had all the same issues with DC1 but it was easier, I had no second child to look after so could just be glued to the sofa feeding all day. But I’m really struggling this time.

DS is doing well and gaining weight super speedily, so that much is good. But it’s really getting me down. I hate having to wear a bra and breast pads 24/7, even in bed, if I don’t want to soak through my clothes and leak all over the bed linen. The letdown hurts. I’m sweaty and thirsty all day. My back is in shreds from having to position and hold a 12lb baby for hours every day. I can’t wear what I want - I just put a dress on to go out for lunch only to realise it has zero access. Scrubby leggings and cardigan it is. I hate that it’s me that does all the feeds, which can be unpredictable - not as easy as ‘feeding then hand baby over to dad so you can have a bath/a nap’. I hate breastfeeding in public - no matter how discreetly you try to do it, the baby unlatches or flings it’s arms about so you have no privacy. He seems to get hungry just as I’m finally ready to go out somewhere with him and DD, so back to the lounge it is for another feed.

Does it get better? Right now I’ve told myself to get to 3 months then switch to formula.

Aw it’s so tough when you’re worn out and it’s all on you and your misbehaving boobs :( lots of sympathy first of all and then a few things that I found helped me:

• I used a hakaa on the side I wasn’t feeding on (just loosely attached so it wasn’t stimulating more supply) in the morning when my boobs were most full. My partner would then feed that milk in a bottle early evening when I was most grumpy.
• someone gave me these lacy breast pads. It might seem silly but I just felt better in them because they weren’t so much like sanitary towels. https://www.amazon.co.uk/NatureBond-Contoured-Breastfeeding-Beautiful-Hypoallergenic/dp/B079L7JNB2
• As mentioned above I took magnesium. No idea if it was placebo or not but it seemed to help me feel less restless/ irritated when feeding, which was a struggle around 8 weeks for me.

In the last few years Nuby rapid cool came out. It’s out of this world. Cools a whole fresh from kettle 8 ounce in two minutes.

If younger and doing a few ounce it’s ready before you even get the bottle assembled.

So if that’s the only reason then go to formula

Thanks everyone. There was no real point to the thread I suppose, it’s a moan thread. I also feel like nobody on Mn ever mentions these downsides - it’s all ‘pop them on the boob and bob’s your uncle’ - so it’s interesting to see at least a few other people have struggled in the way I am. I appreciate all the advice, the problem is it adds significantly more tasks into my already very busy day. Luckily baby has been having the odd bottle since a few days old as I didn’t want to risk him not taking one further down the line. From what I’ve read things should get markedly better over the next few months but if not, yes I know what needs to be done. Thanks for all your advice and notes about the Nuby rapidcool!

Few weeks not months 😱

The oversupply at the moment will calm down
Your baby is probably in between growth spurts. So the supply increased during a growth spurt as dc needed more, now dc is not in a growth spurt the supply has reduced. I had the same spray issue with the milk hitting the fireplace on the opposite side of the room. ( 3 metres away ! )
However this issue comes and goes along with growth spurts at 2-3wks, 6wks, 3mths & 6mths.

If you want to get into a feeding routine so you don’t get stuck just about to leave the house or shopping and suddenly find dc needs a feed I suggest the book. The contented little baby by Gina Ford. This was my life saver. It got me through my first baby and twins after…don’t think I’d have survived without it.

I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I have the book boxed away somewhere but a quick Google gave me this for a 6 wk old. If you want more info I’ll find the book tomorrow ( sorry later today )

I’ve just realised you started this a few weeks ago.
Thats what happens when you can’t sleep and end up on Mumsnet.
Hope it’s getting better OP.

I don't know if you breastfed your first but 6 weeks is well known for being really tough with cluster feeding etc. It does get easier, much much easier. Your milk will regulate soon enough so no oversupply, spraying and engorgement and baby will get better and more efficient at latching, It's the easiest thing in the world when you get through the shit bit. Im 7 weeks in with DD2 now and its so much easier now than even a week ago, so worth persevering for the easiness later on, no sterilising etc.

Having said that if you've had enough then it's fully okay to switch, but be careful to reduce your breastfeeds carefully especially with an over supply to avoid mastitis.

Also to add, have a look at bshirt. You wear it under any top you already have to offer discreetness.

And soon enough bras and pads 24/7 will be a thing of the past