Can someone please just tell me I'm doing well

[whatthefuckamisupposedtodo]

My DS is 11 months today, and I am still breastfeeding.
My friends have all bottle fed their babies, and my partner thinks that I should of bottle fed so that we could of had DS babysat overnight etc (pre-corona) so he is generally irritated by it.
I'm pretty sure my dad is disgusted that I'm still breastfeeding, and my mum is impartial.

I still co-sleep and feed all through the night

DS has had multiple illness that have resulted in hospital visits since birth and is awaiting an operation. This is the reason I have felt like I should continue to BF (for his comfort and immune system, also didn't want to stress him out by weaving him off)

I just need to hear that I am doing well 😢 or could someone please just acknowledge that is tough.

(I haven't posted this in AIBU because I don't want to get hammered.. and also this is not a breast/ bottle debate)

Well I'm REALLY proud of you for doing that! It's absolutely the best thing for his immune system and emotional connection. It doesn't matter what other people think, you're doing brilliantly.

You are doing what you believe is best for your baby, sounds like you are doing a great job.

You are doing brilliantly. 11 months is way above average and your child will benefit from it their whole life.

Once lockdown ends, if you want an evening out, you could try expressing.

Don’t listen to others. They are just plain wrong xx

I'm so sorry that your dh and other family are not supporting your approach to caring for your baby. I'm very impressed that, despite that, you are strong enough to stand by your son and do what you, in your heart, believe is absolutely right for him at this point in his life.
I am so pleased that your son has such an amazing mummy and feel sad that the wider family cannot see that their opinion should be put aside for the important task of supporting you as you do your best to support him. The first year of a babies life is hard enough without illnesses included. 😔
Your son will be a better person for your dedication as his health and mental well being are massively supported by not only your choice but your commitment to him and putting him first.
For an adult a year or so, or even two is nothing, the nights out will return in good time but a mum who does all she can to do the best for you is what every child would wish for, your child is one of the lucky ones.

Well I only managed to BF DS for a week and I only managed 3 weeks with DD - so in my eyes you're already amazing just for that

You are doing brilliantly,maybe try expressing just so your unsupportive partner can take over all night feeds and see how hard it is.

Thank you all so much.

I should add, I cannot express as I have a breast condition (tuberous breasts) which has actually made it it even harder to breast feed!

Well done for putting his needs first. It's tough but your doing amazing. It's a shame you don't have that support from people around you. Just continue being awesome.

You are doing well not only in terms of breastfeeding but also in terms of having to deal with so much negativity. Well done

Well done OP

Breastfeeding sounds like the right thing for you and your son. Listen to your gut

I also think the hard part is that if you are having a tough time (and most do even without illnesses etc) it helps to be folded in someone's arms and just be given that 'don't worry love, we'll get through it together' moment. But when you know bringing up how you feel will be an opportunity for someone to pick at your approach and essentially blame you for how tough it is, you don't even feel like you can ask for that. Which leaves you pouring out your resources into your son and defending your position and not getting topped up by that support.
That is really tough. Your feelings are valid and you are doing a fantastic job. Your son has a super mummy.

well done!

You're doing the best thing for your baby (especially given the circumstances you mention), your DH is being a bit daft as you can't be out socialising at the moment anyway, and TBH your dad sounds like an ignorant dinosaur on this - wtf is there to be 'disgusted' about?

Well done you! I'm still BF my DD (19mo) and when people pass comment I usually make some crap joke about 'oh well they tell you how to start breastfeeding buy not how to stop, she's obsessed with boobs haha'... All the while seething inside... There is no point trying to educate people about breastfeeding they're either not interested or think you're up yourself. You carry on and do what you want!

You are amazing. You have your priorities in the right order. Your baby needs you to do this.

You are doing brilliantly - I fed both of mine until they were 15 months ish (both lost interest about then). DC1 had just started sleeping through at 11 months, DC2 was still feeding in the night then.

I also didn't leave DC1 overnight for a babysitter until gone 2 (although DH had done a weekend) and DC2 still hasn't and is over 2.

You sound like a lovely mum who is doing the best for her baby, if it works for you and him, keep doing it. My parents were initially a bit flummoxed that I fed in public and for so long (my mum stopped at 6 months) but they became our biggest supporters.

You are doing amazingly. BF is such a sacrifice and it takes a huge toll, but the benefits are immense. Do not doubt yourself, keep going, and don't ever forget what an amazing thing it is you're doing xx

Having a poorly baby is so, so difficult, of course you are doing well you're doing the best you can - that's all you can do! You've got this

OP you are a superstar!!!

My parents, ex and everyone I knew wanted me to stop breastfeeding DS when he was six months. He's 17 months now and still loves his boobie milk! We don't co sleep now as he began to fall out of my bed but I'd still be if I could! Like your boy, DS has had health issues and it's been hard but breastfeeding has helped and still is helping DS with it all. Keep going as long as both you and your DS wants to and if your OH isn't supportive he can piss off. That's one of the many, many reasons my ex is an ex.

Christ your family would hate me
I still occasionally breastfeed my second child my four year old daughter but my third child aged 2.5 still breastfeeds all day and night and co sleeps with me still
I am not with their father but for all his faults he would never have criticised or tried to stop me doing this and he never has.

You are doing a wonderful thing and should be lauded and supported by family.

Don’t listen to them

You're doing great! I'm really proud of you, there's so few bf mums out there and your family pressure is exactly why.

Well done, nearly time for your Golden Boobs award!

You are doing brilliantly. I don't have a strong BF/FF opinion but I just think in terms of your attitude, you are keeping going with what you believe is right for your son despite practical difficulties, other people's pigheadedness, and lack of support - that says to me you are a good parent and you'll continue to put him first

I have read and re-read every single post, and want to thank each of you for your kind and supportive words.

I was hesitant about posting but this has been so uplifting and reassuring

You go girl whatthefuckamisupposedtodo
Best wishes for your baby Ds upcoming health appointments

You are doing brilliantly.

I’m a fellow BF and co-sleeper (no expressing). We are doing it the “hard way” to some extent as it’s all on us. But it’s very empowering too.

I've heard it all. I fed my DS until he was nearly 3 even feeding a baby at the same time. You've done amazing. Keep your head up.