Okay so. I was really looking forward to breast feeding my daughter because of the bonding time, and now more than ever I want to hold onto that. It's basically the only thing anyone lets me do. Anytime she wants to be cradled to sleep someone else takes her away from me, I feel like I barely ever get to hold her except to breast feed. With babies everyone is quick to hold them and rock them, but the second she gets a dirty diaper or starts crying they pass her on to me, wait for me to change and/or feed her then take her right back. It's gotten to the point where I think she's only seeing me as someone who feeds her because I can't hold her now without her reaching out for my breast (even when she isn't hungry) Now I feel like I may have to start pumping because losing so much sleep is taking a toll on me physically. I've never been able to sleep during the day, and I wouldn't be able to anyways because being a teen mother I have to balance my schoolwork at the same time. So during the day when she takes her naps I have to use that time for homework and studying, along with my everyday chores and errands. I really never have time to just sit and relax. So for the first week I had been skipping meals without realizing it, and ended up collapsing. My mom is offering her help and insisting that I pump so she won't have to wake me in the middle of the night to feed her... But I'm worried I'll lose what little bonding time I have with her. I know I should put my health first but I'm wondering if anyone can offer me some alternatives? Sorry this is so long lol... ↓
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Name: Whisper | Date: Jun 17th, 2008 7:32 AM
How old is she? If she is less than 4-6 weeks I'd suggest waiting to feed her via bottles just to avoid any confusion problems... I had to deal with some of that for the first 2 weeks of my LO's life and it was very stressful for me trying to teach her to latch and learn to suck properly because she was intro'd to a bottle in the hospital nursery (against my wishes) and she took to the bottle and began to refuse the breast. They say that after 4-6 weeks the bf'ing is established and shouldn't confuse them if you give them a bottle at that point. But yeah, if shes old enough, or you feel that the BFing is established enough to not be an issue... then there is nothing wrong with pumping a little if that makes life easier on you and saves you some sanity. You will still have time to feed her during the day when you can. As far as everyone taking her from you, remember she is YOUR daughter, and you CAN take her anytime you like... Just be like, "Hey, I am going to spend some time with her now." and do it. They will get over it. She is your baby, and you need to have your time to bond with her. Just put your foot down, and be honest about your feelings on the matter. If it is upsetting you, say something about it, and you decide who holds your daughter and when. GL & KUP. BTW - kudos to you for BFing your baby while juggling school and everything! I would imagine it is hard work being a teen mother. I dont know what I would have done had I had children while still in school; that time of life is busy enough just taking care of oneself. Give yourself a good pat on the back, you deserve it. ↑
Name: amanda17 | Date: Jun 17th, 2008 4:23 PM
Thanks Whisper I really appreciate it. She's only two weeks so I don't mind waiting a few more weeks to start pumping... As or everyone holding her, her father and I both have really large families so it's always someone new holding her. I want everyone to have their time to meet her and bond with her, but your right. It's not worth being lost in a sea of faces. ↑
