I tried to give it two weeks, but I can’t do it. I am done with the pumping and the pills.
No breastfeeding for L.
I wish I could say I was sadder about giving up, but honestly, I am just glad to be done with it.
I only made it a few days. My boobs hurt A LOT. I wasn’t getting much milk.
And most of all, I can’t put L down 6-8 times a day for 15 minutes. She needs me to hold her a lot right now, so that is the most important thing.
So I am done.
I can’t imagine trying to get breastfeeding going while helping a new child adjust. That’s why I didn’t pursue it with our first. If you have a solid travel date you can work on it beforehand, but then you have to maintain the regimine with the travel…and yea, I can’t imagine actually doing it. Kudos for trying.
She probably prefers soy milk anyway…since she is from China and all.
Mmm, hmm…we tend to be a bit of a lactose intolerant bunch.
You were wonderful for trying. Don’t feel bad about it.
Well, you gave it a good try, which is admirable.
You gave it a try, and that’s all you can do. Kudos for recognizing what’s best for you and for the kiddo. And having pumped even twice a day for four months now, I totally understand.
Don’t feel badly about it. I wouldn’t consider it a “failure” at all and I am sure that L will be fine, BETTER than fine.
don’t see it as a failure. you are a much better person than most for having even considered it and then follwing through with an actual attempt.
I think you were brilliant for giving it a go, and I was wondering how hard it would be to get a child totally unfamiliar with the boob to latch on and nurse. It’s not a failure that it didn’t work out. It just didn’t. You tried. That in and of itself is a triumph.
can’t say I blame you much. You gave it a good try though.
Kudos for trying the protocol at all.
You know, I failed breastfeeding with my biological newborn twins. I had a myriad of health factors, both theirs and mine to consider and in the end, those needs just trumped breastfeeding. Its great to do, but not at the expense of all else. So good for you for trying, and good for you for recognizing that it wasn’t worth it.
I admire you for trying. Hopefully L won’t develop the same addiction to Very Vanilla Soy Milk that LSP did. (if you go the soy route). We’re weaning her off that now….
Good choice! Obviously you have L’s needs first in your heart. I know that you wanted to do for L what you did for M. In fact you will be doing more because L didn’t have you until now. That’s a lot of time and love to make up for. I have to admire you and A for knowing when to stick to a plan and when to change the plan – with her name and now with the feeding issue. You are a great mother!
You shouldn’t feel like a failure. It sounds like her other needs are more important at this point. At least you tried!
There are so many other ways to bond, and she will be FINE without the breastmilk.
It is not a failure at all and it hurts me to see you use that phrase. The most important thing is to feed the child and that includes spiritually and emotionally, which is exactly what you are doing. Congrats on making the decision sooner rather than later.
Soo not a failure. You tried it and it didn’t work out. Good for you for trying!
Failure just doesn’t seem like the right word.
It didn’t work out.
How wise of you to tune into L and her needs. I would think of it not as a failure, but as being prepared for what L might need, and then focusing on what she really does need. (your strong mama arms!)
It was worth a try. It’s exhausting – and you have another kid in the house!
I’m with gawdessness–it’s not a “failure”, it just didn’t work out.
Oh dear, that must have been a tough decision, but you’re doing the best you can for her. Don’t feel defeated for this.
Ditto what others said, failure isn’t the right word. I’d call it ‘making the most sane choice possible.’