Is it normal to feel this way?

[~Sara~]

Aww, thanks, Tanya.  *hugs*  You're sweet   Truth be told, DH feeds Aaron about half the time.  Feeding really can be a special time, and since he's not dependent on just me for food anymore, DH has every right to bond with him that way.  It really is sweet to watch the two of them together.  They're good buds.

nwilks--Congrats on getting some positive cue-reading feedback!  Doesn't that feel good?  I know for me it was a huge confidence booster to realize--even a tiny bit--that Hey!  I know what I'm doing!   I hope it just keeps getting better and better for you.

[nazmommy]

Wow!  I have so enjoyed reading through this post!  Such beautiful things being said!

I love Tanya's comment..."However, when I look at my LO now, there is no greater feeling than knowing that every inch and every pound has been achieved by our time together, with the very best food I could give."  What a great inspiration to keep going!!

And I love tersaseda's comment..."Personally, I wish I could have breastfed longer; but formula feeding is just as fulfilling to me because I CHOOSE to make that feeding time special.  I still get coos and smiles and snuggles.  I can still hold him close to me, love on him, kiss him.  And lately, he's started reaching up for my face...you'll still have that closeness with your LO, if you decide to make it so."  This is such a great encouragement to FFing mothers!  Feeding time needs to be special whether from a bottle or a boob!

You girls are great!

Its so hard to believe that I have made it to a year.  My DD is a little over one now and we are still BFing.  We had a very, very, hard time for about the first 16 weeks.  But I was too stubborn to quit.  It was hard at times.  I totally remember crying ever time we nursed and wondering if the pain would ever stop.   It was so hard to relax and let my milk flow because it hurt so bad.  At one point I was in dd's dr. office and my lac. con. came in and asked how I was.  Long story short...she took one look and about fell over.  I got some meds and some rx cream and life got better, although it took about 4 weeks after that to heal.  I'm not sharing that to scare you, just to say that you can do it, despite the hard times.  

My encouragement is stick with what your heart says.  If your mommy heart says to keep BF, do it!  You can do it!!!  Being a mommy is hard work, BFing or FFing.  I was always worried that I was doing something wrong.  You are BEST mommy for your LO.  Nobody knows your lo like you do.  You are doing a wonderful job!

I agree with the pps!  Grab help when you can!  Lots of gentle hugs to you all!!!  You ladies are amazing!

[mum101]

hi, yes it's completely normal!

A lot of things over time will feel this way TBH, it is all overwhelming, sleep is lacking and suddenly your life is about sleeping, feeding, sleeping, feeding!  I think even if bottle feeding, it might not be as physically difficult at times, but you are still getting up, making up bottles, cleaning bottles and sterilising bottles!! it's all tough and it's all new. 

I had a tough time bf my first and easier the second, I had a lot of pain for the first month of both babies, even with good latches. 

Over time it does get easier, I remember getting to 3 months with my first and thinking, wow this is a breeze! 

Most importantly, be kind to yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, relax and sleep when you feel you need to. Listen to your body and you will get through the harder times 

[A pair of Charlies]

Nazmommy; sounds like it has been a rough year for you, so may-be it's time for a big ole BFg board congratulations hug? Fancy starting a thread saying you've made it to 1year? We love to give all our BF Mamas a big cheer! 

[~Sara~]

Nazmommy--Ditto to Charlotte's comment