| You are stressed about this. As your child is more than six weeks, do the best you can. Breastfeeding is a lovely thing to do, but it may not fit into your lifestyle. Continue pumping/breastfeeding as long as you are comfortable. The fact that you've breastfed your baby at all is a good thing and nothing to feel guilty about when you slow down/switch to formula. My daughter was breastfed longer than I was and we are both healthy people. Some friends were not able to breastfeed and their children are fine. It was harder for the moms vs. the babies. If you find that pumping is making you feel resentful (which I did-in the end I referred to it as "pump liberation") just move on to maximizing your time to enjoy your child and keeping yourself balanced. A less stressed mommy is a better parent. Good luck. Your child is fortunate that you care enough to really consider this matter. |