Something's Gotta Give
Last week, something snapped. I’m just exhausted from being constantly tied to this baby, from having to be no more than 3 hours away from baby or pump at all times. (Poor Aaron, he’s reduced to “this baby”!) I’m exhausted from all the things I’m trying to keep in my mind about what new food to feed when, whether my husband is picking him up from day care or I am, whether he’s taken good naps today or not, how to schedule pump time in around this meeting or that. And being awakened by him four times a night for the past four months. My tolerance just gave way.
I don’t know how to simplify. So many of these things are a given with having a baby. But I’m really thinking about stopping pumping. The problem is, I really want it both ways. I don’t want to have to fix him a bottle when I’m with him—nursing is really easy. But how nice would it be to not have to schedule in pumping at work, make sure pump parts are cleaned every night, all that?
We are going on vacation in two weeks. I don’t want to bring and deal with formula there. So for now I’ll keep my milk supply up. But at least, at least I’m experimenting with dropping a pumping session. I’m down to two instead of three, and so far I’m getting enough milk.
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Comments
I feel your pain
I know where you are coming from, but I have it a bit easier because I telecommute (work from home) most of the time. But when I do go into the office, which is two hours away, the logistics of getting all the pump stuff ready and making sure the boy has extra bottles at "school" (because I am close enough to go there at lunchtime to nurse usually, except when I go to the office) is crazy making.
I have two sons. THe first I exclusively pumped for because he would not nurse. And the new one is eight months old. I've pumped on Amtrak, on my seats in airplanes, in airport lounges and while driving (driving is a great time to pump). But I've thought about going with formula for daycare and nursing when I'm with the boy. But he's my last baby, and I just don't want to give it up. And I especially don't want work to drive me to quit, because that'll just piss me off later.
Is your job of a nature where you could telecommute sometimes?
something's gotta give
Ok, I HEAR YA... I too am having one of those weeks. my daughter is 7 months next week and I love bf'ing its so simple, its the pumping i hate hate hate......
I too have reduced but just started so not sure if It will help or not yet.... I don't want to go to formulae, I think its because she still really just needs me?? weird I know!!! I wanted to make it to a year but not sure if I can do it!!
Any advice???? ok you need advice and now I'm asking you for some too!!! I think simplify!! is the only answer, let the dish's sit in the sink, get hubbie to help more... I don't know... i'm out of answers
How can I help?
I've never been through this because I'm a dad, but I still want to help. I have three children all breatfeed but I did not have to do the juggling, the pumping.
For me I keep looking for things in my life to make my life easier, less of a struggle. I know if i is too hard my self-discipline and determination will only take me so far.
I wonder about the pump and pumping process. Is this the right pump for now? It seems like you have been doing well with the pump you have, but now there is one available that weighs less than a pound. Would that make more sense; would that take away some of the hassle?
Are you pumping into bottles or bags? It seems like when you are pumping for day to day use, you may not think about using bags. Pumping into bags would be one less thing to wash.
These are, may be little things but would they be big enough to lighten the load?