10 Reasons Why I Dislike Breastfeeding
In no particular order:
1. Plugged milk ducts. When I get one, it creates a hard lump and is very painful! The worst parts are that there are very few solutions to the problem, and if the problem goes on unresolved, there is an even worse consequence! The only way to clear up a plugged milk duct is to nurse the baby, or to use a breast pump. They say massaging the affected area and using alternating hot/cold compresses can speed up the process, but it still takes a lot of patience. And, if you don't take the time to clear up a plugged milk duct, it can become infected! That's my worst nightmare. Infection causes flu-like symptoms and requires antibiotics. If I got one, that would mean I would have to go to the doctor, which would just interrupt my and Kira's groove.
2. Only I can feed Kira. This is such a drag. It makes me feel solely accountable for Kira's well being. I see it as a weighty responsibility, which makes it hard for me to enjoy the experience. Maybe I just need some psychotherapy. Furthermore, it's lonely at night.
3. General pain. Even when I'm not feeding Kira, I will feel shooting pain. My breastfeeding book says that it could be the milk refilling. It hurts!
4. Nursing in public. I don't like doing it.
5. Nursing bras. I don't like them.
6. Nursing tops. They are not very fashionable. And even if I refuse to wear nursing tops, I am limited to the types of tops that I can wear. Tight, less stretchy materials are difficult to take off when baby is hysterically crying. And, I can forget the vest over the button-down shirt idea. It's funny that I am drawn to turtleneck tops, seeing that I can't wear them right now.
7. Big boobs. I hate them. I don't feel like I'm in my own body. They are big and clumsy. It's funny that I would prefer smaller breasts seeing that I was so flat-chested most of my life. Just so you know, I went from a 32A to a 38C. Sounds like science fiction, doesn't it?
8. Squirting milk. This is a bit embarrassing, but it is one of the reasons why I don't like breastfeeding. Sometimes Kira is uncomfortable, so she will unlatch while feeding, and milk will squirt out of my breast. I always freak out because I don't want breast milk all over Kira, the furniture, or the floor!
Ok, so I can only think of 8 reasons...but that's a lot. I'm sure some breasfeeding advocate is going to email me to ask me to take down this post. But...despite all these things, I'm determined to breastfeed Kira until she's atleast 6 months old. That's saying something, isn't it? I hope Kira makes the best of it!!
1. Plugged milk ducts. When I get one, it creates a hard lump and is very painful! The worst parts are that there are very few solutions to the problem, and if the problem goes on unresolved, there is an even worse consequence! The only way to clear up a plugged milk duct is to nurse the baby, or to use a breast pump. They say massaging the affected area and using alternating hot/cold compresses can speed up the process, but it still takes a lot of patience. And, if you don't take the time to clear up a plugged milk duct, it can become infected! That's my worst nightmare. Infection causes flu-like symptoms and requires antibiotics. If I got one, that would mean I would have to go to the doctor, which would just interrupt my and Kira's groove.
2. Only I can feed Kira. This is such a drag. It makes me feel solely accountable for Kira's well being. I see it as a weighty responsibility, which makes it hard for me to enjoy the experience. Maybe I just need some psychotherapy. Furthermore, it's lonely at night.
3. General pain. Even when I'm not feeding Kira, I will feel shooting pain. My breastfeeding book says that it could be the milk refilling. It hurts!
4. Nursing in public. I don't like doing it.
5. Nursing bras. I don't like them.
6. Nursing tops. They are not very fashionable. And even if I refuse to wear nursing tops, I am limited to the types of tops that I can wear. Tight, less stretchy materials are difficult to take off when baby is hysterically crying. And, I can forget the vest over the button-down shirt idea. It's funny that I am drawn to turtleneck tops, seeing that I can't wear them right now.
7. Big boobs. I hate them. I don't feel like I'm in my own body. They are big and clumsy. It's funny that I would prefer smaller breasts seeing that I was so flat-chested most of my life. Just so you know, I went from a 32A to a 38C. Sounds like science fiction, doesn't it?
8. Squirting milk. This is a bit embarrassing, but it is one of the reasons why I don't like breastfeeding. Sometimes Kira is uncomfortable, so she will unlatch while feeding, and milk will squirt out of my breast. I always freak out because I don't want breast milk all over Kira, the furniture, or the floor!
Ok, so I can only think of 8 reasons...but that's a lot. I'm sure some breasfeeding advocate is going to email me to ask me to take down this post. But...despite all these things, I'm determined to breastfeed Kira until she's atleast 6 months old. That's saying something, isn't it? I hope Kira makes the best of it!!
UPDATED to include:
9. Biting!
Comments
-joanna