djmom2be: lindsey30: Don't feel like a failure! I was in the same position as you were in. DS would nurse at times for over 2 hours, and he still didn't seem full. I am now exclusively pumping and bottle feeding him, plus I supplement with formula as well. Since I have stopped nursing and am just pumping DS is way more happier and it's made life easier for me. I finally feel like I can do stuff besides nurse all day! I'm not sure if you have thought about pumping, but I do recommend giving it a try!
I have thought about exclusively pumping. Tell me more about it. How often do you pump? Do you switch pumping/bottle feeding BM and formula each time? Any other info appreciated..
I thought I'd chime in on this since I pump as well. I made it about 10 days before I went strait to pumping. I was crying before and during feedings since it was so hard and stressful. I have flat nipples, so he wouldn't latch. I used a shield, but it only helped a little. We tried a supplemental feeding system, but that only partially worked. Once I went to pumping it got SO much easier. That's not to say it was easy though.
I'm currently pumping 5 times a day (6AM, 12, 5, 9 and 1AM) I'm getting enough to feed him exclusively on BM at the moment and only giving formula for convenience (no place to warm a bottle, etc).
TBH, I really dislike pumping. I'm tied to a pump 5 times a day, (used to be 7), then having to feed as well. Though at least DH can help with that. Even though DS STTN, I can't because I need to pump. Warming bottles, storing it all, etc. It's no picnic, but it's worth it to me.
I set small goals for myself. Get through the first month, to Thanksgiving, to my first day back at work, to Christmas, the New Year, etc. It's really helped. It will be three months tomorrow and now it's routine. I'm going to try month by month and I'd really like to get to 6 months, maybe longer. But I'm trying to keep myself in check. I'll do it as long as it's not stressing me or DS out. So far, it's not.
Ask your friends, family, professionals before you make your decision, but only you know what's right for your family. If you choose to FF exclusively, your baby will be great. I can identify with the guilt and I know I haven't been able to take my own advice yet, but don't let the guilt get to you. You and your baby will be great, no matter what you choose.
Side note: if you do decide to pump exclusively, definitely get a good pumping bra. I have this one and I just got it last week. I'm mad at myself for waiting of so long. I now have my hands free to entertain DS, or put on make up in the morning. Even just not having to hold them on makes the bra priceless. Less leaks too.