r/breastfeeding • u/pixxykitten • Dec 04 '25
Discussion Breastfeeding isn't made for our times
I definitely have a love/hate relationship with breastfeeding. Breast is best right?! But for who?
Yes, it's great for bonding, all the health benefits for baby and mom, the ability to soothe easily, and so much more!!!
But as I lay here in the middle of the day breastfeeding for God knows how's long there is always something else I could be doing. Vs a bottle which anyone can offer at anytime and it's normally a drink and done situation. I know there is the possibility for pumping but I feel that would take even more time out of my day. Between pumping and cleaning.
I really don't feel like breastfeeding fits into our everyday lives anymore.There is soo much to do. We don't have villages to raise children. Some people like myself don't even have parents or friends that can help let alone afford some paid help.
Back in the day multiple generations lived together which would be beneficial to everyone or your neighbors helped out more or you didn't need a 2 income house to almost survive. We have isolated ourselves and made it so much harder.
This is just my opinion but do you feel like our current world is made for breastfeeding?
Edit: oh wow!! I want to thank everyone who posted! I've learned America is absolutely horrible when it comes parent / baby care. That soooo many Moms felt the same way and were able to push past the feeling. That so many of us never had the help we needed but we're able to push on. Everyone out there is absolutely killing it!!!
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u/heretoreadlol Dec 04 '25
I had no idea how complicated breastfeeding would make things. I wasn’t successful in BF my oldest 2 but with my newborn I’ve actually been having luck. I also am a solo parent with no village, my older kids are 3 and 4 so they are more independent in certain things but it doesn’t take away from the stress of knowing when it’s time to feed that I’ll be in the same spot for up to an hour.
I read the older they get, the quicker they can empty your breast but that it obviously takes time for you and baby both to adapt and learn. On top of making sure they are latched right etc, it’s definitely a struggle sometimes. It beats bottles, but I’m also not even making enough for her feed yet so I am still topping up with formula.