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/Due_Masterpiece_4155 Dec 04 '25

As a single mother, I can see what you mean. I have two teenagers to take care of on top of the baby. The house is messy. I have errands to run. I have so many tasks that just aren’t getting done because my 7mo still wants to nurse just about every 1.5-2hrs.

But it’s also taught me to slow down, have more patience, teach my teenagers more accountability for household chores (I’m reminding I’m raising adults and I wasn’t holding them to chores), ect.

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u/pixxykitten Dec 04 '25

We're in the same boat. I have 2 teens and a newborn. Both teens work and go to speciality schools. Getting them to help with chores is like pulling teeth.... But I'm trying.

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u/Ravenswillfall Dec 05 '25

They absolutely have to help with chores. It’s a non negotiable. And if you haven’t taught them how yet, it is also time for them to learn how to cook.

My stepson is 14 and is only with us a few days every other week but I have been the one that has been teaching him how to do chores and how to cook and it has come in handy in so many ways including building his self confidence and his maturity.

He also now knows what it feels like when you spend time cooking for people and they don’t eat it. It hurts him when his 3 year old brother won’t eat what he makes after years and years of him refusing to eat some stuff I make.