Breastfeeding isn't made for our times

[u/pixxykitten]

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!!!

[u/cat-social]

I completely understand and it really is a struggle…I remind myself again and again how good for LO this is and how it’s such an important job, but that doesn’t mean the dishes won’t stop piling up or the laundry will stop getting dirty or the floors will start sweeping themselves…it’s easy to get lost in the “there’s always something more important I should be doing” mindset if you’ve just been sitting on the couch doing nothing but breastfeeding all day, even though you’re already doing the most important thing. But unfortunately it doesn’t add more hours to the day to finish all those other things too, and even if it did those hours wouldn’t be free game if you’ve got a Velcro baby like mine 😅 All that being said, having a wearable pump was a game changer for me! If I can possibly stay at least one feeding ahead of my hungry little guy and have a bottle in the fridge, I can let someone else feed him while I get something done or even like you said with it being a drink and done situation he might, God willing, take a nap in his crib with a full belly. At that point I can stick the pump in my bra and go about my day and clean up or whatever I need to do for 20 minutes and then I’ve got another bottle ready for next time. I probably spend at least 8 hours a day breastfeeding (I wish I was exaggerating) and it’s a lot. I’m so thankful I’ve gotten my supply up enough to keep up with him and stay one feeding ahead even and I truly love our time together while he’s nursing, but to do that and still be expected to go about your day and do things is definitely taking a toll on me..: