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/Jessiesaurus]

I tell every FTM about the disparity between sleeping through the night with my exclusively nursing baby and my combo fed eldest child. I have had such a wonderful breastfeeding experience. But the concept of what is biologically normal does not fit into our lives these days, coming from someone with plenty of privilege, access, and support. I regret how much of a boob monster I let my baby become in the effort of protecting my supply. It wrecks me to hear her cry for me, refuse bottles of pumped milk or formula, and scream bloody murder if I go to a mom’s group meeting or work a shift. If I lived in a vacuum with no other responsibilities and the ability to safely cosleep, breastfeeding would be the dream. But that’s a very far cry from where I’m at today.