You did your best to make it work. It doesn't work for every mother/baby and it's no one's fault. Some babies prefer the bottle over the breast - it's less work. Others prefer the flavor of formula. Who knows - they can't tell us.
You tried long past when most women would have given up. Very few women would have tried once they got a major sore on their breast or developed mastitis as it is so painful. But you tried to work through the pain because you cared for Gwen so much. But it hasn't worked out.
What you are doing right now it the best you can for Gwen. Eating shouldn't be a traumatic experience for her. It should be pleasurable. She should also enjoy the close contact with you. And if the two of you are constantly struggling over the breastfeeding thing, that may not be happening.
Don't look at this as a failure. Look at this as putting the needs of your daughter over the peer pressure of the collective "they" as "they" try to tell you how to be a good mother. You seem to be doing a damn fine job of it just as you are.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2011-12-11 04:57 pm (UTC)You tried long past when most women would have given up. Very few women would have tried once they got a major sore on their breast or developed mastitis as it is so painful. But you tried to work through the pain because you cared for Gwen so much. But it hasn't worked out.
What you are doing right now it the best you can for Gwen. Eating shouldn't be a traumatic experience for her. It should be pleasurable. She should also enjoy the close contact with you. And if the two of you are constantly struggling over the breastfeeding thing, that may not be happening.
Don't look at this as a failure. Look at this as putting the needs of your daughter over the peer pressure of the collective "they" as "they" try to tell you how to be a good mother. You seem to be doing a damn fine job of it just as you are.
S