(no subject)

[geminigirl]

So, we all know we're having issues here. Don't need to get into that. What I'm trying to figure out is how I know when to stop. I feel kind of guilty that I'm thinking about stopping when I have people pumping for me, and I'd like her to get some breastmilk for another four or so months-until she's about six months old, and I don't know how long other people are willing or able to keep pumping for her.

But I also know it's not financially nor emotionally feasible to continue the crazy supplements/medication/pumping/SNS. I know that it's more important than any breast milk that I develop a positive relationship with Naomi about eating and food and feeding, because that will carry on well beyond this stage of her life.

I'm trying to figure out when it's okay to stop. When it would be okay not only for me, but for the people who are kind and thoughtful enough to pump for her so she gets more breastmilk than the few ounces a day she gets from me. I don't know how long my milk will last-this may be entirely inconsequential.

So if you were pumping for someone else in addition to feeding your own baby, not a full supply but five or so ounces a day, what would you say about stopping to the Mom who was getting your milk? Would you be okay with it if she stopped trying? When would that become okay?

Comments

[fj.livejournal.com]

Your daughter comes first. If continuing to pump makes you a worse parent and stifles your relationship, you stop pumping. You may want to explain that to the volunteer, but that is secondary.

Also, you may know that I have ten nieces and nephews, and that my father has a girlfriend who has two children. I mentioned your plight in conversation and my sister-in-law and my not-stepmom both piped up: 1) They knew how you felt since they had been there, the sense of failure (not-stepmom felt extra bad, like you, because she had had multiple miscarriages so she felt a total failure at this mother thing) 2) Bottle fed kids actually live and thrive -- give yourself a break.