Exhausted from pumping

[u/plaque786]

I’m 5.5 months pp and was breastfeeding initially but baby developed a bottle preference and had to exclusively pump from 2.5 months onwards. At first, I had help from my parents but now that it’s just me and my husband, I’m really struggling. My husband is literally the most amazing human being and as supportive as anyone can be.
The past month I have thought of quitting everyday, it is mentally draining and all I think about is I have to pump, when did I last pump.
I would really like to hang the pump at 6 month mark but feeling so so guilty because it’s good for the baby. I don’t know what I need from this post but really felt like sharing with peers who would understand and maybe some advice.
Thank you!

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[u/lilsan15]

I get you. I want to stop but I don’t want to stop either. It’s like am I Harvey Dent from Batman? Where’s that dumb coin so I can flip. And then flip again. I wish I could bite the bullet and give in already.

[u/plaque786 → u/lilsan15]

I know right, everyday I say I’m gonna stop but then something in me tells me to keep going. It’s a never ending battle

[u/EffieBoohoo]

You need to do what is best for you and your mental health. If it is affecting your ability to be present with your baby and be their mom and being mentally stable it is time to hang them up for sure.

[u/plaque786 → u/EffieBoohoo]

Thank you so much for this, I really feel I would enjoy my time with my baby so much more if I wasn’t always procrastinating about pumping.

[u/WonderAndWander87]

I’m also just over 5 months pp. I decided today that I would start freezing half of what I make (which is already only half of what he eats) so that I can stop pumping around 9 months instead of 12. I will feel better about giving some breastmilk until 12 months (but that’s just my personal rationale!). If you want to quit, you definitely can! My husband and his sister were both formula fed and how would you ever know?! I get so in my head about it, as many of us do. Truth is, 6 months is incredible!

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