Hi Mummies, sorry to intrude in all your conversation but I really need an outlet to express my thoughts.. I'm mainly a silent reader but I need some opinions and advice from you girls..
I have 2 girls - #1 is 18 months and #2 is 8 weeks old. I only partially bf #1 for 4 months as I wasn't well-informed and prepared for bf-ing then, and had always felt very guilty about it. Thus, I made a resolution that I am going to try all means to exclusively bf #2 for at least 6 mths.
#2 came, and I was armed with all the necessary bf-ing info and supplements, and followed all the knowledge I had gathered religiously. I fed every 2-3h/whenever the baby demands it, which resulted in my literally carrying #2 with marathon feedings. I persisted with feeding her by the breast despite my hubby telling me to put her down and give her FM.
It was not easy, but yes, I am now exclusively bf-ing #2. Afterall, I want to give her the best food that I can, as she has a hole in her heart, and I read that breastmilk can help to make the heart work better.
But bf-ing has resulted in a host of problems for me and my family.
1) Baby can only sleep when being held
I know that babies are only so small once and they will never be spoilt if their needs are being responded to promptly under the age of 6 mths, but this is seriously taxing. My hubby blamed me for the marathon feeding/carrying sessions that resulted in this.
To overcome this problem, I resorted to using the automatic yaolan but now I am ruled by the fear of her getting used to rocking to sleep and that our backs will break rocking her to slp in a sling outside.
2) Baby refuses bottles
Hubby has told me to introduce bottles at 2 weeks, but I resisted and only gave in at 6 weeks, after my milk supply is established. But she will scream murder whenever we shove the bottle into her mouth. We have tried all ways as recommended by google, but to no avail.
This is very bad as I have to go for some work-related interview in my company before I return from my maternity leave in early Sept and I can't see this being possible anytime soon. And with her refusing the bottle, I don't see how I can even return to work!
3) Baby very attached to me
I am the only one that can feed/soothe/please her as she is now so used to me. I can't even go toilet or eat in peace. Of course, bf-ing is again being blamed for this.
4) #1 is very jealous of #2 as I don't have time for her anymore
#1 and I used to be very close, but things have changed since #2 arrived as my main task was to bf. As a result, #1 will hit #2 whenever she sees her. I really don't know how to deal with a high-need toddler with a high-need baby, and this is deeply upsetting for me.
---
With all these issues, I really regret having a second kid sometimes. By wanting to give my child the best, I invited all these problems. I really don't know how to go on.
.
