If you didn't enjoy nursing....

[omgpwnies]

Okay, I'll admit it. I hated nursing so much. 

I've never liked to be touched, really. I don't know if it's sensory, or what, but like, something/someone touching my boobs, even during sex, just does. not. feel. good. Also, I get "touched out" REALLY easily.

Combine that, and nursing DS made me want to scream and cry. I fought through it for about six weeks, then pumped, then formula fed. 
 

I guess my question is, would you have another baby if you HATED nursing? Is it irresponsible to want another kid that I won't suck it up and take the irritation/squick/anxiety for?

 

[neonalee]

I don't hate nursing, I don't love nursing. I kinda feel like babies should be nursed, BUT I don't think nursing should be a requirement. If you can & do provide a safe loving environment, nursing shouldn't be a deal breaker. I do think we should all nurse as long as we can, but who am I to say how long that it's for you?

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[lkvosu]

No, it wouldn't be irresponsible.  It sounds like you would have guilt about though, and THAT isn't a good thing. If you want another child and can provide all the love, security, etc. that s/he would need, then I say go for it. Millions of children grow and thrive on formula alone.

But, I will say that if feeding your child breastmilk means a lot to you, you will be more prepared this time around to try to tackle your discomfort with it. Maybe talking to a some kind of professional? I'm not sure if pain was an issue for you, but it was for me. I almost stopped nursing because of it (and because, like you, I'm not a touchy person. I was always so uncomfortable and anxious at first). Most of that went aways by 2 -3 months...maybe it might for you next time.  Also, you could always try pumping again but this time preparing yourself well for it. I don't know why pumping didn't work for you the first time, but maybe setting your mind to it really early on in your pregnancy might increase your chances of sticking with it.

With that said...if you don't want to nurse and you feel like you've exhausted all avenues that might change your mind, then please don't lose any sleep over it. I don't love nursing either, so I know where you're coming from.

[SubliminalDarkness]

I think it's a personal thing. For me, I wouldn't have a child if I wasn't able/willing to breastfeed. After I had DS2 and nursing was hell, it took me until he was nearly 2 to even be willing to consider having another baby. I feel that breastfeeding is really important, but I was so miserable doing it that it took that long to be able to fathom doing it all over again. 

[poorlittlefish]

I would.  Although, I would at least pump until the baby was 3 months old or so so that they can get some benefits.  Would you consider exclusively pumping?  If not, I still don't think that it is mandatory, a loving home is much more important in the long run, IMO.

[kathymuggle]

Originally Posted by poorlittlefish 

I would.  Although, I would at least pump until the baby was 3 months old or so so that they can get some benefits.  Would you consider exclusively pumping?  If not, I still don't think that it is mandatory, a loving home is much more important in the long run, IMO.

This.

I would also consider breastfeeding on a bit of a scheduel.  I know that is not the normal advice - but if it keeps you from feeling touched out it may be worth it.

My oldest nursed all the time - but he was a lazy sort of guy and nursed for comfort.  I was one big pacifier.  I did indeed get "touched out".

My DD's nursed every 2 hours as newborns for 20-30 minutes.  They nursed more during a few periods, but much less than my son and it was easier to deal with.