Breastfeeding should be encouraged but not at the expense of the relationship of mother and child. 12 years ago I had my first, I tried to breastfeed for 3.5 weeks, distressed baby, distressed mother. I saw Lactations consultants in my home and there home, early childhood nurses. My technique was right I had enough milk blah blah blah. With severe depression I went to my GP 1.5 hrs drive away and was told to put her on formula and me on anti depressants. Two years later my milk finally dried up naturally.
Foward 8 years and I had my second child, wanted to try again, I was aware of PND had a great support network. Finally my problem was revealed, I had fibrous nipples. My children will never feel comfortable. Tried nipples shields but in the end opted for expressing and feeding from a bottle the expressed milk. I could hand express and fill a bottle in 5 minutes. So here we are no. 3 is due in Sept. I am more aware and more relaxed about it now. I have my pump and my bottle ready. I will not be made to feel like a failure. I applaud women that 'can do it', but please dont inflict your opinions so harshly on mothers just trying to do there best as well. We all love our children but some have abilities that others lack. We are all dont foregt only human.
Helen