When breastfeeding doesn't work it really hurts. Not because "they tell us we should" or "they make us feel guilty" but because in our heart we know breastfeeding is a special, shortlived and important connection with your child. I can understand how you feel. I don't know the details of our breastfeeding, but it's only normal to be apprehensive.
Breastfeeding works. It works for nearly for almost every mother and baby. And if it doesn't (and yes, stuff can go wrong with mothers or babies.) then most mothers rest more easily if they have an explanation.
When I go to parties or read articles on line of mothers who "couldn't breastfeed" the overall feeling I get is "You could have if you'd gotten the right information at the right time" When I read the catalogue of problems I thinking "that could have been fixed/managed/solved" But of course that is a lot harder in the pressure cooker that is the first weeks post partum than it is in the cold light of day.
There is a system in breastfeeding. The same basic principles apply (even though situations may be different) You can learn those principles and it makes it easier. I have to say, in my experience, mothers who "just see how it goes next time" don't succeed as often or as well as mothers who are proactive and find out what went wrong and take steps to address it. ABA counsellors are life-savers and many of us would not have gotten by without them. Perhaps a one to one session with an LC would work better for you? Now would be a good time to debrief. Many ABA groups run a "Take 2" class.
Good luck - you can pm me and we can talk further if you want
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