Oh Debbie! I hear you sweety, I truly do!! Even tho I supposedly have been there done that before with DD#1, I still told my DD#2 to 'shut up' the other morning when I was desperately tired and trying to get that elusive shut eye - thank goodness DH was there to push me back down into bed so I just sobbed into my pillow......

re: sore bb's - again, oh honey!! Sending you mental air cuddles right now! :hugs: What helped me cope (and still cope every so often as one nipple just refuses to get better, grrrrr) is expressing for 10-15mins per side before the feed and then giving little one the bottle. I was amazed at the mental relief I felt knowing that I wasn't about to face pain just to feed the munchkin. It can be a pain to sterilise everything etc but it was worth the pain free feedings. Plus DH could get involved and I could take a mental break.
The other week when I was sick, I expressed before a couple of feeds and then either DH or his mum (who was our live in nurse ) gave DD#2 100mls of ebm and then if it looked like she needed it, which she's a guts so did, they topped her up with 20mls of formula. We consulted with the hospital as to how much to give her. I must admit I struggled with the prospect of giving formula, thought I was being a bad mummy not doing full breast milk, but got over myself and realised you have to do what is best for you and baby......and am so glad I did!!
The midwife also suggested that I slept through the night and then either expressed extra during the following day or added a feed in to ensure my bb's didn't get blocked from missing a feed.
When I went to pick DH up from the hospital, I was driving home in tears telling him that I feel as though I am done with the whole bf thing ... I felt like my head was about to explode! I guess I know that this is a phase as Naomi54 said but when you're in the thick of it, it feels like it will never end! The one thing that is getting me through it is that I can look back and see that I got through it the first time so maybe I can do it again......................one day at a time.

I don't know if any of that is helpful to you but if you can somehow give your bb's a break, it is very beneficial to the brain! And you do what you need to to enjoy this journey honey ok??

And yes, you kinda want to throw daggers at those you complain that they are tired............................like you want to say, seriously, do not talk to me right now because you have absolutely nooooooooooo idea!!!!!

Thinking of you too Naomi54 - I am glad you got that hug when you did. Sending you mental cuddles as well lovely!

In fact, one big massive to all of you precious girls, I am so glad we have this outlet!