Can you talk me into breastfeeding

I didn't BF with DD#1 , then I regretted not trying it. I really want to try with this baby. This sounds so extremely selfish of me but the more I look into and read about it, it just seems that it would be a huge inconvenience. Here are my hesitations:

- BF babies need to be fed more often, so I would feel bad for DD, that's more time taken away from her.
- The nursing covers seem like a huge annoyance (I am out of the house a lot so plan on using them a lot)
- The expense of having to purchase everything and then BF doesn't work out and I wasted money


I feel like I made the wrong choice by not BF with DD and now being inexperienced and having 2 kids.

Adivce? TIA

Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

In all honesty no one can talk you into breastfeeding. It has to be a decision that you have comitted to.

BF for me was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. And I only BF from the boob for 5 weeks cause i was in pain, never got off the couch, and DS just didn't want to latch. I moved on to pumping and almost EP for six months now.

I wouldn't say pumping is any easier especially if you are out of the house a lot. But it was the choice that made me feel better cuase I was determined to BF my DS.

I really think you have to really want to BF in order to beat all the obstacles you could encounter.

Sorry I am not much help but I wanted to be honest about BF. I thought it was gonna be easier and natural than it was.

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If you need to be talked into it, chances are you won't be successful. Sorry that's so blunt, but it's truly how I feel.

BFing is a huge commitment, but so worthwhile once you both "get it".

I EBF all 3 of mine to at least a year and none of the older siblings ever felt like they were losing out. I was right there and actually more accessable to them because I would sit on the floor with pillows to nurse the baby in the beginning.

As for using nursing covers and being out and about, until I got comfortable, I had to change my lifestyle. It was a sacrafice but one that I was willing to make.

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Wanted to add: there is really no investment in the beginning. No need to buy a pump as it's really not recommended those first few weeks. The only thing I used were the breastpads and Lansinoh ointment and I got those in the hospital.

I didn't use a nursing cover until a bit later since I didn't take them out long enough to need to nurse. A blanket works just fine.

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I can't help about taking time away from DD. I only have one and I do think about how it will be EBFing #2 someday. It was hard at first and time consuming, but somewhere along the line it became like second-nature and DD became a very quick nurser, so it's really no big time commitment at all. She takes longer to drink a bottle. I used to think it was inconvenient, but when DD gets up in at 4 am and wants to eat. I don't have to run to the kitchen and make/heat up a bottle. I just whip it out (for a lack of a better term) and she's back to sleep in 5-10 mins. When we go out, I never have to worry about forgetting bottles or how I'll warm them up.

I use my nursing cover all the time and never find it to be an annoyance. DD is fine underneath it and I love that I can nurse her without worrying if something is showing. If we're going somewhere that I think I might feel uncomfortable nursing in front of people, even with the cover, I'll bring a pumped bottle.

As for expense, I really don't think there's much of an expense. I think we would've spent much more on formula by now than we did on the pump. I looked into renting one but honestly, owning my own was cheaper in the long run. As for the rest of the supplies: I just have one starter set of bottles and freezer bags. That's it. I bought nursing pads in the beginning, then I switched to the washable kind and now I don't need pads at all.

In the end, you have to do what you feel is right. You can always try and if it doesn't work out, then at least you can say your tried, right?


ETA: I waited a few weeks to buy my pump. I wanted to make sure I'd stick to it.

Message edited 8/13/2011 7:31:32 PM.

Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

I agree with pp, there is NO expense to BF. You'll just need Lansinoh cream and pads. You can pick up both for less than $10...... I would NOT buy a pump unless you need one. I had one and almost never used it. It's just not necessary unless you're going back to work. You can always buy a manual pump and use that. They're very inexpensive.

As far as the time commitment, yes, BF babies tend to nurse more often, but maybe by only 1 or 2 feedings a day.... You can nurse while lying in bed and you can also carry your baby around and nurse while chasing after your other DC.

Your milk is always ready to go and there's no need to make bottles. No cleaning either! I personally never used a nursing cover, I just practiced how to nurse discretely in front of a mirror and it was never a problem. It's not a bother at all!

I'm going to say this though.... if you're not 100% into committing to at least the first 6 weeks, you most likely won't have success. Get through 6 weeks, then aim for 3 months, 6 months, and so on.... I set those goals as well and little by little, I found it to be sooooo easy! DS is 22 months and I'm STILL nursing him!

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This is my 1st, so I can't compare, but I will say I thought bfing was so convenient in the beginning bc I didn't have to worry about bottles, sterilizing, heating them @ 3am...I'm always ready when she wants to eat! I would imagine going out is even easier when bfing bc you don't have to plan ahead with bottles! Also, you could use the time bfing to sit with your other dd & read a book. Dd is 9 weeks, and I rarely have to hold my boob for her anymore, giving me a free hand! Im replying to this on my iPhone as I bf...something I couldn't do if holding a bottle!! The expenses in the beginning might be more, but you will save a ton of $$ on formula!! I read The Womenly Art of BFing, and found it very helpful & encouraging! ( it pushes for a natural birth, but I had a csection and no probs getting dd to latch, so you can skip that part if it's not your thing). Oh, and there are not only health benefits for dd, but for you as well (like much lower risk if breast & ovarian cancer). Hope I was convincing! Good luck no matter what you decide!

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I agree with PP, BFing is not something we can convince you to do.

I EBF DS until 15 months. I am into month #5 of EBF the twins.

DS is 3 now and has never shown an ounce of jealousy when it comes time to feeding 1 or both of the girls. He understands they need to eat just like him.

The first few weeks while the girls and I were both still getting the hang of things we spent a lot of time at home. Now, we are constantly on the go.

I have no shame nursing in public. I wear nursing tanks under every shirt so I don't need a cover or blanket and am able to be very discreet. Just the other day someone said to me (after I finished nursing one) "I didn't even realize you were feeding her, wow you are good".

The twins have been much harder than DS ever was, but that's because its twice the work. I think the pros in BFing far outweigh the cons. I just think of all the money we've saved on formula, and how I never have to make/wash bottles and that alone puts a smile on my face.

I also like to believe BFing was a contributing factor in DS making it till age 3 before ever being put on antibiotics for a sickness.

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Breast is truly best. It is specific fats, proteins, and nutrients for a human baby whereas formula contains milk that has specific fats, proteins and nutrients for baby cows. There is no question which would be healthier for a new human baby. Furthermore, since breast is best, I believe that you owe it to both your newborn and your older child to do the best thing by both of them. Even if you didn't BF #1, it is an incredible lesson to model to your children that you can evolve into a stronger mother who makes better decisions and incorporates new information as it becomes available. I know this may seem like a harsh, insensitve position, but it is one that I firmly believe in. Happy Mama=Happy Baby....but that argument only goes so far with me, especially when long term health and well being are at stake. I don't like to hear people say....'my 5 year old was FF and is fine'... It's way too early to see the ramifications of this mother's choice. Sometimes we don't see it until the senior years...but it DOES matter. Parenthood requires profound sacrifices...and BFing is one that I find non-negotiable. Sorry for my diatribe. Best of luck to you in your decision though. Oh and....you don't need to buy anything to BF. It's also the cheapest feeding method. Nursing covers aren't necessary. You can use a receiving blanket if you want to cover up. : )

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and what a diatribe it was (cringes)

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While some might think Grill she's 100% right. As a mother I would do anything for my DS and this was one of them.

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Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

as a huge BF proponent I will just say breast is best...to a degree. If you are doing it to just go through the motions you may have resentment about BF. You have to want to do it. If you could even do 1 day to give your child the colostrum then that is great....do what you can.
Breast is not always the right choice for everyone. Not everyone can do, not everyone wants to do it, and although there are a lot of immunological properties that make BM amazing, formula does a pretty good job. Just b/c a child was BF, it doesn't mean they will be smarter, less illness, etc. A mother's diet is what makes BM good or poor quality.
So although I promote BF over formula feeding, I am not so naive to think that it is the only way to feed and bond with your child. DO what YOU want....not others!

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Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

Like someone else said, I don't think you can be talked into it. I wasn't overly pro-BFing when I went into it, and I think that's why it worked. I figured, I'll try it and if it works, great, if not, no big deal. The first two weeks were terrible, after that it was a breeze. I didn't feel like I was nursing all the time, yes, she nursed often, but NBs feed often so I think it's par for the course. She was a great sleeper, 7 hours by 6 weeks so it wasn't a sacrifice sleep-wise for me either. I didn't have to prep bottles, I didn't need a pump, but I bought one and used it anyway, and I didn't have a nursing cover until she was 8-9 months old. In the beginning I would nurse in the car, in a dressing room, even in a bathroom if we were out because I was self-conscious. But I grew out of that and used the cover, which I found very discreet and comfortable even as she grew and was a year old. Anyway, I BFd until DD was almost 15 months and it was one of the most rewarding and selfless things I'd ever done.

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Message edited 8/13/2011 11:46:38 PM.

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Message edited 8/13/2011 9:25:49 PM.

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Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

- BF and FF babies get fed the same amount of times - every 2-3 hours.

- I never used a nursing cover. I just tossed a receiving blanket over us.

- Other than a pump, there's nothing to really buy for BFing. It's one of the perks - all you really need are boobs.

eta: It IS a commitment, but nothing a BTDT mom can't handle. It's hard, but so are many other aspects of taking care of a baby. You CAN do it, and IMO it's totally worth it!

If you go for it and it doesn't work, you can tell yourself that you tried. If you don't, you'll always wonder.

Message edited 8/13/2011 9:26:21 PM.

Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

Many have laid out the logistical benefits to Bfing - but I just want to add how incredible it feels (for me) to know that I am fulfilling DS' nutritional needs. I feel so close to him - seeing as we spend every feeding looking into each other's eyes, or me singing to him. I do these things when I feed him from a bottle, but it's somehow different when he's nursing. I've found it to be a very emotional and personally gratifying experience.

DS is just 11 weeks and has nearly doubled from his healthy birth weight of 8.5lbs - he's a chunky monkey! It gives me great satisfaction and pride to know that I am able to provide all that he needs for sustained growth.

Re: Can you talk me into breastfeeding

If you don't truly want to do it, you won't be successful. Breastfeeding is a lot of work, especially in the beginning, and you need to be 100% committed to it.
That being said, I'm breastfeeding DD2 with 2.5 year old twins. I don't feel it takes any time away from them, no more than mixing formula, preparing a bottle, washing a bottle, etc. would take.
I love my nursing cover. If you go that route, get a real nursing cover like bebe au lait or peanut shell, don't use a blanket, they are a PITA.
Expenses? Not sure what expenses you're referring to. Besides the cover, I haven't had any expenses. Are you talking about a pump? IF you work away from the home, you'll need one. But you can rent one for a few weeks to see if things work out.

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Breastfeeding is FREE. All you need is your boobies and baby! You canbuy all the pillows and lotions etc etc etc, but you do not need it. Our parents did w/o it all.

I have to say at first I was nervous about it, however I can tell you I loved it so much. I breastfed 2 of my children for about 13 months. Just give it a shot. Good luck!!