Breast feeding

Anyone not planning on doing it? I don't know if this is a controversial question... If it is I will take this down!


I completely understand the benifits, I am just unsure if it is something I can mentally and phyically do. Especially since I don't get much time off work and wouldn't be able to pump during the day once I go back. Just curious if I am the only one on the fence

Thanks in advance!

Re: Breast feeding

It's quite the controversial issue with many people. However, I feel it is totally up to the person and we should not judge anyone for what they choose to do.

I decided not to BF my DS when he was born for many reasons. It turned out that he was rejected formula due to a stomach infection and I suggested I try to give him breast milk to see if that would work before they tried specialized formula. I don't know if it just happened to be the right time or if it did help, but he took to it slowly. I pumped for about 5 weeks and then he totally rejected the breast milk. During that time I did supplement with formula because I just did not produce enough milk. (My son was very big.) With my soon to be born DD, I have no clue what I am going to do - I should probably do so since I'm due in a month! I think the plan will be to pump and supplement with formula.

It's certainly not an easy decision and you should do what you are comfortable with.

Re: Breast feeding

I am, but you have to do what works best for you and your family. There are lots of ladies who chose not too. I only work part time so it was doable for me. If I was ft it wouldn't be possible. I was never able to pump much.

Re: Breast feeding

DD wouldn't BF so I pumped for a month, but she always threw up breast milk. If this baby will BF I'll do it, but if he/she won't or they have the same spit up reaction, I'll just stick with the formula.

Re: Breast feeding

it CAN be a controversial question (especially on LIF, lol) but I never understood why. Some women want to BF and they do, some women want to but can't and some don't want to so they don't . It's really no one's business or a decision but yours.
I BF my DD, but now knowing how hard it was phisically and mentally I am thinking of not doing it with this one, but then again if I produce as much milk as I did with my DD I would feel bad for it to go to waste (I had enough for 3 kids let alone one ) KNWIM?
No one BF in my family -my mom, my sister, my cousins.... not one person, but no one thought anything of it,but in this country it seems to be a big "issue".
It's a personal decision and whatever you decide to do is your business, don't let anyone make you feel like you are doing something wrong if you decide not to BF.

Message edited 3/11/2012 9:48:09 PM.

Re: Breast feeding

Thanks for all your kind responses. I had a feeling it may be controversial but wasn't sure. I appreciate all the honest replies! I'm still reading up on the subject, so I'm still figuring out my options. Will let you know how I make out!

Thanks again!!

Re: Breast feeding

I choose to BF my DS and was able to do it for 6 months. It was very hard in the beginning, but once we both go the hang of things, it was wonderful. For me personally, I knew it was the best for him. So that is what drove me to keep going, even when I wanted to stop in the beginning. Then I realized how wonderful and easy it was after a while.
I plan on BF again with this baby.

It is your personal desicion what you want to do. If someone is on the fence about BF, I always tell them to at least try it. If it doesn't work out, then you quit.

Message edited 3/11/2012 11:51:07 PM.

Re: Breast feeding

I always said I wouldn't breast feed. It just didn't seen like something I'd ever wanna do.

Then I got pregnant.

I started reading more and more about the benefits of breast feeding. I know that the first 2 weeks are gonna be rough, and I am going to wanna quit....but I am totally gonna try and make it work.

Re: Breast feeding

I was on the fence. When DS was born I said I would give it a shot. I did and he wasn't into it and I didn't push it. So he is now formula fed and I can't see doing it any other way ( for me). I knew even if I did BF it would get difficult since I went back to work at 8 weeks and wouldn't be able to pump a lot during work

You have to do what works for you. There is no wrong or bad way.

Re: Breast feeding

I'm not BF just a personal decision for me

Re: Breast feeding

It's a personal choice an no one should judge you! I bf dd for 6 weeks it was really hard. She had latch issues, so I pumped but my supply wasnt good, than I had tonsillitis and had to go on antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. During that time I had to pump and dump. I put her on formula and she seemed happier and my supply really took a hit. Eventually it was next to nothing so I quit. A few weeks later dd developed colic and acid reflux and I had a lot of guilt that if she was bf she wouldn't be throwing up all the time. It didn't help that her pediatrician at the time scolded me for stopping. This time I plan to bf again I'm more relaxed. If it doesn't work out I'll be ok too. My dd is 18 months old and she is happy and smart as can be so I think formula did a good job!

Re: Breast feeding

I am going to try my hardest but it just doesn't work out sometimes for some moms and I won't beat myself over it. And you shouldn't feel judged either.

I would however, read up on it. I feel more determined and prepared to make it work after reading about it/watching videos etc. I'm going to try to take a class too.

Re: Breast feeding

This is such a personal decision NO ONE should turn this into drama!

I felt this way with my first, no desire to BF what so ever. With my 2nd I wanted to just pump, but with an almost 4 year old to care for it seemed impossible to keep up and after a couple weeks I started giving formula. This is #3 and will be my last and I feel compelled to breast feed this time. Just because its my last baby and I feel its something I want to experience. Its totally your decision and don't let anyone make you feel badly for it. For me formula feeding my first 2 was the right choice for me and now I feel like breast feeding is the right choice for me. You have to make the choice that's right for you.

Re: Breast feeding

I really wanted to breast feed; however my baby came 2 weeks early and she was big and ended in a c-section (8.4lbs, 21 inches) My milk never came in, I had two visits from a BF specialist and nothing! My is on formula and doing great. I was going to strictly BF and didn't even have any bottles. It just shows you sometimes you have no control and just have to do the best you can. Looking back formula is the best choice for me. I commute to the city every day and the stress of finding somewhere to pump would have put me over the edge. Whatever you deciede to do has to work for you and your family. Good luck!

Message edited 3/12/2012 2:23:24 PM.