[Hopingfor1soon]

I am still battling this decision...to breastfeed or not...
Obviously its what they say is best for baby, and its free. And this is what DH wants because its what his mom did.
However, my family is very uncomfortable with it and we see them 2-3 times a week vs. 2-3 times a year for DHs family. I am also worried about time with breastfeeding. We both do and will work full time still once the baby is here and after work we are on the go most nights during the week and then every weekend we usually have something going on...

I would like your honest opinions ladies? No judgement either way just your thoughts for your decision and how it might work with us?

Thanks!

[Oreobaby]

I am all for breast feeding...so much so that even though Rayanne could not get a proper latch, I have been pumping and feeding it to her through a bottle.

My suggestion to you...if you want the advantage of if being free, I would consider pumping and feeding through a bottle when you are out, or around your family or instances where it may be uncomfortable breast feeding...you can also make the choice to breast feed with formula feeding when you are out and about. It also give DH a chance to be able to feed the baby.

Whichever you decide, I have known babies that were breast fed, and babies that were formula fed, and they are all amazing babies. Most formula's have all the things that they need to be healthy. The main difference is they don't get the advantage of having your antibodies. One thing that I have noticed is that formula fed babies do tend to get sick more often in the first year than breast fed babies. But that could just be a coincidence.

[hoping and waiting]

Originally Posted by Oreobaby

I am all for breast feeding...so much so that even though Rayanne could not get a proper latch, I have been pumping and feeding it to her through a bottle.

My suggestion to you...if you want the advantage of if being free, I would consider pumping and feeding through a bottle when you are out, or around your family or instances where it may be uncomfortable breast feeding...you can also make the choice to breast feed with formula feeding when you are out and about. It also give DH a chance to be able to feed the baby.

Whichever you decide, I have known babies that were breast fed, and babies that were formula fed, and they are all amazing babies. Most formula's have all the things that they need to be healthy. The main difference is they don't get the advantage of having your antibodies. One thing that I have noticed is that formula fed babies do tend to get sick more often in the first year than breast fed babies. But that could just be a coincidence.

You said it exactly the way I would have! I breastfeed Annabelle for all the reasons above and can say that when we are around family and friends, I either feed her a pumped bottle if I have one, or make her a formula bottle and pump later. Yes, breastfeeding does take a lot of time but I think it's worth it. I think my mom was a little uncomfortable with BF'ing too, but in the end I felt it wasn't her baby or her decision to make. She bottle fed all of us. Good luck with your decision. I'm sure that whatever you choose will be right for you and your baby.

[karenwalter]

Maybe your family's uncomfortable with BFing because they're not used to it. Once the baby is here and they get used to you BFing they may feel differently. Alot of people FF during my mom's generation and those that did BF only did for 6 months. But when I told my family all the recommendations for BFing until at least 1 year, they became alot more supportive. Maybe yours will too if it's something you really want to do.

Your lifestyle may change too while transitioning to a new baby so you may not be going out as much. But, alot of people do choose to BF and then FF or pump while on the go.

There are alot of benefits to BFing even if it's for a short amount of time so you can always try and if it doesn't work out, then switch to formula. Or BFeed just until you go back to work.

Ultimently the decision is yours and you should do what you feel is right for your family.

[xanada101]

I am all for breastfeeding. I always saw it as a "functional" thing... as you do... it is free and it's healthier for baby. I NEVER thought I would enjoy it. What I mean by enjoy it is the incredible bonding/alone time I had with my daughter. It was such a beautiful thing.

It is difficult when you are around people that are uncomfortable with it. Sometimes when I just wasn't comfortable with a cover, I would go into another, private room. Sometimes people wouldn't even know what I was doing. I just said that I was going to go change her and try to get her settled down. That being said, the breast pump came in handy many times AND if that doesn't work you can supplement with formula when you know you may be uncomfortable. I also worked full time and still BF. I just pumped.

I personally, would never give up that experience, however you have to do what works for you.

[LuvsPecanPie]

I have decided I'm going to breastfeed, because I just think it's overall healthier for the baby. On the other hand, DH was breastfed, I was formula fed, and I've been a ton healthier than he has... So, who really knows

I agree with previous posters, try to pump if the idea of breastfeeding is uncomfortable for you or your family. I have heard that many insurance providers will pay for or cover part of the cost of a pump, so it may be worth it to look into that.

[fromustobaby]

You probably wont be as on the go as much once the baby arrives, not sure if it is possible...we used to be on the go a lot more, but priorities change...

As for breast feeding...I say do what is best for our baby, I mean seriously? Who cares if they aren't comfortable...its your child and you should do what is best for him...

I know for me, if the people aren't comfortable with the boob, I'll go in another room or wear a cover, but most people are mature enough to realize that I'm feeding a child not exposing myself to the world (not that anyone can see anything anyway)...usually, I just lift and feed...it is SOOO convenient!!

That being said, if you are away from your son all day, then you will probably dry up...so, maybe the easiest would be breast until you go back to work, then you can pump and supplement with formula, then eventually wean him onto formula...just so that he can get the breast benefits when he needs them the msot...

[Celry]

I'm on the go constantly. Have been since I got the all clear to lift the car seats at my 8 week PP check up. You can easily be on the go and BF. You can always try BFing and then switch to formula after a while. If you decide to do formula in the beginning and then regret that decision, it's a lot harder to get your body to relactate. Your baby will get a lot of health benefits by BFing even for a few weeks. Pumping at work is not easy! There are plenty of mothers who BF their baby in the morning and after work and give formula during the day because their work place just isn't conducive to pumping.

Neither BFing or pumping is easy. They both take time in the beginning. BFing will help shrink your uterus, so even if you just do it during your maternity leave it will help you fit back into your old clothes much faster.

As far as your family being uncomfortable with it...who cares! It's not their decision, it is yours. If they are uncomfortable with you feeding your baby then they can leave the room. It's not like your boob has to be exposed to feed.

[downunderchick]

Im all for BF but Im also all for doing whats best for you and your family. You need to have a look at both and find out the risks and benefits of both, we are still BF and Im glad we stuck with it as the amount Ive learned is unbelievable. Why we dont learn this stuff in school I have no idea.

Both take time, formula, obviously prepping bottles washing sterilizing etc and BF in the early days requires lots of time just sitting and feeding specially whilst your supply is establishing, but that is normal and many people think they have supply issues and give up unecessarily. so it hellps to research and have realistic expectations

Its great your DH is supportive of you BF as having the right support is often make or break for some people! As for your family possibly not being supportive, thats really sad to hear.

Do you work FT from home? some people make pumping and working fulltime work for them although it may be more difficult than being able to be home with bubs. If you are out and about on wknds, BF is far more convenient.

Also another thought is some people combine formula and BF as Tonya said any breast milk has benefits. It doesnt have to be one or the other exclusively.

[JessMitch]

I plan to breastfeed, assuming this little girl will cooperate. I just think that breastfeeding is a natural thing you know? I know a lot of people do what their parents did so you might not feel its as important as your DH does... not saying that either of you are right or wrong but even though its technically 'your' decision, you should decide together you know? Maybe just try it out while you are at home with the baby, you never know... you may LOVE it! and like tonya said, you can always cover up or leave the room when your family is around.

[Etph007]

In addition to what the other ladies said, I think you'll notice (if you decide to BF) that your comfort level will change. You will become more and more comfortable. I 100% say give it a good try. It's definitely something you have to want and be dedicated to but I think the benefits and bonding will be your pay back. Best of luck to you

[MommaLee]

I just want to add that you never know what will happen. I suffered from a low supply, so I was never able to fully breastfeed. A girl in my ddc... her milk never came in so she had to ff feed.

Pumping really depends on your work environment too. It wasn't hard for me as I have an office and just shutt the door. It is work though. I just stopped pumping last week.

[Oreobaby]

Also, I should mention too, there are definitely days when I wish I could have BF because listening to a screaming baby while you are heating up a bottle is not fun...wish I could just have it there and ready all the time.

[KDD]

Alicia - I'm on the fence as well. Intellectually I know that it's best for the baby, but physically I can't imagine it. DH is all for it (of course it's not his boobs). I'm willing to try it out (and who knows, maybe I'll enjoy it), but if not we will be bottle feeding (either via pumping or formula). You need to make the best decision for you. Don't worry about what others will say or think.

[MommyPoky]

I say it never hurts to try, you can always change to Formula, but relactating is an uncertain process. I love breastfeeding, and can't imagine not doing it. I didn't think I would, I just planned on doing it for Josie's benefit. I think it's super convenient, I never have to bring bottles with me, or run out for formula in the middle of the night, or wash nipples, and I don't throw any away if josie just needs a quick snack. She did have a bad latch for a while, and we had to go to a lc twice to fix it, but it was worth it. I am not working though, and I don't really like pumping, so I can see how that would be a downside. Whatever combination of bm/formula ends up working for you, you should go with, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

[Micksbabe]

Alicia you need to do whatever you feel comfortable with. I was all for breastfeeding, wanted to do it for a year, I am still going to attempt to breastfeed any more children that I have. I made it 3.5 months and I lost my supply, I tried everything that I could to get my milk supply up (short of getting a prescription) finally couldn't deal with my poor baby being starving all the time and we switched to formula, she has been a totally different baby since!! I cried for days when I had to stop breastfeeding but I know that it was best for my girl and so I did it.

I have to say she hasn't been any sicker this year than my friends that breastfeed, actually she has only had one cold (we just got over it) and my friends daughter (who is EBF) has had a cold and baby bronchitis, so I think it all just depends on what kind of germs they are put in contact with.

If you are not comfortable breastfeeding then don't feel obligated to do it. Pumping takes a lot of time and effort, so if you want to give it a try then go for it, I wasn't willing to give up that time with my baby because I thought that the bonding time I could spend with her was more important to me than giving her breastmilk (this is JMO, everyone is different ).

I hope that you can figure out what you want to do. It is your body and just remember although breastfeeding is natural, it is hard work, it isn't like a baby pops out and it is automatic, there is lots of figuring out time, how to latch, how to hold etc. Good Luck with whatever you decide to do, you are going to be a GREAT MOM!!!!!

[MommaLee]

Originally Posted by Micksbabe

(short of getting a prescription)

I actually have the generic of Reglan but was too afraid to use it because I googled it and found that it can cause tardive diskinesia (sp?) which is irreversible and that formula was not hurting her as taking the medication could give her something that cannot be fixed.

No one ever educated me on the side effects and when I brought it up with my doctor they said that the tardive disk. is very rare. But still, scary to think that I might be the 1:100,000 who is or whose baby is affected.

[Oreobaby]

I'm not sure what Reglan is...my dr. gave me a different perscription...but I haven't had to use it yet. My SIL used it when she started to lose her supply at 7 months.

[xanada101]

I agree with Erin, my comfort level changed after I actually had her and started BF her. I will also say that the first 2 weeks of BF are the absolute hardest. It doesn't come as easy as you expect it to. I am glad though that I stuck it out. My only suggestion is to try it. If it doesn't work for you, it doesn't work. At least then you are giving your baby some of your antibodies and you can say that you gave it a whirl. You really won't know what will work for you until the time comes.

[MommaLee]

Originally Posted by Oreobaby

I'm not sure what Reglan is...my dr. gave me a different perscription...but I haven't had to use it yet. My SIL used it when she started to lose her supply at 7 months.

Reglan is commonly prescribed in the US. There is one that is like domperidone? that I was told is not widely available/used in the US that is safer than reglan.

Not sure why it is not used more often though cause I didn't ask...just what I was told.