Getting Pregnant

LisanAndy · #1 October 21st, 2008, 09:00 AM

So coming from someone who never thought they would BF, I can't wait to do it!!! I never thought I'd want to do it because of lots of selfish reasons or fears and no one in my family ever BF (other then one of my sisters and we're 18 years apart in age and lives 2 hours away so we don't get to see each other much) so I knew nothing about it and I was afraid of it. While my choice to FF with Taylor went well and she's healthy, I regreted not trying BF. She would root for my breast and I even kept battling with myself in my head should I or shouldn't I? I never even tried and I wish I had. I feel so educated now and I'm so ready to do it!

My vent.. my whole family thinks it's dumb because they didn't do it

Even though I throw out every bit of info about BF to them they're like, "You're crazy, it freakin hurts", "You know they wake up more at night right? The milk is thinner", "It straps you down and it's hard to do anything", "Taylor's perfectly healthy, along with every single person in this family that was FF so why would you do this to yourself?". I'm tired of it! It really makes me feel bummed but I'm just thankful that Andy is so supportive of it and we both wish we knew then what we know now. Has anyone else gone through this?

#2 October 21st, 2008, 09:20 AM

Wow, it stinks to get so much BF opposition from your family. I think it is great you are going to try to BF this time though--that should be pretty exciting for you!

Make.A.Wish · #3 October 21st, 2008, 09:22 AM

Your baby, your body, your choice. I haven't gone through it but I'm sure I will.. My family wont care that I BF but Kyle's family ALWAYS has something to say. If they don't agree, you'll know. It's sad when people try to scare you out of something that they wont even be involved in, and no matter what you tell them, facts and all, they still don't listen. I really hope they come around and become the support system that you need, and I think it's great you have Andy to support you. At first Kyle was alittle apprehensive about it, because of his family, I was hurt but we talked through it and we're now on the same page with things, but it was hard at first.

soImarriedAnerd · #4 October 21st, 2008, 09:51 AM

Great response for people who do that...."my doctor wants me to do it because its best for the baby"......the older generation doesn't like to argue with doctors so it seems to work! LOL.
Sorry you going through it--i'm sure I will also since my mom's side is all FF people.

Emma&Jack's Momma · #5 October 21st, 2008, 10:13 AM

I BF Emma until she was 13 months old and I don't regret it for 2 seconds! I am going to BF this one too, no questions asked! All of the excuses your family has given you for not BF are ridiculous! They have no truth at all whatsoever. Yea, it may hurt for the first 2 weeks but it's because it's never happened to your body before! If that were a valid excuse, the pain, I would tell you not to have another baby! The labor/delivery hurts WAAAAAY worse than breastfeeding EVER will! LOL And waking up more? Seriously, You're gonna wake up a ton anyways, what difference does it make if you are BF or FF? Besides, when you FF, you have to prepare the bottle. I guess I don't need to argue my points to you! Anyways, my advice is to tell your family to back off!

niknok · #6 October 21st, 2008, 10:36 AM

Well, I support you and I'm proud! Why don't you just try saying, if you aren't going to support us, then don't say anything at all! I hope they eventually back off.

IamMom · #7 October 21st, 2008, 11:17 AM

I think everyone should do what they feel is best for them and not listen to anyone else. I decided not to BF past about 6 weeks as I was going back to work and I didn't have that great of a supply....DS was always hungry for more. Plus it just wasn't my thing and made me feel a little weird. But others want to do it for a long time and its totally up to you (and your baby! - some just don't wanna - or really do wanna!!!)

ETA: Just ignore them - no one needs an explanation on your decision anyway!

alicenwonderland · #8 October 21st, 2008, 11:24 AM

I think it's great that you want to breast feed this time around. Don't let your family get you down. You have all of us to support you!

Frozendesire · #9 October 21st, 2008, 11:35 AM

I think it's funny that most of what they say is true... for the first month! Hehe. Yes it's painful right away, yes baby will eat often, yes you are tied down a bit more, etc etc... but I can honestly say it is ALL worth it

And gets better, ALOT better!

I'm glad you have DH's support. Having support is important and really it's only his and your opinions that matter!

Good luck!!!

*Anna* · #10 October 21st, 2008, 11:56 AM

I agree with the others. And you are doing what is best for the baby! I read this article, and maybe you could print it and show it to some of your close fam or friends who "disagree with yoU". I've learned to not talk about things like BF'ing and that I plan to give birth with no drugs and that I have a midwife vs an OB. My fam and some friends are just critical, and I think because I'm not doing what they did. Like I have one friend who gave birth with every drug as soon as it was available because she said she is weak and couldn't handle it... fine! Then she didn't BF for a second, and her child was very sick, had gondas (spelling-sorry), and still has problems with her kidneys and may have to have surgery because she's had issues since she was born over a year ago, and she is allergic to milk and was allergic to soy too. Her dr said maybe if she BF for a few days maybe it wouldve helped avoid some of the issues she had. Its just crazy!

Here's the article-
http://www.promom.org/101/

Resi · #11 October 21st, 2008, 12:20 PM

I think it's wonderful that you are going to give BF a try. I have not had any pain from BF. My nipples were kind of sore for the first two weeks but it wasn't awful. I LOVE breastfeeding Oliver. It makes me feel so conected with him and I feel proud of myself for providing all of his food. I don't think it straps me down at all. I don't have to worry about bringing bottles with me or running out of formula. It saves a TON of money too. Today when we were out shopping I fed him in the car. It took about 10 mins. I think it's way more convenient than formula. Try not to worry about your family. You can make it work without their support.

Mars · #12 October 21st, 2008, 01:05 PM

I think it's great that you are considering breastfeeding and you should do what feels right for you and your baby. It's your decision not your relatives, regardless of which method they used. And if it takes a bit more effort, then so be it. I'm sure that it'd be worth it for you even if you try and don't go all the way. The whole thing would be that you were willing to make the effort and you'll feel less guilty with yourself. All things arent easy so just give it you all and see how it goes for you.

**Jenn** · #13 October 21st, 2008, 01:31 PM

Good for you for wanting to breastfeed this time around! Don't listen to what anyone else says about it, it's your choice and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. The first 6 weeks are the hardest but after you get through that 6 week growth spurt it is soooooooo super easy. My nipples were only sore the first couple weeks and since then I've had zero pain. It's something your nipples aren't used to so they will be sore but once you get used to it you shouldn't have any pain at all. Our families have generally been supportive of me breastfeeding except dh's brother and sil. They're much better about it now though. I'm sure they still think it's gross but that's their issue not mine. I find now that Lochlann is past a year I'm getting the "when will you wean" comments a lot. Everyone thought breastfeeding was perfectly fine until his first birthday, now all of a sudden it's not so much ok anymore. I just tell them "My boobs, my baby." Or "It's up to Lochlann when he's done." Now he's 14 months old today and we're still going strong!!!

Just shrug it off and try not to let ignorant comments bother you. You're doing what you feel is best for YOUR child. With your dh in your corner you'll do great!

ShannonMVT · #14 October 21st, 2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Great response for people who do that...."my doctor wants me to do it because its best for the baby"......the older generation doesn't like to argue with doctors so it seems to work! LOL.
Sorry you going through it--i'm sure I will also since my mom's side is all FF people.[/b]

Good idea. All the older people I know think the doctor ALWAYS knows best.

I'm proud of you for wanting to try, I think it is great!

LisanAndy · #15 October 21st, 2008, 02:42 PM

Thanks ladies, for all your words. It's made me feel great about my decision and it's good to hear of your positive experiences, it makes me even more excited!