Do I or Do I not breastfeed???

Joanna - posted on 06/22/2012

Also glad your first daughter is doing well!

Ania - posted on 06/22/2012

Husband can bond in other ways. That's one...9 and 10 year olds are self sufficient, they can get themselves food and do other things on their own and most of the day they are in school. I would do more research on breastfeeding so you really know the benefits, because it seems to me that you think about all those slogans that are issued by formula companies, and maybe you do not realize what benefits really hide in brestmilk. Prepare yourself, maybe this time it will not be that hard. First weeks are very hard for every breastfeeding mom, because of pain, engorgment, sore nipples and constant demands of the baby, but this is completely normal and every breastfeeding mom went through it. that's why research on the topic and experienced LC if needed is crucial.
I have a two year old and a newborn right now and believe me I can manage exclusive breastfeeding and him, I think you will figure out two almost teenagers and breastfed newborn

Christina - posted on 06/22/2012

I nursed both my children for a short while my own medical reasons made it impossible to do for long... I felt like a failure and I want to say no matter what you choose or how it goes your amazing for even trying! The thoughts and things here others have said I agree with it can be done and I have seen it getting support is a biggy and any advice will help!!! But like I said if it doesn't work out don't feel bad don't let any one else's opinion or comments bring down as long as you do your best for your children then its all good and if they end on a bottle it wont be the end of the world... GOOD LUCK I hope it works out and keep your head up hunny

Amy - posted on 06/22/2012

Both my kids have breasfed my son only for a few months, my daughter is 2 and is weaning but still breastfeeds once a day. My husband did just fine bonding with both, my daughter is glued to daddy, I can't do anything for her! I also didn't feel comfortable breastfeeding in public so always fed them right before we left the house and brought a bottle of pumped milk along just in case. My husband also helped with middle of the night feedings with pumped milk, I knew I would be returning to work so we introduced a bottle relatively early but I never gave her one it was always my husband, and she only got one a day before I went back to work to avoid nipple confusion.

Definitely find a support group and do your research. The money we saved on formula alone was so worth it to me!

Joanna - posted on 06/22/2012

I am a mother of two and very much on the go! I invested in a nursing cover for my second child and I have to say bf on the go is so much easier. I also pump and can take a bottle of bm with me, but I find that more labor some. Also I wouldn't be too concerned about your husband bonding. There is plenty of other things he can do.

The important thing to remember is the benefits you are giving your child. Plus it is very economical! As others have said find a support group or person, because you will have questions and it makes a world of difference.

Jennifer - posted on 06/21/2012

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

Celeste - posted on 06/21/2012

Ditto on everything Lori said.

There other ways for your husband to bond besides feeding. Bathing, rocking, holding are all ways your husband can bond. All of my children were breastfed, and he bonded with them fine by bathing them, holding them, etc.

And it's so easy to nurse on the go, no whipping necessary.

Definitely find support. Support is very important.

Lori - posted on 06/21/2012

You husband can bond with the baby in numerous other ways.. giving a bath, rocking, carrying baby in a carrier, etc.

I have found that nursing is extremely convenient for a family on the go. I never have to worry about forgetting a clean bottle, or enough formula in case we need to stay somewhere longer than planned. I don't have to wash and sterilize bottles.

I also don't just whip them out anywhere. I use a nursing cover such as "hooter hiders" and it's very discrete. I invested in a few comfortable nursing bras, and nursing shirts - though they aren't necessary for a nursing mom, I enjoy having them. I don't have to lift my shirt, I only expose what the baby needs, and really her head is covering up anything anyway... plus the nursing cover. I've never had a problem.

Do you have a local La Leche League or other similar group that supports breastfeeding? It may be helpful to you to attend one of their meetings (free), before your baby is born. Your OBGYN may be able to refer you to an IBCLC also. Many IBCLC's take phone calls at no charge. You could call up your local IBCLC and tell her about your concerns and she may have suggestions for you, or can tell you when the meetings are. Going to meetings is a great way to meet other moms who are also breastfeeding and may have some of the same struggles as you. Surrounding yourself with support will be very very important.

My hospital offered a breastfeeding class in conjunction with the birth classes. That was a great starting place. Check and see if your hospital has something similar.