question: im expecting,, wondering what i should do breastfeed or bottle fed?

Dorothy - posted on 02/22/2010

hi. i deffinetly think you should breastfeed. its so much easier at night just to lean over and nurse. you and your baby will bond so much better and its better for him/her.

Tara - posted on 02/19/2010

I breastfed my son until he was 4 months old and due to bad advice, my mil dried up. I would LOVE to keep breatfeeding but I just physically cant. It is hard work, but it is SO worth it! My son is more advanced than a little girl his age and the doctors completely credit breastfeeding! Its SO amazing too, you get a deeper connection with your child. Its truly beautiful!

Jessica - posted on 02/16/2010

Breastfeeding really is best for the baby. Don't stress out about it though. If you think to yourself that you have to do it for a whole year you may psych yourself out! Just do it and every week that you breastfeed is so good for your baby. You will watch your baby grow and thrive and can think to yourself "I did this". And be proud!

Sara - posted on 02/16/2010

Breastfeeding is THE way to go, in my opinion. I love knowing that I am giving something so valuable to my baby -- and myself. It's an amazing bonding experience, it provides many health benefits for the baby, it burns calories, it's always the right temperature and concentration, and it's free! I had zero trouble breastfeeding from the beginning, but many moms have discomfort at first. Give it a month before deciding it's not for you. I think you will find it a rewarding experience for you and your child!

Andria - posted on 02/16/2010

I think breastfeeding is better. I nursed my daughter until about a month ago,now she has stopped by her choice. I think its best because of the health that your child gets... My daughter has had no ear infections and has only been sick one time. She is also very smart. She catches on to things very fast. another reason I think nursing is better is because of the bond you get with your child. I cant even describe the feeling I got when I nursed. Its just amazing to know that your body can provide for your child. I loved nursing, Im 9months pregnant and am going to nurse this baby also! Good Luck!!

Tonya - posted on 02/16/2010

if you do decide to breastfeed and are having troulbe with the baby latching on, one thing I learned after my 3rd child was to let her suck on my finger. hold the baby facing you and insert you pinky palm up, gently rub the pad of your finger across roof of the baby's mouth. They will begin to suck and the skin on your finger feels like the skin on you breast nipple. also lots of skin to skin contact in the beginning is great. undress baby remove your top and bra and place baby face down on your chest between your breast. wrap a blanket around you and baby and relax. talk to the baby or sing or even doze. Another tip to remember is the more milk removed from your breast the more your breast produce. I highly recommend using a hand held pump such as Medela's Harmony hand pump. Its hard on your hands BUT it is the closet thing to resemble the suck pause suck rhythm of the baby. The first 4 ot 6 weeks after having all of my children (longer because I've been blessed to stay at home with them) I nursed mine every 2 hours, then pumped each breast 10-15 mins and froze that milk. the milk will stay good in the freezer anywhere from 3 -6 months or longer depending on the type of freezer. then if something happens and you have to stop nursing you have some built up and you can leave the child with a caregiver go on a date with you S/O and not worry!!

Heather - posted on 02/16/2010

It is a very personal choice. For me, I have two children and I would have been devistated if I could not have breast fed my second child. Find some people close to you that have breast fed and talk to them. Remember that you can always go to formula after breast feeding, but you can not go from formula to breast. I would recomend breast feeding to anyone, but never look down on anyone who doesn't.

Tonya - posted on 02/15/2010

I am the proud mom of 4 soon to be 5 children and have nursed all of them at least a few months. The most important thing in choosing how to feed your child is finding what works for you. Nursing is best for you and the baby but it doesn't always work out to be the best for each mom. I would reccomend nursing simply because of the benefits to both of you. breastmilk is convenient you don't need bottles, formula, warm water or anything lke that. all you need is a loose fitting top nursing bra and baby. a blanket or shawl will work as a cover up if you or others are uncomfortable with it(although why someone would be is beyond me its the most natural thing in the world) the joy you recieve watching your chld grow is also wonderful. you lose preggy weight faster (although afterbirth pains can be horendous for the first few days, but you don't bleed as long etc.) the baby also recieved antibodies through your milk as well. most breastfed baby's are healthier. They don't have as many ear infections etc unless you have a child with underlying conditions such as allergies (which I do) Their are benefits to bottle feeding too though. you can prepare a bottle and hand off the baby to a spouse, family memember or friend for a feeding if you are needed elsewhere. its also easier leaving a child with a caregiver using botttles. you can do that with breastfed babies as well it just takes a lil more planning and time. you can pump and freeze your milk and have it ready for a caregiver. the most important thing is not stressing about it and finding what works for you. you can breastfeed and use formula if that is what works best for you. I would highly recommend speaking with a lactaction consultant, your pediatrician, a nurse or your ob dr to decide what is best for you. the beginning days are tough because you and baby have to learn together it is natural to breastfeed but like all things in a child life they have to learn how to suck. Best of luck! Remember DO NOT let anyone make you feel guilty for your decision. only you can know whats best for you and your family. a lot of ppl give advice and mean well but follow your instincts. Mommy does know best.

Melissa - posted on 02/15/2010

I had to bottle feed for the first 5 weeks because my son wouldn't latch on. Breastfeeding is way easier and convenient. Even though it took me 5 weeks of failed attempts and feeling like I should just give up I am so glad to be breastfeeding now. It is also a great bonding experience.

Rachelle - posted on 02/15/2010

I've seen a lot of "reason" for breast feeding....all the reasons breast is best, etc.... And that was why I chose to bf in the beginning. With my 1st son, I thought I'd do 6-9 months. I ended up going 14 and stopped only b/c I was 6 mos with my second. Then I went 18 mos for daytime nursing and 22 months for nighttime with my next two. And now that it's all said and done, the best reason for me.....the unbelievable connection you have with your baby. There really is NO way to describe it. Much like I don't think you can really describe pregnancy or L&D....bfing is the same way. Don't deprive yourself of one of the sweetest gifts God bestows upon us. That being said, I can't say all the great things many moms say about it being easier or their baby never being sick or the baby sleeping through the night. In fact it was quite the opppsite for me....I had one breastinfection after another for the first 3 mos with my first son and had to be diligent to guard against it throughout the rest of my nursing years. One of the drawbacks that some mom's find intolerable is the lack of freedom to leave your baby for more than a few hours b/c you're pretty much the only one who feeds the baby. You CAN pump and leave milk for your baby, but you'll still get engored and need to be home to nurse b/c your breasts will be set to the timing of your babies feeding schedule....then if they took breastmilk in a bottle while you were gone, they won't want to nurse so you'll have to pump and dump. Of course, there's leaking to contend with.. SO you should know and be as prepared as possible for the drawbacks. I tell you this b/c these are some of the reasons mom's quit or don't start.....remember, being a mom, isn't about you.....at least not in the beginning. Teh longer I'm a mom, teh more I believe that the more you give and devote yourself to your baby in the beginning when they are completely dependent on you....the more you'll get back and the more it WILL be about you later on. If/when you begin breastfeeding, be sure to have a support system in place....someone who will always cheer you on, no matter how hard it is. There's a reason God made us the childbearers.....we're the ones who can handle it. Good Luck!

Layla - posted on 02/15/2010

breastfeed and do it as long as possible. the important thing is to get good lactation support from a lactation consultant while you are still in the hospital after you give birth. ask the staff not to give your baby a pacifier or formula and tell them you want to breastfeed and you would like their help and support. having good support in the first few weeks is key to getting off on the right foot for a happy breastfeeding relationship. try to attend La Leche League meetings while you are still pregnant and with your baby.

rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids when nursing.

good luck!

Denia - posted on 02/15/2010

Breastfeeding is the most healthy for you and baby. It is the normal way to feed you baby!!

Adri - posted on 02/15/2010

This is a breastfeeding community so obviously everyone is going to say breast. Why would you ask this question here? Of course, breast are for feeding babies so you should at least try it. I did fully intent on BF both my kids but it didn't work out and ended formula feeding both of them. I know it's been said many times on both sides of the BF vs FF debate but since it's so true with me I will repeat it . Both my FF children are extremely healthy. My almost four year old has never been sick. At the most she has had a couple of fevers and a runny nose but it never escalated to anything more. She has a super strong immune system. My 16 month is the same. Never been sick besides a few fevers that didn't last very long. I am saying this just so you know that if BF doesn't go well that your child can be just as healthy on formula. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty if you don't BF.

Lisa-Marie - posted on 02/14/2010

breastfeeding is the best thing for a new born baby as they get so much benifit from it and they don't get sick too often n helps them when they get there teeth. plus it's a lot cheaper. though it can be hard n painful in the begging when your learning how to get them attached properly plus you have a very close bond compared to feeding them with a bottle which is easier though dosen't have too many bennifits for your child

Shannon - posted on 02/14/2010

breastfeeding is the best...they get antibodies from u...and not to mention the best bond a mother and child could ever want....and thats not even mentioningn the health benefits...look up on the web you will find support groups and tons of studies showing that it is better to breast feed your baby...i have 2 and nursed them both and I would never change a thing...

Dhanya - posted on 02/14/2010

Breast feeding is the best. I breast feed exclusively for 8 months

and then pumped. But I was breast feeding at night. It's so much easier

and I saved a ton of money as compared to my friends

who bottle fed. Also my son has rarely been sick, is super smart and

is very advanced for his age. I lost 50 lbs ( 20 lbs more than I gained ) due

to breast feeding. I breast fed until he wad 15 months old.

It has been one of the best experiences ever. The first two weeks are hard.

Get a lactation consultant if possible.

Mary - posted on 02/14/2010

This is really a personal preference and you shouldn't feel bad about whichever decision you make--but since you asked:



Breastfeeding is the best for your baby if you can do it. I won't lie: I hated it the first 6 weeks, but then it got better and 6 months later I am SO happy I stuck with it. It's free, it's so so so easy, and it helps you lose all that baby weight!!! Not to mention the list of benefits for the baby. If you are struggling, your hospital or a nearby La Leche League will be a great resource to help you get over that initial pain.

Vicky - posted on 02/14/2010

Breastfeeding hands down! my children are so much more healthy and the bond that a mother and nursing child have is unbeleivable knowing that you are the one giving them all that nutrition and are making them a strong and healthy child. Its a feeling like none other.its simply the best choose i certainl say breastfeed babies are more stronger and healthier

Stephanie - posted on 02/13/2010

it depends on you really. i breast fed for the first 5 weeks and i loved it but after 5 weeks my body stopped making milk for my lil girl. i say give breast feeding a try and see if it works for you, do half and half if that work for you.

Nicole - posted on 02/13/2010

Breast is best! Visit this website and see: http://www.promom.org/101/index.html



I breastfed my 3 older children and currently breastfeeding my 4th. He's 4 months old and doing great! I stopped breastfeeding my eldest due to misinformation about jaundice in the beginning. I was supplementing in the hospital due to his jaundice levels and couldn't seem to stop the supplementation because it had decreased my supply so bad. That's the down side to doing both (if you want to continue breastfeeding, of course). After being so disappointed with my first experience, I researched and went on to exclusive breastfeed my other 2. They never received any formula. My second child got his first, and only, ear infection at age 5 and my third has only been slightly more sick in his lifetime, but still generally healthier than other children, but my eldest had his first DOUBLE ear infection before he was even out of infancy. He has also been a very allergic child. Now with my fourth, he also had severe jaundice (jaundice is normal in newborns, just some have problems with it-I had 2 out of 4 with problems, lucky me!), but I stuck to my guns about breastfeeding and, although, he still needed light therapy, he has always been exclusively breastfed and doing very well!



Breastfeeding is better for babies and moms! (Read up on how it benefits you! It's very enlightening and neat!)



Good luck with your new bundle of joy and congratulations!

Ashley - posted on 02/13/2010

Have a peek at http://www.infactcanada.ca/pdf/14-Risks-... for some great reasons not to formula feed. This is science... and just like any other option in the health care of your child, breastfeeding is truly the only one. It can be challenging, but MOTHERHOOD is challenging!!! We all want to do the best for our babies and I would urge you to try breastfeeding as it is the single most important influence on your childs long-term health. If you run into trouble, find good help from a lactation consultant, from websites such as www.nbci.ca where you can e-mail Dr Jack Newman anytime (international expert), or from La Leche League.



Even if you only breastfeed for a month, you are giving your baby the best start in life and avoiding many of the outlines risks of formula feeding in the online pamphlet above. I would like to add that there is a longer version of that pamphlet at www.infactcanada.ca (and lots of evidence based information) with resources if you would like to see the studies that they have come from.



ashley

Janice - posted on 02/13/2010

Breastfeeding is great! It's easy and clean. Get yourself a "My Breastfriend" breastfeeding pillow-essential in my opinion. If you are feeling a little shy about breastfeeding in public then you can also get a cover which is similar to an apron available at Target, Babies R Us and Nodstrom. And try to find a lactation consultant in your area.

Alison - posted on 02/13/2010

Why not both? Both my sons primarily breastfed and started some formula in a bottle between 1 week and 3 weeks of age. That way they get used to a bottle so you can leave your baby for a few hours RNR each week. I started bottles after it was clear that breasfeeding was going fine.

Heather - posted on 02/13/2010

I definately chose to breastfeed, I did it for 13 months. The benefits are incredible, including the baby gets your immunities passed down. At first it's difficult because you are so tired, but the bond you create with your baby is so worth it. The most important thing though is if you can not or decide to change just to save your sanity, don't feel like a failure. Lots of mom's choose to bottle feed and that's okay too.

Adrian - posted on 02/13/2010

Do what is best for YOU and your BABY. Remember that everyone parents differently and has different ideas of what is best for their child. And they for the most part all manage to turn out alright. There are many pros and cons for breatfeeding as well as bottlefeeding. Both can be more convenient in different ways. I am one for the most natural way possible on anything. But if you decide to bottlefeed then it is your right to do so. Your baby will turn out fine. My first daughter is 6 now and she was bottlefed. She did get the colostrum in the hospital but after that I just didn't have the patience for breastfeeding. The point is she turned out fabulous. She's healthy and sharp as a tack. And you can bond well with a formula fed baby. I did. Just make sure you hold your baby for every feeding and never prop a bottle. I am currently breastfeeding my 2 month old daughter and I am enjoying it. We had our ups and downs with it in the beginning but we are smooth sailing now. It is a totally different experience. Of course I start back to work in 3 weeks so I'm not sure if that will change or not. If you decide to breastfeed the two main things are to have plenty of support and try not to beat yourself up so much about it. We as mothers can be our own worst critics.

Hannah - posted on 02/13/2010

Here's a story:

My daughter has been breastfed all 13 months of her life. She has only been to the doctor ONCE for being sick (of course she's been there more, but that's for check-ups). She has never had formula, and is a very healthy baby.

Now, my boyfriend's niece has a baby who is 11 months old. She breastfed for 3 months, then went to formula. That baby ALWAYS has colds, ear infections, and last time I saw her, pnuemonia. Also, the baby is HUGE!! The doctor said to cut down on formula, because her kidneys can't process more than 36oz a day ... (or something like that).



I am pretty sure that my daughter's kidneys could process as much breastmilk as her little heart desired. And on top of that, they spend a fortune on formula... when all along, they could have been giving breastmilk which is free, and probably spend less time at the doctors.



To put it simply,

Breast is Best

Chrissie - posted on 02/13/2010

Nothing can properly mimic what nature has created...breastmilk was made for your baby...formula was made to make money.

Rachel - posted on 02/12/2010

I say there are actually 3 options the first being breastfeeding, the second bottle feeding with formula and third being bottle feeding with breast milk. I won't lie breast feeding can be hard at first, but sticking with it is quite rewarding; not to mention that you don't have to worry about cleaning bottles mixing formula and warming formula, as well as having a food source no matter where you are. Personally I would only use formula as a last resort because your child will gain so many benefits from breast feeding: antibodies, bonding, complete nutrition (no matter what formula makers add they can NOT add all the things found in human breast milk. Please try breast feeding and stick with it no matter how tough it seems at first; there is always support if you EVER doubt yourself. :-) Good luck with your decision.

Sarah - posted on 02/12/2010

I attribute a lot of my breastfeeding/pumping failures on stress. I got SO frustrated and stressed when I wasn't getting enough milk from my breastpump. My son wasn't latching well & wasn't getting enough to maintain his weight. I felt horribly guilty when I had to supplement & I know these frustrations and disappointments weren't helping my supply either. Honestly, breastfeeding is tough in the beginning & I regret not seeking out more help than I did. My son (who is now almost 5 months) is now formula fed & he's happy, healthy, and gaining weight. But, if I could go back several months, I would have given breastfeeding another try & not stressed myself completely out when it didn't work out the way I wanted it to.

Kimberley - posted on 02/12/2010

Its trully your call. Both are good for the baby. Of course they say BF is best. Its seems to make sense since hte rest of the animals out there provide for their babies why can't humans? Its a sacrifice for you but its cheaper and very convenient. No or not as many ( if you supplement) bottles to clean, carry around, etc. If you don't want to and still try you won't be successful. Your mind and body have to be on the same page. Sometimes I wouldn't produce b/c I wouldn't relax and once I would stop and just breathe a bit while pumping it would flourish. There are many formula babies out there so that okay too.

Corinne - posted on 02/12/2010

That is a choice only you can make. But it is the best thing for baby. You can always try and see how it goes. You can also do a combination of breast feeding and formula. But I suggest getting a pump to help keep up your milk supply. I'll be honest in my experience, but remember every woman's experience is different. It wasn't easy at first but after a few months it was very convenient and comfortable. My daughter is now 18 months old and I am working on weaning her off the breast. She is down to only a nap feeding. It has become more of a comfort to her. And remember keep at it as long as you can and want. I'll make this last point as well my daughter has never been really sick. Her immune system is amazing, studies show this is related to breast feeding.

Kathie - posted on 02/12/2010

Breastfeed!! I had three children and didn't breastfeed until the last one. Wish I had done it with all of them, there are so many benefits. If you can do it, do it!! It also creates more of a bond with your child.

Claire - posted on 02/11/2010

Sarah, your post is the exact reason that formula was created. Some women just cannot ebf, or they receive incorrect/bad information from the get go which makes going back to ebf impossible.

I just get frustrated with people saying things like "I couldn't" and yet DON'T consult the experts because it gives the impression that a lot of women "can't" which I just don't think is the case.

For example, a friend of mine's daughter had a "failure to thrive" baby who was ebf. This mom had NO education about bf'ing at all. She'd feed the little one until she fell asleep. With a ftt baby you just cannot do that, you gotta wake them up because 2 minutes at breast every 3 hours OF COURSE isn't going to have them gain weight - I mean, duh! She'd also alternate sides. You cannot do that with a ftt baby - you HAVE to nurse until that side is empty because of the fattier, richer hindmilk which comes through after a longer period of nursing. So they (pediatrician) told her to supplement with pumped milk (which I thought was bogus because if they had known how she was doing it, they wouldn't have suggested that first, they would have corrected the obvious problems). So, this mom would pump 2 oz at a time into the bottle. This also is crazy because she again wasn't getting the fatter richer hindmilk since she said it took her about 2-4 minutes to get 2oz. Not enough time to get to the good stuff. She NOT once consulted with a LC, and she ended up pumping twice a day and then wondering why she couldn't keep her supply up when she was never putting baby at breast because she wouldn't latch on. You cannot expect your body to make milk for a "baby" who nurses twice a day for 4 minutes. As far as your body is concerned your baby only needs that much so your body only produces that much. Now you also add nipple confusion. When this mom finally talked to me, the baby was slowly gaining weight but not really doing that well. I explained about galactalogues (she'd never heard of them - oatmeal, drinking water and blessed thistle for example), I explained about more frequent pumping, not switching sides, tickling baby' feet to wake her up, and doing a lot of skin to skin or a nurse in where you make you and baby naked from waist up, and lay in bed (or bath) for a day to get the natural rhythm of things working again. She could've used an sns to reduce nipple confusion and cup or syringe feeding. If she'd pumped AND nursed directly, she could've increased her supply. If she'd worked with an lc to get the correct latch and/or used an sns, she could have still be bf'ing now. She is now exclusively formula feeding the child, and while it's not the end of the world, it's disappointing because this mom is 19, being supported by her parents and now has to buy formula as well.

There's lots of information out there for moms who are willing to find it and who CAN do all this extra stuff. For some moms it's just easier to make the switch in the short run. I just get upset when people say their milk supply never came in, or they didn't produce enough milk, when there are probably very good reasons why. If your baby sleeps a lot in a crib away from you, they probably won't wake up as often to nurse as if they are in bed with you with some skin to skin contact. If the latch isn't quite right, or they are given pacis, that's also going to affect your supply. There are SO many reasons that these so called "experts" overlook, and then pass on crap information to unknowing moms. Pediatricians, on average receive about TWENTY minutes of lactation education during their residencies, I recently heard!!!

I don't mean to judge ff moms, but I DO judge people who pass on bad information because they didn't educate themselves. I think it's far better to say, "I chose to ff because it's more convenient/easier/less embarrassing/better for my family" than say my milk never came in (which incidentally is only truly the case in 5% of moms) and pass on bad information to a mom who might otherwise have sought additional information and not just accepted that this sometimes happens because it happened to my sister/friend/neighbor. KWIM? That's just me on my soapbox. YMMV.

Isela - posted on 02/11/2010

i say go with brestfeeding! its great for your baby the healthiest milk you will find!!! i nursed both of my kids and they are both good healthy kids, rare the time when they get sick. give it a try it also brings you closer to your baby, something you can only share with him/her.

Sarah - posted on 02/11/2010

I'm sure I'll get a lot of flack from this post, but I'm just stating my opinion. When I was pregnant with my son, I had made the decision from the very beginning to breastfeed him. When he was born I tried breastfeeding him in the hospital & had help from nurses, lactation specialists, etc. I kept at the breastfeeding for several days, but I was very concerned about him not getting enough to eat, because he wasn't latching properly & not feeding for very long. At his 2 week checkup he weighed 6oz LESS than his birth weight & the doctor was very concerned about his weight. He was born with jaundice & was not getting enough fluids to completely get rid of it either. This was also a concern. The doctor said I MUST supplement with formula and scheduled me for a weight check that next week. I did as the doctor said, and by that next week they said he had gained 9oz!



Once his weight was back on track, the doctor said I could go back to EBF if I wanted to. I was still having trouble with him latching, so I went out and bought a breast pump. I was very discouraged when I would only get out a few ounces at a time. This was not enough for my son to feed on, so I HAD to keep supplementing. I'm sorry, but no matter how important breastfeeding is, I wasn't going to let my baby starve & formula was the only way.



I felt VERY guilty in the beginning for not EBF, because so many people are so negative about formula feeding moms. Some women try and try and try their best & get all the help they can, and are still unable to produce enough for their child to get what they need to grow. I had to learn NOT to let myself feel guilty. Of course, I love my son and care for my son's health just as much as any breastfeeding mom does. Just because I don't breastfeed him anymore, doesn't mean that we don't have a special bond.



You have to do what is right for you. I would recommend trying your best to breastfeed your child, but if it's not what is right for you and your baby, please DON'T let anyone make you feel guilty. Don't beat yourself up like I did when breastfeeding didn't work out the way I had wanted it to.

Claire - posted on 02/11/2010

Well think about it...formula is made from cow milk (believe it or not) which is meant for 600lb+ baby cows. Breast milk is made from mommy which is made for human babies. It comes at the right temperature, is always available and contains exactly the right nutrients (and changes based on your baby's nutritional needs at each stage) for YOUR baby. Formula is a substitute for when mom can't be there. Breastmilk is bestmilk. Everyone says "give it a chance" but that implies it's hard. For me, both times, it was easy. Took me about 2 days to get the hang of it all - positioning, latch etc. Even if you hire a lactation consultant, the money you will save in the long run is SOOO worth it. Breast feed!! And for 101 other reasons...http://www.promom.org/101/ and some reasons why even "just one bottle" isn't always a good plan - http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/b...



Hope that helps :)

Romancia - posted on 02/11/2010

first all mothers know what is best for them, their child and their lifestyle one the baby is born any they get use to them :)once he/she is here u'd know what fits u and your lil one best.... my personsonal opinion.. go for the breast feeding!



breastmilk is best because your body is making it etc and the body knows what your baby needs.... the up side to breast feeding:

- it has everything your baby needs

- its free!!!

- you have breast where ever you go, so no need to worry about bottles etc

- it helps with the bonding

- you can express and freeze it (deep freeze last 6 months, normal freezer 2 weeks) so u can still have a social life

- easy weight loss!!



the bownside of breastfeeding:

- leakage, breast pads will be needed for the 1st few months)

- engorgement, when your milk fills up and your boobs are hard as rocks, this can hurt

- it hurts like hell the 1st week, but the pain does not lasr forever, so think about how good it is for your baby and that should help

- having to express/finding a place to express when in public and not with baby to empty u



Formula feeding, i had to FF my daughter at 5 months because i got sick and mu milk prodution reduced rapidly, she hated it at 1st, wont drink it, my milk came back, so i use the formula for mixing with her cereals and she eats it up, and shes drank 2 bottles so far, protested but drank some



upside to formula (personally i dont suggest it till your baby is 6minths if posssible):

- not having to worry about how much oz of expressed milk is left

- daddies can make it!!! not as complicated as breastmilk

- anybody can do it, dont have to worry about the sitter putting it in the microwave and killing the nuti like BM



downsides:

- its not breastmilk

- its not free

- bottle water needed to mix it with

- travel (plane) wise its easier to BF

Catherine - posted on 02/10/2010

If you can manage to breastfeed I'd recommend it. It is painful in the beginning but the prep work for giving but a drink is so easy - no stuffing around with sterilisers and bottles and you don't have to worry about forgetting anything when you go out as your boobs are attached so no problems there :) Plus there are the benefits of the weight loss and apparently it lessens the chances of you getting breast cancer and your baby will absorb more iron from breastmilk than they do from formula. However if you try it and you can't do it for whatever reason - don't beat yourself up about it - formula fed babies are just as happy and healthy.

Gloria - posted on 02/10/2010

I would def say breastfeeding. It is good for you and the babies health , not to mention if you are trying to loose that baby weight breastfeeding combined with a healthy diet and exercise omg! I lost every pound i gained with my daughter and i had a c-section so i was loosing even though i could barely do squate! Love it it prevents bone problems as well for women and is just so much more healthy for baby , Less gas problems just a big ol list that i know everyone has covered here lol !!!!!BreastFeed!!!! It's not always easy but its beter !!!!

Olivia - posted on 02/10/2010

I know many people have commented, but I figure it wouldnt hurt to add my input. I didnt struggle with my decision because my family is all pro breastfeeding, and my fiance is as well. I love it because its healthier for you and your child. It willl help your uterus shrink back faster and you loose weight faster as well. It also lowers your risk of breast cancer. For your child it helps build their immune system and they tend to have less alergies. Its easier for me at night to pull out my boob and feed him then it is to measure out formula and heat it. It also gives you and your baby such a strong bond and love. Every mom is different so you just need to take facts and opinions and sit down with your husband and choose whats right for the two of you and your child. good luck :)

Kristie - posted on 02/09/2010

I would recommend that you at least start out by breast feeding. Even if only for a couple of months, it gives your baby that little boost, and helps to develop the bond between you. If you find it's not for you, or maybe just want the freedom of the bottle, you can always switch, but if you start out with a bottle you can't change to breast.

Lindsay - posted on 02/01/2010

http://www.passionspice.com/
http://www.evealexander.com/bras.html

Those are just a couple of sites where you can get attractive nursing bras, because after all, being a mom doesn't mean you have to stop feeling like a women.

Amiee - posted on 01/31/2010

I bottle fed my first from 5 weeks and with my second child I am still breastfeeding at nearly 6 months.

I always say the parents sanity comes first, so you have to do what is right for you and your baby.



There are so many different stories because it is such an individual thing, your baby could take to it like duck to water, or there could be complications.

Lactation specialists are great to talk to, and it always hurts for the first week or 2 even sometimes when baby is latching properly, not super painful though.



Breastfeeding is way easier (speaking from experience) but with bottle feeding my son, I didn't know any different so it was all good.

Formula isn't bad, so anyone that feeds with it shouldn't feel bad for doing it, but breast for me wins hands down.



Drinking lots of water and eating well helps with milk supply.



I also covered up with a blanket whenever I felt uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of certain people (like my dad or my brothers in law lol)



My baby slept all night on breast milk since she was 5 weeks old and it was effortless getting her to breastfeed, but my son was a huge hungry possessed piglet when he was born so I wasn't eating and I wasn't keeping up AT ALL with him. He would go through a tin of formula ever 3-4 days so it was an extra expense of $40 minimum a week!!!!!

Formula is NOT cheap, breastfeeding is FREE! LOL



I love in the morning when we feed together in bed as I am waking up, it is just YUMMY!!!



And I have fed in public quite a few times and I have only ever had support from the general public, so I think the incidents where stigma is attached to breastfeeding are isolated incidents, it is alot more widely accepted now, especially with all the knowledge on how it is the perfect food for baby.



Good luck with your decision, I hope it goes well for you either way :)

Jaisee - posted on 01/31/2010

Honestly i would go into the hospital with an open mind about both .. breast is better for baby and you BUT sometimes things happen and you can not breast feed i didn't want to get my hopes up on being able to breast feed so i kept my mind open and everything was fine and i was able to but then you have to learn how to do it and it can hurt and be uncomfortable at times and alot of people end up giving up .. you dont want to make yourself feel like a failure.. so threw everything keep an open mind and whatever you end up doing will be the right thing for both of you and remember ... people have breast fed and formula fed babies for YEARS so both are fine. also when in the hospital ask the nurses information on both the more educated you are the better choice you will make for the both of you.



congrats on the pregnancy i hope everything goes ok!



Jaisee

Mom of 1 baby girl - 1 1/2 months old.

Jamie - posted on 01/31/2010

I suggest breast feeding. I breastfed all my kids and I worked in a infant nursery for years before staying at home...breast milk is the best thing for your baby and it's not easy at first. So, I say stick with it!!! And buy a pump before hand and use it in the hospital...hope it works out for you which ever you choose. :)

Angela - posted on 01/31/2010

That will be your choice but breast has lots of benifits 1) can help lose those extra pounds a little quicker 2) helps promote healing for you 3) has been linked to help fight off breast cancer 4) promotes healthy eating habits for baby 5) can give baby immunity to things you are immune to 6) breast fed babies have fewer food allergies 7) bonding these are just a few. it takes time to feel comfy with it but it has lots of benifits making it a healthier choice, but you needed to do what is right for you. Bottle fed is not bad or wrong it just doesn't come with as many benifits.

Katie - posted on 01/31/2010

Ooooo, breastfeeding! It took me a while to decide what I wanted to do, but I'm glad I picked breastfeeding! Before my baby was born I read up about bottle versus breast and well, breast IS best! My mom got me a book called "Breasfeeding for Dummies", it was very informative, I really enjoyed it and I still refer to it! Let me tell you that it is an undertaking, but well worth it in the end! My son is one now and we are still breastfeeding. I really enjoy it b/c it's such a great bonding experience with you and your baby! I hope all is well with your pregnancy and take care! :)

Katherine - posted on 01/31/2010

No question, breastfeeding. It doesn't cost you anything (save for the nursing pads if you need them and a nursing bra or two), it's easier to do when you're out and about instead of having to warm a bottle to the right temp, it's much healthier for baby, and it's a wonderful bond that only you share with your child. A lot of products are available now, such as special cover-ups that make it so easy to breastfeed in public, so you don't have to worry about nursing anywhere you go. Best of luck!

Jami - posted on 01/31/2010

breast feeding is best!

Ivana - posted on 01/31/2010

breastfeeding, of course! your baby will be healthier, now and in the future, especially.