debating on whether or not to breastfeed being induced in 3 days

Katherine - posted on 02/22/2010

Chelsea, I just wanted to let you know I am locking this thread. Normally we lock at around 200 posts.

Maria - posted on 02/22/2010

I just want to tell you what I did, I breast fed all three of my children but for only three weeks to one month, it was painfull, but I just could not produce enough milk. What I can tell you is my children have been very healthy, my only guess is that they got the antibodies they needed. Now if you do this your breasts will change, they will sag from breastfeeding, my cure for this was implants after all the kids and very happy. If you dont you breasts will stay in tact. The sleep, well when breastfeeding they will eat more often then bottles. If you are going back to woek bottles is the best way to go. I opinion is give them what they need for 3 to 4 weeks and then go to bottles, you will be glad you did it, and they will be glad you did it because you will have a happy healthy baby.

Melissa - posted on 02/22/2010

I was feeling the same way but am sooo glad I decided to stick with it. My daughter is 10 months old and I've been breastfeeding/pumping the whole time. I have to pump one or two times at work but it's the best decision I made. Good luck~

Diana - posted on 02/22/2010

So did you actually have time to read all of the comments?! I'm impressed if you did. Anyway, breastfeeding can be tricky for some mothers and/or babies at first, but with persistence, and lots of support (keep asking different nursers for help) you CAN do this. ABSOLUTELY. All I wanted to really say is: When you breastfeed your body produces some great calming, relaxing feel good hormones at the same time. It's one of the least stressfull most peaceful things I've done. Plus I'm too lazy to figure out the whole bottle, sterilizing, heating thing. The breast is always clean, with you, and at the right temp. Enjoy your baby, whatever you choose to do :)

Marcie - posted on 02/22/2010

I totally agree with you Lisa Maslankowski. I happen to make tons of milk with both kids, my 1st was more stressful - becasue I wasn't sure if he was eating enough, etc.. I stressed myself out trying to decide what to do quit or continue for several weeks. I finally while home for 6months relaxed & took the time to get the hang of it , however after I returned to work he bagan to fight me as the bottle is easier to drink from- I had while home stock piled a rediculaous amt. of ilk - so he continued to receive only breastmilk for an additional month, then the formula - I had soo much trouble with all the formulas witha screaming gassy baby, NOW that was very stressful!! Almost had to buy the hypo-allergenic milk ( 1/2 digested) - @ $22 dollars for 3 -4 days of formula - that was going to hurt the pocket book - thank god for carnation - as it's gentler on the stomach & @10 bucks for 4-5 days was a better price & worked for him - but I still felt the cost. My second son was alos a Chapion nurser, I got to feed him right after he was born for ~20 -30 min., was fantastic! I felt terrific, energized & relaxed!! HE actaully nursed until 3.5yrs old - I had to cut him off- towards the end it was really just @ night - but we both hated to lose that bond - I always felt totally relaxed while nursing & didn't want to lose the feeling - both boys rarely get sick to this day. As breast cancer is on my mothers side I'm now very glad I fed for a total of ~4yrs betweeen the 2 kids, hopefully I've protected myself as well. You should try it & as Lisa said even if it doesn't work for this baby - don't decide not to try with a 2nd child each one is different - so you can always try again with a 2nd child. But eevn if you just feed while the baby is in the hopsital for a 2-3 dasy - your giving the baby a really good start with the colostrum or 1st milk - full of antibioties to portect the baby from illiness as such a young age. Wish you the best of luck!

Romina - posted on 02/22/2010

You can always do both. I breastfed and bottlefed because my son didn't latch on right away and I didn't produce a lot of milk. I did it for three months and eventually my milk ran out. But he got the benefit from my breast milk, and the transition from breast milk to formula was sooo easy.

Lisa - posted on 02/22/2010

Breastfeeding is best for your baby. If you can make it through the first 2 weeks, you can do it! If this is your first baby, remember, you are BOTH new at this! There IS a learning curve! It can seem a bit frustrating at first, but YOU CAN DO THIS! I am NOT a Le Leche person. I am a NICU nurse and mom of 2 who has done it both ways and helped hundreds of others. My 1st daughter breast fed but, didn't really like it much. I ended up pumping and bottle feeding her (knowing that breast milk is the best thing for her!) My 2nd daughter breast fed in the recovery room! (She was a C-section) She was a CHAMPION breast feeder! In the end, I would say, breast feeding was easier! It is always available, wherever you are! It is at the PERFECT temperature, no need to heat up a bottle in the middle of the night when you are already delerious! Whatever you decide is the RIGHT decision. Don't let ANYONE make you feel bad for what you have decided to do! I hope this helps!

Liz - posted on 02/22/2010

The happiest moment of my life was when I gave birth to my daughter. 5 minutes after she was born, she was latched on and nursing. A feeling of calm overtook me, and I cried the happiest, most fulfilling cry of my life. I was swelling with love. Her eyes were open at this time, and although she probably couldn't focus too well, we gazed into each other's eyes for the 20 minutes or so she was latched on. It was so special, just her and I - the rest of the world melted away. I still get this feeling 10 1/2 months later when she nurses. I wish this feeling for you and for every mom out there. You just can't get that with formula.

Andrea - posted on 02/22/2010

Don't stress yourself out. I stressed and stressed over breastfeeding and ended up being diagnosed with low milk production and had no choice but to bottle feed in the end, after beating myself up over "not trying hard enough", even though I did everything I knew to do. I did manage to partially breastfeed and supplement for about 3 months and then she started rejecting the breast so I chose not to fight her. She is healthy, smart, and totally normal, she's now 8 months old and hasn't even had a cold yet - right on target with all her milestones. Do what is right for you and your child, take advice, but don't feel like you need to please anyone else! I do agree that if you are considering breastfeeding, at least give it a try, you both may be naturals! Hoping you have a wonderful, uncomplicated birth process!!!

Brittanie - posted on 02/22/2010

It's a little stressful to learn how to do it right, Hopefully you have a nice nurse that shows you without being cranky. It seems so simple, but proper latching is a little complicated. It's not really "stressful" but it also just isn't as easy as popping him/her on. The bonding is incredible though and well worth the try. I had to switch to formula after 2 months because he wouldn't eat enough per sitting and nothing i did would change it. It was nice not to leak, but I definately missed the bond. It was wierd at first, but there is something special to giving birth to your child and then being able to feed him/her with your own body. It's quite special. I would definately give it a shot. as someone else here said, you can always go to bottle after breast, but alot harder to go to breast after bottle. Also, the health benifits are worth considering too, formula is great these days however they cannot provide the same immune system benifits etc that breastmilk does.

Jamie - posted on 02/22/2010

I have two children and I have breastfed both of them. When you have your first child it is a lot more stressful, getting the baby to latch on, waking up every 2-3 hours to feed them, but it really is worth it in the end. The bond that you make with them and just being able to supply something so natural is an amazing thing. At the very least, you can try it, some women aren't even able to. If you can even for a couple of weeks, I would definately try. Good Luck with everything

Audrey - posted on 02/22/2010

Dear Chelsea, breastfeeding is something special only Mom's can do. Will you be a stay at home mom or working? If staying home I would highly suggest you try. Seek out a Nursing mother's support group such as La Leche League. I was wondering is this your 1st child? If so I'd encourage you to try it no matter what. Either way you will have the nurishment for your child even if for 6-8 weeks it's a good start and better than any synthetic man made stuff. I was a nursing mother for both my children about 71/2 yrs apart and both were very different experiences. Also, If finances are an issue the food suppliment program WIC is a bit of a help. Whatever you decide remember it's between you and the maker of your child and your child...it's a very personal choice.

Audrey, Dalmatia, PA

Kami - posted on 02/22/2010

Breastfeeding is by far the best thing for your baby. It's not stressful once you and your baby figure out how to breastfeed. It's a great bonding time too. I am also a working mom so my son also had formula when I was at work! Good luck on deciding, but I say you should at least try it!

CIndy - posted on 02/22/2010

I breastfed all three of mine and loved it. It is so convenient. A lot more than mixing and warming formula. Besides, if you decide you don't want to breast fed, you can always quit and go to formula.

CIndy - posted on 02/22/2010

I breastfed all three of mine and loved it. It is so convenient. A lot more than mixing and warming formula. Besides, if you decide you don't want to breast fed, you can always quit and go to formula.

Rachel - posted on 02/22/2010

I went into with the attitude that I would give it a try. I ended up nursing my daughter until she was almost 16 months old. We did both though (bottle and breast), because once she got to about 6 months I had trouble pumping. It was like the sound of the pump became a trigger to make her huingry, so I could never get the pumping done 'cause she would eat it all before I could. I read an aritcle when I was trying to make up my mind and it said that the most important thing during the first weeks is minimizing your stress. Some people love breastfeeding and some hate it and some never try. The article said that with all the advances made in formula, you have two good options to choose from. If I have another baby I think I will do both again. Maybe right from the start.

Rachel - posted on 02/22/2010

I went into with the attitude that I would give it a try. I ended up nursing my daughter until she was almost 16 months old. We did both though (bottle and breast), because once she got to about 6 months I had trouble pumping. It was like the sound of the pump became a trigger to make her huingry, so I could never get the pumping done 'cause she would eat it all before I could. I read an aritcle when I was trying to make up my mind and it said that the most important thing during the first weeks is minimizing your stress. Some people love breastfeeding and some hate it and some never try. The article said that with all the advances made in formula, you have two good options to choose from. If I have another baby I think I will do both again. Maybe right from the start.

Marcie - posted on 02/22/2010

Formulas can be very hard on the babies system & cost a lot of $$ over time - just another benefit - just think free food for baby!

Marcie - posted on 02/22/2010

I had the best time feeding my boys - I was worried about my first son, however I finally learning not to worry about how long he fed for, he was growing & that meant he was getting enough to eat - turned out he was a power nurser & only nursed from 1 side at a time per feeding for 5min. My 2nd son was text book - fed from both sides for about 20 -30 min in total. Best thing - no bottles to clean, you always always have food with you where ever you go - bring a blanket & I learned to feed my son anywhere any time he was humgry, it's the best thing for the baby, also the best thing is when you learn to feed them lying down & you can sleep @ night & the baby can nurse ( when we did this I didn't have to worry about burping him, as there's no air in the breast, also he would fall off the breast when he's done eatting). I loved it- it also protects you from breast cancer. Breast feeding should not be painful , it takes some time to learn to latch the baby on, also my breasts were so engoraged a couple days after both were bornn - now that was painful for a few days until your breasts adjust to the amount of milk to make for the baby. When your done breast feeding you can simply wean yourself off with a pump & not experience any pain at all, just take less & less milk off- that's what I did, no problem. Also if you have trouble in the begining - whe you breasts are huge, hard as a rock & spraying milk when the baby crys - I couldn't figure out why my son was not nursing & was crying - turned out my breast were too large & hard for him to latch on to - so use a pump to take some of the milk off several times a day for a few days until your breasts - feed the babay the milk w/ a bottle until they are soft again & the baby can latch on. I went back to work when both of my kids were 6 mon. old just take breast pump along & pump 2X's during the day - then send that milk with the baby in a bottle the next day (you can save milk up prior to starting work & freeze it before you go back to work until you can keep up with the baby - therefore providing only breast milk to the baby via bottle or cup when older. It only took my ~15-20min to pump- 10 oz. of mild & I would put it in the fridge in cooler @ work - really wasn't that much extra work. You might really enjoy it - any breastmilk the baby receives is beneficial - so try it.... the first milk is called colstrum & is all antibodies that help protect the baby. I can honestly say both of my boys have hardly been sick - they are 5 & 8 now & even in school they don't get much more then a cold a couple times a year & don't miss school, breast feeding can offer long lasting benefits, I found it very relaxing & enjoyable to be able to give my child the best & spend quality relaxing time with the baby

Colleen - posted on 02/22/2010

At first breast feeding may be painful if your child doesn't latch on properly, this was the case with my first child. I used nipple guards (place directly on nipple) to get through the pain. I breast fed with my first only 5 months fully as my milk seemed to be getting less. (The more the baby suckles the more milk that is produced) Mums from my mums group would say top up with formula. It was the worst thing to do, I should of persisted with breast. Formula made my second airy, and vomit a lot and she seemed to get sick also a lot.
My second child I breast fed up to 18 months, she never got sick. It seemed my breast milk guarded her from various illnesses. When I worked I just preorganised myself with a breast pump and had them available. There is no preparing with breast milk you just attach baby or pump. With and formula for a week you spend around $30 so approx $90 a month and $1080 a year add the same for nappies (2 box a month huggies) for the year $2112.00 If you can't breast feed it's what you pay but if you persist it was worth it.

Melanie - posted on 02/22/2010

health wise there is NOTHING better than breastfeeding, both for you and the baby. yes, for a new mom it takes a bit to become comfortable but after you adjust there should be nothing painful at all. I have never understood why people think that bottle feeding is easier. Breastfeeding is always there, always ready, always the right temperature, and you never have to worry about sterilizing! Why would you want to get up in the night and prepare a bottle when you can snuggle the baby in next to you and continue resting? Don't forget, health benefits for mom too...lose weight quicker, reduced chance of both breast and uterine cancer, can't beat that! I have nursed all 3 of my kids for at least a year each and would never consider formula without even giving breastfeeding a try. Give it a shot, it's an amazing thing!

Afrakaren - posted on 02/22/2010

for the most part, your body tells you what it wants to do...if you breasts produces milk then it wants and is prepared to feed your child...the question is what is your mind prepared to do? unfortunately that's the dilemna with modern day motherhood...

Amy - posted on 02/22/2010

the best time to breastfeed is when the baby is born for at least the 6 or 8 weeks you are home to help you bond with the baby and the baby will get what he/she needs. Then you decide what to do next. you might love it and continue even if you return to work. At least you can say you tried and either liked it or hated it. if you don't try it then later you might regret it. i breast feed forever. it is the part i miss most of having a baby and now they are all grown up.

Michelle - posted on 02/22/2010

I breastfeed both of my children. I think it is the best thing but everyone is different. Its all up to you. I was always told that breast milk is the best for baby's. Best of luck to you.

Rachel - posted on 02/22/2010

Oh and if people tell you there will be no bond if you don't breast feed then ask all the people out there like my brother and I whose mum was unable to breast feed, how important, amazing and loving their/our mum is. Bond is giving birth, love, caring and that hug anytime of day. Be well, goodluck and it's your choice mate.

Rachel - posted on 02/22/2010

I think you should do what's best for you. I have 3 kids oldest breast feed for a year (cheap food), 2nd feed for 9 months, youngest 3 months cause she was ill, but i found feeding with 2 older kids round more time consuming and frustrating. I would try cause maybe it might work for you and the time spent with them when they are little is awesome oh and night time feeds hasslless as it's all right in front of you lol. If all else fails just get the first 6 weeks in bub's immunitywith breast feeding then roll onto formula for stressless work situation.Best advice do what's best for you.

Kathy - posted on 02/22/2010

I think you will regret it if you don't. It is the most wonderful bond a mother can have with her newborn Inconvenience or soreness should not be a factor when you consider the wonderful benefits that it not only gives to your baby but the wonderful closenss that will come with this special time you spend "just mother and child"

Janet - posted on 02/22/2010

well congrats on baby by now. Breast is best but not for everybody. my bit of advice is for the painful feeeling when your milk comes in etc i was in hospital with and older maori lady and she sent down to kitchen for cabbage leaves and my god did it work i toally recommend even if you smell a bit like cooked cabbage lol

Theresa - posted on 02/22/2010

I'm not one to tell ppl they HAVE to brestfeed, do what you want. I will tell you it's much nicer in the middle of the night to just pull baby in bed and breast feed rather then go make a bottle, or heat one up, then feed. I had a very tough time breastfeeding my first 2, then with my 3rd I did combo pumping and breast feeding. It was nice to have the bottle for when we were out and breastfeeding was not so convenient, but nice to be able to breastfeed when I wanted to do that too. I would say give it a try, if it doesn't work don't worry. Plenty of babies are formuls fed and do just fine. I think they almost push breastfeeding too much. They make you feel guilty at the doc and hospital if you choose not to. Our hospital won't even give out the complimntary diaper bags from Similac and such because it doesn't promote breastfeeding. I think it's garbage. Even if you breast feed a free diaper bag is nice. Plus sometimes you have to suppliment sometimes and that little trial can they give you in those is easier than going and buying a huge can that you may not use much of. What ever you decide, it's your decision. Don't let anyone pressure you one way or the other.

Melissa - posted on 02/22/2010

Best thing you can do for your childs immune system and these days with H1n1 and Cancers associated with immunities I would not hesitate to protect your family.

Lisa - posted on 02/22/2010

it is not stressful once you get the hang of it....a little confusing at first, but give it a chance. if you or your baby are having difficulties with it, consult your hospital for a lactation consultant.

Ail - posted on 02/22/2010

Wow! Congrats! First, breastfeeding isn't for everyone, but if it comes easily to you, as it did for me, you will Lllllllove it! Not only did I feel very bonded with my babies, but found that it caused my stomach to contract and flatten very quickly, it was very relaxing and soothing once my babies figured it out, which took a few days. Don't stress about it, your baby won't starve. It does take time for the milk to come in but that early milk has all the great antibodies and your baby will have enough bodyfat to get through the early stages. My girls are almost 10 and 12 and have never had ear infections or strep. Maybe they're just lucky and healthy, but I like to believe it has something to do with all the good stuff my body provided to them when they were little. Good luck and no worries. Either it will happen or you'll find a formula that works for you. BTW, I was not stuck on breastfeeding. There were times that I used formula, too. There is no right/wrong answer.

Eva Bro - posted on 02/22/2010

They say breast milk is the best milk for our babies,until they are old enough to move onto solids.If you find a substitute milk your baby loves, and it will not affect baby in any way,( Rash,Phlem,etc ) Then why not make up their daily milk intake.Saves the stress and will help when you go back to work,and for the baby sitter...

Deidre - posted on 02/22/2010

If you want to breastfeed, give it a go I would suggest, but if you are not up to it when the time comes, don't feel like a failure! My youngest will be 2 next week and I still feed him when putting him to bed, I guess it came naturally again the second time around. Don't put yourself under too much pressure as it might strain you and that's the last thing you want to do now. SAVE all your energy for when your bundle of joy arrives!

Ranjeea - posted on 02/22/2010

I guess there would not be this debate if there wasnt for formula....but WASN'T THERE a recently scandal with formula milk being tainted with melamine....and babies died. Oh and dont forget all the previous scandals with viruses and all.

The chance of breast cancer in women who gave birth and did not breast feed is much higher than women who did not go through pregnancy. So there is really no debate here. Then they say breastfeeding is troublesome and stressful.....since when having a kid was supppose to be easy. It is part of motherhood.

April - posted on 02/22/2010

Give it a try. It’s up to you. You can always go to a bottle at any time. I breastfed my daughter but she never latched on right on one side and it was painful. I ended up switching to a bottle after a month and a half. I also found it easier to leave the house and bottle-feed than breast-feed.



I have heard some people have a closer bond breast-feeding. I have also heard that breast-feeding will help your baby’s immune system. I still have a close bond with my 11 year old and she was never sick as a baby until preschool.

LaSheena - posted on 02/22/2010

OMG!! That was one of the best decisions I think I made as a mother. Yes it was a bit painful but the health benefits and cost for both me and my son made it worth it!! I say go for it, what do you have to lose.

Susan - posted on 02/22/2010

Absolutely breastfeed! It's not easy at first, in fact the first month is rough. But I'd encourage you to HANG IN THERE!! I think too many people give up too easily. As long as there are no other problems, i.e. latching on, sickness, etc... go for it! It's the best gift you can give your baby!

Robin - posted on 02/22/2010

Try the breast! And be patient. I am a very experienced breastfeeding mom (baby #5 is 3 mos old and I feed them till they're at least a year old). It isn't always easy, and it's usually hardest at first. So don't give up too quick! As for when you go back to work, I can't give you advice. I work from home, so I can usually schedule client appointments and the like around my baby. If you do breastfeed, it is so worth investing in a nice pump. I didn't until baby #4, and I wish I had done it sooner!!! I say definitely breastfeed at least until you go to work. When you go to work, you can do part formula or pump. I know some moms that had their sitters feed the baby formula, and they would breastfeed in the evening and at night. The mother body is an amazing thing. It will adapt to however many feedings the baby requires, whether twice a day or 12!



Breastfeeding is healthiest for the baby, generally helps you lose the baby weight faster, is less expensive, and when you have a crying baby, there is very little preparation required! In my opinion, the only downside is that it's harder to leave the baby with someone else.



Finally, get help from the nurses in the hospital. There is usually a lactation specialist there to help, too. And after you're home, you can always get help from La Leche League or lots of other places. Just look up "lactation" in the phone book, whether paper or online.

Kirsten - posted on 02/22/2010

Breast feeding is hard and painful (unlike I always thought), but is very good for your baby. You should try it. I have had lots of problems with it but I'm still at it. My baby doesn't actualy breast feed I pump and bottle feed him the milk, then anyone can help feed him. When he would breast feed besides needing a nipple shield he would just go to sleep, so I gave up on that but still wanted him to get the milk. Besides the very sore nipples its worked pretty well for us.

Christina - posted on 02/22/2010

The choice is really what you feel is right. the formulas out there are just like breastmilk these days. I chose not to breastfeed my first child but i had my second child at 35 weeks. he ended up in the neonatal unit for 5 days after he was born. i was induced with an amino saying that his lungs were clear and developed. I was in preterm labor with him since 13 weeks. I breast feed josh for about 3 months. i didn't like it one bit. my third child i would do it. they say that breast milk is the best for the babies, but its not always the case. my first child is as healthy as can be barely gets sick and is very active. I believe and from experience think its a personal preference. breastfeeding taking alot of time and work. I never breastfed from my boob. i always pumped. had a difficult time with the latching on thing. the positive part of breastfeeding is that you and your baby bond more. but than you have to always be there. it does hurt but you get use to it. its a lot of work. but a personal prefernce is what it is and what my doctors always told me. Good luck hope all is well.

Laura - posted on 02/22/2010

I would definetely incourage you to breastfeed. I did with my child, I only breastfeed for 4 months but it made me more close to him. As I went back to work i slowly started weaning him off, but I wouldnt trade anything for it, it was an amazing experience. A plus is that it helps you drop the weight very quickly that you gained while you were pregnant.

Laura - posted on 02/22/2010

I would definetely incourage you to breastfeed. I did with my child, I only breastfeed for 4 months but it made me more close to him. As I went back to work i slowly started weaning him off, but I wouldnt trade anything for it, it was an amazing experience. A plus is that it helps you drop the weight very quickly that you gained while you were pregnant.

Katrina - posted on 02/22/2010

I breastfeed my 1st baby for just a month but had to pump because she wouldn't latch right. It was so stressful that when I had my 2nd I decided that not only with the stress I had the 1st time but now with 2 kids I would bottle feed. I do think it is worth a try in my opinion but it is only a decision you can make.

Kathy - posted on 02/22/2010

You said that breastfeeding seemed stressful. There is nothing I can think of that is more relaxing then sitting and breast feeding. I can't tell you the times my husband had to wake me up. I would say try it and give it a little time, because I'm not going to lie it hurts for the first few days. Good luck in what ever you do, and enjoy every day with that gift.

Amy - posted on 02/22/2010

I was told that when I had my baby that every little bit that my baby got from me was a huge help to his development. I had a very hard time producing the amount of milk he needed, which was frustrating, but I kept telling myself that what I did give to him was helpful. It made me feel even more a part of him. It made me very connected to him as well. I had to stop when I went back to work, but he did fine when he then went fully to the bottle. I strongly encourage you to give your child what you can from yourself, it is what your body produces it for. Good luck and God bless you and your child.

Vickie - posted on 02/22/2010

Please do it! It is so easy, maybe at first you might struggle, but once you've got it, its easy. The supoply is always with you and ready and warm! if you work and need to pump no worries either. Its done all the time and you'll feel confident and comfortable with it in no time. its really the best for your baby. The cost benefits are great too, and studies show that the women who breastfeed are less likely to get breast cancer, so do it for you too. Not having a period so soon after the birth is not garunteed , but i'll bet mother nature's "gift" won't show up for awhile. Too many pluses not to do it girl. Hope you enjoy be a mommy.

Kimberly - posted on 02/22/2010

I personally would highly recommend it! I have done both though. My now 12 year old, I bottle fed. I was young and it seemed like he ate round the clock when I breastfed. It just seemed like he was never satisfied.It was very stressful for us both and at the time it was a good fit for us both. I did feel very guilty after I stopped and tried to start back but it didn't work out. He is a very healthy 12 year old and didn't have any medical problems. My now 6 year old, I breastfed and would not have it any other way. I was a little older and didn't have a very hard time with it. I would say if you can get past the first month-6 weeks, its a breeze! You don't have to wash and steralize bottles, there is no bottle preparation when you need to go somewhere and the benefits to your baby's health are great! You have to be mentally and emotionally prepared to get through it. I don't want to make it all rainbows and fairy dust when actually for some new mothers, it is very draining and painful. I just think the rewards make up for it and you will eventually be able to have your significant other help with feedings. When your baby gets used to your breast, you can genereally introduce the bottle to him or her around the 2nd or 3rd month, so there is no nipple confusion. I wish you the best of luck with your new bundle of joy and as long as you have a good support system, you can do it! If you need any more information, my email is kwoznac@yahoo.com. I would be more than happy to try and help. Good luck!

Emily - posted on 02/22/2010

I would reccomend atleast trying to breastfeed, there are so many benifits to breastfeding, both for you and the baby (500 extra calories burned per day, less likely to develope breast cancer, for the baby reduces the risk of sids and you pass through your antibodies, and so much more plus you can save on avg $1200 over the year).

The first few weeks can be extremeley frustrating, I clogged several times which is so painful, and cried many times.... But with that said my daughter is almost 4 mo. and I am still breastfeeding. It is so conveinent, specially in the middle of the nite, no bottles to fix when I have a crying baby. Its also nice when you are on the go, I take her in the dressing room to feed her. Plus you have no bottles to wash. I promise if you can get through the first few weeks ity becomes a breeze.



and you can always pump and have friends and family feed that way. There are just so many benifits to breastfeeding. But if you deciede that bottle feeding works for you, dont feel guilty about it, you have to do what works for you.

Samantha - posted on 02/22/2010

i was a young mother but wanted to try breast feeding i loved it! it gave me special time with my son something no one else could do. later on i couldn't keep up with him so we introduced the bottle and when back and forth and eventually stopped breast feeding i say just try it at least for a week or so then decide if you want to stop.