Formula or Breast?

Sarah - posted on 04/24/2010

I tried to bf my first child but we had latch on problems. I was able to pump for a couple of weeks before I changed to formula. He is a happy healthy 7 year old. I was able to bf my second child. He is about to turn 6 months and he loves to nurse with mommy. I have noticed that he seems more attached to me and he was more alert than his brother. Also, no ear infections yet. I have treasured nursing my son and those moments have gotten me through some pretty stressful nights. It is not always easy but I do think that it is worth it if you are able to. Good luck on your baby.

Stephanie - posted on 04/24/2010

I have 3 children & all 3 had both. Here is how. My oldest was 7 weeks early I tried to breast feed he never latched BUT He got the benefits of the milk (he was elegible for graduation in 11th grade WITH TOP HONORS I think a lot of it was the milk) I pumped for like 4 months. The 2nd son was interested for about a month & went to bottle. But he is just as smart. The youngest is now 19 months I breastfed for probably 2 months & also bottle fed because unlike with my oldest my milk was not coming in. But she got the benefits. With my oldest & youngest I ALWAYS felt a close bond. My middle child he is different. Just does not care bout mom. So as others have said the bond you have with your child is AWESOME when you breast feed, 2 helps with weight loss, 3 you get to spend a lot of time with the baby. Enjoy your time with baby!!

Stephanie - posted on 04/24/2010

I tried to breastfeed and I stopped for a couple reasons.
I wasn't producing enough milk!!! People who say that its not true...most likely didn't experience it. I ate and slept enough but it wasn't working out for me.
Because of this I was feeling detached from my baby and depressed. I wasn't connecting with my baby because I was trying to hard to make breastfeed worked. This is the opposite of what breastfeeding is supposed to do!
Once I switched to formula I started bonding with my baby...I started feeling happier and I looked forward to feeding her.
Shes nine months now and shes happy and healthy. As a mom I felt I did what was best for me and especially my baby.

Yozanne - posted on 04/24/2010

I bottle fed my son, at nearly 10lbs i couldnt keep up with him and i did not have very much milk, I also had a c-section, was in huge amounts of pain afterwards and as he was so big when i held him he pressed on my scar and it really hurt. My partner really wanted to be involved in all aspects of his care so bottle feeding was perfect for us. Once we were home i found i was constantly worrying about how much he was drinking and therefore with formula milk i could see exactly how much is daily intake was. We had no issues with bonding whatsoever and i personally dont think our relationship could be any better than it already is if i had breast fed. Caleb is bright and ahead with regards to his milestones which we are happy about. I also strongly believe that your breast milk is only as good as what you eat and drink yourself, and I never seemed to have the time to ensure that I was eating a brilliant diet constantly and therefore with formula milk i knew he was getting all the vitamins etc that he needed. I had heard that bottle fed babies were more likely to be poorly and suffer colds etc, however Caleb didnt get his first cold until he was 7-8 months old, and many of my friends that had breast feed their babies, were constantly mentioning that their babies were constantly sick with colds, ear infections and sickness bugs. Caleb does have an egg and nut allergy, however i asked the allergy clinic whether formula feeding could have contributed to the allergy and they said that recent studies have been carried out and there is no evidence to suggest that formula feeding or early weaning contributes whatsoever.

I think you have to do whatever you feel comfortable with, sometimes i think to much pressure is put on women to breast feed this articles explains some of the negatives of putting that pressure on mums. xx

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/articl...

Michelle Lisa - posted on 04/24/2010

i did both but was sore when i breast feed so i turned to bottle after 1 week coz it was more comforting and my yougest is nealy 4 now

Heather - posted on 04/24/2010

The whole aspect of being preg., birthing, raising kids can be taxing. As with anything new you learn to do, practice makes perfect. Some catch right on, some need a bit more determination and persistance. Very few healthy moms and babies just can't breast feed some reason(le leche league). With one child I breast fed for 2 weeks and went to formula. With my last I breast only. Noticable difference on many levels, health, school, our personal bonds and more. I find it far easy to nurse, don't have to lug around bottles, water, formula, keep them cold, heat them up. In the middle of the night when that crying baby is ready to eat, nursing is just oh so easy. I ws never rediculed and only applauded in public. Preg again and ue in oct, again, not one dollar will be spent on bottles, nipples(maybe cream for mine), formula. Cost savings is enormous, convenience levels exceed bottles, no cleaning. As a person who wants to find out things by her own experience, nursing has by far been a better call.

Margaret - posted on 04/24/2010

Once I learnt of the benefits of breastfeeding just before giving birth to my first I was extremely committed to it throughout both my kids' early years. I exclusively breastfed both til 9 or 10 months (they both started solids at 6 months, but mixed only with water or breast milk), when we introduced soy milk during the day. I went back to work when each of them was 2 months old and (for the larger of the 2 babies) often was pumping 4 times a day in the office, and then at 11.30pm before going to bed. One of them stopped himself at 19 months, and my daughter not totally til about 32 months. I must say the benefits have exceeded any expectations I had. My son (9 this month) has only ever had 2-3 days off school - when he was 5, with a bad patch of cellulitis on his thigh. My daughter (5) gets slightly more coughs and sniffles, but would only have about 1 day a year where she needs to stay home. I really believe breast is best, and the commitment of sticking with it pays off in the long term in the childrens' health, and thus the need to take less days off work.

Nichole - posted on 04/24/2010

I believe that any woman, who physically can, should breastfeed. There are just SO many benefits for the baby. When the baby is born, it does not have an active immune system(until 6mos) and the breastmilk gives them antibodies to keep them healthy. They say that breastfed babies have stronger eyes because they only use the one that is up while feeding. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to have allergies. Babies who are breastfed have healthier digestive systems, both as babies and even as adults. Your breastmilk is tailor made for your baby. Their needs change as they grow and your breastmilk adjusts accordingly, whereas formula is exactly the same all the time. I loved breastfeeding my kids. It gave me time to sit down and relax and just be with them. It has its challenges if you decide not to pump like I did, but I wouldn't change anything. My kids are happy, healthy and thriving. Oh! And while breastfed babies get chubby just like the formula fed babies, once they're weened they drop the weight quicker making it easier to get around as toddlers and actually lowering thier chances for childhood obesity. My pediatrician just told me that one. Anyway, you'll make the right choice for you and your baby. Just everyone out there should at least TRY to breastfeed. The pros outweigh the cons(less freedom is the only con I know of) any day of the week!

Ann - posted on 04/24/2010

There are other reasons for not being able to breastfeed and for those who want to and can't it is devastating

Kathey - posted on 04/24/2010

Oh I wanted to breastfeed! If I had produced a drop of breastmilk with either of my kids I would have breadtfed till they were at least three. I was afraid my kids would not be healthy, if I formula fed them. Not just healthy babies but big kids and on into life. I have two very healthy formula fed kids, a 5'8" 12 year old and a 4'1" four year old (I'm 5'9" and Dad is 6'). My kids do not get sick and are not immunized because of allergic reactions to the immunization. When I could not breastfed and I felt out of control of my kids health, I prayed and God has taken care of my children. Breastfeeding is great if you are a healthy well nourished mom and continue to take your prenatal. I highly recommend "A Naturally Healthy Pregnancy" by Shonda Parker. The best pregnancy book on every issue you could imagine.

Therese - posted on 04/24/2010

Breast is best....But if you have a job where you can't pump or once they start eatting cereal and jar food you atart making less...Formula was fine as well...My 4th child was a 30 weeker and she came home on Neosure formula..a high calarie frmula for premies and she had to have 3 bottles aday so that compromised my supply ..I did nurse till she was 11 1/2 months old but I never made alot....I gave her what I had then formula and tryed to pump But I still got the bonding experience and I don't regete it at all!!!!

Jodi - posted on 04/24/2010

Don't get me wrong, I am a full supporter of breastfeeding.



HOWEVER, before formula was invented, people used wet nurses or animal products (whether cows milk, or dry food - where do you think the myths came from that you can start feeding tiny babies solid foods?), or the babies died, depending on your economic circumstances......



So I am asking if this particular argument could please stop being used....because forever there have been women who couldn't breastfeed. Certainly, a minority ( actually about 5% can't due to supply issues, but others may be for other very valid reasons), but these women shouldn't feel inferior because of this, because they are no less a mother than someone who can.

Krista - posted on 04/24/2010

Breastfeed!! Please!!!



It's what our breasts are there for...it's what nature intended. I truly don't understand why people don't seem to understand that. They are too quick to use formula to "fall back" on when breastfeeding doesn't seem to work as quickly as everyone would like. What do you think women did before formula was invented??



Food For Thought: breast milk has over 100 ingredients that formula does NOT have...



Anyways, you wanted some references. Check out the WHO (World Health Organization) stand on breastfeeding: http://www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/...



Good luck! :)

Shannon - posted on 04/24/2010

I think it goes without saying that breast milk is the most natural choice - however....it may not be the best choice for all families.
I breast fed my first two kids and do not regret it - even when it was a challenge at times. Our third child was adopted so obviously bottle fed. Pros of breast feeding...free, natural, ready to serve. You know the drill. Pros of bottle feeding...anyone can feed the baby. One of the biggest challenges we had with the first two kids was that my husband felt left out of a lot of the bonding process. They would not take a bottle for anything. The third time around with our adopted child, he finally felt he could bond on the same level as I could. I still believe breast milk is best for our family, but ultimately, it is up to you. Every hospital can hook you up with consultants FOR breastfeeding - I'm not sure of resources on the flip side.

Jodi - posted on 04/24/2010

Quoting Amber:

"For moms who really wanted to breastfeed but say "I didn't produce enough" is not true."



Amber, this sort of statement is EXACTLY the type of statement which fuels these debates. I don't believe that it is at all fair to make such an assumption. There are many women who really want to breastfeed and can't because they can't produce enough. They feel bad enough without people making them feel that they could produce enough if they really wanted to. Because quite honestly, there are women who can't.



Do you know what happened when there was no formula? Babies died, or people paid wet nurses. There have ALWAYS been women who couldn't breastfeed because of lack of milk.

Ann - posted on 04/24/2010

I was not able to breast feed my first child and I was devastated! I did breast feed my babies for varying lengths of time. I found that breast feeding is a great advantage in a number of ways 1 it is the natural food for the baby and the composition of the milk is just right, no danger of allergies or such like; 2 it is by far the cheapest; 3 no danger of too hot or too cold; 4 I found that I got my tummy down faster after I had breast fed; it is far easier to give baby the breast first thing in the morning than to have to prepare or warm bottle. There are disadvantages; in my case, the last one was 30 years ago and in those days there was no way of storing my milk, so I had to be there every time at feeding time, but today it is possible to express your milk and leave it for a trusted babysitter to feed. The best part of breastfeeding, however is the wonderful bond that is formed with the baby; its not a myth it is TRUE

Maree - posted on 04/24/2010

I breast feed both of my two boys for six months but expressed almost every feed as it was way to painful to feed on the breast, a small number of women experience extremely sensitive breasts and I was one of the lucky few. I was determined to give the boys the best start in life and it was actually quicker for me to feed them by expressing and giving them a bottle then at the breast. I was lucky and both of my boys would take either or they didn't seem to have a problem accepting bottle or breast. My boys were both putting on around 500 grams a week which is extremely good from breast fed babies. I eventually started introducing bottles at around six months as the demand go higher. I never experienced any loss to milk production which they say can happen when you express too much. At the end of the day it is a presonaly decision and you need to do what is best for you and your baby not what everyone else's decision is. Healthly mum healthy baby.. Give it a go if that is what you want and see how you go... it is not for everyone. My sister inlaw desparately wanted to breast feed but ended up very sick with mastitise every other week.

Betty - posted on 04/24/2010

Breastmilk is the best for your baby. It has nutrients in it that are not found in formula. Also the mother's immunities pass to the baby thru the milk. But sometimes babies are latching on wrong which results in very sore,cracked,bleeding breasts(why I quit with my first daughter).My advice is to talk to the Lactation counselor at the hospital or a La Leche coach/counselor. It's their job to tell you what to do and how to take care of that problem. Another benefit of breastfed babies is they are usually not overweight adults. Bottlefed babies have more ear infections and are sick more often. BUT I have done both. Enjoy your baby. Obviously I'm a fan of breastfeeding. It helps moms(get back into shape faster by shrinking the uterus) and baby,

Betty - posted on 04/24/2010

Well breastmilk is the best for your baby. It has nutrients in it that are not found in formula. Also the mother's immunities pass to the baby through the milk. But sometimes babies are latching on right which results in very sore, cracked, bleeding breasts for mom(why I quit with my first daughter). My advice is to talk to the Lactation counselor or a La Leche coach/counselor. It's their job to tell you what to do. Another benefit of breastfed babies is they are usually not overweight adults. Bottle fed babies have more ear infections and are sick more often. BUT I have done both. Enjoy your baby. Obviously I'm a fan of breastfeeding. It helps moms and babies.

Siobhan - posted on 04/24/2010

I breastfed my first three children until they were around 17 -18 months old. I had no problems feeding and loved that I could give them nutrients that nobody else could. My forth child however was a different story. I had low milk supply from the get go. I tried pumping after each feed, herbal supliments,motilium, feeding frequently and lactation consultants but nothing worked. I had to suplement her feeds with formula after every breastfeed. She is now almost eight months old and has been exclusively formula fed, plus solids for the past month. I am so jealous of all the mums I see breastfeeding there beautiful babies and wish I could be doing the same.

CHERYL - posted on 04/24/2010

I breastfeed my kids past the year old. It was much better for them, and healther also, I'm the only one out of 2 girls my mom had. I never regreat it at all. It brought me and my kids closer., it's the best thing I could do for my kids, to make sure they could grow up healther then bottle fed.
I loved it that I never had to get up and fix a bottle or heat one up.
Now I did pump some milk into a bottle so my husband did not get left ouf from feeding them.
Yes I still breatfed them when they got their teeth in also. Each only bit about 3 times each, I took it out and say that hurts mommy. And after the 3 timre they stopped.

None of my kids had colic or any other problems.
I also worked when I had my second daughter, and I still breastfed her.
They say now breastfeeding helps reduce breast cancer.
My kids ages are 20 1/2, 18 1/2, and my son is 15 1/2.

All 3 kids had earaches once each.

Bset of wishes in what one you chose.

Dianne - posted on 04/24/2010

why choose either?, i personally breastfeed 99% of the time but have no prob giving my son a top up of formula if he still hungry or if he is going to be looked after by my mom for an arvo and i havent had a chance or enough milk to express so we can have some couple time . i also express as my partner loves to be able to give him a feed every now and then and its a great bonding experience for both of them. i originally only bought a can of formula just in case but now give him what probably amounts to a bottle a week. this works really well and by making sure he gets a little every now and then ensures he doesnt get fussy and refuse formula if i ever have to rely on it for a time for whatever reason. i also have used a couple different bottle brands/teats so he happy with whatever i give him :) all making life easier for all of us

good luck with whatever choice you make (also i agree that nappies smell worse on formula)

Sheryl - posted on 04/24/2010

They are always changing formula to try & get it to be as good as the real thing.....breastmilk. They will never succeed. Breastmilk will always be better for both you & your baby.

Mandy - posted on 04/24/2010

For our family Breast is best. A lot of people say it's very difficult, but I would like to say that isn't the case from everyone. I have been very fortunate with both of mine, they both took to it very quickly and like pro's. I believe having a positive mental attitude (I will do this) instead of worrying too much and listening to horror stories (I really feel for everyone that has struggled), read everything you can get your hands on, join support groups and just relax.
As to dads being able to bond with babies, there are other ways for other family members to bond. Both of mine have a great relationships with their daddy, my friends and grandparents. They aren't clingy to me because I breastfed, they are confident to explore the world.

I think if a mum is undecided then she should consider giving it a go, maybe set yourself a goal of giving the 1st feed and see how you go from there. You may end up loving it and if not you haven't lost anything by trying. Be vocal about needing and wanting support. Get you husband/partner on side, let them read all the information about the benefits of breastmilk (I don't think I need to re-write them all), most men want the best for their babies and once they've read the scientific research they tend to be even more pro-nursing than mums.

It is down to personal choice, what works for 1 family doesn't work for another. I have quite a few friends who chose formula. And to be really honest it doesn't affect our friendship, in fact in rarely comes up in conversation,a couple of them have decided to give nursing a try after seeing me but not all of them.

I have noticed anyone else put it, so I will. Breastbabies actually less offensive nappies than formula fed babies, the difference in the smell is really quite distinctive. As breastmilk is easily digested and there is lest waste, they actually poop less as well.

Melanie - posted on 04/24/2010

My first son was an emergency CS after which I had no milk. I persisted for 5 days trying to bf but nothing was coming in. He lost 15% of his birth weight and was urinating straight urates. The hospital he was born at pushed bf and you have to ask for a bottle for the baby but they'll take 2 hours to get it to you to try to force you to bf. After a becoming a blubbering wreck and finally speaking to a decent registrar a plan for regaining his birthweight was devised. Clearly he became a bottle fed baby. I persisted with domperidone, fenugreek and expressing but could only manage 20ml in half an hour of expressing.

I thoroughly believe breast is best. Just didn't happen for me with number 1.

I was determined with number 2 son to bf. He too was an emergency cs and was born with sepsis, spending 2 weeks in special care nursery. I couldn't bf for the first 3 days as he was hooked up to all kinds of tubes and IV lines. I expressed but only small amounts were produced. On day 4 he was given what I had expressed and some additional formula but 12 hours later hadn't digested it as it became apparent he had paralytic ileus. So he was back to nbm for a further 3 days. Dr's would only allow EBM as it's easier to digest than formula. So I frantically expressed as his life and gut depended on it. I couldn't keep up with the amount he needed so he was supplemented with Neocate formula. In the end he too became a formula fed baby. I just wasn't supplying enough due to the stress.

At the end of the day both my babies got their colostrum but were formula fed.

I support bf or formula as a matter of choice. Formula is much easier but bf is better. On the flip side, I was formula fed, have no allergies, am no more overweight than any other mother with a 3month old and as a medical scientist my brain works fine.

Christina - posted on 04/24/2010

I don't think I can add anything that hasn't been said, except for my own experiences with my children. They were each different.

With my first, I was totally gung-ho on being the mother that our grandmothers and their grandmothers had been. Unfortunately, she didn't agree. She has colic for the first five months. Because of that, I got little sleep and little to eat. I tried to nurse, but the lack of focus on my health caused my milk to not be as nutritious as she needed. Knowing how upset I was, the pediatrician suggested that I alternate between breast and bottle. I got the warm physical closeness time and the formula got her up to the nutrient levels she required.

Why my second daughter came along, I wasn't as idealistic, and she wasn't colicky. I was able to eat and sleep at reasonable levels. Unfortunately, she had a hollow leg (not literally) and ate like crazy. I was constantly nursing and she was still hungry. The doctor started her on watered down cereal early, so she jumped up to solids and I didn't nurse as long.

Baby number 3 was a C-section and I had 2 others demanding attention. I nursed him until I felt it was not suited to my lifestyle - working 50 hours a week, and taking care of active older children (13 and 7 years old). I let him switch to the bottle at 2 1/2 or 3 months. It made it easier for his sisters to be involved with him and I didn't have to drop everything whenever he got hungry.

Not one of my children has suffered by how long they were nursed or how little they were. They are all smart, strong, and close to me. So all the things that I worried about them losing or not gaining had no relation to how long I nursed each one. Knock on wood, they are all healthy

Jenni - posted on 04/24/2010

If it's not a choice thing I started with breastfeeding thou my bub had jaundice so I had to top her up every 3-4hrs with formula for a few days - which I believe to be crap advice from midwives! It made no difference to my childs "sleepiness" which they said was caused by jaundice. We were luck that our bub could do both and we found we had to do both cos she would empty both boobs then have 200mls of formula and to this day she still eats lots. If you can do breast then it can be convenient cos it's milk on the go and always warm. Our bub was happier and her demeanor changed once on formula. Yet as we started introducing milk and solids we found she has reactions to formula by puking lots and lots yet on milk not one drop and it made no difference to what brand! For my belief breastmilk is great if you can do it comfortable and you have plenty (it's not so Natural as they say many women have problems and mums shouldn't be stressed by not being able to). and formula is great if your child ends up happier cos of it.Both are great if it works for all in the family and ladies men are allowed to help it's not just a one person job.

Luisa - posted on 04/23/2010

I believe it is up to the individual. Breast feeding is not as easy as it sounds. I breastfed my daughter until 8 weeks I had bleeding and cracked nipples and is was extremely painful. so I expressed to help relieve the pressure until my milk dried out and placed her onto formula. My son, who is 5 months I breastfed until he was 4 months with the help of a nipple shield (which helped with my nipples) but the more I fed the more he wanted and he wasnt sleeping very well. My milk eventually dried out and now he is formula fed. Both are happy and healthy children who sleep and eat well. Im sure you will make the right decision for you and your baby. Good luck.

Chloe - posted on 04/23/2010

My advice is not to try both. I would have loved to breast feed my little one and it still makes be upset now that I cant even though my boy is 10 months old. I tried in hospital and had many consultions with a lactation consultant and my baby just would not attach. So I pumped (hired a hospital pump, which was pretty expensive). My breast milk didn't come in till day 5 and by that time my baby was dehydrated and the pediatrician gave him formula. I carried on trying for 6 weeks and never got more than 2 hours sleep in a row the whole time. I only ever produced around 70 mls of milk at a time and my baby was getting hungry. So formula it was. He has ezema and had really bad reflux (vomiting more than 10 times an hour) for the first 6 months. So I think if you can breast feed, do it for as long as you can manage and try not to feel guilty if you can't. Positive side to it is the my husband got so share in the feeding.

Alison - posted on 04/23/2010

I loved breastfeeding when my son was a baby, but I had a bit of difficulty with getting my baby to latch on after we left hospital. I was lucky enough to overcome this because I had the help of other people who had experience of brestfeeding. This is one thing that I would advise new moms to be mindful of even if their baby is latching on just fine in the early days.



When the real milk comes in it comes out faster and this can be offputting for some babies. It's important to get all the support and information on latching techniques and feeding positions in advance should you also encounter this problem.



I would also advise moms not to be too put off in the early stages if baby wants to constantly nurse and doesn't sleep to well during the night. In my case this period only lasted for a short time. This phase does pass eventually and most babies settle into their own feeding schedule. When this happens it is very convienient because you can plan your day without too much stress and you don't have to worry about cleaning bottles and making up feeds.



This is my personal experience. It doesn't hurt to give breast a chance, but if it doesn't work for you then formula is good too.

Sarah - posted on 04/23/2010

I breast fed my daughter for a year. The first week was an extremely painful experience, and it seemed she wasnt getting much of anything, but around the 7th day, i woke up, my scabs had healed enough(yes!i said it!), and it was like someone flipped a switch. the milk came(and came and came!)and my daughter has never been sick a day in her life,( save some temps with teething )and she is almost 2. I highly reccommend it b/c she has no food allergies, we saved loads of money, and we bonded so much. Keep trying, but dont feel bad if u can't. FYI: My friends' kids on formula get sicker more often, have loads of allergies, and although i cant prove it was breastmilk that made her so much stronger, my instincts say it is such a better start to life!

Kerolyn - posted on 04/23/2010

My kids now have their own kids, so my experience goes back over 40 years! At that time, a lot of women were beginning to go to bottles rather than breast. I was set on breastfeeding - I wanted the bonding (which we didn't even know that's what it was at that time), & I knew it was more healthy for the baby. When my kids were between 8 - 10 years old, I entered nursing school and learned more so that breast milk is great - I had a fantastic instructor for Maternal Child Health, so she was very supportive for natural things, but also agreed that bottles were sometimes the best option - for some moms. My daughters & daughter in law all chose breastfeeding, with my encouragement - but no pressure. Now - one down side. If you have sensitive skin, & your breasts are tender, I suggest that as early as possible in pregnancy, you toughen up your nipples by rubbing with a bath towel when you dry off after your shower. I was not given this advice, and I had terribly sore, cracked, & bleeding nipples for a few weeks after my first was born. At that time, someone else said her doctor had told her to do that - so I toughened them when I was pregnant the second time, & I successfully nursed twins without further problems. I don't know if anhydrous lanolin is still available (I had to go to a pharmacy that made up some of their own formulas, this was recommended by LaLeche League) - but if you can get some, it's great to put on sore breasts. It's a thick substance, so it takes patience to put it on, but that's what saved me with my first child - & I ended up nursing him for 9 months (not as long for the twins, but for other reasons that had nothing to do with the actual nursing). By all means, if your doctor has a Midwife, talk to her. Or see if you can speak to the Lactation Specialist at the hospital where you'll deliver. They have lots of information that no one can really place in this post. I wish you the best for you & your baby! Oh - one other thing - Daddy could get jealous if he doesn't get to do anything, so be sure to involve him in other things if you breastfeed (not just diaper changing!).

Martha - posted on 04/23/2010

Hello, I work full time but wanted to breast feed as long as I could. The nursing was hard at first, a little painful but completely worth it. My son thrived beautifully. Once I went back to work though, it was difficult to pump as often as needed so after about 7 months, my milk went away. Although I missed nursing and the quiet time I had with my son, I also embraced my new freedom form nursing. :) No more nursing bras, leaks, etc. But I never regretted nursing. I did not worry about whether he got enough food, he had a healthy appetite and grew quickly. Good luck with whatever choice you make. I was thankful to have had 7 months where we did not have the added cost of formula. Hope this helped.

Rebecca - posted on 04/23/2010

Formula companies have to admit that breastmilk is best. Formula can never replicate what is in breastmilk on so many levels. That being said, breastfeeding can be so very difficult!! I had significant difficulties with both of my children and the only reason I continued with my 1st and am currently nursing my 2nd is my COMMITMENT to do it and the support of my husband and some good lactation consultants. I am glad that I was able to provide the best for my kids and I am darn proud of myself that I overcame the problems and persevered. The short, and long-term health benefits of nursing for both the baby and mom are well-documented.

That being said, I do not judge a mom who has to, or even chooses, formula for whatever reason. It is so hard for moms who go back to work to pump, even though there are LAWS that protect a woman's right to have time and space to pump at work (and a bathroom is not an acceptable space).



Before the birth, I highly recommend that any mom who wants to breastfeed:

1-find and get in contact with the lactation consultants in your area or in your hospital. There are often breasfeeding prep classes or groups that will be helpful. Find out how to rent a "hospital grade" pump if you need to. get their support phone #

2-talk about it with your spouse/sig.other, about how important support is for sucessful breastfeeding. Somtimes I just needed my husband to be there with me, help me relax, encourage me, get me water... and this helped soooo much.

3-get supplies like Lansinoh nipple cream, those gel packs you can use warm or cold for sore nipples, plugged ducts, breast infections... Know that it takes a while for "your nerve endings to get blown off" - that was one of the best pieces of advice from a friend and proved to be true, for me

4-buy/borrow a good book on nursing such as "The Nursing Mother's Companion".



If you are interested...my experiences:

My 1st child was 5 weeks early and could not effectively latch/suck well enough and I had to pump-initially using a big hospital rented pump. Actually, the process was 1-try to breastfeed him (in order to help him learn how to nurse and to help my milk supply), 2-then give him milk in a bottle with a premie nipple, 3-then pump to have a bottle for next time. After 5 weeks of this, when he got to his due date, he was nursing like a champ!! It was one of the hardest, most exhasting, physically and emotionally, thing I have done. My 2nd child was the opposite. She was full term and had such a strong suck from the moment she was born. But, she sometimes did not latch on with enough of the nipple and surrounding area, It felt so much better when she latched well. After 4 days I had scabs and bleeding nipples. I needed to use a nipple shield for about 3 weeks, until my nipples were more tough and she leaned to latch better. she is currently 5 months old.



One of the hardest things for me now is that I would like to eat/drink whatever I want (such as a lot of coffee to get me through the day with 2 kids). I am trying very hard to look at this as just a window of time, with the long-term perspective that I will have many years to enjoy as much Starbucks and wine as I want!!

I wish you well and much happiness!

Desiree - posted on 04/23/2010

READ MY POST!!
I was against breastfeeding before my daughter abs now I recommend it. First off it's way easier to feed them during the night. Messing around with bottles at 3am is not fun. Second, it's way better for your baby. All the vaccines you've received along with your natural ability to fight off germs and disease is passed to your baby through your milk. It may feel weird at first but you'll get used to it fast. I say if you want to do what's best for your baby start by giving them what is natural and best for them, at least for the first few months. Also it makes their poop and spit up smell better!!! Hope it helps!!!

Sheri - posted on 04/23/2010

My first son didn't figure out how to latch on for the first 8 weeks so I pumped and bottle fed him and it was very stressful trying to figure why he wouldn't latch on. I certainly didn't save any money as I rented a hospital grade breast pump, a digital scale and several lactation visits. But we finally figured it out and he continued to nurse without issues until he was 9 months old.

My second son latched on from the beginning and I have been nursing him for 6 months now. My plan is to go for a year but he is a pretty aggressive eater so time will tell.

With having two kids I love how easy it is to breastfeed were ever and when ever. I'm able to play with my older son while feeding the younger (instead of stopping to prepare the bottle and hold the bottle). We can stay at the park longer without worrying about not having enough formula with. When I first found out I was pregnant I had no plans to nurse but now I am SO happy I decided to do it. I actually got really sad about it once I weaned my older son.

Ultimately the choice is yours. If you want to use formula do it, if you want to nurse then do it. Don't worry about what others say you should or shouldn't do.

Firebird - posted on 04/23/2010

I tried to breastfeed but after being in constant agony for 2 weeks, I switched to formula. It was just so painful for me and I started to dread feeding my baby. Not very good for bonding. When I started with the bottle, I discovered what it was supposed to be like to bond while feeding my daughter. I stopped crying through it and I knew she was eating until she was full, and not just pulling away because she didn't like the taste of my blood. I'll try it again with the next one and I'll be optimistic that no 2 experiences are the same, but I won't hesitate to go back to formula if that happens all over again. Formula has the nutrition that is necessary for babies to grow healthy, all it's missing really is your antibodies. And my now 5 year old daughter has no allergies and didn't get sick for the first time until she was almost 2.

Cindy - posted on 04/23/2010

FORMULA

Jennifer - posted on 04/23/2010

I did both, with my first I only breast fed for 4 weeks and it was hell, I had midmives pushing me and it didn't do any good, I just ended up getting into a depression, so I turned to the bottle, some midwives need a good slap in the head, but I breastfed my second for 6 months and it was fantastic, that midwife was great in coaching me, instead of using both breasts for a feed, I'd use one side for a feed then the other side for the next feed and so on, I really recommend that way, it really works, and I had big hungry babies too, 9lb 12 and 9lb 9. But in the end it's the way your feeling, it's your baby and you do what feels right, cause a happy mum makes happy babies.

April - posted on 04/23/2010

I breastfed my son for a little over a year and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I didn't work so I think that it was pretty easy. I don't think that I would have continued for a year if I had worked though. I think that would be hard unless you supplement with formula or pump. I only pumped a few times. My son has always been over the 100 percentile. He was 10lb 3oz when he was born though. He did have 12 ear infections and ended up with tubes when he was about 15 months. He never slept through the night once until I stopped breastfeeding... but it was great bonding and I highly recommend it.

Amanda - posted on 04/23/2010

Breastfeeding only in this house. I breastfed my oldest daughter til she was almost 2 and I got pregnant with my second. She second daughter is now 16 months old and we're still nursing a couple times a day.

Many of you are right. Breastfeeding is hard. You just need to be well informed. I did not have any support when I had my first daughter. No one in my family had ever attempted to breastfeed, until I did. I have had mastitis a few times but never gave up. I just feel that breast milk is the best thing for babies. It's natural.

I even asked my friends and friend not to give me any bottles so I wouldn't be tempted to use them. The samples of formula that the hospital gave us, stayed at the hospital. I didn't have any need for that stuff.

But ultimately, it's your choice. You do what's best for you and your baby.

Allison - posted on 04/23/2010

Confirming all the comments above and echo supplementing with formula is fine. Some breast milk is better than no breast milk.

For us my daughter wasn't gaining weight quickly her first few days. After daily trips to the pediatrician to monitor her weight we supplemented my breast milk with formula. It took a over 6 weeks for my milk to fully come in. Potentially the formula supplement delayed the milk. But bf was painful for me the first month. The formula also helped others feed her in the middle of the night so I could rest in the initial weeks.

In hindsight although it was painful I believe she had the best latch she could. One visit to a (integrative) chiropractor for preventative treatment improved the latch immediately and no more pain. Good luck
Into my second month of nursing and once I discovered nurse napping I was happy I stuck it out. I pumped when I returned to work at 5 months and she self weaned around 10 months then her teeth started to appear.

Shantel - posted on 04/23/2010

Breast feeding is far better. No formula out there can duplicate what breastmilk contains. There is a formilk and a hindmilk., the nutrients change according to the age of your baby. It takes work, as you should already know when having a baby that nothing is going to be super easy and you just cant be lazy when it comes to kids. I breastfed my first son for an entire year and he really did well and is thriving because of it. I will breastfeed all my kids. I even had to use a nipple shield and wasnt that comfortable with it at first, but liek anything practice makes perfect and im so glad i gave my baby the best i could. obviously formula is fine for kids. but breastmilk is the best thing you can possibly feed your child.

Helen - posted on 04/23/2010

They say breast is better, but if u ask friends alot of people myself and sister were both formula babies , we had no allergies were fine. I breast fed my son for 4 months found it challenging but persevered. It depends if mother is stressing over feeds go to formula, cause stress slows milk flow, everyone thinks they know best telling u , do what is best 4 u.

Sondra - posted on 04/23/2010

I breastfed all for of my little ones and it was the best thing ever for us. It's convenient, no clean up, etc... but, I completely recommend that you schedule an appointment with a lactation specialist if you choose to BF and are having problems before you give up. Also, don't leave the hospital without having a good run thru with the lactation nurses at the hospital. They are there to help you get it right. It does hurt somewhat the first week, but after you get thru it, it does not sure at all. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins is a great resource.

Jacqui - posted on 04/23/2010

Congratulations on your new arrival. I breastfed my first child for 5 weeks before my milk dried. My second was very overdue and was born with a raging appetite and could not latch on so she went straight onto formula. My Husband was brill and could do the feeds when I was tired out or playing with my older child. My third I put on the bottle after 2 weeks. I used to have to feed my babies with a pillow under my armpit as I found it hard to get their mouths in the right place and would end up chasing the babies mouth with my breast. Very entertaining but not quite the ideal. My advice is try the breast first if you want and if baby latches then great but if not then use a bottle. You can also tell with a bottle fed baby what has been drunk and it makes your baby diary a lot easier to work out. Good luck. Don't fret about not doing breast. Have fun with it all.

Sarah - posted on 04/23/2010

Breast is best in my opinion. But it is very hard! My first month b/f-ing my son was very painful. No latch issues, just sensitive nipples on my part and super strong suction on my son's part. :-) I just have to work through it. Pumping wasn't that big of a deal for me, though I knew I wouldn't pump much at first. The pump just isn't as efficient as baby. Definitely educate yourself. Be in contact with LLL or anther lactation consultant. Don't beat yourself up about it though if you decide to formula feed. Do what is best for you and your baby. If you and baby are happy then you made the right choice. Good luck!

April - posted on 04/23/2010

I did both. My first was formula fed and my youngest breast. The only issues I have run into are that I am tired of pumping now. I also work full time so I have to pump so he has milk during the day. If you are going to be working and need to build up your suppIy I have some advice. About a month before you are to return to work, start pumping after every nursing session. Pump for 15 minutes, even if nothing is coming out. When I went back to work my freezer was full. I never had to worry about if he was getting enough because I could take him to the lactation consultant. She would weigh him a few times throughout a feeding and it would tell us how much he was taking in during a feeding. I have thouroughly enjoyed breastfeeding my youngest son. I also like that if he wakes up in the middle of the night, I can just put him in bed with me to nurse and I can go back to sleep. I also had no problems feeding my oldest formula. He is now 6 years old, and very healthy. It was less time consuming and other people could feed him. But if you pump other people can feed the baby too. If I were to have another child I would try to breastfeed again, but if it didn't happen it wouldn't be a big deal.

Stina - posted on 04/23/2010

Breast.

I had a rough start with nursing my firstborn b/c he was in the hospital for the first month. It was only because of the help I received from an OT at the hospital and my determination to nurse him that we eventually got the hang of nursing and continued to his first birthday. My experience with him gave me insight to reasons for formula feeding since before we got nursing down, I reached a point where I was ready to give up, use up the stock of pumped milk in my freezer and change him over to formula.

My second child I weaned to formula around 10 months b/c she had a poor latch and I didn't have the energy or desire to work with her to continue nursing. She was very active and seemed happy to transition from breast to sippy cup earlier than I had originially planned.

My third just turned a year and is nursing strong. I'm hoping for child led weaning with her. We'll see how this next year or so goes.

Jada - posted on 04/23/2010

I can post from both sides. I successfully breastfed (exclusively) 3 of my children (the oldest for 18 months, the second for 17 months and the 3rd for 20 months). My 4th would NOT nurse at all by the time we left the hospital he had lost almost a whole pound of his birth weight from not eating enough. I was heart broken at first having nursed the other 3 but I think in the long run having the yongest on the bottle has worked out better for our family. With the other 3 I was the only one who could feed them, but with our youngest it's become a family thing so we've all had a chance to bond with him during feedings. The benefits of breastfeeding are wonderful but the conenience of bottle feeding have their rewards too. We always hold the baby when we feed him so he gets the close snuggles and the benefit of being close when he's eating just the same as my other children did when they nursed. Also, none of my children have been sickly, all eat well and have managed to somehow be in the 90th + percentile for height and weight......the formula poops are really smelly though. LOL