How do you feel about breastfeeding?

Sarah - posted on 10/27/2010

My suggestion is to learn as much about breastfeeding as possible. There is a "Breastfeeding Moms" group on here where I have learned tons about breastfeeding. I would encourage you to join that. :) Also, get as much support at home as you can get...attend some BF classes, learn how to access some local lactation consultants or the La Leche League. The more prepared & educated you are, the better. :) Trust me...I didn't know any of this before I had my son & I thought I could do it on my own. We ended up going to formula at only 8 weeks old.



On the other hand, if you choose NOT to breastfeed, that is okay too. It is totally YOUR decision & there is nothing wrong with that. If I have another child in the future, I am going to try breastfeeding again. I will more than likely use a breast pump & feed from a bottle part of the time. There are many ways you can go about feeding your baby & not one way is right or wrong. Breastfeeding has lots of benefits, so I would suggest giving it a try first. Good luck! :)

Jessica - posted on 10/27/2010

I think it is the best thing for the baby and for mommy. If you can, please do! It's not easy so you need to educate yourself on the subject. Some babies are real pros right away, but some have trouble latching on, etc so mom needs to know what to do. Proper latch-on is the most important thing. It will not be painful if baby is latched on correctly. That said, it is a little uncomfortable at first - your nipples aren't used to that kind of activity every 2 hours! But it gets easier over time so please don't give up in the first few weeks to months. I didn't educate myself with my 1st child and gave up after about 5 months, but with my 2nd I learned everything I could about it and I breastfed her for a year.
I know it can also make a woman nervous to think about breastfeeding in public - and it can be a little strange at first, but you will have to do it sooner or later so invest in a nursing wrap and you will feel better about it. And if you are self-consious to feed in public, then go in another room or sit in your car. I doesn't matter where you feed your baby. And you have a legal right to breastfeed in public so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Good luck and I hope you choose to breastfeed because it really is the best thing for you and your baby!

Jill - posted on 10/27/2010

I was not sure how I felt @ it either, however, I did want to try it to know that I was trying my best for my child(ren). Once I got the hang of it, I discovered it is perfectly natural & anyone who had a problem with it, it is their problem. God made women to be able to feed their children & I found it a great rewarding bonding experience & somewhat tiring but I didn't have to go make bottles. I barely woke up to feed my baby. I would not change the experience for anything in the world.

Melissa - posted on 10/27/2010

I wanted to breastfeed, I felt it was a healthier option - my daughter however didn't catch on, and got to mad to quick to even continue to try, they even kept me in the hospital one extra day trying to get her to eat that way. I ended up using a breats pump and pumping her milk supply - every time she ate I pumped and even had a reserve built up in the freezer and refridgerator for her. We did this for 10 months. I can not compair it to actual breastfeeding since she is my only child, but I do think that I had less "pain" from pumping because I did not suffer the drying effects from her saliva and no biting either. It was a lot of work - but I think well worth it - she was a very healthy baby and still is a healthy 6 year old.

Lindzy - posted on 10/27/2010

I love it :) i formula fed my first 3 because i really didnt have any support and knew no one who bf. my 4th dd passed away but she was going to be bf. my 5th dd i bf for 6wks, we had horrible issues with latch and again there was no support systems in our hospital or doc office for help so i ended up giving up and regretted it. Baby 6 it was hard at first, painful, but i stuck thru and after the first week its been a breeze and i wouldn't change it for anything :) dd is 8mths old and a nursing champ :)

JANE - posted on 10/27/2010

even if you are not sure you want to breastfeed, try it just to have the experience, you may like it. if you don't like it or just don't want to, don't. you won't be happy and comfortable and neither will the baby. they sense your feelings.

Ashley - posted on 10/27/2010

I know some moms/babies have difficulty trying to breastfeed, but I don't see why all moms don't at least try it. It is so much more beneficial to baby, as well as mom too! Just research the benefits! I breastfed my son for about a month, but then quit as I wasn't producing enough milk, and I was going back to work. While I was breastfeeding someone would want to feed my son, so I'd let them give him a bottle and I felt like someone was taking something from me. I think we have a closer bond because I breastfed. I will breastfeed my next kid longer! Good luck in your decision!

Kathy - posted on 10/27/2010

Congratulations. My 3 breastfeeding experiences were happy and positive, though not without a few problems. The key is PREPARATION. Do as much reading as you can, go to breastfeeding classes if you can, join a breastfeeding mums support group.And do all this before your baby is born so you know what to expect.

If you join the Breastfeeding Mums community on CoM, you'll find lots of information and advice. There's a thread called "Special note to first-time mums who plan to breastfeed." And there's lots of other info as well.

Breastfeeding your baby is a special experience and there are many on CoM who can support you.

All the best!

Sherri - posted on 10/27/2010

i have 2 children(different ages) and breastfeed both of them i had no problems and i think you form a special bond.

Kriss - posted on 10/27/2010

I am a militant breastfeeder. Two out of my five only could nurse due to complications for 4-6 weeks and I still feel the guilt. They were always the ones that got the sickest. The ones that had bonding issues and separation anxiety. I am also a certified breast feeding consultant. I'd tour having problems at first find one. If you are not comfortable in public pump. This will also let hinny participate. I nurses walking through the grocery store at resturuants. Everywhere. With all the seafarer nursing tops you can too. Or is also so much more convieniant especially at might. Plus the poop does not ell bad andales the choice for cloth diapers easier too. Soucj easier. Pros weigh our the cons' take de a mom of dove who has had or both ways!

Justee - posted on 10/27/2010

It's good that you are even considering breasfeeding your baby. I just had my 2nd baby a couple of weeks ago, and yes I am breastfeeding! And yes you are right, it is uncomfortable and very challenging. I never had the chance to breast feed my eldest due to lack of knowledge and encouragement. I am happy that my doctors and friends encouraged me to breastfeed this time. I learned that it is indeed very healthy for the mother and the baby to breastfeed. The benefits will definitely outweight the challenges. I strongly support the idea of breastfeeding. It will hurt you, it will be uncomfortable and challenging, but do it for your baby's sake. It will be all worth it! Good luck! ☺

Johnny - posted on 10/26/2010

It was hard for me, I had 2 breast surgeries before my daughter was born. It took a lot of effort, pumping, and drugs, but it worked, I lasted for 2 years, and I feel triumphant about it. I know that it was best for her, and I wanted to give her as much of the best as I was physically capable. I don't regret it for a second, I have some good memories of nursing, and I still love it when she lays her head on my chest and whispers, "nursies" even though she's been weaned for 5 months (she's not asking, just reminiscing).

Teresa - posted on 10/26/2010

How do I feel about breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is awesome! :) I nursed my twins for 15 months and am currently still nursing my 2.5 year old son.

It's good for them and best of all.... it's FREE!!! ;)

Sarah - posted on 10/26/2010

I wanted to BF so badly and I tried and I tried and I tried but had to stop as the quality of my milk was nothing despite a good diet and all the rest of it...id like to try again though if i have another baby

Kate CP - posted on 10/26/2010

Babies who are going through a growth spurt, be it formula or breast milk, will be up several times a night to feed. Generally speaking, the food being fed doesn't effect how long a child sleeps.

Keshia - posted on 10/26/2010

my nurses were kind of rude about the whole thing I wasnt producing and milk and didnt until a week after ym son was born and he would latch on so I gave up after my son didnt eat for his first 2 days he was just on the normal good start formula and hes now 15 months smart as can be and has never been sick once not a runny nose anything nto even a diaper rash so when people says its healthier and your baby will be smarter I don believe it sure its good for ther peopel who want to but formula is just fine too also with formula my husband could help out and feed my son and stuff too and ive heard alot of breast fed babies are up about every hour during the night to eat my son got up a couple times a night but nothing too horrible and started sleeping through the night by a month old so I got pretty lucky

Isobel - posted on 10/26/2010

I felt the same as you...but in the end...it was lovely for me. It was free, I never had to wake up in the middle of the night and make a bottle, and it is the healthiest choice.

That being said, if you can't, or you don't like it, or if you think it is affecting you and/or your baby in a negative way, don't feel guilty for using formula...it is a perfectly good alternative. Here in North America, you cannot tell a breastfed baby from a formulafed one.

Good Luck with your first baby!

Brianna - posted on 10/26/2010

Just try it and remember that it is something that your body does in a natural response to your baby so the more relaxed you are about it the easier it will be. As everyone has said, the first 3-6 weeks can be challenging because both you and your baby are learning. Make sure to find a good lactation consultant outside the hospital, I had more questions when my milk actually came in then my time at the hospital. Whatever you decide, breastfeeding or formula, will be right for your baby...don't let anyone bully you into either one. I have been lucky enough to BF my little guy, he is 14 month and is beginning to wean himself. I plan to do it with any future children as well, but I have friends that couldn't or didn't choose that route and while they were upset initially it was best for both mom and baby so it works out. Congrats, your in for an awesome ride!!! :)

Amy - posted on 10/26/2010

Congratulations!! When I had my first child I didn't have much information about bf'ing. My mother didn't bf my brother and I when we were kids but was supportive of my decision to give it a try. My grandmother was a huge support for me and still is! At the hospital a lacation consultant visited my room to make sure my oldest was latching correctly and then I was on my own. It was painful for the first couple of weeks but it does get easier. My son I only breastfed for about 4 months, I returned to work and didn't have any extra money to buy a good pump. Had I figured the cost of a pump vs. the cost of formula I would of stuck with it a lot longer because the savings are incredible. My 7 month old daughter is still going strong. I bought a pump when I returned to work and I've only had to purchase one thing of formula because I don't feel comfortable bf'ing out in public so she either gets formula or a bottle of pumped milk. Also there is an occasional night since I am working full-time that I have my husband get up and do a night feed if I'm just too tired. I hate having to wash bottles everyday and I can't imagine having to do that everytime my little one ate!
I do have to say it's a personal choice and you have to decide what is going to work best for you. If you do decide to give it a try stick with it for at least a month before you give up because usually by then you can work through the sore nipples, and getting baby to latch properly. Don't let others make you feel guilty about your decisions. Also just know that as a first time mom your decisions will be questioned by EVERYONE, trust your insticts and don't be bullied by anyone!

Rachel - posted on 10/26/2010

breast feeding has been a wonderfull experiance for me, I love the time close to my darling son. I knew that I wanted to breast feed, I had read about how it was healthy and the best for the baby, but also if you think about it it is free... cans of formula cost anywhere from 14$ for the cheep stuff to more than 25$
as for feeding in public at first I would go somewhere to feed and cover up but as my son got older I was not as concerned with what others thought. the world health organization recomends breast feeding for the first 2 years next in line they recommend pumping your milk to bottle feed then getting human milk from donations and such then they will say to go with formula,

I dont want to offend anyone and I knwo that there are some moms out there that have to use formula that does not make them bad or any such thing. my main thought is that you start to produce the perfect food for your baby that is free and convienent (no having to warm formula, sterilize bottles, buy formula) your milk is there when you are, at the perfect temp as soon as your baby wants it,

Taleah - posted on 10/26/2010

I'm 16 years old with a 3 month old son, I felt the same way about breastfeeding but i ended up breastfeeding and im glad i do. After a while it will just feel more comfortable. Personally, I feel really comfortable with it until im in public but i just cover myself and my son up with a blanket and feed him. Whether you choose to breast feed or bottle feed you and your baby will bond. Breast feeding to me just makes me feel super close to my baby and its so much easier than getting up in the middle of the night to make a bottle. Breastfeeding came naturally to me and after you do it for a while you will get the hang of it. Your breasts will be sore for the first maybe 3 days but after that it will be easier and it is so worth it. (:

Mia - posted on 10/26/2010

breastfeeding = my second favorite thing i've ever done. it wasn't always comfortable (in the early weeks) with any of my kids and it wasn't always convenient (though usually it's way more convenient than having to carry around bottle/cups, etc.... BUT it is ABSOLUTELY the VERY BEST thing you can do for a newborn! Give it 6 months at least. If you don't like it/feel comfortable with it then stop and move to a bottle but you've given your kiddo something amazing! of course you can always just pump and give a bottle if it's the "at the breast" you can't handle. I breastfed to age 3 with my first, tandem for a while after the 2nd, to age 2 and 2 months with the 2nd, and now breastfeeding my 4 month old. My kids also eat very healthy (as do I) and we've never had any sicknesses, not even fevers with teething. nothing. the bonding part of breastfeeding is ALSO IRREPLACEABLE! i mean... irreplaceable. you've already given your child a safe, nurturing environment for 40 weeks (give or take) and this is one more thing you can do for just a little while that can make a huge difference in your relationship with that little one, that little one's feeling of security and safety, and his/her health!

nowwww... with all that said, you need to be prepared for some discomfort. It is NOT all glitz and glamour as you probably know :-D but it's also not bad at all. For the first couple weeks it causes some cramping and it causes some soreness. You can get some problems like blocked ducts and mastitis (( had mastitis in both sides at once and it was over and done with in 3 days). The cramps and soreness can be worse with subsequent children though the fact that i was breastfeeding when my second child was born was fabulous cuz I avoided all pain and discomfort. you will be fine. just plan on giving it a try UNLESS you have some physical or psychological issue that you haven't included in your post. if there is some reason it will cause you more extreme discomfort or problems than the average person then it's better for you to be at your healthiest for your kid than cultivate any sort of resent or frustration or anger about it. you will want to spend as much time after giving birth just lounging around and letting everyone take care of you so you can do this for your kiddo!

Kate CP - posted on 10/26/2010

I loved nursing! Some moms have a hard time of it but there IS support out there. I think you should at least give it a shot. It also helps you lose weight and reduces the chances of breast cancer for you.

Catherine - posted on 10/26/2010

Congrats on your pregnancy. Like you, I wanted to breastfeed and was very apprehensive about it. I did have a tough time at first, but my son refused to take a bottle, so he really made the choice for me. I will say that the best money we ever spent on the baby was the $100 I spent to have a lactation consultant come to our house and help us. She was great, and since then breastfeeding has been wonderful. My son is 12 months now, and we're still going strong (mostly because my son won't have it any other way).

The way I see it, your milk is going to come in anyways, so why not give it a try? If it works -- great -- if it doesn't and you switch to formula, at least you won't be wondering if you should have breastfed. A lot of people have very strong opinions on this subject, but don't let them bully you or make you feel bad about whatever choices you make. Sure, people say breast is best, but there are plenty of people who were formula fed, myself included, who turned out just fine. Good luck, and I hope everything works out the way you hope.

Karen - posted on 10/26/2010

congrats! :) it's definately a decision that only you can make....it never hurts to try if that's the way you are leaning...however, if you do try and decide it's not for you, be comfortable with your decision! don't feel like you "failed" and don't let whatever comments you may get bother you. you know what is best for you and your family not anyone else.don't get me wrong - i think bfing is great, however, i knew it was not for me and chose to formula feed from the start...but like i said, it was what would work best for us and i was very confident and comfortable with my choice. do some reading and have discussions with your partner - just talking about it may help you with your choice. good luck and enjoy that baby when he/she comes along!

Raey - posted on 10/26/2010

Thank you all so much! I will definately give it a try. It is so nice to have people speak in a nice, positive manner as opposed to telling what i NEED to do like alot of the people around me. so Thank you. :)

Alison - posted on 10/26/2010

I really enjoyed breastfeeding. I saw my mom and my aunts bf when I was growing up, so it was part of my image of motherhood (I used to pretend to bf my dolls...). The first month or so can be quite challenging depending on a lot of things and it is best to have a support system to help you out and answer all of your questions. Or even take a book from the library before baby is born to learn more about it beforehand.

I found breastfeeding to be super convenient and really simple once you've both learned how to do it. I really enjoy the bonding with my child more than anything else.

Good luck with everything!

Tracy - posted on 10/26/2010

Personally, I think that it's worth trying at the very least, if you are able. But, if it's not for you, then so be it. I Bf'ed both of mine for as long as I could, which was far under the 1 year mark that was my goal. I nearly gave myself a nervous breakdown trying to increase my production, which just made it that much more difficult. With my son, he was born huge and had to have formula and everything I could produce. With my girl, I had some serious personal issues that caused me to lose all my production when she was only 4 months. I beat myself up horribly both times. You know what? It didn't do any good and only served to damage myself. My kids thrived on formula and are now healthy and happy kids.

Bottom line: do what is right for you and your baby. Period. Bugger anyone else's opinions. They aren't living in your skin. And don't beat yourself up because you chose differently than someone else. Trust in yourself, you'll be just fine. Congrats on the wee one!

Schyla - posted on 10/26/2010

I had a very difficult time with my first and we ended up pumping for 4 months and then I didn't have enough for her so I switched to formula witch ended up being the best option for her. With my second I nursed till she weened herself at 10 months. (she a very bullheaded child who makes up her own mind about everything) Now with number three I am planing to BF again as I really enjoyed it with the second one. I too was nervous but it ended up being a very good experience. like the others said do what's best and comfortable for YOU don't let anyone tell you your wrong. I seriously had WIC (women infant and Children health supplement assistance) tell me I must be doing something wrong if my child wouldn't nurse. I was like seriously she's 10 months and has been doing fine I haven't changed anything SHE just wanted to eat what we ate she wouldn't even nurse at night.

Dora - posted on 10/26/2010

I want to start off by saying CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I felt the say way when I started breast feeding. I was uncomfortable and insecure. I wasn't sure if I was even doing it right, even though I had consultants telling me that everything is fine. After a few weeks the uncomfortable feeling and my insecurities did go away. Now when i look back, I can say it was all well worth it. My son received the best nutrition out there for 12 months. After 12 months I did stop as it was getting difficult with me working full time. I highly recommend that you give it a try for at least a few weeks. By the way breast feeding makes night time feedings a piece of cake. You don't have to go anywhere to get the bottle. Also everytime the baby is ready to eat your milk is at the perfect temperature. You will never have to worry about remebering to bring bottles with you wherever you go. Give it a try and see if it works for you. You will not regret it. Good luck!

Theresa - posted on 10/26/2010

You're going to get a lot of very strong opinion on this. So be prepared. :) Try it and see how things go. You'll need to give it several weeks to give a fair try. You may be sore and uncomfortable at first, but that goes away as you get used to it. You could also try pumping. It's a way to give your baby the breast milk without having to actually breast feed. I pumped with one of mine. I found it went much faster and I knew exactly how much she was getting at each feeding. If you've given it a fair shot and it's not working don't let anyone make you feel guilty. You shouldn't have to feel bullied into breastfeeding. Plenty of babies are formula fed and turn out just fine. Do what's best for you and your baby. Do some reading on it while you're waiting for baby to arrive. There are things you can do to prepare your mind and body for breastfeeding. Good luck and congratulations.