what is better

Danielle - posted on 05/05/2010

If you're finding breastfeeding to be difficult don't feel guilty about switching over full time to bottle feeding. Your baby will still thrive and you've done the best you can with the breastfeeding.

Erin - posted on 05/05/2010

Try to pump, I had the same problem, I pumped and bottle fed breast milk and formula. By the time my daughter latched properly after that it was too late. I'd say don't worry, get your baby fed the best way you can and try not to worry about it. Lots of babies drink formula and do just fine.

Rebecca - posted on 05/05/2010

Here are the other links. Happy reading!

One of these are about problems with breast feeding.



http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/post-n...

http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/post-n...

http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/post-n...

Charity - posted on 05/05/2010

I would talk with your doctor. I wanted to breastfeed my daughter, but was not producing milk so I ended up with formula and she did just fine on it. Breast milk is better, but you have to do what is best for both you and your daughter.

Laura - posted on 05/05/2010

Hi, i had mastitis when my baby girl was 3 months and had the same problem, but i took fenegreek and blessed thistle tablets and my milk supply returned, i then lost supply again recently an took domperidone which i got a script for fom my doc, it worked alot quicker than the herbal tabs.. do what is best for you an bubs, if your stressed your milk will stop so go with your gut :)

Rebecca - posted on 05/05/2010

Here are some articles on Breast feeding, Formula and artificial feeding. They are very informative so read them and they will help you with your decision.

Most of them are pro breastfeeding but there is some info not many people know about breastfeeding and formula feeding.

http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/baby/b...
http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/baby/a...

Sorry site seems to be down so I'll post the other articles later. Or you could find them your self they are on the same website. (I love this site)

Brittany - posted on 05/05/2010

thanks for all the replys, ive decided imma try and get my supply bak but not sure if i can because i have been told by the doctor to express and just before when i expressed i only got 20 mils outta both sides :S

Francesca - posted on 05/04/2010

The best thing for mastitis is actually to breastfeed! I have had mastitis twice now. I know how much it sucks! Go to your doctor, he will tell you that even if you want to give up breastfeeding, that you should wait until you nurse through the mastitis. It will clear it up faster. And he can give you antibotics that are safe to take.

And you already know all the facts on how great breastmilk is and how bad the alternatives are. You don't need to be preached too.

And I remember those early weeks. They suck. I cried almost every latch for five weeks. The cracked, bloody nipples, mastitis that gave me incredible headaches, dizzyness and flu like sypmtoms. They pass. And then it is one of the most incredible experiences I have been fortunate enough to attain. The peaceful moments of relaxation during a feeding session. And then the humourous joy at the sight of your little guy "milk drunk". My daughter is 12 months and we are still breastfeeding.

Good luck, no matter what you decide. I do hope you try to keep with it and get back your supply. Its not too late. And you can always change your mind later.

But, no matter what I say, do what makes you happy.

Kathy - posted on 05/04/2010

Brittany, breastmilk is the COMPLETE food. It's certainly possible to continue breastfeeding - you've probably heard it all before - feed often, feed whenever your baby needs. Don't judge the amount of milk you produce on the amount you can pump. as babies are far better at getting the milk out than pumps. I could barely pump a few drops, yet I fed all mine long term.

With her reluctance to feed until your milk lets down, you can always just express a few drops with your fingers or use a nipple sheild, or consult a lactation consultant (LLL)

It's definitely worth the effort, in my opinion, but the final decision is, of course, up to yoy. Good luck.

April - posted on 05/03/2010

Brittany, at 2 weeks old your little one has just barely started to get the true benefits of breastfeeding. I think it's best to breastfeed for at least a year . . . if you can't do that, 6 months is a good goal. If you can't do either of those *at least* try to stick it out 6 weeks.
Formula is *not* as good as Mama's milk, hands down. Mama's milk is still best. If you want your little one to reap the benefits of a better immune system and healthier digestive system, please start to breastfeed again. There are things you can do to bring your milk production back. That's not to mention the cost of formula (such a pain).

Irene - posted on 05/03/2010

Brittany, I have breast feed all 13 of my children, some it worked great for others not so great. If you have mastitis, wich have had with every child at one point or another, the best resolution is to massage the breast in a downward motion towards the nipple, then breast feed the baby as much as possible and as offten as posible on that side, breaking away and switching sides every ten minutes then back again and again continuing to switch every ten minutes till the full feeding time has lapsed will do two things, one drain the infection, two create a demand wich will bring the milk back in after a few days of being consistant. If you are on atibiotics this will also help. Use warm packs to soften the breast first, then massages, then breast feed. The baby will not get sick from doing this wspecially if you are on antibiaotics. Also standing in a warm shower with the water draining down on the breast will help you have a let down then massage the breast int he shower to realese the milk and breast feed if oyu can right after. This will help relives some of the discomfort as well as release the infection. Mastitis is usually caused be not using those ducts to feed from so they get, well we'll cal it clogged up. So switch positions so the baby can pull from a variety of directions using all of the ducts and helpng them to produce and drain milk evenly. Good luck!

Aleks - posted on 05/03/2010

Um, who ever said that formula is just as good or better than breastmilk does not have all the facts regarding breastmilk! It is a living biological organic substance, that has all the vitamins, minerals, chemicals and biological nutrients. It has anti-inflamatory agents, pain relieving properties, stimulates feel good hormones in both mother and baby (helping reduce chances of post-natal depression). Reduces stress, and helps to induce rest and sleep in both mother AND baby. Mini vaccine, holding all the anti-bodies of all the diseases mother has fought off, and potentially prior vaccines mother has had. Among all the other things too. It is human milk made specifically for human stomachs (newbors and baby stomachs are designed to best handle their mothers milk, and frequently struggle on anything else... constipation, diaroeah, reflux, gas, etc ).

I am yet to hear of a formula that provides all these things, and one that changes within days or hours, to the needs of the baby... then please, someone tell me what it is....



Of course you can continue to bf. You just have to put your LO on the breast frequently- ie, on demand, and start dropping bottle feeds.

Of course she has protested ( bottle is easier than breast, as they have to work harder at it for milk to come out), she has also gotten used to a certain way of sucking - different sucking mechanism is at work for bottle as opposed to the breast.

As for pumping - as time goes on, breasts get more and more efficient at producing milk (not like when your milk just came in days after giving birth) so, you not being able to pump much isn't necessarily a sign you are producing too little.



I am currently 14mths into breastfeeding my 2nd child (1st I bf for 15mths). And I can tell you that I would struggle to pump any milk out. Yet, I produce enough for my daughter. However, pumping (with or without much results) after some feeds can help in getting your supply back, so its not totally a waste of time.

Try also things like Fenugeek. Its supposed to help with increasing supply also.



Just to let you know, many women after stopping breastfeeding (ie, child has been weened) are able to still express some breast milk after months or even up to a 1yr after! Amazing.

So, if you REALLY want to go back to breastfeeding and have the determination, then you will and successfully. However, if you are in too minds, and finding it being hard and you are loosing the drive to bf, then... in the end you will do, what you will do...

Meaghan - posted on 05/03/2010

formula is not as good its second best. I got my period back too and my son is eight weeks old. I just keep breastfeeding. Babies eat more than you think from the breast. As long as you breastfed as often as you can without suppliments and without a pacifer then your milk supply will be good. If you use ocasonal suppliments and use a pacifer for comfort then your milk supply will not be so good.

Angie - posted on 05/01/2010

Formula is okay in an emergency like yours but you should go back to breastfeeding when it's safe to do so.

Kate CP - posted on 05/01/2010

Well, the best way to deal with mastitis is to take antibiotics and nurse on that side. Yes, being breast fed for two weeks is good, but longer is MUCH better. If you're willing to try it and work through the frustrating parts then I would suggest you give it a go. But, don't feel bad if you can't nurse. Sometimes it's just not meant to be.

Brittany - posted on 05/01/2010

yea ive been swinging towards formula the more i think about it, i know that breast is better but she has had the first 2 weeks on the breast

Shantel - posted on 05/01/2010

Whichever makes YOU more comfortable is the best decision. Yes breast is best - but it's your decision, to be honest I think in some situations formula is better...for instance if you come down ill, is it better to safely feed your baby (or better still have someone else do it) or pass whatever it is you have straight through to baby?



It's your decision and if you choose to formula feed it DOES NOT make you a failure! It makes you a good mum for making a good choice that suits you and your bub!

Brittany - posted on 05/01/2010

yea i really dont wanna give up but its very frustrating, and if i do continue breastfeeding i have to express first because she wont feed from the breast unless i use a nipple shield which gets very annoying and she always falls asleep because she gets to relaxed

Elizabeth - posted on 05/01/2010

I know it's very painful but don't give up! just pump a lot and that will get your supply back up, it does take a while once it goes down but within a week you should be good. I was sick with the stomach flu when my son was 3 months old and i had my mom take him overnight so that he wouldn't get sick and i didn't have anything pumped for him so she had to give him formula, and while he was gone i didn't pump because i was so sick i couldn't even get out of bed, so then of my supply went way down but i fed him as soon as he got back the next day and pumped after he nursed & that helped a lot. There is also a tea called Fennel tea that increases milk production you can get from a natural food store or Krogers. But if she isn't getting enough to keep her full you'll should give her formula after she has nursed completely

Brittany - posted on 05/01/2010

shes doing really well with the formula has 120mls each time but she had more when it was breast milk and id express, i know that breastfeeding doesnt work for everyone and its not going to make a huge difference but im still confused about what i should do. but thank you heaps for the responses

Cindy - posted on 05/01/2010

I had the same problem with my first.And the advice that I received was to express, massage, hot showers/clothes,feed as much as possible.Me myself do both.Having another 5 other children the milk supply isn't the best.But you have to do what works for you,If your daughter is thriving on formula, happy and relaxed stay with it.

Brittany - posted on 05/01/2010

i want to continue breastfeeding but my milk supply is horrible, at the beggining i could feed her then still express 150mls and now im lucky if i express 50mls from both breasts before feeding her

Louise - posted on 05/01/2010

It is completely up to you. If you want to contine breast feeding your milk supply will come back. If you want to give your baby formula milk then today these are just as good, if not better, as they contain all the vitamins and minerals plus added iron that your baby needs without relying on the mother to eat healthy.

Becca - posted on 04/30/2010

It really depends on what you want. If you want to breastfeed again it is possible. My mate switched her son to formular and then realised it wasnt the right choice for her. She spent the next week and a half pumping every 1 and a half hours (getting only 5 ml) in between as much rest time as she could have. The next two weeks she continued to pump every 1.5hours and also let her son breastfeed for as long as her wanted on each side then toped him up with formular. the two weeks following that she dropped the formular feeds all together and breastfed on damand and her supply built up completely and she was back to just breastfeeding. What ever you choose, remember the choice you make is right for you and your daughter

Katie - posted on 04/30/2010

i would say keep trying. maybe pump your breast but keep your daughter on formula until you get your milk back. it will probably take a while but if you constantly nurse your daughter you might be able to get your milk back. Good luck and congrats on your new baby girl .she is adorable!!

Ariana - posted on 04/30/2010

well i think maybe you should stick to formula. i mean breast milk is ALWAYS better but now a days the formulas are just as good :)