Breastfeeding Advice

Shelby - posted on 10/14/2010

also...when my baby girl was born at 29 weeks i pumped way more than she could eat, so i donated the rest to a Mother's Milk Bank in california. the hospital will pay $3 PER OUNCE for donated breastmilk to be pasteurized so they can give it to babies in the NICU because, in their words "formula makes for sick babies" when they are premature or already struggling. it is just not as good for them! so if a hospital is willing to spend that much of their own $$$ for the "liquid gold", then you KNOW it's better. their other option is to pay for tons of medicines and surgeries and have sick babies in the hospital longer. pretty straightforward to me! but my advice is; don't listen to nurses in the labor/delivery ward or to older ladies who have nursed successfully if you have a problem. all they know is a "normal" nursing baby. many babies have a hard time starting and that is what lactation consultants are for! they are (almost always) free to consult with while you're still in a recovery room from having the baby. so ask for one! they may not just send one to you, but seek them out. they';re also covered by most insurance companies. it's in their best interest too to have a healthy baby!

Shelby - posted on 10/14/2010

sorry if this is a repeat of information, but recent statistics show that only 1 in every 97 babies (or something like that) that die of SIDS are breastfed. that means 96 are formula fed! SCARY!!! also, your chances of breast-cancer are SIGNIFICANTLY reduced. don't know the numbers off the top of my head, but i'll hunt around. or google it! also, the body is AMAZING in that it knows how to make exactly what baby needs at different stages in baby's growth. and as far as "drying up"?? i have a hard time when mom's say they just "dried up". that happens 99% of the time from one thing; not nursing enough!!! if a mom thinks she is drying up, she needs to nurse MORE, not turn to formula! that will certainly cause you to dry up because breastfeeding is a DEMAND/ SUPPLY relationship. (the opposite of the supply causing the demand, the babies demand is what CAUSES you to make more milk. if you decrease the demand for milk by "supplementing" with formula after nursing then there is less stimulation on the breast and you will begin to make LESS milk! only do it if your doctor says you must because of prematurity or low birth weight or if you are on meds that are harmful to baby. i had 3 premature babies in the last 3 years and spent literally HUNDREDS of hours pumping while my babies were in the NICU. i hated every minute of it! but i knew that they would be so much better off! oh, and an added bonus; babies get YOUR antibodies to boost their immune systems for twice the amount of time as your nurse. so if you nurse for 6 months, your baby has a great immune system with your antibodies for a YEAR! awesome! you can DO IT!!!

Jessie - posted on 10/14/2010

breastfeeding is the most amazing experience and gift you could ever provide for you child. ever. yes, it was very exhausting in the begining, and yes we has some trouble with recurrent thrush but i would never change a minute of it. you do need to find someone to support you 100% before you give birth. my family was/is totally anti boobs if you know what I mean. they are completely ignorant about the facts and the benefits. my boyfriend and my best friend (who breastfed her son until her milk dried up) were my rocks of support. take a breastfeeding class and do all the research you can. NEVER listen to the advice of someone who has never breastfed their child long term (at least several months I would say)

Michelle - posted on 10/14/2010

Breastfeeding is a wonderful time for mommy and baby. I breastfeed my daughter and plan to do so with the one I'll be having in March. I started on birth control that limited my suppy and had to stop breastfeeding due to lack of milk, but I would have loved to continue it for longer. Breastmilk is best and as long as you a well nutrutioned your baby will be. They can make formula close to breastmilk but they can't give it the antibodies and good stuff our bodies make. I was told if I got sick with the flu or something to keep breastfeeding cause the baby wouldn't get sick due to the antibodies you make for youself cross into the milk and help the baby. Not everone is successful at breast feeding and you will hear negatives about it, but you just have to know that what you chose is best for your baby and you.

Rachel - posted on 10/14/2010

We are created to breastfeed. Our breasts are not for the enjoyment of our husbands/boyfriends after we have babies! Poor guys have to learn to share! It's such a bond... and can't be replaced by a bottle and formula. No, formula is not better. :-) At all.
I breastfeed because I know it is the best thing to do for my baby. We had problems in the beginning, but knowing that it is the best thing helped me to push through and keep going. Now, everything is working great for us. :-) And yes, there are so many benefits to you and your baby. Lowered risk of ovarian and breast cancer, lower risk of diabetes, lower risk of infection, happier baby, happier mommy, no bottle washing, no formula mixing, ahh! I could keep going... but I won't. You made a great decision to breastfeed! I'm so proud of everyone who does! In the face of crazy people who say we shouldn't, can't, need to stop too early, we MUST persevere. For our sakes, for our babies sakes.
Keep up the GREAT work!!!

Audrey - posted on 10/13/2010

Well it was painful at first but who cares it went away. Now I myself breastfed for 2 years and never regret a moment of it. The only thing I hated was how I felt people were always judging me. Why I should I get dirty looks and have people tell me that I did it for too long. It was right for my girl cause she's little, even the doctor told me to keep doing it till I couldn't to try and get her weight up.

For me I never got bored, how can a person get bored when they have that special personal cuddle time that nobody else gets to have with their child.

For me there was nothing but reward knowing I was able to do the best thing for my little girl (and for me cause it really helped me get all my baby weight off and that is totally awesome).

Melissa - posted on 10/13/2010

MOST IMPORTANT... make sure you and your spouse are committed!! As long as in you and your spouse's mind you know it something you want to do then DO IT!! I was very set and my husband was the BEST and helped me tons! It is painful but rewarding and the BEST bond with you and your LO. The only regret I have is that I stopped when my son was 11 months old.. I wish I had continued for much longer and will with my next! Good luck and congrats on your lil man! :)

Kelly - posted on 10/13/2010

I am currently breastfeeding my 4 month old. I had a lot of support from family and friends. You also get used to the weird looks when out in public. The nurses at the hospital I delivered at were very helpful. You can also talk to a Lactation Consultant. If you want to breastfeed I woud go for it. Or if you aren't completely comfortable you can get a breast pump and bottle feed. I do that so that my husband can feed our little girl while I'm at school. It also comes in handy when we are somewhere where I can't breastfeed her.. hope this helps

Dionne - posted on 10/13/2010

I enjoyed breastfeeding my son as an infant. My milk dried up however after 5 months. However I have been told by a few friends of mine to try an herbal tea or "mommy's milk tea" to help keep your milk supply in. You can find them at wal-mart or any other drug store. I'm currently pregnant w/ my 2nd child and I plan on breast feeding him/her as well, hopefully for longer :-)
Breast feeding is wonderful for your baby! Your baby loves the feel of comfort and nururing it's recieving each feeding. Plus, I admit, I find it absoultly adorable when they fall asleep during a feeding and nuzzle up with you!! :-) such precious memories!

Melissa - posted on 10/13/2010

There are already tons of stories so sorry if I'm repeating. The two suggestions I have are to get a doula or other support person who you can personally follow up with after you have your child. Not sure where you live, but DONA.org might be able to help you with access to that post-partum support.

Also- remember that the baby needs to learn how to nurse as well as you getting the hang of it, so it will be hard and frustrating at first. Once that learning curve is over (1-2 weeks) it's the quickest, easiest, healthiest, best option for you and baby.

Our bodies are amazing! I wish I had been able to nurse as long as some of the moms on here but my son got used to bottles after I went back to work and weaned himself so my milk supply dried up. If that happens to you (baby weans early) you can still pump and store the milk so you don't dry up and have to use formula. Regular feedings/ pumping are key to keeping your supply up. Every 1-3 hours that first month especially.

Praying for your success and strength- you got this mama! ;o)

Evelin - posted on 10/13/2010

Hello Kara! Wow well first of all I commend you for wanting to provide your baby with the most beneficial thing you can do besides love. hehe :) As for your age, well there is no age limit on being a good parent right?! I had my first son at age 19, my second at age 21 and my third at age 23. I remember being 19 and my husband asking me if I was really going to nurse since everyone we knew told me horrible things about it. I did. Each baby for 2 years, and honey, let me tell you that it was the best thing and most rewarding thing I ever did. There will always be struggles but hey, anything can be overcome with will and drive! It can provide your child with antibodies to ward off all sorts of illnesses and infections. It has everything your baby needs, including the right caloric intake, the right amount of water, the right amount of nutrients, EVERYTHING. It helps you bond with a baby in a way that no amount of bottle time can. It promotes a healthy sleep cycle for the baby. Did you know that it can even help you as well? Studies show that moms who breastfeed sleep better since seratonin is released when there is a "milk letdown", it can lower your risk of breast cancer. It is always sterile, so no sterilizing bottles or water unless you have to pump. :) Overall, it's amazing. So keep at it chick!

Lynelle - posted on 10/13/2010

Hello!
I breastfed my son for a whole year (and I was 20 when he was born and turned 21 part way through) When he was born he did not latch, at all. I had to pump and syringe feed him my colostrum. After my milk came in I was able to feed him with the breast shields and then had to pump afterward to keep my supply up. It was so hard! He would feed for 20 minutes on each side then I had to pump for 10 on each side after he was done so I would be up for and hour feeding him then sleep for an hour and do it all over again!! I did this for a few months and almost gave up, but luckily my mom was there to keep pushing me to feed him. I felt really lost and had no idea what to do because he had no sucking reflex and I have small nipples and the combination is not good, but my mom told me to try feeding him without the shield and he just took it. After that I read a couple books with tips on how to position him correctly and got help from WIC's breastfeeding peer counselor and I just made it work somehow. I know that's not very specific but that's how it was. Everytime he'd get a new tooth I'd have to relearn how to position him correctly and he was a stubborn one. He didn't like to bend his head and after he got 4 teeth it pretty much always hurt but I weaned him when he was about 12-13 months because he wasn't sleeping well.

My advice would be to keep trying and be persistent. Also, don't take advice from doctors because they're formula pushers. If you can afford it, see the lactation consultant. If not, get some books and read them. I read this one book (wish I could remember the title) that was total propaganda for breastfeeding and it helped so much! I am so proud to say that my son was breastfed for a whole year and I am 21 years old!

Alisson - posted on 10/13/2010

I found breast feeding really difficult and unpleasant with my first baby but even so, I stuck it out for a year and my daughter reaped the benefits from it, even if I thought it was horrifying, painful and mentally stressing. I had a lot of trouble with my milk supply and my daughter was terrible at latching.

It takes a lot of courage and bravery to breast feed - I have no nipples to speak of either. I was very breast shield dependent and still am with my second. Although this time around, even if I still have a little pain, I'm more prepared and am enjoying the feeding.

I had suffered through terrible post-partum depression with the first child, I was 21 at the time.

It's so much work but if you can get past the first two weeks, you will be pretty proud of yourself and your baby will be the better for it!

My son was born October 5th and I have no issues this time around, 8 years later! He's already put on a pound after 4 days home. Breast Milk rocks :P

Shannon - posted on 10/13/2010

I am 25 with four amazingly healthy (knock on wood) children aged 41/2 months to 41/2 years. I have breastfed everyone of them. Although yes, I had complications: my first had a lot of trouble latching properly, I had a bit of a meltdown thinking I was doing something wrong but I wouldn't give up on "the best thing for baby" so my mother in law got me a breast pump and away I went on the milking train. My daughter was fed breastmilk from the bottle for 6 1/2 months and then my supply dropped...so we started substituting formula a few times a day. One month later we found out I was pregnant again, and apparently this is why my supply was not as fierce as it had been. With my second he was latched and having his first feeding within 20 minutes of delivery and I thought it was gravy! He was 6lbs 4oz at birth and never dipped below (as many babies do after delivery) We hit a bump at 2 months with him, well really it was me..I was sore, and so I began trying the pump again thinking that would help, it ended up I had mastitis, then my son got thrush it was rought I'm not going to lie but I pumped through the mastitis and continued on with the breastfeeding until he was 9 months. My third was like walking on air, it seemed she was a pro, neither of us had issues for the whole 10 months she was breastfed. And now with baby #4 I am finding it wonderful..knock on wood so far all is going well.

I would never put down those mothers who choose formula over breastmilk, especially since there are some who just can't produce the amounts necessary. But I wouldn't be being completely honest if I didn't say it hurts me to see those who say "I tried" and yet have babies on formula before they've even left the hospital. I admit the uterus contractions during the first few days of breastfeeding can be painful, but I totally agree with you, so was labour! And I can't think of anytime I have felt more connected to my babies what feeling their skin on mine, and maybe its greedy, but to know that I was the ONE who was providing them with all they needed is the most amazing feeling and makes me so proud to be a Mom!

So stay on the breastfeeding train!! Its a bumpy ride, sure, but its a ride you are never taking alone.

:D

Huda - posted on 10/12/2010

i breast fed for 6 months only.. n my doctor was proud that i did it.. it was very painful.. n yes boring too.. so i tried expressing.. it was much easier n faster n more fulfulling for my baby, as he had enough milk easily ready for him, no suction needed.. n he still benifited from breast milk.. so double the goodness..:)

Heather - posted on 10/10/2010

I'm 21 and I have a one year old boy who still breastfeeds about 10 times in 24 hours. He's awesome! He can go about 4-5 hours during the day/night without breastfeeding because he "cluster feeds." That means that he nurses several times right in a row, kind of like stocking up on it, then he doesn't need to for a while. He has been sick, but has never had to use antibiotics to fight anything. His own body has recovered well each time he's been sick. He's a healthy 23 lbs too!

I am at my pre-pregnancy weight and my belly isn't big at all. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories and helps out a lot for momma! Also, I love having that connection with my baby. When he's away from me, we can reunite and it makes both of us have a smooth transition from childcare/babysitter to being with me.

Breast is best! There's nothing better for your baby than your milk! Breastfeeding only hurt for me for the 1st 2 weeks, now I do it in my sleep (quite literally). It doesn't hurt at all and hasn't since he was two weeks old. He bit me a couple of times when he was teething, but I just gave him a firm (but gentle) flick in the gums and he stopped biting me. Don't worry, I didn't hurt him, just taught him :) It's much better that his gums sting for a second from getting flicked than I stop breastfeeding altogether because of biting isn't it!?

Keep your baby healthy and out of the hospital! Breastmilk is incredible for babies!!! GOOD JOB & YOU CAN DO IT!

Jade - posted on 10/08/2010

Breast feeding only hurts if your doing it wrong is what I was told by the hospital staff and I believe that's true. The midwives or Doc can usally show you the right way and different ways to do it.
Once you have your milk supply established it's very easy, I also ended up very engorged and would've given Dolly a run for her money.lol
I b/fed both my children the 1st for 8 months and the 2nd for 7 months. It's nice as it gives you one on one time with your baby and even though you may have other kids it's some quiet time for the both of you.
The only thing that worries me is that when your out and it's feeding time the looks some people give are just rude this is the way that we were suppose to feed our babies. Also I think that either way it's done we shouldn't be judged some people can't or don't feel comfortable b/feeding anyway your doing the best for your baby.
Don't let anyone make you feel like the decision that you choose is the wrong one. Just do what's right for you and your baby.

Jennifer - posted on 10/08/2010

Go to a hospital- they have free classes with lactatation nurses that know! I almost quit, bled, cried, it was awful! Then, one class at the hospital and I was good!!

Heather - posted on 10/08/2010

I love breastfeeding and I really really think you should give it a try. Not only is it the best for your baby but it's such a wonderful bonding experience for both of you. It's really amazing. Breastfeeding isn't even that difficult. Sure the first few weeks are hard but after that it gets sooo easy. It's much easier to lay in bed at night next your baby and pop a boob in their mouth. As opposed to getting up and making bottles. So you usually end up getting more sleep too.

I'm 21 now and I still breastfeed my 21 month old. I was 19 when she was born so I was pretty young but I knew I wanted to breastfeed and didn't let anything get in the way of my plans.

It may be different for some moms but all this has been my experience.

Good luck! I hope you give it a shot.

Nikki - posted on 10/08/2010

I loved breastfeeding my kids. I am going to have another one in November and I will breastfeed her as well. It's very good for bonding with your child. I actually thought it was less work than dealing with making bottles and stuff.

Bethany - posted on 10/08/2010

Breastfeeding can be REALLY hard and time consuming but it was all worth it to me. I "breastfed" my baby for about a year (I pumped a lot and gave it to her in a bottle because I my milk supply was trying to dry up and I was paraniod about her getting enough because my previous one had the milk dry up and I had no idea. Poor baby wasn't getting enough to eat.) I enjoyed the bonding time that I had with her. It was a time that I could sit and rest and just hold her and look at her and it was also soothing to me. I miss it sometimes even though it was hard work and I had to fight to keep my supply.
Public opinion isn't worth much and it is ALWAYS changing. I know it's hard not to listen to others but you need to focus on what you want and keep the other voices and opinions in a locked steel box where they belong until you open it and seek anothers opinion. Just remember: your decisions are your own to make and you do NOT have to justify them to ANYONE, yourself included. Make the dicision that works best for you and don't apologize to anyone for it. Good luck!

Tiffany - posted on 10/07/2010

I breastfed my daughter till the day after she turned 13 months old. It is painful AT FIRST! The first couple weeks are really hard to get through, you are very sensitive and it is definitely painful. The biggest thing to remember is the Lanolin cream!!! EVERY time you nurse, before and after you shower, every time you pump, before bed, when you wake up! This will prevent cracking and bleeding, which you DO NOT want!! After the first couple weeks it gets a LOT better. The pain diminishes and eventually disappears. Breast milk is what's best for your child. Another thing people tend to leave out is the bonding between mom and baby. That's something that I miss about it, you feel so close to your little one when they are nursing. If you start drying up early, PUMP PUMP PUMP between the babies feedings to get your supply back up! Feel free to message me, I am definitely breast feeding experienced!! I will try to answer any questions you have because I think breast feeding is so important and I am really fed up with mother's opting out. If I did it anyone can do it!

Jen - posted on 10/07/2010

Well I was 2 months shy of my 21st birthday when I had my daughter. She was primarily breast fed for 6 months when my supply dried up. I highly recommend breast feeding. It is so much better for the baby and you get more bonding time. Yes, it can be painful and yes it can "tie" you down to the house, but ultimately you're baby is better off. I always loved looking down at my daughter while she was nursing and admiring her little facial features and the little faces she would make. It's truly heart warming. I'm currently 10 weeks pregnant with number 2 and I'm excited to nurse again. I hope to control my supply better this time so that I can extend the bonding time. Good luck to you. :)

Denise - posted on 10/07/2010

From my experience it is a little rough getting started but becomes easier and easier. My daughter will be one next week and still I breast feed her (once a day now) and we have been on this schedule for a couple of months. I thought to myself I wanted to breast feed for 6 months, which I did fully, when six months came around we kept going and eventually we started dropping a feeding here and there and supplementing. But although it is hard and very time consuming, if you have patience it is the best thing!!! Good Luck,its well worth it!!!

Desi - posted on 10/07/2010

I breastfeed for 15 months, but at the same time I did not work! No it wasnt sore for me but I was kinda stressed out because my little liam would not take a bottle till he was about 11 months, plus when i pumped i wouldnt get much out. breast feeding isnt all that bad but to do that and work ...I personaly could not do it. I wouldnt change anything that I have done and I am proud of myself for breastfeeding, everyone has their story's but try to think positive and do what you want to do and do it your own way. I had to learn on my own so I think you will do just fine! =) many blessing

Jennifer - posted on 10/07/2010

I only breastfed for 6 days because my milk didn't come in. I'd have given anything to be able to continue breastfeeding but he had to be switched to formula and I felt so lost. I no longer had the connection and bond I had felt through breastfeeding. Give it a go and see how things work out =]

Denisia - posted on 10/07/2010

I'm 21 and my daughter is 6 months old and im still breast feeding her. It is best for the baby but may not be for u. But i strongly suggest u try n if he gets just a lil bit it will be worth it. Yes it is hard at first but if u stick to it n think possitivly it will keep u going and knowing that breastfeeding is giving ur baby the best then i would keep doing it. When my daughter gets her first tooth in completely i will end up pumping but im gonna continue to give her breast milk as long as i can. N it does get better n easier. but it starts off hard but its worth it in the end.

Annette - posted on 10/07/2010

I will tell you right now, the first 3 weeks are horrible. You get sore, nipples get chapped, you're engorged. But after the first three weeks, it is a total breeze. Your nipples get used to it and the pain goes away. The milk flow evens out. It's great after the first three weeks. If you're not opposed to co-sleeping you will get more sleep than a mom that bottle feeds. Master the side nursing position and you will get some sleep at night. You should pick up a copy of the Dr. Sears book, The Baby Book. It's a great resource. It gives you information on which foods to avoid while you are nursing along with a with a bunch of other useful information. I will just leave you with this thought. The doctors tell you not to give infants under one cows milk because they can't digest it. Most formulas including the soys and lactofree and hypoallergenic ones are still milk based, meaning they are made with cows milk. This causes baby to be constipated, gassy, fussy, vomiting, or in my friend's case screaming til 5 in the morning. Just some food for thought. Formula is not always the way to go.

Rebecca - posted on 10/07/2010

I love how close my baby and I are from nursing....I breastfed my son for four weeks and cried when I stopped ( I was pressured to stop and had very little day to day support, so I caved). I am currently BFing my daughter and she is 10 weeks. There is something so special about it, when they look up at you and coo while feeding, or pat you gently with a chubby little hand....you can see that they are content and happy, and that they are learning how to care about you because you care for them so intimately...My daughter will smile at me from around my breast while staring into my eyes....nothing can compare to that! Also they are just so cute with their lips all pooched out like fish lips! Too adorable! Yes it can be difficult and painful at times (I am suffering from thrush right now and I also had it with my son), but even when it hurts like knives I look at my LO's face and it makes it worth it and I won't stop this time until baby girl and I are both ready.

Good luck to you. I hope you can look past all the negatives people keep throwing at you and find support. Good on you for wanting to do what is best for your baby (and yourself)!

Jennifer - posted on 10/07/2010

I'm 24 and Ive been breastfeeding my daughter for 5 1/2 months and it's awesome. It gives me time to just sit and spend with my daughter where my husband can't make me clean or do
anything because I have to feed her, which is nice, I tried pumping for a little while, and it's convenient for going out and stuff but I prefer to just breast feed =D Also, for random practicality you don't need to heat up breast milk (from the boob) so it's quicker to feed from the breast at night and when you're tired etc.. I also love knowing that I am doing the best for my daughter and that if say their is a recall on formula I don't have to worry about my baby getting sick, and it keeps me motivated to try and eat better.
I do hope you at least try to breast feed, it is really nourishing for the baby and has a lot of health benefits for you too, and while it can be difficult at first it does get easier. Also if you have bad nipple pain, don't forget to get a nipple shield they are life savers!

Kylie - posted on 10/07/2010

All I can say is take it with a pinch of salt, until you've tried it yourself, you can't judge. I had a lot of negative comments but I'm very stubborn and wanted to breastfeed my daughter, heard a lot of horror stories too. But I was fine, I breastfed my daughter till she was 3 months old, I had to stop because I broke my hand and it was only because the pain was unbearable I had to take stronger painkillers. I had nipple cream (which helped as I didn't get cracked or bleeding nipples - it didn't hurt at all). All I say is don't knock it till you try it and if it hurts - it's not being done right.

Jennifer - posted on 10/07/2010

1) You feel needed (although I recommend introducing a bottle really early) 2) Breast milk is way better than formula for your baby - you give them some of your immunity so you help them stave off colds and flue a lot quicker 3) Go to a La Leche group near you - look on line - it will give you some support and get you out of the house. 4) It gives you some quiet time during the day with your baby 5) You lose weight quicker and burn more calories a day. 5) It is not easy so don't kid yourself and it hurts like a son of a gun - however the benefits are to your baby, I suggest using the back-ups your hospital gave you. Also you have to think about are you going to be going out often..........if you are not so good for you to breast feed but not so good for your baby to always be with others as well...................I have breast fed two babies now and I love it but it is not easy, especially when you are really tired.

Carrie - posted on 10/07/2010

I breastfed for 5 months, but not exclusively. I pumped and I used formula, too. The playtex drop-in bottles worked the best to not cause "confusion". It's no one else's business really, so if you're in a situation where you're uncomfortable breastfeeding, just bust out a bottle. Do what works best for you, mommy!

Nikki - posted on 10/07/2010

Hey,
I'm 23 and have a 3 yr old and a 4 month old who I am currently breast feeding. yes it is hard but only to start with, for me the first 2 weeks. From then on its been so easy, no sterilising no worries about packing bottles and formula to go out and no stress of where to heat up milk. Early hours morning feeds just pick up bub and latch them on and thats it. So much easier now. I recommend giving it a go and then if you decided from ur own experience that its not working out then put bubs on bottle,
Hope this helps!

Shana - posted on 10/06/2010

Awwwww I only got to feed my girl for the first month before I had to stop due to medication and stressssss. I would have given anything to breast feed though. And it has mostly nothing to do with all the stuff that is good for you, just because I really wanted to do it. I was really gutted when I couldn't. I think you should breast feed. As well as all the benefits, it would be a great experience. And as for the negative people, ignore them. They are only trying to scare you xD

Katie - posted on 10/06/2010

I havent read all of the responses you've gotten, so I am sure that I am just repeating things that have been said but...Breastfeeding has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Obviously there are situations where women can't or don't want to or what have you and to each their own, but for me it was the absolute best option.
1. It's free! Formula is expensive.
2. It doesn't stain baby clothes like formula does.
3. Formula has a tendency to lead to smellier spit up/poops (in my experience.)
4. There is (in my opinion) no better cuddling then the cuddling you get laying in bed breastfeeding.
5. It's empowering to know that you can not only carry a baby for 40 weeks and physically push it into the world, but you can also be all the nourishment that child needs for a considerable amount of time afterwards as well.
6. Boobs are there for breastfeeding. They make the absolute perfect food for your baby, why not use them.
To begin with it might hurt and it is easy to get discouraged, but just hang in there. Baby doesn't know what he's doing, and nether do you (at the beginning) but like everything else it gets easier with practice. People love to tell horror stories, I guess it's just human nature. Just do what's right for you and your baby and you'll do awesome! Good luck

Callie - posted on 10/06/2010

I exclusively breastfed my daughter until she was 6 months. She will be 1 on Nov. 2 and still nurses (never had any formula). I plan on continuing till she weans herself. Breastfeeding in natural but that doesn't mean it will come naturally. Just like walking it takes time and practice for both you and baby to get it right. Painful nursing is caused by an improper latch. It could take a while before both of you figure out how to get the latch right on the first try which could lead to some soreness. Lanolin is great for sore nipples. It's natural and doesn't need to be washed off before nursing. I would suggest taking a breastfeeding class; it really helped me. I struggled for a while when I first started nursing. My daughter was always so excited at meal time that she would get upset if she didn't get latched right away. I also had a large amount of milk and she would choke when I let down and then let go and scream. My let down was so heavy that it would continue to squirt, not leak drops but squirt, her in the face after she let go just making her even more pissed. I eventually learned to pump a little before she nursed and it would go much better. It wasn't always easy at first when we were learning but raising children isn't a walk in the park but things are definitely great now. I can confidently nurse in public (even without a cover) and not bat an eye. I'm a SAHM and the best part of the day is waking up and cuddling with my daughter while she nurses and smiles and talks to me. The same thing at night. We read books and then cuddle while she nurses before she goes to sleep. It's such a great time to bond that is special between only mom and baby. Dad's find their own special way to bond with baby that is unique so don't worry that he's missing out. Formula is not the same as breastmilk. Even formula containers state that breastmilk is better than formula and the prefered way to feed baby. If you read their claims they say their ingredients are 'LIKE' those found in breastmilk but not the same as. Breastmilk also changes due to the changing needs of your infant; something formula can't do. My daughter just had her first cold (may have just been teething) at 10 1/2 months. Besides having roseola she has never had any other illness and even goes to a play group a couple of times a week. I believe it is due to being breastfed. Good luck, try not to listen to all the negative nancys out there. If you want any more info on breastfeeding you can message me and you should definitely checkout the breastfeeding group on here. You can also check out your local La Leche group. Those ladies know a lot and can definitely give you some personal experiences as well.

Alisha - posted on 10/06/2010

It's also very easy for babies to digest and helps their brains grow as well. The trick is for you to drink plenty of water to keep your supply up and also pump even if you get a small amount or none because the more you take out the more you will make. If you are pumping and nothing is coming out it is sending a signal for more milk to be made so that's helpful.

Alisha - posted on 10/06/2010

I was 19 when I had my daughter and I didn't know what to think of breastfeeding when I was pregnant. I tried it when she was born and I really liked it because it's just like cuddling with your child. The first 2 weeks hurts but there are Lanolin creams that you can put on that make the world a better place and the baby can still nurse when it's on. Once you and your baby get down the latching part the rest is really easy after a few weeks. Ask as many questions of the lactation consultants and nurses while you are in the hospital as you can because they are really helpful. I went to school, worked, and nursed! I pumped a lot and had so much stored up in the freezer in special breastmilk freezer bags you can get anywhere by the bottle isle. I would also recommend getting an electric pump, either from a program your state offers or from a local pregnancy center. There are places out there that want to help you out with anything you may need. I loved nursing and I nursed my daughter for 2 years which may sound a little weird but at the time she was my baby and it wasn't weird at all. Towards the end I only nursed her right before bed so she could fall asleep. I never gave her formula and don't regret my decision at all. I think that being able to nurse an infant is a wonderful gift! It's too bad that some young mom's won't even try to nurse because even one day is better than never. My mother never nursed me and I have terrible allergies! Nursing can help prevent a child from having allergies, childhood cancers and all kinds of things. It also helps mother's chances of breast cancer become reduced. It is also the perfect food for a baby that not even a 'man-made' substance such as formula can exactly replicate! Don't let people talk you out of it, and call your lactation consultant and others who will support you when you have questions, concerns or feel like giving up! It is worth it! My daughter also never got sick until she was like 18 months old!

Keri - posted on 10/06/2010

I was 20 for a month before my first baby was born and I nursed him for 13 months! Same with my second, and I am still nursing my 7 month old. Age doesn't have anything to do with it.. maturity does! There are sooo many health benefits for you and your baby... if you can do it (as in there is no health reason you can't), then you should go for it! I had no friends or family around me with experience, but read everything and learned as I went. The bond between you and your baby is unbelievable!! Okay, so it hurts when your milk comes in. Regardless of whether you nurse or not, your milk will come in. So feed the baby as much as you can, pump a little (not too much to increase your supply!), etc. and it will be better quick! Yes it's hard to be on demand 24 hours a day to feed your baby, but do you want man-made substances in your newborn? Formulas do not compare to breastmilk - your milk is custom made for your baby!! For a common sense reason... in the middle of the night when you are exhausted, do you want to have to get up, make a bottle, warm it up, and stay up to feed the baby? Every couple of hours? Or... do you want to get up, hold your baby next to you, give them the perfect meal at the perfect temp and relax in the chair (I always sat in a recliner with a pillow under the baby to hold them in place, and we both would fall asleep while nursing). Which gives you more rest?? And just the bond and knowing you did everything you could for your baby are reasons enough! Most of my friends thought I was crazy, but once your baby is born, who cares ? You are there to support and take care of your baby, not your friends.. and you will probably change their minds when they see how much your baby loves you for nursing!! My friends all second thought it and some did at least try it on their babies...

Carla - posted on 10/06/2010

I tried to breastfeed my oldest son and he couldn't handle the flow. But I still pumped and feed him with a bottle. And I am doing the same thing with my 2 month old. For me that is easier. I love knowing what my baby is eating. In formula you don't really know what all is in it. With breast milk you know what you take in so you know what is in the milk. It also helps me lose weight because I eat better because I know that is what is best for my baby. I have heard more bad things about formula then I have about breastfeeding from my friends. I also love the fact that it is free milk unlike that expensive formula. I am a stay at home mom and every penny counts. I would highly recommend breastfeeding to any mom there are so many benefits that I can't even think of all of them. They truely do out weigh the bad things that you can have.

Carina - posted on 10/06/2010

I will tell you from personal experience I was breastfeeding for almost 5 months until I was running dry. The baby can have it on the go, there is no heating or waking up in the middle of the night to warm up a bottle. But if you are planning to breastfeed you must have an immense amount of patience to breastfeed every 2-3 hours (for newbies). You may also invest in a pump not a necessity but nice to have. Once the baby is almost 3 months of age it gets a whole lot easier. For me it was the bonding that I loved the most.

Aimee - posted on 10/06/2010

well positive for you, it helps you to lose your weight faster. it keeps your kids healthier, neither of my children ever get sick. the only problem we had was with my oldest, she had ear problems which both her daddy and I had also..my son is now 14months and has never been sick at all. yes it is painful at first until you get going good, but its really not that bad, just keep the cream close by. its really just like being chapped real bad and need chapstick. it gets better quickly. it also helps with a bond between you and the baby, i loved breastfeeding, yes there are times it can be difficult and you can get stressed. i think you should do it, even if its not for a long time, i ended up quiting with my first at 9months because of work, it got to hard. but she had also already started coming off herself because she liked real food to much and was already on a sippy cup. you can just start and if it doesnt work out change to formula. see for youself how it will work out. my advice is to start pumping asap and have extra milk for times that you either need a break or someone else would like to feed the baby like the daddy. :) good luck, i hope it works out for you.

Kelly - posted on 10/06/2010

I'm 20 and my son is now 10 months old and i'm still breastfeeding him :) You can do it if you want to. It is hard in the first weeks because your body has to recover from labour and get used to feeding your baby. The best thing you can do is research beforehand and make sure that you get your baby latched on properly. I didn't and it was painful til I healed but I have found a new favourite quote that I use now, "Pain is only temporary, quitting lasts forever"
Medical benefits, my son has only been sick a couple times. I mostly think it coincides with him teething.. He had reflux when he was younger and I don't even want to imagine how much worse it could have been if I hadn't breastfed him because it's easier for babies to digest.
It is convenient and cheap and made specifically for your babies needs. If I run out of food that is healthy for him to eat I don't have to stress because I know he's getting enough from me. Also I love not having to get up during the night to heat up a bottle or take bottles and formula out with me.
If you want to know why I keep breastfeeding it's not just because of the health benefits or that it's cheaper than formula, it's because it's something he and I can enjoy together and when he's feeding and looks up at me with his blue eyes my heart melts. I love the cuddles and the that he slows down to spend time with me :)
Hope that helps you a bit..

Christie - posted on 10/06/2010

Breastfeeding is one of the most awesome things I have achieved (along with the birth of my two children) in my whole life! I feel genuinely sorry for those who don't, or can't breastfeed their children. You are keeping another human alive with your own body for starters which is just amazing, and the bond you feel is overwhelming. I am a proud breastfeeding advocate and I hope that you experience the wonder of it all first hand. Good luck!

Shelley - posted on 10/06/2010

I hope you try and hang on to breastfeeding. I sought out alot of support when I began breastfeeding my daughter. I knew I wanted to nurse exclusively and planned it even before I got pregnant. Once I gave birth though, the latching was so painful I would cry sometimes, but the support I got was needed because I kept looking at my cans of enfamil. At night was the worst because my daughter in the first three months would stay up until 4 am crying on and off. I would have to stay up with her and nurse her here and there. I thought I was going to die, I was so exhausted. But by the time she was three months old, it became more enjoyable. The pain of latching took me like 2 or 3 wks to get used to. I visited La Leche League groups which helped alot. My sister would call me everyday to tell me, "don't give up- keep going". If she didn't do that, I would have just given in. I am so glad that I am still nursing my 8 month old daughter today. She looks so healthy and is very healthy. Thank God. Whatever support you can get, take advantage, because it's easy to give up in the beginning.

Kerry - posted on 10/06/2010

Hi!
I regret more than anything giving up breastfeeding when I returned to work at 7 months.
The first time i gave my child formula she had an anaphylactic allergic reaction to it, and my life has been a nightmare since then.
Cows milk (in formula) is not meant for babies, it is meant for cows! And unfortunately i learnt this the hard way.
I abolutely LOVED breast feeding my baby girl and intend on exclusively breastfeeding my number 2 on the way for as long as possible.
After all i have been through with my baby girl and her dairy allergy, i cannot stress enough to anyone how important it is to breastfeed where possible.
Of course there are people who are unable to breastfeed for many reasons, but if you have the gift to be able to, then appreciate it and do you and your child the best favour you can by continuing to do it!
Good Luck
XXX

Heather - posted on 10/05/2010

I can't believe people are telling you all those negative things about breastfeeding. It's wonderful! I had my daughter when I was 19 and she's about to be a year old and I still breastfeed to this day. It did take some time. At first she wasn't latching on very good so we used a nipple sheild which is this soft plastic thing you put over your nipple and the baby sucks the breast milk through that. It works good, but after about two weeks she didn't need it anymore and learned to latch right on. I've heard a lot of people say it hurt, but for me it didn't hurt very much at all. If the baby is latched on properly it's not suppose to hurt. Now it's like second nature for me and my daughter. Breast fed babies don't get sick as much and don't have digestive problems. It really is the best way to go. Don't listen to what those people are saying to you because babies were ment to breastfeed no matter how old you are.

Stifler's - posted on 10/05/2010

I went through the same thing, people trying to discourage me from trying to breastfeed and I think in the end the "just put him on formula if it's stressing you out" got to me and he ended up being bottle fed. Don't listen to people who failed at it themselves and want you to fail, you can do the breastfeeding thing and no there's not better nutrients in formula. It also helps you recover from the birth much faster and better and it's much cheaper and more portable.

Christi - posted on 10/05/2010

I was a young mom too. i had my son at 18. i breastfed him for the first 6 weeks then when i went back to work i didnt know that i was supposed to pump. so i supplemented with formula and quickly dried up. with my daughter i was 21. due to medical reasons i could only BF her for 2 weeks. now with my 3rd one i went a full 11 months... i am going back to work right now and i am just putting him on reg milk. (you are really supposed to wait the full year before going to reg milk but i am going a little early.) it has been so much better for me this time around and i think that you shouldnt beat yourself up about it if you cant do it. yes breastmilk is the best thing for your baby but there are a lot of babies out there doing just fine on formula. and that is what i had to tell myself for the longest time. I went through a depressio state when i couldnt breast feed the first two... It was hard but like i said, the baby will be jsut fine on formula.
this time around breastfeeding went so much better. like it was meant to be this time. with the first two i had to use a nipple shield because they wouldnt latch correctly. this time he was fine.
if you need help breastfeeding, im sure there is a lactation nurse in the hospital and also WIC can help with breastfeeding questions. they were great for me.
Hope all goes well !!!