How to chose between bottle feeding & breast feeding?

Courtney - posted on 01/10/2010

Quoting Cassy:

Do what is best for you! If u try breastfeeding and you cant do it (its not easy, I tried but couldnt do it) then bottlefeed! They say breast milk is best for babies, when in reality they baby only receives what the mother eats herself, if the mother drinks alcohol and eats alot of junk food then thats all the baby will get. Im sure when your baby is born you will know whats best for your bub and yourself!

Actually studies show that even the most unhealthy/starved mother produces 100% quality breastmilk. That is why children in 3rd world countries are fine and healthy until weaned.

Yes alcohol does enter breastmilk but at the same concentration as in your blood stream so when the alcohol has left your blood stream it is also no longer in your breastmilk.

To make an informed choice we need facts, not myths.

Courtney - posted on 01/10/2010

I am a BFing mum, but I would suggest finding a group (for example Australia Breastfeeding Assoc. not sure what country you are in) they can help give you information on breastfeeding and what you need to know before bubs arrives. Also they can help once bubs is born if you have any issues and even if you decide not to BF they can help with info on how to wean and help your breasts cope with stopping production of breast milk. As this will also be something you would have to deal with if choosing to use artificial baby milk.
Good luck with your decision making. I wish you and your family all the best.

Cassy - posted on 01/09/2010

Do what is best for you! If u try breastfeeding and you cant do it (its not easy, I tried but couldnt do it) then bottlefeed! They say breast milk is best for babies, when in reality they baby only receives what the mother eats herself, if the mother drinks alcohol and eats alot of junk food then thats all the baby will get. Im sure when your baby is born you will know whats best for your bub and yourself!

Alison - posted on 01/09/2010

I breastfed for 3 months with my son. Initially it was a bit hard getting used to (son not latching on correctly, bleeding nipples), but what I found the hardest was the pressure from all the nurses in the hospital, all telling me conflicting information - it drove me nuts! I know they mean well, but sometimes us mums are not able to provide our babies with enough - I had to suppliment his feeds with bottles for a while because he hadn't gained any weight. Then I just switched to bottles fulltime. It's a personal choice (if you're lucky enough to be able to breastfeed that is) that you'll need to make. Try not to let people pressure you into doing something that doesn't feel right - or puts both you and future bubby at risk.

Marley - posted on 01/09/2010

i am bottle feeding my son but not by choice. breast feeding is def cheaper and in ways more convenient as u dont have to get up to make bottles!!!

Sarah - posted on 01/09/2010

I just had my first baby and I've never felt comfortable with the thought of breast feeding but I figured I would try it. It lasted One Week because I ended up having problems: first off my nipples are kind of flat and then I had problems getting my baby to latch on correctly and ended up with bloody nipples- it was pretty bad. The pain I felt actually scared me away from trying to breast feed again after my nipples had healed.. I felt like a failure because she was crying for food and I couldn't feed her. I eventually went formula. I suggest you try to breast feed but DON'T FEEL BAD if you don't feel comfortable with it or if you have a hard time and need to switch to formula.
Ignore those people who try to attack you if you decide against breast feeding.

Rebecca - posted on 01/09/2010

I absolutely loved breast feeding my son for the whole six weeks that I did it. LOL Sometimes the decision is made for you. MY son had lots of problems latching, and was such a little sucker (literally) that he was making my nipples bleed even after talking to lactation consultants and after six weeks. I felt so guilty for stopping, but my son hardly even noticed. The first time I gave him formula, he didn't even balk at it--just gulped it all down! All the time I wasted feeling bad and it didn't even matter to him!

Still, I firmly believe that breastfeeding is the way that nature and God intended, and that it is a wonderful experience. I also believe that there is a lot of pressure out there to feedyour baby the "right" way and you can be looked down on by other moms if you admit you don't want to breastfeed. But I can't tell you how much more convienient it was for me to bottle feed my son.

I'd recommend that you give breastfeeding a try if you are able to be home with the baby for at least the first few weeks. If it doesn't work for you for whatever reason, then you can always stop. You can't, however, go the other way. At least not easily. In the end, do what is right for YOU, not anyone else. And make peace with the decision.

Angela - posted on 01/09/2010

Do some reading, do some praying (if you pray), do some thinking, go to some classes on both sides of the fence, do some real "research" and then make your decision.

Ashley - posted on 01/09/2010

Breast feeding is def the best way to go forsure....BUT on the other hand you have to do what you feel is comfortable. I wanted to breast feed and I was determined to breast feed. I found that the pain was unbearable for myself and got hit with postpartum depression so i was starting to not like my baby which is why i only breast fed for a month, then i switched to bottle feeding. I found bottle feeding to be just as good, it was alot easier for me to get some sleep and my husband could also help out with the feedings throughout the night. I was so unhappy for the first couple of months that i wasnt breastfeeding but I had to do what I thought was best for myself and the baby at that time. I also still do think breast feeding is the best way to go and I encourage you to try it and see how it goes. The first month or so is the worst but if you can handle it you will be good to go after that, so try it out if you dont like it or do not enjoy it dont be afraid to bottle feed breast feeding isnt for everyone but it might be for you! hope this helps

Jennifer - posted on 01/09/2010

i chose breast feeding because they told me that it would develop my childs brain more so i did its more convienent you dont have to get up to make botttles or warm them up plus u know ur childs getting the best nutition. Alot of women dont breast feed cuz what it does to ur body but i did it its painful for the first 6 days but u adjust

Mandie - posted on 01/09/2010

the choice may not even be up to you , i wanted to breastfeed my son but he wanted no part of it and i tried for the first 3 days, and ended up having to bottle feed him because he had to eat, if youre not sure what you want to do deff try breastfeeding at least for the first feew days thats when they get the best nutrients from the breast milk

Megan - posted on 01/09/2010

Honestly it is a preference of what you perfer. I was going to breastfeed my little one and was very adment about it. However our little one was ready to come out earlier than excepted and because he was so early i had to attempt to pump instead. However i could not relate to a pump as it was not my child so i gave up and went to formula, the same kind they give hte little ones in the NICU. Formula has come a long way. Granted i would have perfered to breastfed our little one is just as happy as can be and is gaining weight and strength as he can with the formula. I really enjoy the experience with feeding him and my husband has enjoyed his feedings times with Nicholas. But it is something that you are going to have to decide on your own. There are definately alot of Pros to breastfeeding and mostly everyone will tell you that it is better. But if you are not sure try breastfeeding first and see if it works for you.

Natarsha - posted on 01/09/2010

I had not did not know until I had her the formula is so advanced now it really comes to budget are you going back to work don't let anyone influence what u do. Its your boobs your decision. Noone not even doctors should say which is better..

Sophia - posted on 01/09/2010

Breastfeeding is cheap and convenient. Also is the best for your baby. Im breastfeeding by pumping because i have inverted nipples and even though its a pain in the butt to pump and then give him a bottle i know that he is benefiting from this. I just started to supplement and you can just tell he feels awful. It's harder on their tummy and you can smell the difference. But Whatever is the best and less stressful way i think you should do. you should just go with whatever feels comfortable for you and the baby

Phi - posted on 01/09/2010

breast feeding is cheaper, better for the baby and better for you. it reduces your chanses for breast cancer and if you have a daughter it reduces her chances of breast cancer too. It raises your childs ability to resist infection and illness and it bonds the two of you together, formula is expencive! you have to carry it everywhere, find a way to mix it in public and clean the bottles which by the way are gross and you cant really sanitize them ( if you do go bottle then at least do the drop ins) breastfeeding regulates thier body whieght ( so they wont be fat) and gives them a better variaty of nutriants as you eat differant foods. to me it was a no brainer breastfeeding is free, portable and you will love they way your child looks into your eyes as he feeds

Megan - posted on 01/09/2010

I chose breastfeeding because i felt that it would benefit my daughter better then pre-made hormone filled bottle feeding, also its a great bonding experience for a baby and its mother, yes it may take up more of your time but for a first time mom it will help you bond with your baby, I believe that it is also easier no mess to clean up except for the occasional leak an you get more sleep cause there is no hassle of having to make a bottle. But if you want to bottle feed thats fine also I just breastfed my daughter an realized how great it was an want to share that bond with other mothers!

Alicia - posted on 01/09/2010

I have 3 kids and i chickened out on my first 2 but my 3rd one i went ahead and did it and i loved it i had to switch him to a fomula cause he had colic and my breast milk was making it worse but the month i breastfed him i loved it so much and the bond you have with your child is priceless.

Rachelle - posted on 01/09/2010

I think that breastfeeding is the best way to go, as long as you have the support and help! it is so much better for you and your baby and way easier and cheaper! I cant even imagine getting up in the middle of the night and making bottles, espically when my daughter is going through a growth spurt and is eating like ever hour! even through the night! it is so nice to get her out of her bed and whip my boob out, and lay her in bed with me!!

although it can be a little stressful at times when it feels like you never get time to yourself, or when they are only happy when they have a boob in their mouths, i wanted to give up and give her formula so bad! i tried giving her formula a couple times for the times we would go out to dinner or to the mall, and it made her so sick, so my advice is whatever you choose just stick with that one dont do both becuase i think with some babies their bodies cant handle it!

Andrea - posted on 01/09/2010

at least give breastfeeding a try before making up your mind. you can always switch to bottle feeding if it doesnt work for you and your baby. It really is the best thing for you and your baby's health so you should try before you decide not too.

Katie - posted on 01/09/2010

I just wanted to add a little something about a most recent experience I've had with breastfeeding
My son (12.5months) currently has a bit of a stomach bug. He started vomiting yesterday morning and has since stopped but now has a bit of diarrhea. It has been so amazing that I have been able to nurse him through this. It has been such a comfort for him, not to mention it's keeping him hydrated and ensuring that he's getting some nutrition at a time when he doesn't really have much of an appetite for anything else.

Lucy - posted on 01/09/2010

My advice ... see how you feel, it's about what's best for you and baby. my son is 11 weeks, i honestly didn't think i'd breastfeed, but was willing to give it a go, and still am feeding him, i found it easy (I know I'm lucky, it generally isn't). in truth, you don't have to choose, he's a happy chap with the odd bottle of formula too. Don't be pressured by anyone, and don't ever feel guilty for whatever decision you make. i think the pressure to breastfeed is now so great that people who find it impossible or don't want to face feeling they've let their baby down.

Krystelle - posted on 01/09/2010

Breastfeed.

Jessica - posted on 01/09/2010

Breast is best!!!! I hope you try breastfeeding before taking the decision of formula! I tried breastfeeding my son but we had problems with it so we switched to formula. Even though we tried hard, I regret not being able to breastfeed and sometimes blame myself and think I didn't try hard enough. If I have more children I will still attempt to breast feed! The benefits are phenomenal! Saying that, there is no shame in formula feeding and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You are still raising a happy, healthy child in a warm and loving environment. That is all that matters!

Christine - posted on 01/09/2010

Well, first of all breast feeding is a LOT better for you and your child. It gives your child nutrients that bottle feeding just cannot give, and it also is better for brain development and their immune system. It also increases your chance of breast cancer in the future by an insane ammount. Plus-it's natural and free! God gave us the ability to breast feed for a reason, so why not take advantage of it? Just know that it can be extremely hard for some people in the beginning (my son wouldn't even latch onto me with out a nipple shield for 11 weeks!) but it is soooo worth the effort. It's the closest bond you can ever have with your baby :)

Amy - posted on 01/09/2010

you may not know what's right for you until the time comes. i would at least give a serious go at attempting to breastfeed. factor in if you are returning to work, who all will be caring for the baby, how much money you have [formula is HOLY expensive!!]. If you are going to be staying at home, breastfeeding is so convenient. when you travel you don't have to be bogged down with canister, bottled water, bottles..... i know. i did it with my first since i could not make milk. do tons of research on pros and cons of each. don't take what anyone else says over what your gut tells you. i formula fed my daughter. i'm am breastfeeding my son. I LOVE the breastfeeding experience. my baby is less cranky, spits up once in a blue moon and has way less health issues. but even if you choose formula...please try to nurse first so you don't beat yourself up later thinking "maybe i should have tried and saved all this money". nursing sure help me lose all my baby weight if that helps! :) whatever you decide do it for your baby and you, not to please anyone else. best of luck

Ashley - posted on 01/09/2010

it's very well known that breast is best, so I don't see where the choice is to be made... I would at least try it.

Chanel - posted on 01/09/2010

honestly the best way to go is breast feeding, if i would have more support form mom, and bf i would have stuck with beast feeding, but its does take alot of time, its all depends on what works best for you...but breast feeding is good for your baby, its also good for you with losing the baby fat, and give you a baby a really close bond....i start when my daughter first came out and i wish i would have keep at it...

Chasity - posted on 01/09/2010

I couldnt make up my mind either..There really is benifets of breast feeding..like the milk starts to come out orange colored....this milk really good for the baby it is suppost to give them all your imunities...so they dont get sick so easy. I breastfed my son until the orange colored milk was gone then i bottle fed him. you could always do both like i did. He is just as healthy as anyother baby.

Angela - posted on 01/09/2010

There are a lot of deciding factors. I personally stuck with bottle feeding because I am the 'bread winner' of the family. Breastfeeding is definatley a lot cheaper and it's a bonding mommy/baby expierence. Once you breastfeed I hear it's hard to break the baby off. A friend of mine Breastfed only in the evenings for a few weeks. They always say breastfeeding is healthier for the baby and it's immune system also.

If you are a working mom and afraid breaking the baby, or maybe getting too attached I would recommend pumping into a bottle from the beginning. That way the baby is still getting all of the vitamins and nutrients from you to help with health and the immune system. Also, I would suggest formula before bed, I've been told that baby's sleep through the night more with formula rather than breastmilk.

Tanith - posted on 01/09/2010

Do what God intended a mother to do!
If you have milk, be grateful and breastfeed your child to ensure you giving him/her the best possible start to life!
Yes it's difficult for the first few weeks but the rewards are worth it.
You can't compare formula to breastmilk. Scientists are close, but will just never get it right!!!

Cassandra - posted on 01/09/2010

I had the same question when I first found out I was pregnant and I had decided to go with breast feeding due to being a breast feeder your child gets everything good out of it and they say that it also makes you lose all your baby fat faster. well, I gave birth to my handsome little boy and just started breast feeding right away and I lasted the breast feeding for about 2 months because of the pain, I just could not take it it was hurting so bad that it made me cry then I went to the store and bought a bottle and milk and I felt much better after that. wll I felt bad for giving up I felt like I was giving up on my baby so i decided to do both milk and as well as breast milk but before I started the breast milk I waited until my breast mainly the nipple area was healed and started pumping milk out of my breast. before I knew it I was getting much better doing it and I was happy about that. second child was born and because of the pain that i remembered from my first boy I went all the way with breast feeding I guess you tend to be stronger and expect that it will start hurting in a certain time I will say in almost about a month that you feel kinda sore on your nipple area, but I just keeped going then it was better and just felt okay about just sticking with the breast feeding. My boy is now 10 months and it is pretty hard because since he was born he never wanted a bottle of nothing I tried pumping milk in a bottle and he didn't take that either as well as a pacifier I am trying my best to take him off of my breast and start drinking in a cup, but he will not bother. I blame myself for not doing both like what I did to my first son and the reason why I say it's kinda bad is because he can not live without me I mean he will cry if I'm not around even he's father can't watch him alone because he will not take anything besides my breast. I guess people say it's good because your son is closer to you but us mothers do need a break and I'm not kidding but even when I'm in the toilet I breast feed it is really hard even when you go to the store you have to be prepared and look for spots to feed when your baby either starts waking up or hungry.

I tell you my story because I want you to know the truth that other mothers left out. If I was to have another baby I would choose to breast feed and also bottle feed, but if you bottle feed use your own breast milk and start pumping you might even start producing milk a month before you deliver if you do you can start pumping and store it and make sure you read about storing breast milk for safety reason. I say both so your baby don't get addicted to breast feeding especially if you work and it also gives the father a time for himself to bond. Oh Yah... my first son got sick a couple of times, but my second son well he had not got sick and i believe it's the breast milk. Really it kis up to you so Good luck and Congrats!

Katie - posted on 01/09/2010

Start with breastfeeding, after the first 3 weeks or so, you can express milk and have someone else feed him a bottle breastmilk (gives you a break). You can always switch to formula later- but if you start with formula, you can't switch to breastmilk. For us, the choice was easy- breastmilk is free! Formula is expesive!

Linea - posted on 01/09/2010

I am pregnant and not due until Aug, but I had already decided before I got preggo that if at all possible I am going to breastfeed. I would really like to, but some mom's have different complications that make it really difficult or impossible. I would suggest going and talking to a lactation specialist. My nieces were breastfed and are very intelligent happy children, and I myself was bottlefed (mom had to take med for thyroid that would kill me) and I did well in school and at work. So either way your child will thrive. There are pro's and con's to either one. Honestly I would try breastfeeding, but make sure you have support at the hospital to help if you are having trouble.



I have also thought about getting bottles and a pump, so that hubby can try and feed the baby too...I know there is a wealth of information on the subject that you can read up on before you have to make your decision, if I wasn't sure that is what I would do...I think I might research it anyway...lol....It is your decision and don't let anyone make you feel bad for what you choose either way you are feeding your baby and that is what is most important!

Alicia - posted on 01/09/2010

I chose what was best for my baby, which happens to be breastfeeding. To me, it's there and made for the baby in the purpose to sustain the baby's life. Why waste it? I would say to at least try it. And get ahold of something (support group, WIC, other BF moms) that you can lean on... as far as for us - it sucked at first. It was so hard! All I wanted to do was sleep because my day and night consisted of feeding this tniy hungry baby who could take 10min or 1h to eat. Sometimes she would nurse for an hour and then turn around and nurse again an hour later. And the pain! :\ Feeling the letdown of milk hurt, feeling my boobs fill back up hurt, and her latching on hurt. After 2 or 3weeks all the pain was gone. It wasn't unbearable... I had just gone through labor - give me a break, I can handle a little boob pain, lol!! It did lessen with time, and thouhg I don't feel them fill up anymore I do still feel the letdonw and it's no longer painful. Hasn't been for months.

She is now 3 1/2 months old and we love it! It's so special :) It's just her and I looking at each other, and I talk to her while she is nursing and sometimes she pauses nursing to chatter with me, it's so sweet. I feel that it has made me closer to her. And just wait until she is older and on the run, she starts crawling and won't sit still for anyone, I'll still have that, when she snuggles with me and nurses.

So all in all - I think it's totally worth the benefits for a little bit of pain.

Also - one last thing, it really took me until 5 or 6 weeks to "enjoy" BF

Hope this helps and good luck figuring out what helps your family best. But at least give BF a try, if it doesn't work for you guys then that's fine, but you don't want to ask yourself what it, or wish that you had at least tried it. I have a friend doing that as we speak. Give it a go :)

Anna - posted on 01/09/2010

its all about what works for you and what your comfortable with! i tried to BF but it just didnt work for me. so my daughter has been bottle fed from about the first week she was born. there is nothing wrong with it in my opinion. i actually like it better because then i wasnt up every two hours for a feeding, and i didnt have to worry about pumping if i left her with someone and i didnt have to wrory about finding a place to BF in public. and the formula kept her fuller for longer! i felt like i got some flack from some ppl even doctors when they found out i was bottle feeding but i didnt care. i had to do what was best for me and my daughter. good luck and whatever decision u make will be a good one!

Emilie - posted on 01/09/2010

I would say that it is not something you can decide in adavnce. When your baby is born, you might feel that one of these two options seems more natural to you, and choose it. If you are still not sure, you need to test both, and decide what is best in your case. It means starting with breastfeeding, otherwise you will not have milk, and if for whatever reason you cannot continue with it, you can move to bottlefeeding. Most doctors encourage mothers to breastfeed, and it is true that it has great benefits. But for some women it can be sore (in my case it was not sore at all, so you never know), which is why you should not be too set on breastfeeding. The most important thing is to feel comfortable with whatever option you will choose, because if you're not, if you're forcing yourself, your baby will feel it. Just take it easy!

Debbie - posted on 01/09/2010

i had my boy in April last year, i breastfed him for 7 months and he hasn't been sick or to the doctor eversince, just or check-ups. and i know from my personal experience that was the best option for my baby because he was very ill at birth! he had phneomatorax (lung burst and infection) but because i chose breastfeeding he is very healthy and happy, give it a try it is a GREAT bonding experience. good luck and your motherly instinct will help you!!!!

Stephanie - posted on 01/09/2010

You can always try breastfeeding and if you or your little one decide you don't like it then try bottle.. that's what I did

Sarah - posted on 01/09/2010

The great debate! OOh where to start...

I think its important you research as you are as much as possible, but remember that what people say are their own experiences (Which are important, but to be viewed with caution as you are individual) and you must find out the facts, previously its been said to make up the bottles you need for 24 hours in advance, I dont know where you live but in the UK this is not within the government guidelines each bottle of formula should be made fresh for each feed, and any unused milk should be discarded after 2 hours.
I am in process of reading a book called The Politics of Breastfeeding, by Gabrielle Palmer, i can guarantee you you will learn so much from this book, it is not a book for 'how to breastfeed' there are plenty of good books out there, and again depending on where you live in the world will depend on the support network you can receive from health professionals.
I am a Breastfeeding Buddy here in the UK and personally I breastfed both my children until 6 months even when my son was 10lb 1.5oz born, it is a myth you can't feed a 'big' baby. I agree with people who have said 'As you're not sure what you want to do I'd definately give breastfeeding a try' but as a few others have said don't mix feed, breastfeeding is all about supply and demand, if you dont put your baby to the breast your body wont know how much milk to supply, its a bit like putting an order in for the milk man, if you miss it you dont get that order of milk, so if you miss a feed your body thinks it needs less and makes less, this is so common to why people's milk 'dried up'.
I believe it is important to have support and as you have said most of your family have always bottle fed their children it looks like you'll have to find it from a health professional, ask your midwife about a buddy system in your area, a buddy is someone who voulnteers to meet up and support a Breastfeeding mum for aslong as she needs, in the UK we have training and are kept up to date with meetings every 4-6 weeks, above us is a paid Breastfeeding Co-ordinator who's job is to promote infant feeding in their area and also run the various drop-ins and groups, personally one of the best things I had when i first started breastfeeding was group support, it also helped with my confidence to feed in public as I started in this group setting where all i received was courage and support, also i volunteer to go into our middle and secondary schools to talk about breastfeeding, we have pics of women feeding their baby and ask which are just cuddles and which the baby is actually feeding, the answer is they are all feeding, yet most kids think its just a cuddle, it east to be discreet with the right support, suppport i got from that group setting, you should find out what groups are on in your area.
Often there are breastfeeding classes, usually run by a midwife in the weeks before you give birth, like they have classes on labour and breathing etc, ask about and find when they are on...
In the end, you need to do whats best for you and your baby, I wish you the very best.

Megan - posted on 01/09/2010

Yea I see what you mean. Also, breastfeeding is a very close and personal bonding time with your infant.

Megan - posted on 01/09/2010

I breastfed for 2 months, because I wasn't producing enough to quench her hunger. I was hoping to keep it for as long as possible. The only thing I know for sure is that breastfeeding is healthier because it provides more vitamins. However, if you aren't comfortable with it, don't put yourself through it. Also, if you are on medications or plan on celebrating with alcohol or anything you may need to talk to your doctor. In the end, it's whatever you feel comfortable with. Either way I'm sure you're going to be a great mother.

Sasha - posted on 01/08/2010

You have to do whatever is right for you. I tried breastfeeding but was unsuccessful. My milk dried up even though i did everything to try stimulate production. In the end i went to formula, yes it costs more but it works for us and we have a healthy lil boy who is just as healthy, energetic and normal as breastfed kids the same age.

Kimberly - posted on 01/08/2010

When it comes to feeding your child it is your decision. Most times, you tend to do what the women closest to you did when it was their turn to have babies. However, I always knew that when I had a baby that I would breastfeed. Breastfeeding tends to be a lost art from these days. There are support groups, laws and haters. If you do not know breastfeeding to be the best decision for you and your baby then it may be easy to be pursuaded by people discouraging you. I breastfeed my baby for 12 months and it was the best thing I could have ever done. She has never had a fever and seldomly gets sick. I have lost all the "baby weight" and when I tell people that I have a 15month old daughter they drop their jaws!

Meg - posted on 01/08/2010

Hi, I bottle fed Riley ( he's 3 months old now), and ive got to say my husband and I haven't had any problems with it. He has been sleeping (from birth) 4-6 hours (so we get lots of rest) and he hasnt been sick at all. We go through a bottle of formula a week (around $15-20 dollars) and it takes 1/2 hour to prepare 6 bottles for 24hours. I dont bond with my baby through breastfeeding rather I bond with my baby my talking to him, playing him and holding him up to my chest...etc.....

There are also the additional benefits of being able to go out for a couple of hours, if you can get a sitter (to regain your sanity), being able to drink and not having to worry about consuming too much caffeine, spicy food etc.

I felt really bad about not breast feeding him, ( as i had a stroke in November 2007, and have right side weakness as a consequence ) but he seems to be more than fine. Good luck!

Brittani - posted on 01/08/2010

It really all depends on you. I breastfed for the first month but I wanted to work and go back to school so I decided to bottle feed. Breast feeding is better for the baby. The good thing about bottle feeding is that you can get help from other people. Some one else can feed the baby while you sleep or do whatever you need to do. By the time you have your baby you will know what is best for you and baby.

Linnea - posted on 01/08/2010

Breastfeeding is awesome!! So many benefits - not just cheaper, but FREE whereas formula is so expensive...lose the baby weight!!! You burn sooo many calories/day breastfeeding. I got down to the lowest weight I've been in my life by the time my son was 10 months all because of breastfeeding!! ... So much better for baby!! Breastmilk is the PERFECT food for babies and even adjusts continually to their daily nutritional needs - formula is only a generic replica. Plus the antibodies you give the baby keeps sickness at bay. After my son weaned he got the first cold he's had in a year within a week and has been on and off with colds ever since. It also helps protect you from breast cancer and is so convenient - no forgetting to bring formula, washing bottles, finding places to warm up bottles, finding sufficient water to mix in, packing lots of bottles and formula on vacations, etc...what a bother! Just you, your breasts and the baby and your good to go! Ever ready instant food supply no prep needed no clean up no lack. Fabulous!!! So, why would anyone prefer formula? Beats me. I think breastfeeding is the best thing since sliced bread. :) I like it so much I nursed #1 for over 2 years and dread the day when i'm not nursing a baby anymore...ill probably gain 8 lbs within a couple weeks like my friend did! So that's my 2 cents, breastfeeding rocks. It's worth any hassle, any sore nipples, any problems (they're usually solvable if you're committed).

Lindsay - posted on 01/08/2010

I breastfeed and pumped for 6 weeks and was forced to stop when my milk dried up after having to have my gal bladder removed. It appears my daughter got all of the important immunities from it because she was born September 2008 and had her very first illness/cold December 2009! I would say try it and see how it works for you. You can always stop or switch to some nursing, some formula later on.

Danica - posted on 01/08/2010

If you choose to breastfeed the hospital you deliver at should have lactationist that can help you with any questions, concerns or advice, They will even help you with the feedings while you are in the hospital to make sure the baby is latching on propperly. Most places even have support groups you can join once you leave the hospital. I would try breastfeeding before you decide to use formula.

Kelli - posted on 01/08/2010

I would give breastfeeding a go for a start, seems you are unsure. Then that way, you will know if you want to do it or not and at least if you decide not too, you know that you gave it your best. I breastfed my first for 8 1/2 weeks and had mastitis 6 times and ended up back in hospital for a week on a drip when she was 5 weeks old. But I still kept with it and give it all I had. In the end I figured that I tried my best and it just wasnt meant to be. My little girl thrived on a bottle and we both ended up being much more happier. I believe that it doesnt matter what you decide to do, as long as it is your choice and not someone elses. I had a lot of people looking down on me when I chose to go with the bottle, but they didnt have a clue as to what I went through to get to that stage. So as long as you are happy doing what you want, then go for it! Good luck!!

Elizabeth - posted on 01/08/2010

you'll never know unless you try! either way, you should do what works best for you and baby. i breastfed the first weeks and it came naturally from day one. i know some people have trouble getting started, but i guess i was one of the lucky ones. however, my daughter would get really gassy and constipated while i was breastfeeding. i changed my diet and did all i could to help make it easier on her, but in the end it was best to switch her over to formula. so you never know how things will turn out! just don't let anyone guilt you into one or the other... its your choice... and either way baby will get what they need. just make sure you have a support from the people around you no matter which way things go!