Breastfeeding questions

[babyLevi]

How many of you ladies have breastfed or plan on breastfeeding? I am currently 24 weeks and I am kinda stuck in the middle of wanting to and not wanting to. I know that I need to make up my mind so I can go to those classes they offer and register for breastfeeding items, but I just can't seem to do it. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Like does is hurt? (i have very sensitve nipples,like don't even like DH to touch them)

What if I try it and don't like it? Is it okay to just stop and go to the formula?

HELP

[sarubers]

Breastfeeding is so good for the baby. And for your question, if its done properly, it shouldnt really hurt. Your breasts will be pretty sore when the milk comes in, but it doesnt last long. I breastfeed my son until he was 9 months. By then he had about 8 teeth, so I decided to call it quits. I supplemented with formula anyway. I would reccomend breastfeeding to anyone who can. It is such a bonding experience.

[babyLevi]

Thank you ladies so much for the advice. I love this site! Everyone is so GREAT!

[deanne11]

just scanning other's comments....

forgot one of the biggest positives in breastfeeding....saving the $$$$$$$$$

boy is that formula expensive....I couldn't wait until my DD could go on regular milk

[gunnersgirl16]

hi Yes it will hurt at the beginning for me was 4 months of pain I almost stop breastfeeding I'm glad I didn't is the best for the baby prevents from getting sick, ear infections anyways make sure even if you take a class right now before you have your little one make sure you see a consult  a Lactation lady call your local health dept classes are for free.  But Yes prepare your self for pain just make sure everytime you breastfeed your baby don't put back your bra let them get some air also once your done feeding the baby the same breastmilk put it around the nipple and let dry do not put any bra or clothes on for 15 minutes everytime you breastfeed it will help.  Congrats and Good Luck.

[Crritter]

I started with formula because I wasn't sure that I would be comfortable nursing but had a change of heart after 6 days.  The pediatrician's nurse helped me to get started and told me taht I didn't need to nurse exclusively, any nursing was better than nothing.  I nursed for the first few months, but dried up shortly after I went back to work at 10 weeks.  It did hurt a lot at first, your nipples get very raw and sting, I thought about giving up too, but once you get past it it gets better.  Unfortunately my son was still a very sick baby, had pnuemonia (pneumonia) while I was still nursing him, got RSV twice, ear infections, roto virus, chicken pox...you name it.  Our Dr. said some are just unlucky and the nursing had nothing to do with his health, some kids get sick early on and some wait till they start school.  My son is now 3 and hasn't been in to the Dr. for an illness in over a year.  I think you just need to do what you feel is best for you and your baby.  Good luck!

[neparker]

I breastfeed both my DS and DD and I will with this one too.

With my DS, Oh my GOSH!  It hurt.  I believe it was because I haven't of course ever done it before.  He didn't have a latch problem or anything, it was just me.  I also swear it was because every morning after my shower I would lather myself up with lotion.

With my DD, I didn't use any lotion on my breats, and when she was here, I didn't have any problems with breat feeding her.

WIth this one, I have stopped using lotion on my breats again, so, we'll see what happens.

[neparker]

I of course meant to type breasts. LOL

[deanne11]

I breatfed...and YES YES YES it hurt.  I heard the horror stories but I didn't relieve believe them in full.  Well I was wrong.  I almost quit 2 weeks after she was born...I was crying everytime she nursed..

But I stuck it out and within another 2 weeks it was nothing.

The first 2-3 weeks my poor nipples were nothing but scabs and showers hurt but the dr kept telling me it would get better and he was right.

It's all a personal choice obviously....I also lost all my weight and then some by breastfeeding...one reason I kept it up besides it was best for my baby.  Seriously I never had such skinny thighs...LOL

Anyway - you'll make the right decision for you, your baby and your lifestyle.

[babyLevi]

I want to try it I think. But if it is too much to handle is it okay for me to quit after lets say a week of doing it and go to formula?
Is there anything I need to be doing now to get ready to breastfeed?

Or can I just decide what to do once the baby gets here?

[petanka]

It may hurt for a few days or weeks, (different with each one of us) but there are things you can get at Target etc. to help the soreness. Also, this pain is nothing compare to childbirth!

Some of the good things about  it:
It is healthier for your child, also, will not have to deal with making bottles in the middle of night, will not have to worry about baby having upset tummy so much, can go anywhere and just pop up your boob and there comes food, cheaper, will help you loose any of your extra weight....etc.

Some of the negatives:
Your child will have to be with you at all times, unless you pump, and yes, it may hurt for a few days...but that is about it. Oh, well your boobs may not be as nice as they were before you started breastfeeding, but then again, your whole body may change anyways!

I breastfed my DD for 13months, never had a single bite and it may just be my believe, but it saved me LOTS of money on Dr. visits since she is never, ever sick!

Good luck making your decision!

[baby4Staci]

I think that as long as you give it a try then you will be ok.  I am pregnant with my first baby and i plan on trying to breast feed..  TRY is the key word.. I am not going to let my self feel like a failure if for some reason i dont like it.  My motivation is that i hear it helps prevent hayfever and seasonal allergies and since i suffer from them so bad i want my son to have every chance not to have them!! so if that means toughing out sore nipples for 4 weeks then i can do it.  You dont have to register for any classes.. when you give birth the lactation consultants will be up your butt anyway.. haha.  There is also tons of awesome reading material in bookstores that you can look into.  I think of all the things i have heard about breastfeeding your best approach is to just be relaxed or everything can go wrong.

I know many very healthy formula fed babies so dont allow yourself to feel guilty if you decide to feed your baby formula.  Each option has its pros and cons but the great thing is that it is YOUR choice!!

[luv_babies]

I am 21 weeks and I plan on breastfeeding at least unitl I go back to work. My mom tried with me and it didn't work out. Hopefully I can get the hang of it. I'm not sure about pumping though. I guess I'll see how it goes. You can also sign up for the class and still be undecided, maybe the class would help you make your decision.Good luck!

[deanne11]

I didn't need to prepare..my DD knew exactly what to do.  The nurses will probably ask you when you go in for delivery so they know what to do.  They asked me and told them 'yes' so after she was born-weighed-measured-bathed...she was handed right to me to start.

She took to it like a trooper...some don't from what I hear.  You'll know what to do and yes you can't certainly quit at any time.  My dr encouraged me to keep trying because he knew how wonderful it is for your child....and knock on wood...my child has never really been sick...one ear infection in two years.
More sickness over the last 6 mos since joining daycare but that's inevitable.

I nursed for 7-8 months...she had all her teeth then, got them all within a 2 week span...early bloomer...stopped when the teeth arrived.

[babyLevi]

Okay I am going to try it. It is my first baby also. One more question though, do you have to only breastfeed or can you switch it up with each time they eat? like breast one time and formula the next? Probably a stupid question but i am new to this so i just don't know. sorry.
Can you stop breastfeeding anytime and go to formula?

[anxiousmomtobe?]

Breast feeding is great for you and your baby.  It can be hard.  It takes a good 6 weeks for it to become routine.  Sometimes you will get sore, I did with my first child, had no soreness at all with the second.  Really takes the weight off after the baby.  Is easier than preparing bottles...it's always ready and always the right temperature.  It was a sacred moment with my kids.  My daughter is now 15 and my son is three next week.  Very precious memories, a real soul connection.

If it doesn't work out, don't feel guilty about bottle feeding.  The main thing is to welcome this gift from heaven and enjoy being a new mom.

[deanne11]

I would switch it up towards the end...My DD hated formula...but I loved it cause it kept her belly full longer and less feedings.

You can do it from the beginning if that's what you want....it gets them used to it.  I thought I was going to quit cold turkey when the teeth started coming in but my DD has refusing the formula...it really does taste bad.

Anyway...that's your call but if you don't alternate from the start you may want to towards the weening process....just 1 mother's opinion from a fussy eater

[twinsmommy]

I'd just give it a try. It's great if it works for you, but try not to feel guilty if it's not for you. Your baby will be perfectly healthy with formula as well. My bottlefed friends' kids are never sick and my breastfed other friends' kids are often, it depends on the kids as well you have to remember. Yeah yeah, blablabla bonding, antibodies... all perfectly true but if you don't feel good it's not a healthy situation for you. And does it hurt? YEAH! I had a preemie, had been full-time pumping for 3 months, (you don't want to know how much your breast can stretch and it was the second pregnancy) and it still hurt like hell when I put DS on the breast (a full-term baby is sooooooo much stronger)(I bottlefed the milk when he was too small and only got 6 ml per feeding then I didn't try for 3 weeks before putting him back to the breast).
And as for bottlefeeding yes, it may be a hassle to get up at night to prepare the bottle, but that's why you have a DH!!! and it gives you a chance to get out of the home without baby as well.
If you are willing to try but it hurts too much you can always try pumping for a while. You'll be able to put the suction as low/high as you like and you can stop anytime. Maybe that will make you more relaxed as well...

[AndiJ78]

Yes, it can hurt. Both my boys nursed like champs, but the first 7 days were still painful. I nursed both of my boys beyond their first birthday, the first for 14 mos, the second for 15 mos. Both had nearly full sets of teeth (minus their 2 year molars) and I was only able to nurse using one breast the entire time and never supplemented. I tell you this because our bodies are capable of acheiving amazing things to give our babies the very best. My boys were always high on the growth charts and always healthy.

As far as things you need to nurse, I suggest a boppy pillow, nursing bras, lanolin, and lots of patience. It is tough, but well worth it!

Andi

[Crritter]

If you are concerned about the hassle and work of bottles, it's not really that bad.  I used disposable bottle lines and the Platex bottles, which was nice because then I knew how much my son was eating.  It was not really much of a hassle for me.  I just ran the bottles on the top rack in the dishwasher since it gets really hot, and we have a sanitizing cycle that runs at the recommended temp to kill germs.  I used the powder formula and would just premeasure a few bottles and cap them.  Then when I needed them I could just run the water to the right temp, add it and shake.  It was pretty quick and easy.  Nursing is an amazing feeling though, if you are interested, there is no harm in trying, you can always switch.

[HIS GIFT TO US]

U may think I'm crazy but you'll see if u bf, most pumps have a dial # control on em, of course when u come home #1 hurts, but after awhile #10 (the highest) doesn't even make u flinch :) LOL  SO yes it hurts but u get used to it & before long you'll be a pro, either w/ the pump or w/ your baby latched on to ya :)  DS didn't get have a cold til he 13mo (I weaned him at 8mo) he was so healthy so I'm 100% gonna bf this baby on the way too!! Good Luck!!!

[fasolt_mn]

I am breastfeeding about 75% of the time with my newborn. My nipples hurt sooo bad in the beginning, but they toughened up and don't hurt much at all. The lactation consultants say that if they latch on correctly, it shouldn't hurt, but she was latching on correctly and it still hurt - you'll get used to it.

[twinsmommy]

You know, what His gift to us said is right, you get used to the nr. 10 setting very soon, but still the baby hurt. Maybe women who have no trouble breastfeeding have the same experience when they suddenly have to switch to pumping for some reason? The suction must be different somehow I guess.

[lucylocket2]

your bobbies will be a little sore , but not for long. It is so worth it though. It's so much better for the baby. That's why you've got'em anyway. As long as the baby get the colostrum (sp), I know i spelled that wrong,.It's the best part. It's struggle at first, but it will get easier. Good luck! The formula's they have are good too. It really comes down to a personal choice.

[Liza55]

I breastfed b/c I knew it was literally the perfect food for my baby. However,for me, IT HURT SO BAD. I wanted to throw the book across the room that claimed 'slightly uncomfortable'. The lact.consultants insisted my latch was great and eventually the pain would get better. I used to almost be in tears. I tried nipple shields which were a miracle for me. Kept me going and completely allowed my nipples to heal, as well as finally took away the pain. My baby gains weight, gets enuf milk, but the one drawback..at 4 mos. she still nurses w/ the nipple shields on. Some babies you can take them away, mine got used to them and gets frustrated w/ just a soft nipple. My advice is YES it may hurt- alot- but definitely try! And remember nipple shields (at Target) if the pain gets too bad. Consider it the first 'sacrifice' you make for your bundle of joy.

[lovefamily]

I breastfed my boy's.  I look back it as one of the most tender and bonding moments when they were babies.  You know the benefits for their health.  Just like many things, we sacrifice for our children.  Sore nipples may be one of those.  When you nurse be sure to have the baby put her mouth around the aerola not just the nipple.  Start preparing by rubbing a nipple cream on your breast everyday to prepare.  I nurse mine until 12 months & 16 months.  Teeth and all, they didn't bite me.  You will be sore the first few weeks then it goes away and I promise you will enjoy it!

[mamajen]

hi.  Oh my gosh, i think it is sad when a mother does not want to try and breastfeed.  It is best for mother and baby...it helps to fight post baby blues and  you pass on your natural immunities through your milk so your baby will have a stonger immune system better prepared to fight off illnesses..
It does not hurt, may feel funny, but it is Very temporary , like a few days.  It is a wonderful, enjoyable experience for both, and formula does not even come close to being as healthy as breast milk.  
You also burn more calories when nursing and thus shed a few more pounds naturally...i just cannot imagine not wanting to bond with baby...it so important!
physically and pyschologically....
just try it, and have a Positive Attiitude. it is important to put your babys' needs and interests ahead of your own.  you just may like it afterall!!!!
good luck