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breast milk
I really want my baby to have breast milk for the first month or so, but really can't imagine actually breast feeding, so I was thinking about just pumping it.. I don't know the first thing about it. So is that any different, does it break the bond? Does it hurt any less? I have absolutely no idea, so if you could help me with these questions, or let me know other things that I need to know, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!!
ha.. I just re-read where you were planning to pump for the first month... good plan, LOL
I was planning to exclusively breast-feed, but I lost so much blood at delivery that my milk supply was REALLY slow to come in. My daughter was a natural BFer, and we both LOVED it...but after awhile when my milk still wasn't coming in right, I started to get really upset every time I breast-fed because I knew she wasn't getting enough and it became too stressful... eventually we ended up HAVING to supplement with formula (even the le leche ladies recommended it after the first couple weeks because of the trouble I was having with the supply) no matter how much we BFed or I pumped it just was NOT building up...
any way the point is, after about 3.5wks I ended up switching her exclusively to GoodStart Natural Cultures and she is SO healthy. she's been sick once in her 16 months and I've been sick several more times so I know she was exposed...her immune system is great.
I would have MUCH rather BFed.. my nipples, too, are incredibly sensitive, but it's not an issue when you BF, surprisingly. I felt like such a failure as a woman when BFing failed, but my daughter is very healthy and happy and in the end switching to formula was a decision we had to make... so from MY experience, formula-fed babies can be very healthy and happy and you shouldn't feel guilty for choosing not to BF. I would have if I could have, but it all turned out great in the end...
I must add though, if you don't want to BF consider pumping for the first 2weeks and putting the milk in a bottle so that your baby gets your colostrum which goes a long way towards establishing a healthy immune system... consider it :)
any way the point is, after about 3.5wks I ended up switching her exclusively to GoodStart Natural Cultures and she is SO healthy. she's been sick once in her 16 months and I've been sick several more times so I know she was exposed...her immune system is great.
I would have MUCH rather BFed.. my nipples, too, are incredibly sensitive, but it's not an issue when you BF, surprisingly. I felt like such a failure as a woman when BFing failed, but my daughter is very healthy and happy and in the end switching to formula was a decision we had to make... so from MY experience, formula-fed babies can be very healthy and happy and you shouldn't feel guilty for choosing not to BF. I would have if I could have, but it all turned out great in the end...
I must add though, if you don't want to BF consider pumping for the first 2weeks and putting the milk in a bottle so that your baby gets your colostrum which goes a long way towards establishing a healthy immune system... consider it :)
You could always try a nipple shield to breast feed at home in the beginning to help increase milk supply as well as express. Expressing and getting enough milk can be time consuming so good luck with what you try. I did it all as I didn't have enough milk 4 either of my children
Like I said I think I'm going to do the formula thing. i just don't feel comfortable. My sister gave my niece formula and she is healthier then my other sisters kids who were BF. I SERIOUSLY cant imagine a baby sucking on my nipple, My boobs have always bothered me. I hate them being touched or played with.
LOL, KeyD- breastmilk does smell better! My older girls were on soy formula and that stuff was rank.
I have been exclusively pumping for about 5 months now. (due to latching issues) I am not going to lie to you, it is hardwork but it is so worth it!!! I am teacher so I use any small break I have during the day to pump. I also wake up very early to pump before he gets up so I have time to feed him and snuggle before his Daddy brings him to daycare. My hubby has been very supportive of my pumping and has been a great cheerleader for me!
I say give it a try, you might be surprised!
I say give it a try, you might be surprised!
BFing wasn't exactly easy at first but i knew it was best for DD. i was very modest at first but i was able to put my baby's needs first. i had alot of family support--as all of my DH's sisters BF'd. and breastmilk smells alot better than formula.
it actually also greatly reduces the chances of food allergies in the future, as well as the chances of asthma, eczema, etc... If they DO get sick, they fight it off faster. The breastfeeding forum is full of stories of entire families getting sick, except the bf'ing baby, or of the bf'ing baby getting a much milder version. This is another reason why I felt obligated- i teach young children so I'm exposed to all sorts of bugs.
i just wanted to say that it IS possible to just pump- i did it for 6 1/2 months with my first because she couldn't nurse. She was 4 weeks early and I was determined to give her a strong start. Of course babies thrive on formula, but breast milk is superior (even formula makers will tell you that). I felt that if I was capable of producing breastmilk, then I had an obligation. Not everyone feels the same- that's what drove me.
my second started out bf'ing (i did find it to be easier than pumping) but many issues got in the way. I am currently pumping for her (she's 5 months) and again, i feel obligated, especially since i gave my first that advantage. plus, i'm terrified to switch to formula because this baby has had so many issues with reflux. i have a feeling she'd be one of those babies who has to go through every formula under the sun. My friend went through that and felt so guilty for stopping bf because her baby couldn't tolerate most formulas. My first didn't have these issues.
My advice is to give it a try. if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. but even just a week or 2 of breastmilk gives a baby a huge immunological boost.
my second started out bf'ing (i did find it to be easier than pumping) but many issues got in the way. I am currently pumping for her (she's 5 months) and again, i feel obligated, especially since i gave my first that advantage. plus, i'm terrified to switch to formula because this baby has had so many issues with reflux. i have a feeling she'd be one of those babies who has to go through every formula under the sun. My friend went through that and felt so guilty for stopping bf because her baby couldn't tolerate most formulas. My first didn't have these issues.
My advice is to give it a try. if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. but even just a week or 2 of breastmilk gives a baby a huge immunological boost.
I was 23 when my daughter was born and I felt pressured at the hospital to breastfeed as the lactation counslers do want to promote it. I was extreamly nervous and very shy and really never considered BF.. However my daughter was very ill when she was born 8 weeks early and they told me the breastmilk would help her fight the infection she had. She took to it right away.. I was shocked and it felt very natural and I loved it.. I BF until she was 9 months - my son.. only for a 2 months as he required so much more than I can make.. I did give both bottles of formula as well.... I found it easier to BF in the middle of the night - so much easier pulling up your shirt than making and warming a bottle... don't disregard BF'ing and keep in tune with your feelings... and just see what happens - either way you are being a great mom.. caring enough to do what is best no matter how you feel!!!
I have breast feed all 4 of my kids and will BF this one too. I tandam BF my second and third, meaning both at the same time as my older one BF till age two.
My third was in the NICU and born at only 30 1/2 weeks. I nursed her eery other feeding and she ate every two hours round the clock. I had loads of milk for a three lb baby but it is hard on the breast and especially if that is all you do. Recently we thought about adopting and started the process and I started pumping so I could BF the baby but then we decided to have our own together.(my tubes were tied and I had them undone) It was hard even when my milk came in. You will have your "let down when the baby cries and I have found that lots of mothers loose lots of milk by that when the baby is not attached. You will have a let down when the baby cries even if you are not anywhere near them! IE at the store or work:) I even had let downs when other babies cried! I think you should try to BF and see how it goes. You want to astablish a good milk supply BEFORE using the pump at all so you know you are getting what the baby wants. The other thing is when the baby grows it BF longer and you would have to pump to the babies cues and that is hard to do and get enough milk as the baby grows. It will hurt the bonding of the baby and I have seen babies cry more and be colicky when they want to nurse and then are offered a bottle. They have to suck harder at the breast then on a nipple!!! If you do try both you will NEED to get a slow flow nipple for them to be able to keep at the breast. Also you will find that it is easier with no bottle clean up or pump clean up! It si a big difference! I know it is hard for some woman to een think of BF their baby but it really is the most enjoyable thing and special for the both of you. The baby comes out kowing your smell and the smell of your milk! Your body knows what to do and it really is worth it!
My third was in the NICU and born at only 30 1/2 weeks. I nursed her eery other feeding and she ate every two hours round the clock. I had loads of milk for a three lb baby but it is hard on the breast and especially if that is all you do. Recently we thought about adopting and started the process and I started pumping so I could BF the baby but then we decided to have our own together.(my tubes were tied and I had them undone) It was hard even when my milk came in. You will have your "let down when the baby cries and I have found that lots of mothers loose lots of milk by that when the baby is not attached. You will have a let down when the baby cries even if you are not anywhere near them! IE at the store or work:) I even had let downs when other babies cried! I think you should try to BF and see how it goes. You want to astablish a good milk supply BEFORE using the pump at all so you know you are getting what the baby wants. The other thing is when the baby grows it BF longer and you would have to pump to the babies cues and that is hard to do and get enough milk as the baby grows. It will hurt the bonding of the baby and I have seen babies cry more and be colicky when they want to nurse and then are offered a bottle. They have to suck harder at the breast then on a nipple!!! If you do try both you will NEED to get a slow flow nipple for them to be able to keep at the breast. Also you will find that it is easier with no bottle clean up or pump clean up! It si a big difference! I know it is hard for some woman to een think of BF their baby but it really is the most enjoyable thing and special for the both of you. The baby comes out kowing your smell and the smell of your milk! Your body knows what to do and it really is worth it!
you are very welcome!i know exactly what its like when u have ur first child and dont know much about what is best!sometimes u need someone just to listen to u and advise when its needed!if u ever have any worries or qualms and need somone 2 talk to message me!i know we dont know eachother and i may only be 18 but i do have some experience and im pretty clued up so dont hesitate!always here x
I bottle fed with my first b/c I was the same way with my tatas. With my second I decided to give it a try. I bf exclusively for the first 2 weeks but the pain got to be so bad that I would break down and cry when it was time to feed her. Keep in mind I had other health issues at the time and was extremely depressed. We're currently TTC #3 and I plan on trying again. Good luck to you in whatever you choose. It is truly your choice and it comes down to whatever you are comfortable with. You are NOT being selfish.
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me that you took the time to talk to me and to listen as well....
of course your not hunni!everyone is different!and if you arent comfortable then your baby will pick up on it and will be unlikely 2 feed properly!you do whatever you feel comfortable with when the time comes!your son wont be deprived of anything and you deffinately arent being selfish!its not a bad choice at all!formula has come a long way and is pretty dam close to breastmilk so its not like you arent giving your son what he needs!whatever you decide will be whats best for him!i wish u the best of luck x
I think I'm just gonna do the formula thing. I just don't feel comfortable. I have always hated my boobs being messed with even just alil bit. Like its never been a sexual thing for me. I just feel really uncomfortable.. Is that a bad choice? I don't want to deprive my son if he really needs it, and am I being selfish
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breastfeeding/Exclusively-breast-pumping/show/1146998
Here's a post about exclusively pumping in the Breastfeeding forum. Join us in that forum as well and I think you'll get much helpful info and tips.
Here's a post about exclusively pumping in the Breastfeeding forum. Join us in that forum as well and I think you'll get much helpful info and tips.
lol!i understand completely!i have never really shied from doing so in public but even i had my reservations!u will probably be advised to give your baby the actual breast for the first feed or 2 as the colustrum stuff that comes out is VERY important for your baby(so i was told again!lol!)if u find you enjoy breast feeding but dont want to do it in public then breastfeed at home and use formular when u are out and bout!however if u only want 2 do it for a month i suggest u only use a bottle as sometimes, like my son, a baby wont feed from a bottle after having the breast!gd luck with whatever you decided!and whatever you decide will be whats best for your baby as as long as you are happy ur baby will be!it can be a confusing matter for some woman but trust me as soon as you hold that baby in your arms you will just know!good luck and keep me posted!how far gone are you? x
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