Aa
breastfeeding vs formula
Well I know we are a little bit early but any insights about what to do breastfeeding vs formula. I am leaning more towards breastfeeding, but still confuse about which pump to buy, some of them can be pretty expensive around 300 bucks. Any ideas girls.
Ya know, I did not try to express any milk...I thought if they were squeezed, it would come out and saturate those breast pads? Lack of knowledge and no one in my circle of friends or family breastfed so it was not something I knew much about...at the hospital they asked if I wanted to breastfeed and I said no...they did not ask me again until she was born...I said no again and that was the end of it! This subject does not bother me at all. It is all so very personal to each of us as individuals! And all I can say is we are all soooooooo blessed to have these babies coming into our lives! I am so excited for us all!!!!
I second that, SoCal---I totally don't judge either. My older sister couldn't breastfeed at all, and my younger sister has a hard time with it due to the constitution of her milk actually causing both her sons to have serious spitting up, vomiting, gas, and acid reflux (its weird, we tease her and tell her her boobs are poisonous). so they both switched to formula after a short time.
Even women who choose right from the get-go, more power to you.
I just get livid when women are made to feel like they can't breastfeed, or when they are filled with doubt that they will be able to take care of their baby. To me, it's unconscionable.
Carebear, you're totally not the odd man out, but i applaud you for not getting upset with us when we often sound judgmental against women who use formula. My son started self-weaning around nine months, so by 10 or 11 months, he was on baby food and the occassional bottle of formula. And once he was a couple of weeks old and really got the breast down good, i did occassionally bottle feed (for his dad, grandparents etc to be able to experience it). I totally believe in that. And on a road trip, it's a lot easier to plop a bottle in his mouth than to stop and breastfeed, lol.
When I did give a bottle, often it was breastmilk, but I tell you what, I can't tell you how many times those similac singles saved me. You get them in a box of like 16 and you just add water and go---times when we were stuck somewhere, or i got stuck somewhere and there wasn't enough milk in the fridge for the babysitter, etc. I recommend even if only for emergencies, everyone should get a box. (they also have premixed bottles that are even easier, but they are pricey---but they must put crack in those things because after i gave one to my son once, he wouldn't touch any other formula for a month).
for pumping, most of the time i just hand pumped... i had a crappy hand me down pump from my sister, and i was always good at handpumping, was able to get a lot, fast. so i just stuck with that mostly. And if you make yourself handpump, it's easier to pump on the fly any time (like when you're out to dinner with your hubby for the first time after baby and your boobs start killing you, lol---run to the ladies room and express some into the toilet!)
Carebear, did you ever try to express any milk, or did you just not mess with them and wait for them to go back to normal? For me, i never leaked a single drop unless i was forcing it out or my son was suckling it out. That's why i asked. May not have been that you didn't make any, just that none came out during the abstainment. Just wondered (i'm the queen of medical curiosity---always want to know and understand how the body works).
Whatever y'all do, do it from a place of confidence in yourself and your decisions. That's all i gotta say.
. o O (I guess I could've said that 4 paragraphs ago...)
Even women who choose right from the get-go, more power to you.
I just get livid when women are made to feel like they can't breastfeed, or when they are filled with doubt that they will be able to take care of their baby. To me, it's unconscionable.
Carebear, you're totally not the odd man out, but i applaud you for not getting upset with us when we often sound judgmental against women who use formula. My son started self-weaning around nine months, so by 10 or 11 months, he was on baby food and the occassional bottle of formula. And once he was a couple of weeks old and really got the breast down good, i did occassionally bottle feed (for his dad, grandparents etc to be able to experience it). I totally believe in that. And on a road trip, it's a lot easier to plop a bottle in his mouth than to stop and breastfeed, lol.
When I did give a bottle, often it was breastmilk, but I tell you what, I can't tell you how many times those similac singles saved me. You get them in a box of like 16 and you just add water and go---times when we were stuck somewhere, or i got stuck somewhere and there wasn't enough milk in the fridge for the babysitter, etc. I recommend even if only for emergencies, everyone should get a box. (they also have premixed bottles that are even easier, but they are pricey---but they must put crack in those things because after i gave one to my son once, he wouldn't touch any other formula for a month).
for pumping, most of the time i just hand pumped... i had a crappy hand me down pump from my sister, and i was always good at handpumping, was able to get a lot, fast. so i just stuck with that mostly. And if you make yourself handpump, it's easier to pump on the fly any time (like when you're out to dinner with your hubby for the first time after baby and your boobs start killing you, lol---run to the ladies room and express some into the toilet!)
Carebear, did you ever try to express any milk, or did you just not mess with them and wait for them to go back to normal? For me, i never leaked a single drop unless i was forcing it out or my son was suckling it out. That's why i asked. May not have been that you didn't make any, just that none came out during the abstainment. Just wondered (i'm the queen of medical curiosity---always want to know and understand how the body works).
Whatever y'all do, do it from a place of confidence in yourself and your decisions. That's all i gotta say.
. o O (I guess I could've said that 4 paragraphs ago...)
I agree with everything Isabelle said! Women and their doctors sometimes set themselves up for failure. Almost ALL women make enough milk for their babies...but they think a breastfed baby will be on a schedule like a bottle-fed baby and that just isn't true. It does happen after a few months...but feeding on demand is the way to go. I breastfed both of my kids - my daughter for a year, and my son for two years. It was a fantastic experience and SO easy. No bottles to sterilize, no huge diaper bag to pack, no worrying about how I will warm a bottle if I need to. Needless to say, I'm going to BF this baby, too.
Now, that's not to say I judge women who use formula. Everyone has their own reasons for their choices, and you have to do what works best in your life. But don't mislead yourself and think you can't breastfeed if you want to!
As for pumps...when I went back to work, I used the Madela Pump in Style. It's an excellent pump...fast, easy. I could pump 8 oz in about five minutes. But it IS expensive. But for regular pumping (if you plan to pump at least 1-2 times a day), it's a necessary expense. For occasional pumping, I found the Avent hand pump to be the most efficient.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do!
Now, that's not to say I judge women who use formula. Everyone has their own reasons for their choices, and you have to do what works best in your life. But don't mislead yourself and think you can't breastfeed if you want to!
As for pumps...when I went back to work, I used the Madela Pump in Style. It's an excellent pump...fast, easy. I could pump 8 oz in about five minutes. But it IS expensive. But for regular pumping (if you plan to pump at least 1-2 times a day), it's a necessary expense. For occasional pumping, I found the Avent hand pump to be the most efficient.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do!
Sounds like I am odd man out, but that is ok! I will bottle feed. My last baby I did not even get one drop of breast milk...I don't know why...I didn't want to breastfeed anyway, but my friends were telling me to put these pads inside my bra and wrap up with an ace bandage to squeeze the milk out until it dries up...my pads would need to be changed often but after about 3 days, I should be good to go..so I did this and not one drop came out! My doctor didn't know why either. But 7 days after she was born I was back into my regular clothes and people couldn't believe I had just had a baby. I think it was off the wall weird, but baby and I were fine...I personally enjoy seeing my husband with the bottle and baby having a special moment, along with the grandmas and grandpas enjoying that feeding time. For me, bottle is my choice and worked best for me!
hope I did not get anyone upsett, I am just looking for some help and advise about this topic this is my first baby and for sure we want to do what is best. Love all of your guys opinions and they are certainly valid to my eyes. Thanks again ladies you are absolutetly wonderful.
You GO, Isabelle!! Tell it, sister!
I get so mad when archaic doctors undermine women. I mean, re-read this whole thread and look at how many have said the word "try" when talking about breastfeeding (not saying ANYTHING against any of you, i'm pissed that you were trained to think that way). A hundred years ago, breast pumps and formula didn't exist. And didn't exist for the thousands of years that came before that.
I get mad because it's those doctors who make you second guess yourself that are the NUMBER ONE reason for breast-feeding failure. It has been shown again and again that success is mind-over-matter. Believing in it and in your ability. And when you doubt yourself, then and only then can the possibility of failure enter the game. But commercialism and the almighty dollar and outdated notions and stubborn old men are still trying to keep that doubt in you.
For the first few weeks, nothing should go in that baby's mouth but it's mothers breast (including a bottle of pumped milk) for the simple fact that science cannot recreate the breast. So you get nipple confusion where the baby doesn't know how to get the milk out.
And yes, even if you have two enormous twins, or three enormous triplets, your body can and would still make plenty of milk for all of them. It's what our breasts were made for. It's their sole biological purpose. It's like saying "well, i'm going to *try* to let my kidneys filter my blood" or "I hope my lungs work".
And you don't even have to have that great of a diet. You don't have to eat perfectly to have healthy milk. You just eat normal. Even a somewhat unhealthy diet can give your baby a WAY better start for the simple presence of maternal immunities.
Oh, and in case you're wondering what it does for you: your uterus returns to pre-pregnancy size up to 10 times faster, you return to pre-pregnancy size up to FIVE TIMES FASTER, you significantly reduce your risk of multiple cancers, you will bond more intensely with your baby and reduce risk and severity of postpartum depression, it goes on and on and on.
Sorry, i just get worked up over certain things... and women feeling like they can't or might not be able to breastfeed is just an assault against nature by capitalism and men with a god-complex.
I get so mad when archaic doctors undermine women. I mean, re-read this whole thread and look at how many have said the word "try" when talking about breastfeeding (not saying ANYTHING against any of you, i'm pissed that you were trained to think that way). A hundred years ago, breast pumps and formula didn't exist. And didn't exist for the thousands of years that came before that.
I get mad because it's those doctors who make you second guess yourself that are the NUMBER ONE reason for breast-feeding failure. It has been shown again and again that success is mind-over-matter. Believing in it and in your ability. And when you doubt yourself, then and only then can the possibility of failure enter the game. But commercialism and the almighty dollar and outdated notions and stubborn old men are still trying to keep that doubt in you.
For the first few weeks, nothing should go in that baby's mouth but it's mothers breast (including a bottle of pumped milk) for the simple fact that science cannot recreate the breast. So you get nipple confusion where the baby doesn't know how to get the milk out.
And yes, even if you have two enormous twins, or three enormous triplets, your body can and would still make plenty of milk for all of them. It's what our breasts were made for. It's their sole biological purpose. It's like saying "well, i'm going to *try* to let my kidneys filter my blood" or "I hope my lungs work".
And you don't even have to have that great of a diet. You don't have to eat perfectly to have healthy milk. You just eat normal. Even a somewhat unhealthy diet can give your baby a WAY better start for the simple presence of maternal immunities.
Oh, and in case you're wondering what it does for you: your uterus returns to pre-pregnancy size up to 10 times faster, you return to pre-pregnancy size up to FIVE TIMES FASTER, you significantly reduce your risk of multiple cancers, you will bond more intensely with your baby and reduce risk and severity of postpartum depression, it goes on and on and on.
Sorry, i just get worked up over certain things... and women feeling like they can't or might not be able to breastfeed is just an assault against nature by capitalism and men with a god-complex.
You could look into renting a pump or buying one off of craigslist or ebay, as long as you get your own accessories for it or even just sterilize them there is no difference.
I have the medela instyle pump that is very discrete, great for at work cause no one will no what you are carrying around on your way to pump.
Mine was free through the WIC program.
Go with a double pump for sure if you are going to be pumping at work, it will cut the pumping time in half and plus once you are pumping on one side the other side will start to spray.
I am all for breastfeeding, as long as you are eating a healthy diet and taking in enough fluids your body will produce enough milk no matter how big your baby is. I know some women cant do it but that percentage is very low. At least give it a try, it is so much better for you and your baby.
I have the medela instyle pump that is very discrete, great for at work cause no one will no what you are carrying around on your way to pump.
Mine was free through the WIC program.
Go with a double pump for sure if you are going to be pumping at work, it will cut the pumping time in half and plus once you are pumping on one side the other side will start to spray.
I am all for breastfeeding, as long as you are eating a healthy diet and taking in enough fluids your body will produce enough milk no matter how big your baby is. I know some women cant do it but that percentage is very low. At least give it a try, it is so much better for you and your baby.
I also plan to breastfeed JT, and I will need to get me an electric pump for when I want to go to work! Anyone know of any good brands that aren't to expensive?
AP- I am thinking on breastfeeding but definitly will need a breast pump for when I am at work. Since I only get 3 months maternity leave, but I will try to do it as long as I can.
I am planning to try breastfeeding again. I tried with all 3, most success I had was with my last, and aI bf him for 5 weeks.
I only had a manual pump, tho, and I think I would have been able to bf longer (even after going back to work) if I'd had a better (elvetric) pump.
As far as brands, I need recommendations, too... = )
I only had a manual pump, tho, and I think I would have been able to bf longer (even after going back to work) if I'd had a better (elvetric) pump.
As far as brands, I need recommendations, too... = )
oh and I forgot to say that pumping is not necessary... I didn't pump until he was 4-5 months and I wanted to go on a date with my husband and leave the baby with grandma... I suggest you wait til baby is here before buying a pump...
Honestly, I'm no lactation consultant or anything but I know that women are misinformed often about their ability to breastfeed by doctors who undermine women's ability to take care or their newborn in a natural and healthy way. Their main concern is monitoring the quantity of milk that the baby gets (if you breasfeed on demand, baby's getting waht he/she needs) and the qualty of milk (and unless you're addicted to drugs, an alcoholic or taking strong prescription medication to treat an illness, your milk is perfect for your baby).
99% of women can breastfeed their baby no matter what his/her birth weight was. No need to supplement with formula. That's again a concept introduced by doctors who don't trust in the body's perfect construction. Everything baby needs is in the breastmilk. No need to give water or worry about dehydration during summer, breastfeeding is sufficient (but if you supplement with formula, then you should give your baby water during heat waves)...no need to give vitamins or worry about minerals... it's all in there!
Breastfed babies never get diarrhea, rarely get sick and benefit from immunization trough your milk. It's the body's best feature, it's really amazing.
No bottles to prepare, no equipment to sterelize, no formula to buy, no remembering to buy formula as to not run out... breastfeeding is fabulous. It's hassle free, worry free. I loved it. I breastfed my baby boy exclusively until he was 6 months... then I started to introduce food slowly and kept on breasfeeding til he was 1. best thing I ever did.
I obviously plan on breastfeeding this new baby exactly as I did.
Trust in your ability to do it!!
99% of women can breastfeed their baby no matter what his/her birth weight was. No need to supplement with formula. That's again a concept introduced by doctors who don't trust in the body's perfect construction. Everything baby needs is in the breastmilk. No need to give water or worry about dehydration during summer, breastfeeding is sufficient (but if you supplement with formula, then you should give your baby water during heat waves)...no need to give vitamins or worry about minerals... it's all in there!
Breastfed babies never get diarrhea, rarely get sick and benefit from immunization trough your milk. It's the body's best feature, it's really amazing.
No bottles to prepare, no equipment to sterelize, no formula to buy, no remembering to buy formula as to not run out... breastfeeding is fabulous. It's hassle free, worry free. I loved it. I breastfed my baby boy exclusively until he was 6 months... then I started to introduce food slowly and kept on breasfeeding til he was 1. best thing I ever did.
I obviously plan on breastfeeding this new baby exactly as I did.
Trust in your ability to do it!!
I would like to breastfeed but from what my dr is telling me he is quite big so if he needs to eat alot I may switch off from breast to bottle but I would like to use my milk until he is on cereal. I will probably do it for 4- 6 mos. How about you? I think most insurance companies cover them. I would look into that. Babies r us are pretty cheap. The electrical ones are more expensive than the manual ones.
AP
AP
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