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I know it's early, but anyone thinking about breast vs formula?
I didn't breastfeed my son so I'm kind of going in early trying to find out as much information now about breastfeeding vs formula.
Do you guys already know what you want to do?
Do you guys already know what you want to do?
Thanks for the info!
And yes this is my first baby and we plan to have at least 2. I would like to breast feed for at least 6 months. I'm just a little worried about buying one in case I have trouble but like you said, I could always sell it if it doesn't work out for me. Good to know about electric vs manual!
Please let me know if you find out anything else!
Take care,
Stacey
And yes this is my first baby and we plan to have at least 2. I would like to breast feed for at least 6 months. I'm just a little worried about buying one in case I have trouble but like you said, I could always sell it if it doesn't work out for me. Good to know about electric vs manual!
Please let me know if you find out anything else!
Take care,
Stacey
Is this your first child and do you plan on having anymore?? The reason I am asking is to know how to answer your question about renting versus buying a pump. I would go ahead and buy one myself. Depending on how long you plan on b/f, once you pay all those monthly fees, you could have already bought one yourself. And then if you spend a lot on it, you could always sell it later. I have a friend who is looking on ebay for a breast pump.
You def want a battery or electric pump. You DO NOT want a manual pump; at least not to use on a regular basis. I like Medela pumps. I got a nice double electric pump from them for like $130. I used it for 2 babies, which was good because I b/f for several months and pumped for several months when I went back to work. And the one I had said that it was not to be used for a mom using it working full time. So, the fact that I used it that way and for 2 babies, and it lasted, I thought was really good. I will need a new one now. I am going to Google and see what I can find. I will let you know if I find anything worth while. You may also want to see what you can find at Walmart, Target, etc.
Storing breastmilk....In the fridge, you shouldn't have it in there for more than 48 hours. You can freeze breast milk for up to 6 months though, but I doubt you will have it in your freezer for that long :)
You def want a battery or electric pump. You DO NOT want a manual pump; at least not to use on a regular basis. I like Medela pumps. I got a nice double electric pump from them for like $130. I used it for 2 babies, which was good because I b/f for several months and pumped for several months when I went back to work. And the one I had said that it was not to be used for a mom using it working full time. So, the fact that I used it that way and for 2 babies, and it lasted, I thought was really good. I will need a new one now. I am going to Google and see what I can find. I will let you know if I find anything worth while. You may also want to see what you can find at Walmart, Target, etc.
Storing breastmilk....In the fridge, you shouldn't have it in there for more than 48 hours. You can freeze breast milk for up to 6 months though, but I doubt you will have it in your freezer for that long :)
I come from a family of "non-breastfeeders" but would like to if I can. My sister had a lot of trouble with pain and bleeding (so she just gave up) and my mom didn't do it because her mom didn't do it. I think when formulas were introduced some woman thought it was easier and the equivalent. Now breast milk is supposed to be the best. I am definitely going to give it a try and I think taking a course is a great idea.
Question about breast pumps - any recommendations on the best kinds? Manual or battery? Purchase or rent? Also, when storing milk, how long will it last in the fridge? Can it be frozen?
I would definitely like to introduce a bottle fairly early so my dh can also take part in the feedings. I think it's important for him and for me to have some freedom :)
Question about breast pumps - any recommendations on the best kinds? Manual or battery? Purchase or rent? Also, when storing milk, how long will it last in the fridge? Can it be frozen?
I would definitely like to introduce a bottle fairly early so my dh can also take part in the feedings. I think it's important for him and for me to have some freedom :)
Latrice I guess we have a lot in common. I was 19 with my first and so I think that's part of the reason I didn't do it before. It freaked me out. My hospital offers a class also and I think I'll sign up for it in May and see what it's all about. There is also a breastfeeding forum on med help.
I think I'm going to pump right away because I want my dh to be able to help out with feedings.
I think I'm going to pump right away because I want my dh to be able to help out with feedings.
I didnt breastfeed my first, i was 19yrs old and it felt weird doing it. But i think i have matured since then so i will be breastfeeding this baby, im actually going to a class that is offered by the hospital i will be having my baby in August.
Thanks for all the information! This is my first, so I don't know anything. I'm planning to breastfeed, but only exclusively until six months. I think my husband wants me to breastfeed until they're three!! I know some women do this, but it is definitely not for me! I guess we'll just see what happens.
I plan on breast feeding and am very excited about it. Not only because I have read that it is healthier for the baby, but I heard it helps with weightloss...I also plan on supplementing with Goodstart which is very close to breast milk. My cousin nursed and supplemented with both of her children and they did not begin to get sick until they began preschool.
On a funny note, my Dh said that I will probably smother the baby..I am a natural 38DD (although I purchased bras on Friday and they are all too small, i am probably a F or G now...sigh)!
Have a great day ladies!
On a funny note, my Dh said that I will probably smother the baby..I am a natural 38DD (although I purchased bras on Friday and they are all too small, i am probably a F or G now...sigh)!
Have a great day ladies!
Nic, yes that could be a problem as far as not liking the formula if he/she is breastfeeding. So, if you supplement, you may want to do it sooner than later, but this last time, I didn't have any problems. Infact, I actually added a little bit of dark Karo syrup to the formula at first to make it a bit sweeter. That is one thing about breastmilk is that it is very sweet and fatty, but not near as thick as formula. So, I tried to simulate it as much as I could by adding the Karo. Once she took the formula easily, I didn't have to do the Karo thing anymore. But I didn't give her any formula until I had to. She was probably about 5 months old or so before I did??? But I didn't have any problems this last time. But I had in the past.
I breastfed 3 out of 4 and plan on doing it again.
NicMom- We had to suppliment with formula because I wasn't producing enough milk with my weird work schedule. She did ok, I just don't introduce a bottle until necissary. I think she was 6 months old. However, with my son we introduced a bottle with breastmilk at 6weeks, and he did ok on both bottle and breastfeeding.
NicMom- We had to suppliment with formula because I wasn't producing enough milk with my weird work schedule. She did ok, I just don't introduce a bottle until necissary. I think she was 6 months old. However, with my son we introduced a bottle with breastmilk at 6weeks, and he did ok on both bottle and breastfeeding.
I think I'll do both, I've never breastfed before (this is my first child) so we'll see how it goes.
Michele, do you know if I end up supplementing with formula will can the baby decide they don't like one or the other. Do they ever just want the breast milk vs. formula? I remember once I had to pick up a new type of formula when my son was 3 months old and I couldn't get him to drink it. He was so mad. I'm afraid if I do both the baby will end up refusing the boob or the bottle.
This is my first, so I don't have any personal experience to go by as to which I would prefer, but I am almost completely positive I will breastfeed. I'm still doing research and I want to talk to my Dr, and a few maternal figures in my family, but I'm pretty sure I want to breastfeed.
My two main reasons (of course, there are others) are that its just healthier for the baby, and I also want to have that bond from the very beginning.
My two main reasons (of course, there are others) are that its just healthier for the baby, and I also want to have that bond from the very beginning.
I have breastfed all of my kids and I will this one also. I stockpile milk when I am home on maternity leave and have quite a bit by the time I go back to work. I pump at work, but once I am no longer able to meet the baby's needs, I supplement w/ formula. But I think it is def a very personal decision, so I would never try to sway anyone one way or the other.
Researching is good. It will help you make an informed decision and one that is right for you. Once you have done that, you may just want to think about the pros and cons.
The pros of breastfeeding are that it is the healthiest thing for them. They have warm milk anytime, so you don't have to warm up bottles, etc. So, in the middle of the night when I am already sleep deprived, all I have to do is whip that puppy out!! No stumbling to the kitchen to make a bottle. You can take it with you anywhere w/ very little preparation. There are a lot of advantages to breastfeeding and I am sure I am leaving some out. This pregnant brain of mine is very forgetful at times......
I do recommend that if you do decide to breastfeed, to make sure to introduce a regular bottle to the baby by the time the baby is 1 month old. If you wait too long, the baby will then only want you and it will be difficult to get a break. You may want to get out to go to the store and let DH have a turn, but if the baby won't take a bottle, it will go very badly. I know from experience and it is very hard on you to not be able to get some help from DH and just get a little break. It's hard when it ALWAYS has to be you. But if you introduce the bottle too soon, it can cause nipple confusion (with some babies, not all), and then you may have a hard time getting the baby to nurse.
If you have any questions, I'd be more than glad to help in any way I can :)
Researching is good. It will help you make an informed decision and one that is right for you. Once you have done that, you may just want to think about the pros and cons.
The pros of breastfeeding are that it is the healthiest thing for them. They have warm milk anytime, so you don't have to warm up bottles, etc. So, in the middle of the night when I am already sleep deprived, all I have to do is whip that puppy out!! No stumbling to the kitchen to make a bottle. You can take it with you anywhere w/ very little preparation. There are a lot of advantages to breastfeeding and I am sure I am leaving some out. This pregnant brain of mine is very forgetful at times......
I do recommend that if you do decide to breastfeed, to make sure to introduce a regular bottle to the baby by the time the baby is 1 month old. If you wait too long, the baby will then only want you and it will be difficult to get a break. You may want to get out to go to the store and let DH have a turn, but if the baby won't take a bottle, it will go very badly. I know from experience and it is very hard on you to not be able to get some help from DH and just get a little break. It's hard when it ALWAYS has to be you. But if you introduce the bottle too soon, it can cause nipple confusion (with some babies, not all), and then you may have a hard time getting the baby to nurse.
If you have any questions, I'd be more than glad to help in any way I can :)
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