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Avatar universal

how important is breast feeding?

I'm 20 weeks pregnant with my first baby :) and I need to know from someone who is experienced. I know its healthier and will give more nutrition but I'm not sure if I really want to breast feed. What really is the big fuss about?
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1346146 tn?1299360497
I agree with the above posters.  I bf all three of my kids and so glad i did. It also has benefits for mom too!  It helps shrink your uterus down faster, your risks for breast cancer is lower, and you can gain your pre-pregnacy shape faster just to name a few.  (Some say this is not a reason to breastfeed but I found it to be a plus, I was 190 lbs after my first baby, in 4 months I was down to 135!)  its cheap and you don't have to get up and warm bottles in the middle of the night.(I am so lazy so that was a plus for me too lol) as far as smoking, congrats on quitting.  Yes if you start back the toxins can go into your milk.  Even if you don't breastfeed smoking is still a big no-no around a newborn.  Even if you don't smoke around the baby it gets on ur clothes and the baby breathes the toxins making your little one higher risk for SIDS.  (My mother in law works for a hospital educating moms on the dangers of SIDS, also bf helps lower SIDS, google it for info)  I am not lecturing (my hubby was a smoker for 15 years so I know how hard it is to quit, he finally did before we had kids)  but you've come this far why not continue to stay off the smokes and give your baby the best.  Its great that you are asking the important questions you have asked!  Best of luck to you and your little one.
Helpful - 0
1794093 tn?1357930759
I have to agree that the cost is the biggest factor in my mind... it adds up really fast... i made it to 5 months with my daughter and i hope to nurse longer this round, its ready made and the right temperature so its easier that sterilizing bottles and what not... i have no problem with those who dont nurse... i hope baby gets colostrum at least (if able) just cause that gives the most antibodies and what not from mom but realistically formula these days has come a long way and is fine... but you have to remember that once you stop nursing you are now dependant on formula and like i said it adds up fast and there is more envolved in sterilizing, mixing...blah blah blah... i did both and of course its do able but i really suggest trying it as long as you can before making your final desition... you might surprise yourself :) and really think of how far you have come stopping smoking.. and the money youve saved... im an ex heavy smoker and i understand wanting to smoke... i still have days that i really do miss it but then theres the 2nd hand smoke to your child...even if you dont smoke around baby... it comes in with you on your clothes and what not... and again witth the cost factor... kids are expensive lol and just your over all health... you want to be the healthiest you can for your baby... they need you and smokes are so full of toxins and crap... plus you dont want you child to smoke either :)
But good for you for quitting while prego and im not trying to lecture you... just coming from somone who really does understand... you can do this :)
Helpful - 0
1806883 tn?1458321004
the smoke will go into your milk, its basically the same as when your pregnant, you have to watch what your doing as most things go into the milk, also alot of formulas have gmo ingrediants in them as well and we dont know the long term effects on babies from these things, its also by far easier to breastfeed (as well as it being best for bub), you dont have to worry about, sterilizing, warming etc, just pop your boob out and bub has everything they need :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you all for your feedback. I was going to do it in the beginning anyway I didn't know when the earliest I could switch to formula and still give him the good stuff. I have another question tho & it might sound stupid. I quit smoking cigs for my pregnancy but I was planning on smoking again after birth. Can I still smoke and breast feed or will the chemicals get in my milk
Helpful - 0
2066946 tn?1345523888
I think its safe to say most agree breast milk is best for baby ..I struggled to nurse my daughter it was really hard for me ..it was painful demanding an a slew of other things but in the same sense it was beautiful amazing and really helps the bonding ...I'm currently 24 weeks pregnant with a little boy and I'm gonna try breastfeeding again hopefully longer than the 3 months I made it to with my daughter ..how ever if it doesn't work I'm not gonna stress and you shouldnt either :)
Helpful - 0
1891853 tn?1344648442
Breastfeeding provides many nutrients that can't be put into formula. Also children who are breastfed have less or no allergies compared to formula fed. It is better for your child, and its free. But definitely up to you what you want to do.
Helpful - 0
1959722 tn?1338778115
It is better for baby but it's really something that doesn't work for everyone. If you want to try it you should but my lactation consultant with my first told me something I feel every expecting mom should be told. It is an adjustment and may take a few weeks but if it is stressful and hard for either of you after that than don't push it.
Helpful - 0
2137220 tn?1340741325
It seems to prevent ear infections, I breast fed my daughter she has never had them, my son wouldn't latch and he always had infections and gets sick often unlike my daughter.  Breast feeding is free! Formula can get pricey! Many different benefits!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm surprised no one has commented.  Personally the biggest benefit is the antibodies you provide that formula does not. Also, cost is a big plus!!  That doesn't mean formula isn't good it's really a personal choice.  I would do research online and ask your Dr and make your own decision. :-)  good luck!
Helpful - 0
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