For moms who breastfeed, I have a few questions

[NicMom]

This is going to sound so vain, but I'm wondering.... do your breasts suffer more damage if you breastfeed vs. formula? With my son I didn't even try to bf him, but this time around I'm starting to think it over. I'm worried that bf'ing will make my breasts well I don't know how to put it in a nice way. After my mom finished bf'ing my little brother her boobs shrivled up and now look like stretch mark pancakes just lying there. Mine are much bigger than hers, I'd have to roll them up to get them into a bra if that happened. If this is the case I just want to be prepared and start saving for my post baby boob lift ;-)

Also... is it true that bf babies don't sleep as long at night? If that's the case can you supplement with formula also? Will a baby switch between breast and formula?

Thanks guys I'm kind of an idiot when it comes to this subject and appreciate your answers!

[JoyRenee]

WhitneyLauren- I think that the doctors came to the conclusion that pregnancy causes sagging because there are many women who do not breastfeed at all and their breasts sag, sometimes worse than breastfeeding mothers. I have heard many health professionals say the same- pregnancy is the ultimate culprit.

I think breastfeeding can actually be beneficial to keeping your breasts younger and healthier looking, even perkier.

But again, every single woman has their own genetic makeup and different ways how they react to changes in their body. So it's just something that people have to wait and see. Ultimately a child's nutrition is the most important part in breastfeeding.

[bryanarae]

I breastfed my son only in the afternoons. I would supplement at night with formula. Not only because he slept much better with formula in his belly, but because then we could take turns feeding and what not. I started that schedule right away, and my son never seemed to have a problem going from boob to bottle and back again. I think it all depends on the child and how early you start the pattern. :)
Oh, and my boobs don't sag more, they just seem "less full" if you know what I mean. I plan on doing the same with this baby, as long as she co-operates like our son did! :)

[martikadragoon]

Yes to all your questions. my bb's are normally a C and when pregnant I went to a DDD. They're a bit droopy now and I do have stretch marks but not many more than I did before TJ. I'm back to a good sized large C small D now, and my bb's look pretty good still. Tummy.... that's another thing. I do have some stretched out skin on my stomach..

when I'm 30 and done having kids I'm gonna get a tummy tuck and boob job... I guess I better start saving right now!

[chantal21]

Yea give it a shot! It will be so beneficial to the baby and his/her health! =) And can also help you lose the baby weight after birth. And like you said, if you are really worried about sagging, you can always go get a lift later on! That's what I told my husband I would do if I ever got REALLY bad. lol. But I'm too chicken and would never go under the knife for that...haha. And like Mumita said, formula will never be as perfect as mommy's milk! And on top of that, the bonding experience is wonderful! I can't even put it into words. =)

[Mumita]

It wont be horrible.  I'm a true believer of BF, I don't think that formula will ever be as perfect as breastmilk.

[NicMom]

I'm leaning towards doing it. I figure if it's really horrible then I can always get a lift a few years from now. From everything I've been reading the benefits for the baby out weigh the personal pain and physical effects for me. I'm going to give it a shot.