Not looking to start a war or be flamed, just curious to see if there are others out there who don't plan on breastfeeding and their reasons why.
I plan on giving it a go to start with, even though it makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable.
My reasons for possibly not pursuing it are as follows;
I am aware my reasoning can sound selfish to some, however I do not feel it will be a disadvantage to LO's health to FF. I have done plenty of research regarding the pros and cons, and currently my feelings have not changed. The negative feelings I have associated with BF and the stresses that they cause as well as the busy lifestyle I will be leading after baby is born, outway the possible benefits IMO.
Anyone else have similar or different reasoning for not jumping on the BF bandwagon?
Re: Anyone else not planning on BF?
I am not and have not been able to nurse any of my kids. I had a breast reduction surgery when I was 21 and knew that this may interfere with my ability to nurse in the future.
I don't blame you for feeling the way you do about your breasts, etc. I went to a breastfeeding class last week and the consultant specifically said that although breastfeeding is what all other methods of feeding are based off of, it is not the norm in the United States and we are really at a disadvantage to European women who grow up seeing it and it just comes naturally. She said even the way we try to position the baby is like we are accustomed to because of seeing babies bottlefed. So it's not abnormal for you to not feel comfortable with the concept.
It is a woman's choice whether to bottle feed or breastfeed.
I had a horrible experience with DD1 because of latching issues. I decided to take a class this time and learn how to overcome that difficulty and where to go for help if I run into problems. I am still a bit uncomfortable with the concept, but I'm going to try. I know going back to work will be a challenge and I do want a glass of wine too. My feeling going into it is I am going to try my best, try to get through all of maternity leave, build up a stock, and see what happens when I go back to work. I will be happy to make it 3 months. To me that is the most crucial period because of no immunizations yet, cold/flu season, etc.
I have many similar feelings to your post. Honestly, I am more worried about breast feeding than labor! I know it is silly!
I am going to a breast feeding class and reading up to make myself more confortable. I want to at least say I tried my hardest when LO does arrive. However, If it does not work out, I will not be upset with myself in any way as I have heard other mothers experience. The benefits of bonding, weight loss and health benefits for the LO are what is driving my attempt. Even if breast feeding does work out, I will not be exclusively nursing. I will be pumping also.
I am planning to BF as long as I can, but with DD I had issues with keeping up my milk supply and only made it about 3months before I started using formula to supplement and then eventually stopped BF completely. This seems selfish, but I wasn't able (or maybe not willing?) to maintain my diet well enough to keep it up. (Also, I love wine and beer.....) I totally respect and understand your decision. I could have written that myself before DD was born.
Just as a side note - my boobs were a major sexual thing before BFing....although it was really hard to get past that thought while I was preg, once she was born I did and I was glad I to have given my daughter the opportunity to get started with breast milk, even though it didn't last. The sexuality did definitely come back soon after I stopped. Make the decision that you are most comfortable with, but try to keep an open mind if at all possible. Four weeks of BFing is better than nothing and maybe when you see LO you will feel differently. Either way, good luck
7lbs 13oz 20 inches long
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DMoney will be a kickass big sister
I think it's interesting that the majority of ladies who commented that they plan to FF are not first time moms. Very telling, I guess we know how hard it can be and it's not just this perfect, easy thing that makes you either a good/bad person depending on choice.
I had a nightmare nursing my son-- he stopped latching about day 3 and screamed most of the rest of his time. Once we put him on formula and bottle he was happy and slept. He's been sick once in his entire life, is normal, healthy, and adjusted. I just don't see how anything can be "better" than that. With this baby, I'm going to try to nurse, but if it doesn't work out I am not going to beat myself up like last time. To the original post, I agree with most of the reasons you listed about not wanting to breastfeed.
There have to be crappy parents that care more about themselves than their children, so that the good parents can look even better.
yep
Sorry I don't buy into the nonsense that people who judge are just so awful. There are people who make effort and people who do the best fro thier kids and then there are people like the op of this thread. Some people are just lazy, and should be judged as such.
Oh get off your high horse. Why do you care how she feeds her child? I plan on BFing, but I don't give a rats ass whether you or anyone else does.
I'm just point out that op is a disgusting tw4t. She is choosing wine and her husband sucking on her t1ts over providing the nutrition she is supposed to for her child. Trashy wh0re.
Thank you!! Let's be crappy parents together
Quoting is your friend. Learn how to use it. I am defending those who want to FF. Reading comprehension, work on it.
Haha sorry. I deleted that comment. Guess I assumed I was the only crappy parent.
Haha sorry. I deleted that comment. Guess I should go back to school.
That is a lovely. disregarding. flippant attitude you have toward the well being of children. Aren't you a pot smoker?
Atelier! How are you, dear?
How's your case of the clap? Cleared up much yet?
Details, KJ. She has chlamydia. I think the clap is gonorrhea.
Ok, I'm going to put this out there. Flame away all you want.
Breastfeeding has been consistently proven to be vastly superior to formula, hence the requirement formula makers have to put on their cans "breast feeding is best" or some similar message. It is natural and that is what our bodies are made for.
I can only speak for the U.S., but BF vs FF was a trendy thing that flip-flopped because of marketing and perception (e.g. wealthy women FF bec it was "more convenient" after wet-nursing died down).
Another fact is that many are poorly educated on how to breastfeed. Let's add to that our society (U.S.) does not, in my opinion, properly encourage and endorse BFing. It's a horrible shame.
My opinion is this: if do not want to do the absolute best you can for your child, then why would you have one? I'm not trying to be snarky...not trying to say if you aren't wealthy, for example, you shouldn't have a child. What I *AM* saying is that you should be willing to do what it takes in order to give your child the best you can -- which may mean sacrifice.
With that being said, if you choose to FF because it's more convenient, you have a sexual hangup or some other non-medical excuse, than you need to admit you are not doing the best you can for your child.
If you FF because of legitimate medical reasons (that would be me with DD) than that's one thing. Formula is the less optimal alternative, but it will nourish your child.
I felt horrible because I wasn't able to BF/pump as long as I wanted to. For this child, I will try and do other things/do things differently and pray I get a better result.
I am not one of those people who will lecture and put down mothers who choose to FF. Here or IRL. I am not Aruiz. Really--- that's your business and your right to do what you please.
But the facts speak for themselves, and as long as we are discussing it....well, there is my opinion.
Duh. You're right.
Yes, aruiz1982, we're talking to you. That is, after all, the point of quoting you within our replies.