Struggling with a BF issue

EAN

I am pregnant with my 2nd child and I am struggling with the decision of breastfeeding or not. I nursed DD for 2 1/2 months and it was horrible.  For many, many reasons I weaned her at almost 3 months and it was as though a huge weight had been lifted off of my back (once I got over feeling guilty).

I have several friends that decided not to nurse their 2nd and this is the decision I am struggling with.  I know that I have some time to decide, but I do not want to nurse or pump this baby. I do not want to even start to give it a try.  I have a lot of personal reasons but what conflicts me is that they make me feel selfish. 

Above all else, I want our baby to be healthy and have a healthy start.  That is what I am struggling with- that I should be putting the health and well being of the baby over any personal issues that might affect myself or our family.

Thanks- no flames please!

Jamaica_Bride

Go easy on yourself! Hugs!

If you do not want to give it a go this time around don't. It's your choice to make )

 

FWIW (and I don;t know if you want to hear it but...) I had a horrid time nursing #1 (I too, nursed for 2.5 months) and #2 (for close to a year) nursed like a dream. Each baby is different and I had guilt about how long I nursed L and not O... But if it's not right for you don;t do it!

 

No flames here!

springmom

*most*people I know have ?MUCH easier time the second time around. ?If I were you, I wouldn't stress one way or the other and just wait and see what happens. ?If you try it again, and everything's great, go for it! ?If it's not a good?experience, then you'll ff.?

Gl! ??

Rebekah1021

If you don't want to then don't. It's as simple as that. It's formula - not poison. I doesn't always work out for everybody.

Heather24

I am right there with you.  I BF #1 for 6 months, and had no problems at all (except not enjoying it at all!!!) 

I so do not want to BF #2 but am feeling rather guilty about it.    Especially since my reasons are selfish!

I suppose I will try BF #2, but I am not going to beat myself up about it if I don't.  There is nothing wrong with formula-and our babies will be just fine even if we decide not to BF at all!

EAN

Thanks ladies!

marrymemylove

Well we have to take your word for it that its selfish reasons because you didn't say what they were.

I would always try to give the kid the best possible start. I don't understand not doing that, at least not trying. Also - we had a very rough time the first 12 weeks, then it suddenly stopped hurting. I think quitting before it stops hurting you get a false idea of it. It DOES stop. And after that it is way way easier than FF for being out and about, travel etc. Yes harder for working, but I always found pumps effective even though DS refused the bottle so I was stymied there.

Just going off your post it sounds like your negative experience is your main reason. That's a bad reason. You may have others but you haven't said what. Having had it hurt a lot last time is not a good reason because it ALWAYS (well apart from the freaks) hurts for weeks to months at first.

BTW did you know that you lower your own risk of breast and ovarian cancer by BFing? It isn't just what you can give to the baby. 

hopefulmom

I only BF'd my first for 4 months and went to formula.  It wasn't that it hurt or I didn't like it.  I just supplemented too much so I basically just dried up.  I thought it was easier to FF when we went out (and we went out a lot)...so the old "supply and demand" thing came into play.  My next baby was sooo much easier and I realized how easy it was when we went someplace...not having to pack bottles, etc.  You don't realize that until they are older. 

I had a niece who BF'd only her last baby (she had two before) and she wishes she had at least BF'd them a little (even 2-3 months) because those two have all kinds of allergis and ashtma (the youngest does not).  She is convinced it had something to do with BFing.  Plus, now that the older ones are in their 20's and having babies of their own they are a little peeved that they weren't breastfed!  LOL

Ultimately it is your decision but maybe you can nurse for just a short time to get the best of BFing and then stop like you did with your first.  At least then your baby gets the benefits.

I'm not sure what your personal reasons are...but I have some friends who did not BF because they didn't want their boobs to sag.  I just laugh...because they sagged anyway!