Breastfeeding

emakoo01

I've heard that breastfeeding takes alot out of you  (like moreso than the actual waking up every 2 hrs to feed and soothe and care for a newborn).. and I'm wondering if other people have heard this too or know it to be true?

 I'm going to be studying for the bar exam immediately after giving birth, and I'm wondering if I should just do formula from day 1 to go easier on myself. 

Jilybean17

Believe it or not I got a lot done when I was nursing DS! I could use both hands to read, go on my computer, etc if I wanted to. If you bottle feed, you will have that to hold! He was a slow nurser to I took advantage of those times!

As for nights...I would get up and feed DS and if he didn't go back to sleep right away I let my DH take over to put him back to sleep. It worked so well when he was a newborn. ?

mooeta

are you going to be working while studying for the bar?

I'd say if you're going to be home and not working you should be able to do it.  I worked 40 hours a week and studied for the bar, I also had to go on a 2 week business trip that I got back only a week before the exam.  You should be fine.  I'd recommend taking the barbari ipod study course vs the in room classes.  That way you can fit them into your schedule.  You just mail in your practice essays for review.

ch3ls

I've been told that Breastfeeding or not, the first month after the baby is born makes you exhausted. Because of the late night feedings. But I'm sure you can work something out with DH. Also I know of women who went back to work 2 weeks after giving birth. So it's up to you and what you can handle.

emakoo01

I will not be working, but I will be in barbri classes for about 4 hours a day 4 or 5 times per week.  Thanks for the ipod classes barbri suggestion, but I don't think that will work as well for me as attending the actual classes (altho, I have herd that some classes are taught by video... so...)

Anyways, I think you are all right in that no matter how I feed, I will be exhausted...  it's just something to consider I guess. 

breech

i BF'd my first and did not my secone i was equally tired with both. although BFing is way less of a hassle. you dont have to wake up 5 times a night and make a new bottle, make sure its the right temp ect.

one time i was so tired i accidentally didnt screw the bottle lid on all the way and got it all over my daughters face.  i say BF if your only concern is being more tired

nickyh7

I would at least try it.  I did not with my first and the guilt I feel is unbelievable.  Plus some mom's find it easy.  Try not to let other people scare you.  If it sucks you can switch to bottles any time. Or you can do both, or just pump. 

mooeta

The classes alone are 3 hours a day and all of mine were going to be delivered via video.  If you take the ipod course you can still go to the inclass sessions but in your exhaustion if you miss something you'll have a back up with the ipod.  I listened to a class on the way to the bar and it was one that I hadn't taken in Law school and that was the highest scoring essay I had on the whole exam.  It is a $500 deposit but you get it back once you return the ipod.

Trust me whether or not you go to the classes I'd get the ipod.  I was falling asleep watching the videos in the room and you never know what will come up or if you'll feel like waking up bright and early in the morning to go take the barbari class.  Either way studying for the bar isn't a pleasant experience.

angie212

I don't have experience with the bar exam, but I did BF, and I don't know if it necessarily takes more out of you than the general exhaustion of caring for a newborn.  I actually think some parts of it are easier.  You never have to worry about making bottles, checking temperatures, measuring, etc.  DD was a slow nurser, so I could read, do e-mail, etc. while she was eating (one handed, but still, better than nothing.)  It burns calories, so you do have to make sure you stay hydrated and eat enough; I tried to have at least a glass of water every time DD nursed and usually a small snack.

I personally think you could trying BFing, but good luck with whatever you decide to do.  BFing and FFing are both good decisions for different families.  You will have enough stress with studying and caring for the baby, without second-guessing your decision. 

Boizmom

For me, the first week breastfeeding is draining.  Between giving birth, getting little to no sleep and always getting up with the baby I was exhausted the first week.  After that things started to get better. 

The first week after your baby is born you really need to rest as much as possible and if you can put off your studying until the second week that'd probably be better.  The first week your body goes through a lot of changes and you will be exhausted.  You'll be bleeding, your uterus will be contracting and shrinking, hopefull you will be breast feeding.  At some point you need to sleep while your baby is sleeping, eat, take showers...

I wanna wish you the best.  You know what is best for you and your baby.  

bbowie

BFing is a lot easier in the middle of the night than making bottles.  I supplemented early on and was so happy when I got to BF fulltime. 

But BF in general is hard, exhausting and emotional...moreso in the beginning.  By far it was the hardest thing I've done my whole life but also the most rewarding.

Kathy02912

You're talking about the PA bar exam?  Are you taking the February one or just talking about studying for the July one?  (Sorry if this was already covered--I didn't have a chance to read all pps.)

The difficult part of breastfeeding usually lasts a few weeks.  Give or take.  Studying for the bar exam won't last all that long.  But, a good breastfeeding relationship that's healthy for both of you plus WAY more convenient than bottles lasts a for a year or two or even longer!

I don't know how anyone can say that breastfeeding is more exhausting than bottle feeding unless they're doing both at once, which would be weird.  FF babies do tend to sleep for slightly longer stretches, but you sometimes make up for that with tummy trouble fussiness.  Breastfeeding burns extra calories and you have to stay hydrated, but it's not exercise.  If you co-sleep and can master the side-lying position, you might even be able to sleep during night feedings!

You might find it really difficult to study for the bar exam and might want to consider postponing it, not because of breastfeeding, but because of having a newborn.  You really can't imagine how exhuasting it can be until you're doing it.  Plus, "mommy brain" plagued me for at least six months.  I couldn't even read a magazine, I was so spacy.  Oh, and your priorities shift pretty dramatically at first.  Just something to consider.

Good luck!