hi from PgAL....stuck on the b/f vs. formula issue

LauraLS80 · May 2010

Hi ladies! Happy Wednesday

I'm still stuck in the b/f vs. formula-feeding debate--I have no idea what I want to do. Any helpful suggestions or points to consider re: both sides? TIA....

lovesinthehouse · May 2010

I think there's nothing wrong with formula feeding your baby. We all do whatever we have to to take care of our babies. There are many reasons proponents of breastfeeding feel so strongly about it, but if you have no particular feelings about it one way or another, I still recommend trying to breastfeed because it's free.

shannonk03 · May 2010

lovesinthehouse:
I think there's nothing wrong with formula feeding your baby. We all do whatever we have to to take care of our babies. There are many reasons proponents of breastfeeding feel so strongly about it, but if you have no particular feelings about it one way or another, I still recommend trying to breastfeed because it's free.

And you don't have bottles to clean! Ok, I know those are selfish reasons, but seriously, the convienence is awesome. No bottles to heat up in the middle of the night, just whip out a boob Always the right amount and the right temperature!

vml14 · May 2010

You don't need to make any decisions right now. Wait until your LO is here and see how you feel. I'd probably plan on starting BFing if it's something you think you want to do, and then make a decision once you see how it's going. BF isn't easy at first, but becomes very very easy over time. You can always stop BFing if it isn't working for you, but it's very difficult (if not in many cases impossible) to re-start if you start out with FF.

Either way, you need to make the decision that will be best for you, your child and your family. As long as you feed your baby, you'll be doing the right thing!

OregonPachey · May 2010

If I knew that we would have so many feeding issues, I would have immediately started him on formula. Breastfeeding didn't work after numerous lactation visits and sucking issues.

I still EP, but it's a pain.

Honestly, I wish it had worked out for us but there are times that I still want to use formula.

saverne · May 2010

I EBF and really like it, but it did take some practice and there were some rough times at the beginning. Now it is paying off because I love nursing DD and it is our special time and no one else can experience it. :-)

But if you do FF, don't be bullied around by judgemental women who BF. It is not easy to learn and the important thing is to feed your baby- however you do it.

Ultimately, you will need to make the decision that is best for your family. But I agree with pps- if you are interested in BFing, at least read up on BFing, go to a BFing class, and try it in the hospital with the nurses and lactation consultants who can help you get the hang of it. Good luck!

mh2t · May 2010

It's such a personal decision. I am glad that formula exists because some women can't feed their babies the way nature intended (I'm a perfect example - my supply tanked when I got pregnant again). But I do think breast milk is best if it is possible. No formula can mimic all the benefits babies get from nursing - especially the immunities transferred from mother to baby. Case in point - DD was only sick once while we were nursing. In the last three weeks (since we went down to one nursing session a day and then stopped altogether 1.5 weeks ago), she's been sick twice, and her current case of the sniffles has lasted five days. I can't help but feel like it's partially due to her weaning.

I would never choose formula if I could continue nursing. My two cents.

shelbyluvschachi · May 2010

IMI you should give breastfeeding a solid try. There is no question in my mind that -- assuming there are no issues with mom or baby -- it is the best thing for both of you health-wise and convenience-wise. I don't look down on people who formula feed, but I am puzzled by people who don't at least first try BFing. Good luck!

vera1127 · May 2010

Personally, I skipped the BF'ing altogether and went straight to formula. I don't regret it one bit, but part of me wishes I would have at least given it a try (only because I leaked for about 17 weeks so I probably wouldn't have had any supply issues). I am glad that I didn't have any of the added stress of watching my diet, pumping schedules, supply, etc.

I decided to skip it because, and this sounds really stupid, I am a very modest person. The thought of using my breasts for anything makes me very uneasy. I am not the person to change clothes in front of others or to wear anything revealing. I know that breastfeeding is not at all sexual, and I don't look at women in that way when I see them doing it, but it's just a weird thought that I have about it--like I am afraid others would look at me that way.

My son has done great with the formula and I don't believe has gotten sick any more than his BF'ed baby friends (he has been sick twice in 5.5 months--he also goes to daycare so there you have it). While I know my milk would have been most beneficial to him, formula isn't poison. It is nutrition that is as perfect for him as it could be. My pediatrician assured me that aside from immunities, formula is as close to breastmilk as it has ever been and do not be afraid to use it.

I am considering trying BF'ing with my next child.

CapeFall2006 · May 2010

I was really unsure about BF before I tried it, but it honestly has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It was so hard at the beginning but I am so glad I stuck it out. That being said, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with formula and I agree with the above posters in that you need to do what works best for your particular situation. Good luck!

erinkate23 · May 2010

I would say to start with breastfeeding. The first couple of days, the colostrum is SO good for your baby; even if you only breast feed for a short time your baby will get immunity from all sorts of bugs that will protect her while she's a newborn. That stuff is liquid gold!

I was able to breastfeed for only 5 weeks before a medical problem popped up. FF is not the end of the world, but if you are able to breastfeed, go for it! It's free, it's better for your little one, and it will help you lose the baby weight. Give it a good, solid try - but if it doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up.

kimmie321 · May 2010

I really enjoyed BF for many reasons. But, as the PP said the first few weeks are rough. I kept making small goals for myself. Like, I will try to make it until he is a month, then 6 weeks, then 3 months, etc. I stopped at 6 months because my supply tanked and it didn't recover. When I stopped I felt a huge loss of closeness with LO. I wish I still BF, I was hoping to do it for a year.

Useonfire · May 2010

I EBF'd and pumped for about 2 months and then was able to exclusively give my milk to DS for another month or so before adding in formula and then switching over entirely. I wish it could have worked out better - I had persistent mastitis, DS had a super short frenulum, and we just had a whole host of other issues which prevented it from working ultimately.

DS has been sick once (and I can pinpoint exactly what did it - the sick kids at the playgroup he attended) so I feel like having had a mixture of BM and formula has been just fine for him. Granted, formula costs a whole heck of a lot more than BM (although I am switching over to generic - half the cost!). With the next kid, I'll do my best with BFing again, I just think I won't feel as guilty as I did this time around if it doesn't work since I know for a fact that formula isn't poison

veryargylegirl · May 2010

I would suggest taking a breastfeeding class. I went to one and it was only $10 and it was just awesome how much I learned. They told me about growth spurts and how that causes women to quit because they think they have supply issues, when in fact, the baby is working to make you produce more.

Other than alcohol and peanuts, you don't need to watch what you eat unless you find your child has a milk protein allergy. Breast milk has a ton of benefits, but I think unless you are really committed, it is easy to give up because it is difficult in the beginning. Educating yourself is key and I think having a supportive husband helps, too. My H came to the class with me and he would change our LO and have him ready to bring to me at night. He was awesome and made the process so much easier!

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hi from PgAL....stuck on the b/f vs. formula issue

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