deciding to breastfeed

2005julybride · July 2010

I have no idea if I want to breastfeed or not. I always just assumed I'd try breastfeeding for a short time but then bottle feed. Taking our childbirth class this weekend is making me think a bit more seriously about breastfeeding. I just can't decide! How did you make the decision about breast or bottle? Should I take a breastfeeding class so that if I do decide to do it I'll have a clue about what to do? And do I need to add breastfeeding things to my registry even if I'm not sure how I'll feed yet? Thanks for helping!

BabyLove987 · July 2010

If you aren't committed to breastfeeding, you won't do it. It is really hard and painful the first couple of weeks, so if you aren't sure you want to do it, you will probably give up. But it does get better! In the long run, it is easier - no bottle prep, bringing food when you are out, washing bottles. Plus, it is better for LO. You also save a ton of money!

madhatter2003 · July 2010

I would try breastfeeding first. You can always quit later, but you can't start later if you decide you want to. It is best for the baby and that was a huge factor for me. Obviously it is hard and takes a huge commitment from mom, but that is what parenthood is about IMO.

I'd definitely take a class and line up help.

Brit&Nate · July 2010

With my DD, I was like you. Figured I'd give it a try, but wasn't super committed. I gave up after three weeks and really regretted it. With DS, I was committed to really giving it my best effort and making it work. I mentally prepared as best I could and found a support system. Those first four or so weeks were really hard. I didn't really have any physical pain, but it was the most exhausting, challenging thing I'd ever done, but I stuck with it. My DS is now 9 weeks old and it's awesome! I absolutely love it and am so proud of myself for not giving up.

I love the convenience and not having to spend $40 a week on formula. My best advice is to find a support system and start to educate yourself so that you know what to expect. GL!

guajaj · July 2010

2005julybride:
Should I take a breastfeeding class so that if I do decide to do it I'll have a clue about what to do? And do I need to add breastfeeding things to my registry even if I'm not sure how I'll feed yet? Thanks for helping!

If you know of a breastfeeding class in your area, totally. My 60 year old aunt has women from her breastfeeding class that she still meets with today. You want a support system, and you'll end up with friends, and friends for you child, if you want.

The great thing about breastfeeding is that there isn't much that needs to be put on a registry. Its so natural you don't need the extras. Any pillow can support your child, any blanket can cover your breast while feeding. The best is laying in bed nursing, if baby can shut his eyes while eating, why shouldn't you.

BabyCopper · July 2010

I agree with this. You have to be 1000% committed to BF. It's hard. Harder than actually giving birth (at first) for me. And you need a support structure to help you to do it when you doubt yourself and your ability to continue, i.e. your husband, boyfriend, family. But it is, without a doubt, worth it.

If you are on the fence right now, I would take a class. I never did, but don't regret it. I did have a visit from a lactation consultant that made this entire thing possible.

shotzie · July 2010

Definitely take a class and have DH go with you. If you decide to bf, you'll need his support. But ditto pp, if you're not committed to bf'ing, you'll quit. I was committed to bf'ing and there were still times early on that I was tempted to quit. I'm so glad I stuck it out though. I really enjoy it now and I know I'm doing what's best for DD.

In the hospital, make sure you see a lactation consultant. They are very helpful in getting started (and a great resource if you run into problems once you're home). www.kellymom.com is a great site with tons of info on bf'ing.

Mrs.B6302007 · July 2010

Ditto others re the commitment and the class.

As far as your registry goes, you could put on a Boppy or Breastfriend pillow and a coverup for NIP. I would NOT put on a pump though. They're expensive and if you're not 100% committed yet, that's asking an awful lot of people for something you might end up not using.

Jeni182 · July 2010

DEFINITELY take a class! Mine was so awesome. I had already decided I wanted to breast feed for as long as I could and it really just gave me more motivation to work through the rough beginning. You really have to be comitted, but any amount of time your child is breast fed is better than none.

MelandRich07 · July 2010

I wasn't sure about it, but my DS really took to it and we didn't have any major issues, so it was easy to stick to. I did go through a time around 6 months where I wanted to stop but I stuck with it. I went back to work at 3 months, pumping definitely takes it toll on you and I swear it was like Christmas when I got to pack my pump away. We did it for a year and I couldn't have been happier (or prouder of myself for sticking with it). I only stopped b/c I am pregnant with # 2 and my supply was dwindling. I read So That's What They're There For, which was helpful and entertaining and spent a lot of time on kellymom.com. GL!

HailsLyrics · July 2010

BabyLove987:
If you aren't committed to breastfeeding, you won't do it. It is really hard and painful the first couple of weeks, so if you aren't sure you want to do it, you will probably give up. But it does get better! In the long run, it is easier - no bottle prep, bringing food when you are out, washing bottles. Plus, it is better for LO. You also save a ton of money!

I agree and disagree with this because of my experience. When I was pregnant I also didn't know if I wanted to breastfeed or not... that all changed when Sky was born! Right when they put him on my chest he started to nod his way to my breast --- and out of nowhere I whipped it out and fed him! It was the craziest thing for me, I did it without thinking. But I do agree with this comment for when time goes on... I've ran into supply issues early on, cracked nipples, etc. and when issues such as those hit you definately need to be committed since it's so easy nowadays to give up!

HailsLyrics · July 2010

BabyLove987:
If you aren't committed to breastfeeding, you won't do it. It is really hard and painful the first couple of weeks, so if you aren't sure you want to do it, you will probably give up. But it does get better! In the long run, it is easier - no bottle prep, bringing food when you are out, washing bottles. Plus, it is better for LO. You also save a ton of money!

I agree and disagree with this because of my experience. When I was pregnant I also didn't know if I wanted to breastfeed or not... that all changed when Sky was born! Right when they put him on my chest he started to nod his way to my breast --- and out of nowhere I whipped it out and fed him! It was the craziest thing for me, I did it without thinking. But I do agree with this comment for when time goes on... I've ran into supply issues early on, cracked nipples, etc. and when issues such as those hit you definately need to be committed since it's so easy nowadays to give up!

HailsLyrics · July 2010

Mrs.B6302007:

Ditto others re the commitment and the class.

As far as your registry goes, you could put on a Boppy or Breastfriend pillow and a coverup for NIP. I would NOT put on a pump though. They're expensive and if you're not 100% committed yet, that's asking an awful lot of people for something you might end up not using.

I totally wish I would have taken a class. Might not have ran into the supply issues I have today.

humynone · July 2010

"The Complete Book of Breastfeeding"...I was tearing through this in the early weeks. Wish I'd read it before starting...we also took a quick class.

Also...lanolin is your friend those first few weeks. I'd put some milk on the sore nips after every feeding, let them air dry...then dab on a little lanolin. Worked wonders.

PAmiler82 · July 2010

You've gotten lots of info and opinions above, but I'm not sure anyone answered your question about how they decided about breast vs. bottle. The biggest factors in my decision were:

1) cost - I am a major tight wad and couldn't imagine paying for something I could get for free.

2) best nutrition for baby - Formula is not poison or the devil. However, it is a man-made substance that imitates the real deal. Bottom line - breast milk is the perfect food for babies.

3) time and energy - I knew from my own research and talking to other mommas that BFing was a commitment - a lifestyle choice. I knew it would be hard and I knew it would take some adjusting. BFed newborns eat A LOT. I was willing to take on the challenge.

If you do decide to go with BFing (which I'd highly recommend, b/c I have absolutely adored the last 9 months of nursing Drew) then best of luck! This board is very helpful - feel free to post anything and everything!

MamiJam · July 2010

I decided to BF because it's the perfect food for babies, contains anitbodies, and is natural so you never have to worry about what's in it. I knew I wanted to BF but also thought I would just do it for 3-6 months. Once I got started and passed the initial 2 weeks of pain and difficulty, it was smooth sailing. My 3 and 6 month goals came and went and I knew I wanted to continue so I did. BF really strengthened my bond with DS and I love it. I would recommend taking a class so you can learn about positioning, keeping supply up, working and pumping, etc. I would register for BF stuff just in case, if you end up not using it, just exchange it for something else. I can't encourage people enough to try BF, even for just a month. Try it and see how it goes, you have nothing to lose but a lot to gain

melrrr · July 2010

I always knew I would do everything I could to breastfeed and luckily everyone around me was very supportive. For me, 1. was the health benefits. The rest was for convenience. I was lucky to have no problems (other than crazy OVERsupply and some pain at the beginning). It was so easy to just take her out of the crib in the middle of the night and pop her on my breast. We travel a lot and not having to deal with bottles on airplanes was great. The money savings were also very nice.

It also got me back to my pre-pregnancy weight and beyond really quickly, because I never exercised regularly post-partum until I started to wean her.

DelilahGirl2010 · July 2010

I was in the same boat when I was about 32 weeks pregnant...I decide to contact a Le Leche League Group in my area and they were so helpful! You can search for a group leader in your area and give her a call with any questions. They also hold free educational meetings once a month for moms to attend. https://www.llli.org/ Breastfeeding is worth the rough patch in the beginning. It's amazing and I love breastfeeding!

KateLouise · July 2010

BabyLove987:
If you aren't committed to breastfeeding, you won't do it. It is really hard and painful the first couple of weeks, so if you aren't sure you want to do it, you will probably give up. But it does get better! In the long run, it is easier - no bottle prep, bringing food when you are out, washing bottles. Plus, it is better for LO. You also save a ton of money!

This.

I LOVE breastfeeding my LO and do so exclusively, but the pain of getting started is indescribable.

You have to really want to BF to push through the learning stages and the challenges that arise, but in my opinion it is worth it.

You could set yourself a goal of say a month. That way you'll be through the hardest part and into the getting easier part and then decide. Like pp said, you can always choose to stop BF.

I'm a huge fan of BF but it's a really personal choice and you have to do what is right for you and your family.

KateLouise · July 2010

Oh and my reasons for BFing: free, convenient, nutrition for baby, bonding with baby.

I know some people feel that the parents should take turns at doing the nighttime feed but as I'm a stay at home Mum and can nap when I like, I was happy to do the night feeds.

Plus we introduced a bottle so that LO can have expressed milk if we need to. It just gave me flexibility.

Angela814 · July 2010

I didn't really feel like it was a decision. The reason I have breasts is to make milk to feed a baby. It's as simple as that. I didn't really decide how long I was going to nurse until later in my pg, and that changed (lengthened) after DD was born.

I think bfing takes a huge commitment, so you have to know that it's something you really want to do. A bfing class would probably be a good intro into everything that's involved. You don't really need much to bf in the beginning, so I think you could wait with your registry. If you need nursing pads, you'll be able to go out and buy them. If you need a pump and milk storage bags, it probably won't be until you go back to work.

Emily88 · July 2010

For me, it was never really a decision. It's what my mom did, so I just assumed I'd do it too. And for the first two months, it was AWFUL. Awful awful awful. I had nearly every problem in the book, but I stuck it out, and I'm so glad I did! It's the easiest thing in the world now and it makes me so happy when I look at my son getting chubby and thriving on something I provide for him, all by myself!

It also helped to have DH on board. He was a great source of support during the early rough times!

AMYfromKY · July 2010

BabyLove987:
If you aren't committed to breastfeeding, you won't do it. It is really hard and painful the first couple of weeks, so if you aren't sure you want to do it, you will probably give up. But it does get better! In the long run, it is easier - no bottle prep, bringing food when you are out, washing bottles. Plus, it is better for LO. You also save a ton of money!

False. I was undecided, but here I am 9 months later. I pumped and bottle fed the first 7 weeks, then EBF until he was 8 months, and now am pumping again because he weaned himself. I plan on pumping and giving him BM until 18 months at least.

OP- just try your hardest. For me, it sucked, but once I got into it I knew it was best for him. If you end up bottle feeding (formula) don't get down on yourself. Formula fed babies thrive right along with BF babies.

mrs_sherod · July 2010

I knew I wanted to breastfeed, but thought I'd EP. Once he started latching, the bond was great and I really enjoyed bf. The best thing for you to do is try it after LO is born and see how it works for you.

I haven't read the responses, but I'm sure someone has said 'breast is best', so keep that in mind as well.

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