formula/breastfeed

sierramac · August 2010

anyone know how to weigh their options im slightly confused when it comes to figuring out which way to go

kmmihelic · August 2010

All the research shows the fantastic benefits of breast-feeding, however it is still a personal choice. I'm going to breast-feed and I've had friends that did formula either because they wanted to or because they didn't produce. So everyone is different. But if you can i say breast-feed all the way!!!!

karrizma · August 2010

Just keep reading. You'll figure out what's best for you. Personally I can't imagine choosing to formula feed as long as I'm able to breastfeed. So I fully intend on breastfeeding, as long as my body cooperates.

erbear · August 2010

I BFed DD1 for a year and loved it. We did supplement with formula on occasion but I was able to pretty much nurse and pump what she needed.

What exactly do you want to know?

drea_raye · August 2010

Not sure how to answer this without pushing my opinion... but I guess my suggestion would be to make a pros/ cons list?

Ex: BFing pros: pass along antibodies, free, ready at the drop of the shirt, etc.

BFing cons: Can be painful, you may not have enough milk, you might get flack from family if they were a formula generation, might be hard if you are going back to work (pumping)

Formula Pros: DH can get it ready/ feed without you having to prep/ pump in advance, don't have to create a stash for work/ daycare/ etc, if you are shy you don't have to worry about your body in public,

Formula Cons: Expensive, time to prep in the middle of the night feedings, judgment from pro BFing family, not passing along the same antibodies, if you try it first you can't decide to switch to the other later...

This is not a referenced or complete list, and is mostly off the top of my head trying not to be judgy opinions... do some research and decide what is important to you... or ask a more specific question...

Hope this helps!

(And personally I plan to BF if I can...)

violetvilla83 · August 2010

I agree with others. It's definitely a personal choice. I grew up with a pro BFing family and DH's family was all formula. He was against me BFing at first. I chose to BF DD and I pumped for when I was at work and school. DH loved to be able to feed DD from a bottle when he got the chance. This time around I will BF, but I plan on pumping more so DH can have more bonding time with the baby.

AJBMD915 · August 2010

I'd suggest taking a breastfeeding class. There was one offered in my dr's office. Possibly talking to any friends/family members that have bf. When I got pg w/ DD I was sure I was going to formula feed. Bfing seemed gross to me. Looking at it now, I feel like I was really immature. My DH kept pushing me to bf. Finally I said, "ok, I'll think about it." We went to the bf class and when I left there was no doubt in my mind I was going to bf.

I think part of it is that I didn't really know anyone who did bf. My mom bf my sister, I was 9, and of course for a 9 year old, seeing your moms boobs and having your mom take them out whenever is really embarrassing. My SIL gave birth 3 months before me and talking to her, and seeing her nurse and how it wasn't a big deal at all really helped.

I know this isn't PC, but breastfeeding is best. Period. I will get flamed for this and I fully expect to. Flame suit on. There are of course extenuating circumstances, medical circumstances, lack of production, but people that just say "it's not for me" are imho being a little selfish (I was completely when I first got pg w/ DD). To just say that without trying it is denying your baby the best nourishment.

Ok, flame away!

Congrats on your little one! And good for you for starting the research! Also, google La Leche League. They have tons of helpful info.

MG7 · August 2010

I breastfed DS for 26 months and I loved it. After lots of reading, knowing he would be in daycare, etc. I knew that breastfeeding was best for my family. I think you should keep doing research I'm sure most of what you find will sing the praises of breastmilk but you have to do what works for you.

I also think that you need to be determined to breastfeed since there are pitfalls along the way. It is however free, and there are rarely bottles to clean which is a huge plus

AutumnBride929 · August 2010

They both have their benefits.

It's easier to leave your baby with another caregiver when they're formula fed. As a breastfeeder, you would just have to take another step and pump before you leave and, depending on how long you're gone, again when you're away if you get engorged.

With breastfeeding, the baby's food is always with you wherever you go. That is super convenient. No need to bring a multitude of bottles with you. No having to worry about remembering the formula before you go somewhere.

Formula feeding allows you a little more freedom, at least until you can master the art of babywearing while breastfeeding, if that's what you choose.

Obviously, we all know the health and bonding benefits of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding.

I always say give breastfeeding a shot. If it's not for you or it doesn't work out for whatever reason, formula can be used for backup.

ETA: I must have gotten distracted. There was an extra repeated sentence at the end, lol. But, while I'm editing... I forgot to agree with the PP who mentioned how expensive formula feeding is. YES... it is so expensive! lol I am so glad DS is on his last month of formula. We'll feel like we've gotten a raise!

vflipo · August 2010

Everything I've found says "breast is best." When it comes down to it, your kid needs to eat. Do whatever you feel comfortable with. There's a lot of really good formula out there. And, you never know, maybe you won't be able to breastfeed for some reason.

LoLo1014 · August 2010

I was all set to breastfeed, but sadly daughter decided otherwise. We tried a few days but the stress it caused both of us, I deemed not worth it. It was literally a battle! So I began to pump and pumped her breastmilk for a solid month then switched to formula. We put her on Infamil Iipil the gentlease formula. It was easy on her digestive system. I would like to say I will breastfeed my second because of the benefits and the cost but with having a toddler I will probably pump for a month then do formula again.

So I would educate yourself on different formulas just incase baby doesn't latch. This way your not scrambling trying to find out info on a bunch!

ncbelle · August 2010

Well...I'm a huge BFing advocate so I think everyone should seriously consider it. I'd strongly encourage you to educate yourself about breastfeeding so that you can make an informed decision. You can always give up breastfeeding but it's nearly impossible to go back to it if you don't nurse at birth.

kellymom.com is a great online resource. I also really liked the book So That's What They're For. Both are of course pro-breastfeeding but are evidenced based.

Also FWIW it is very rare for a woman to have no milk. Breastfeeding is certainly challenging for many (really it's tough for everyone at first), but there are few problems that can't be overcome with the right support. Educating yourself now will go a long way towards breastfeeding success should you choose that path.

~adamwife~ · August 2010

I am very pro breastfeeding and have done it with both on my boys. First, there are the medical benefits of the breastmilk - it helps to develop a child's digestive tract after they are born, contains antibodies to help prevent sickness, contains the perfect food for a baby, etc. Secondly, it is convenient and free. But I think the most overlooked benefit of BFing is the bonding aspect - I cherish the memories of rocking my babies in the rocking chair and looking straight into their eyes as they drink my milk. There is a bond that forms when you nurse your child that is unexplainable. I am still nursing my youngest and I still feel closest to him when we are nursing, he stares up at me, and smiles as if to say, "Thanks for the milk, mama!" I think we often tend to overlook how important nursing can be emotionally for the baby - it offers security and comfort.

I wish everyone would give it a shot. It's just such a wonderful experience for both mom and baby.

m0132 · August 2010

Its totally a personal choice. You can read any book and it will tell you all of the benefits of breastfeeding but that doesn't mean it is easy or that it is for everyone. I am still BFing DD, she has never had formula in her life, and it was hard in the beginning but so worth it for us..I also have friends who have never even made an attempt with their kids and thats fine too. Its def. a commitment to BF but do some research and weigh the pros and cons for both and decide what works best for you. I just know for me, waking up 3 or 4 times and night and making a bottle half asleep would not work, or having to remember to pack bottles and formula every time you go out, but to each their own.

arligirl · August 2010

i believe that if you are committed and do not get discouraged breastfeeding can be the most beautiful experience for both you and your baby. we all know the health benefits for both but the emotional bond is one that cant be explained. it must be experienced!

Scout05 · August 2010

I think at the end of the day they both have benefits and drawbacks, and either way, your child will be JUST FINE.

I don't know yet what I plan to do; I do know whatever I end up doing, I won't push my opinion on other people, or make them feel bad for whatever they decided was best for their family.

As long as you feed your kid, you are okay in my book. I find it disgusting when mothers are made to feel as if they did something wrong in this arena. It's not all about supply - there are many other reasons a mother might chose to formula feed, and they are perfectly valid. I was formula fed, and I'm just fine. I am perfectly bonded to my mother, and always was. I don't think its had an adverse effect on me or my siblings.

I still think I might try to breastfeed, at least in the beginning, but we'll have to see how it goes. I'm not going to feel guilty if I decide not to do it, and heaven help anyone who tries to make me feel bad for it. I have little patience for that kind of garbage.

Mrst2theB · August 2010

From a financial perspective BFing is much cheaper than formula. From a physical perspective it can help you lose weight. From a medical BFing is much better for the baby. Unless there is a medical reason that you can't BF I'd say just try it and you can switch to formula if BFing isn't for you. I'd keep researching.

shortstuff15 · August 2010

A lot of people quote the bonding of breastfeeding, but I must say that it is litteraly absolutely no different for formula feeding (at least for me). I have done both. I breastfed for 2 months, but because I produced skim milk with next to no fat, my baby was gaining next to no weight (less then a pound in 2 months). So I switched to formula. The bonding was actually more so when I switched to formula.

Clotho! · August 2010

I'm pro breastfeeding but also believe it is a personal choice. Is bf best yes is it for everyone no.

With ds#1 I tried but he was preemie and we had so many issues that I got so that I dreaded feeding time and I didn't want to resent my baby the way I was. So we started formula feeding and then things got so much better. However, with ds#2 things went much easier and I bf him for 13 months. I plan on bfing this next one too.

So just keep reading up and you'll figure out which one is for you.

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