Breastfeeding ... Worth it or not?

Kristine11 · November 2010

(SORRY FOR THE CAPS) I AM FROM THE DEC BOARD. LONG STORY SHORT I WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED FOR 6 WEEKS. AFTER READING ALL THE "SORE NIPPLE" STORIES, I WONDER IS IT WORTH TRYING KNOWING I CAN ONLY DO IT FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME? I KNOW BREAST MILK IS THE BEST BUT REALLY FORMULA HAS COME A LONG WAY AND IS PRETTY MUCH JUST AS GOOD THESE DAYS. I JUST WANTED TO GET SOME OPINIONS BEFORE MY LO COMES. TIA!

searcy7 · November 2010

I EBF my LO, but I have been in your situation and to tell you the truth I am one of those women who think to each his/her on. So I'll say this I enjoy BF, but you my not find it right for you. This is your decision and yours alone, yes there are many benifits to Breast Milk but it is what you will be more omfortable with that matters most.

Ananke · November 2010

Kristine11:
(SORRY FOR THE CAPS) I AM FROM THE DEC BOARD. LONG STORY SHORT I WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO BREASTFEED FOR 6 WEEKS. AFTER READING ALL THE "SORE NIPPLE" STORIES, I WONDER IS IT WORTH TRYING KNOWING I CAN ONLY DO IT FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME? I KNOW BREAST MILK IS THE BEST BUT REALLY FORMULA HAS COME A LONG WAY AND IS PRETTY MUCH JUST AS GOOD THESE DAYS. I JUST WANTED TO GET SOME OPINIONS BEFORE MY LO COMES. TIA!

Why can you only BF for 6 weeks? I don't know your situation, but there are usually ways to be able to BF or provide BM in most situations.

Absolutely it's worth it, and this is coming from someone who had horribly cracked, sore, bloody nipples, a baby who couldn't latch, and who needed a nipple sheild for weeks. I also have chronic milk duct plugs, but even so, the experience is 100% worth it to me. I not only enjoy the act of BFing now (yes, even at 4:00 am), I know that I'm providing the best I can for my son and that I can put up with a little bit of temporary annoyance and even pain so that he gets the best I can provide.

"formula. . .is pretty much just as good. . ." is simply not true. I'm not sure why you think formula is just as good as BM. Yes, formula has come a long way, and yes it will nourish your baby and your baby will grow just fine on formula (unless there is an allergy or some other issue), but it will not provide the many benefits that BF will provide for both you and your baby. They find new properties of breastmilk all the time, and they can't replicate the awesome complexity of it. Formula does work better for some babies and for some families, but I think if you are even considering BF, give it a shot and wait until you get over the hump before deciding to switch. It's easy to switch from breast to formula, but if you decide later that you'd wish you had gone with BF, it is extremely difficult and frustrating to re-lactate. Even in just 6 weeks, you'll provide your baby with tons of antibodies and nourishment, and even lower your your risk of certain types of cancers (the longer you BF, the more it lowers your risk).

Check out www.kellymom.com for some excellent information on breastfeeding.

emriley84 · November 2010

Those first six weeks are so important! The baby would greatly benefit from the immunity passed through your breast milk. Its totally a personal decision, but I would at least try

I'mAcrossThePond · November 2010

ABSOLUTELY worth it for 6 weeks. It's worth it for 6 days if that's all you can do. The immunity, bonding, and personalized nutrition can't be beat.

newtothis2010 · November 2010

I too am one who had crack, swollen, sore, painful nipples. I just had to get put on a steriod cream...I am currently not BF just pumping bc of how stong the medicine is...Its too painful to scrub the cream off to BF him, pumping is the safer way...And I also wouldnt change a thing.

Never in my life would I of thought I'd be saying this!!

Just in speaking with my dr. I cant believe how good for the baby it is.. Just try and if you dont like it, or it isnt for you atleast you gave it a chance.. GL!

hst · November 2010

I actually never had sore or cracked nipples, not that it was easy though. I had a rough time for the first 4 weeks, went back to work at 7 weeks, and pump now. So glad I stuck with it.

Good luck!

red daisy · November 2010

I had a very rough time with BF. We switched to formula around 10 weeks, but I am glad we stuck it out as long as we did. All of the PP's are right about the benefits, even if you can only do it for 6 weeks. Good luck with your decision!

HerHighness · November 2010

Worth it!!

and especially important during cold/flu season! the extra antibodies will protect baby from the sickies

brittlandk · November 2010

I don't want you to be scared off by these brave ladies (who deserve to be commended for what they are going through). I am EBFing with a 7wk old, and I never once experienced soreness. I felt a pinch a couple times as DS was learning to latch, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was for us since I had read so many horror stories.

Lotzodotz · November 2010

I think it is totally worth it, but if it's not for you don't beat up on yourself. Do what works for you. I was formula fed and I have always been very healthy and I am brilliant!

The sore nip are usually just temporary, if you do decided to bf, I would highly recommend working with a lactation nurse.

Allie30 · November 2010

you're having your baby in the dead of winter -- flu season. formula will not gve your child any immunities or antibodies. it's absolutely worth it to breastfeed as long as you can. especially the colostrum right at the start.

my nipples were sore at first. take some advil, buy some lanolin, pour some water into a diaper and stick it in the fridge as a cold pack -- works great.

hurricanelydiaa · November 2010

Absolutely worth it! Plus, even if you are only able to do it for six weeks you can pump during that time to build up a stash to use beyond six weeks.

wifeandmama · November 2010

I EBF both of mine (first for 13 months, this one for at least a year!) and it's 1000% worth it. BF provides sooooo many wonderful things for baby, especially in the dead of winter!

blondek8 · November 2010

I only BF the twins for 2 weeks and pumped for a week. For my sanity and other reasons we switched to FF. It's DEFINITELY worth BFing for as long as you can manage. Good luck!

Yules · November 2010

I got really sick with mastitis twice and had thrush, so my experience isn't "normal". I was so hyped up about BFing during pregnancy that stopping made me feel like a failure. It really bothers me that BFing is given this much leverage is assessing our parenting prowess, especially for those of us who had such a rough time with it. You clearly stated that you will only be able to do it for 6 weeks, that is AWESOME! Don't allow others to question why you can only do it for 6 weeks, it's your business.

I stopped EBFing by 4 weeks and quit pumping by the 8th week. By then, my son happily transitioned to formula. You don't have to stop cold turkey. See how it goes, you can quit whenever you want. The pp's are right about passing anti-bodies during flu season especially if you get vaccinated.

cpmich · November 2010

brittlandk:
I don't want you to be scared off by these brave ladies (who deserve to be commended for what they are going through). I am EBFing with a 7wk old, and I never once experienced soreness. I felt a pinch a couple times as DS was learning to latch, but I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was for us since I had read so many horror stories.

This. If for no other reason, do it in the beginning to help you bond with your LO. Once you get the hang of a good latch, there is nothing like the feeling of having your little one looking up at you dreamily while he or she eats. It really is pure and unconditional love.

Dobie_Mama · November 2010

Totally worth it. Every bit of BM you can give your baby is beneficial.

smerka · November 2010

I am an exclusive formula feeder. I wanted to breastfeed but I'm not sure if my milk ever came in and it didn't work out for us. Breastfeeding is difficult at first with all the night feedings and the stress of getting it right. So you need to be committed to doing it. That being said I think it's totally worth it.

But if it's not working for you, there's nothing wrong with formula. My mom pointed out that it does no one any good if your miserable every time you're breastfeeding and that the baby can probably sense that.

My other advice - until you know you're going to do it, don't open your breast pump. They can't be returned once opened. And if you're on the fence - rent one at first.

historychick79 · November 2010

Absolutely give it a shot. It will be tough, and hopefully there would be a chance for you to continue after 6wks; I'm pumping at work as long as I can. I'm one of those people who don't really like BFing when all is said and done--it's demanding, sloppy, and there's pressure when you're the main supply of food--but 1-every little bit can help LO with his immunity, and 2-even with all the difficult days, there are some truly magical times between you and the LO. You may be lucky and have a good latch from the start, little pain from engorgement and a pretty smooth learning curve; if it's too tough, you can always say you tried.

Jenn06L80 · November 2010

I think it is totally worth it. I did not have sore or cracked nipples at all, but needed to use a shield for the first two weeks because of flat nipples.

I started to breastfeed because of the immunities and health benefits, but now I love it. It really is a bonding time between me and E, even at 3 AM! If you are able to, I would at least try to breastfeed as long as possible. Good luck!

Kristine11 · November 2010

THANKS LADIES! I TRUELY APPRECIATE ALL THE ADVICE AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT! THANKS AGAIN! I AM SURE I WILL BE ASKING FOR MORE ADVICE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS :-)

lphutch · November 2010

Yules, you're so sweet and encouraging. It felt good to have you in my corner when I had mastitis 4 weeks ago. I second everything you said.

OP, I've been BF and supplementing Em for 7 weeks now. We've had our ups and downs. We're currently making the transition to FF. I hope to be able to continue to BF at night, but we'll see. When I was pregnant, I didn't even want to try BF- just the thought of it weirded me out. I'm proud of myself for sticking with it this long. The benefits for Em are tremendous. I suggest you try BF, know that there is no shame in FF, and choose what is best for your family. Be confident and proud in your decision.

GL!

bellelamb · November 2010

I ff my first because of a lot of things in my life made it close to impossible to bf and he is a wonderful child now six years later but he was also a may baby and still struggled with earinfections and colds his first two winters more than I would have liked. This time around I was on the fence but thought I'd try bf if it didn't work I was prepared with bottles and everything I'd need except the formula in the house. I knew I could send dh out for that if I needed. In the hospital with ds #2 was born and he started to root around I knew that bf was what he wanted and it seemed so natural that I gave it a real try. The second night was very hard but our hospital warns of that. After that it just seemed natural and I LOVE bfing well most of the time. It does take a lot of time but the bond is so worth it. I was sore for the first week but nothing I couldn't deal with. again it's your choice just don't stress about it you can always try (I'd say for atleast a week) and then if you hate it switch and atleast lo got some of the benifits

jamiemsmith · November 2010

Hey there! First off I love your LOs name! Dean is my little one's middle name! Anyhow, there are many obstacles to overcome when it comes to BFing... I was fortunate that my LO was a champ at latching so I just had to follow along and learn what to do. Some days I feel tender, but I never had cracked nipples. My experience has been more about the emotional side of being solely responsible for his feedings. I would bawl because I was so tired and those nighttime feedings can be rough in the beginning. That was until I sucked it up and got a pump. Now I looove breastfeeding him, we cuddle and I talk to him the whole time while he stares at me. It's fantastic. Do it for as long as you can, if that's 6 weeks or 2 days, it's worth it. Just remember, do what's comfortable and best for you two, nutritionally, physically, and mentally. It's all about everyone staying happy! Best of luck.

VABride2008 · November 2010

Totally worth it. Are you in a situation that does not allow you to pump at work? The cost savings of BFing alone are worth it to me. Not to mention the health benefits. It's a little tough at first but in the end I think you will be happy if you stick with it! Good luck in whatever you decide.

AadensMommy2010 · November 2010

I had such a hard time with BFing at first. I had problems with him latching, I had to use nipple sheilds for 4 weeks and then I got mastitis twice. And I was pretty sore. In the beginning, I was ready to give it up everyday but I stuck with it. I kept telling myself I would go another week or two. And one day it just all came together, and now even though we do supplement with formula, I couldn't imagine fully giving up breastfeeding just yet. And here he is almost 3 months old and I'm back at work and I'm proud of myself for making it this long. I'm happy because I know that I have provided him with the best nutrition. Even though it is rough, I would say give it a try. Like all these ladies have said, at least you can say you tried and any amount of breastmilk is better than none. Good luck and congrats to you!

Yules · November 2010

lphutch:
Yules, you're so sweet and encouraging. It felt good to have you in my corner when I had mastitis 4 weeks ago. I second everything you said.
OP, I've been BF and supplementing Em for 7 weeks now. We've had our ups and downs. We're currently making the transition to FF. I hope to be able to continue to BF at night, but we'll see. When I was pregnant, I didn't even want to try BF- just the thought of it weirded me out. I'm proud of myself for sticking with it this long. The benefits for Em are tremendous. I suggest you try BF, know that there is no shame in FF, and choose what is best for your family. Be confident and proud in your decision.
GL!

I'm so glad you got over mastitis!!! I hope you can stick with night time BFing. Good luck!

matthew24 · November 2010

I had MAJOR problems with breastfeeding with 4 rounds of mastitis, a severe breast abscess which required immediate surgery, and a week of hospitalization but despite all of that it was worth it to me to provide 3 months worth of milk. Like Yules, my situation is not even close to normal and hate that I could continue longer but even after the surgery I continued to pump one b00b for another 6 weeks until it wasn't enough but am proud of myself for continuing. I would recommend trying it and sticking with it if you can because there is some good stuff in breast milk. GL!

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