I am unable due to the breast reduction surgery I had back in 04. Is anyone else not able to or choosing not to? It feels like the population is not very friendly to women like us....so many things are tailored to women who breastfeed.
I've been tempted to post something about this as well, but I know what the environment is like for non-breastfeeders (especially on forums).
I was so adamantly pro-breastfeeding with my son that I didn't realize he was starving for six weeks. Because my face went paralyzed and I had to take steroids, I chose to supplement with formula at 6 weeks instead of feeding him steroids. He immediately gained weight (and hadn't been gaining before that). I was obviously under a lot of stress from the fire and then got sick. I didn't have milk nor the time to be able to spend trying to make it work. He thrived BECAUSE of formula.
This time around I will be starting preventative antibiotics after the baby is born and will be formula feeding from the beginning.
I'm just curious and hope you're not offended by this question, but have you ever tried to breast feed before, or are you just assuming you can't because of the reduction? I'm all for your choice, either way. I think it's a personal decision. No one should get to judge based on the decision you make. You need to do what's right for you and baby and no one else.
I was just curious because I had a breast reduction myself 3 years ago. I'm really hoping (and planning) to breast feed, although I know with the reduction, it might not be possible. I've heard both ways though, some can and some can't. I guess I'll know in March!
I EP'd for 11 mos and am seriously considering it with this baby. We did supplement with formula, but I consistently got 25+ ozs/day of BM. I know it's not the same as just formula feeding, but I get a lot of strange looks when I tell people I want to be tied to a pump. I loved the control of knowing exactly how much DS got and the fact that DH can take over a feeding in the middle of the night.
I EP'd for 11 mos and am seriously considering it with this baby. We did supplement with formula, but I consistently got 25+ ozs/day of BM. I know it's not the same as just formula feeding, but I get a lot of strange looks when I tell people I want to be tied to a pump. I loved the control of knowing exactly how much DS got and the fact that DH can take over a feeding in the middle of the night.
I really like this idea. My depression becomes horrible when I don't sleep. Even on antidepressants I become suicidal when my sleeping gets bad. I'm going to have to have help with night feedings. My mother and MIL are going to take different weeks to help. I think me being non suicidal is more important than how my baby eats. Sorry.
Sorry you can't....I plan to try, its amazing how hard it seems when you read up on it. "People have been doing it for 100s years" my husband told me" I am sure you will do fine." I Most definitely will try my hardest!!!
I really like this idea. My depression becomes horrible when I don't sleep. Even on antidepressants I become suicidal when my sleeping gets bad. I'm going to have to have help with night feedings. My mother and MIL are going to take different weeks to help. I think me being non suicidal is more important than how my baby eats. Sorry.
A healthy mom is far more important! I also need my sleep, and it's one of the factors in our decision. There are people who combo feed (if your antidepressant is approved for use with breastfeeding, and I'd research this because there are a lot of pro-bf sites that will say that nearly all meds are ok when they might not be), and it can be a great solution if you want to bf but also want to supplement with formula at night (for example).
Sorry you can't....I plan to try, its amazing how hard it seems when you read up on it. "People have been doing it for 100s years" my husband told me" I am sure you will do fine." I Most definitely will try my hardest!!!
And sadly babies also died from malnutrition because not everyone can breastfeed (which is important to talk about because in those early days when problems arise your hormones can make it hard to get help). And people used wet nurses. Sorry, that argument just hits a nerve in me because it is so dismissive of the real issues that can arise with breastfeeding.
I am not breastfeeding this time around because of all the problems I had with my son. With my depression and all the other issues that came with it, I am very comfortable now with my decision to bottle feed. I know it's best for my baby and my mental health.
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I EP'd for 11 mos and am seriously considering it with this baby. We did supplement with formula, but I consistently got 25+ ozs/day of BM. I know it's not the same as just formula feeding, but I get a lot of strange looks when I tell people I want to be tied to a pump. I loved the control of knowing exactly how much DS got and the fact that DH can take over a feeding in the middle of the night.
OP: Even if you are ABLE to BF, I think everyone here would respect your decision. Thank you for starting this thread.
Kel: I'm hoping to EP this one. Its my first, and no, I haven't tried BFing, but its a psychological thing for me. (Saw a lot of kids being breastfed at WAYYYY too old when I was younger and it left me with serious issues). I haven't known any other moms that have done it, so I was glad to see your post.
Anyway, I know DH supports whatever I decide, and this March Mommy board has been so supportive, its amazing!
Married: 10.28.04
1st M/C 2005 | 2nd M/C & D&C 2007 | 3rd M/C 2009
Pray this one is sticky!!! BFP: July 17, 2011
PCOS Mama
I plan on trying, but should it not work out for whatever reason, I don't see a problem with formula. My cousin's gf just had to switch to formula because the breast milk was upsetting their one month old's stomach.
How and what a baby is fed, shouldn't matter to other people. Just the parents and the baby's doctor. That's my opinion anyway. It's too bad others feel the need to attack a mother who chooses not to breastfeed (or didn't choose, it forced itself).
I can't breastfeed either. I tried with my first, but my supply wouldn't stay up no matter what I did. With my second daughter, my breastmilk didn't even come in. The doctor's attribute it to my specific thyroid disease.
I used to feel really bad about it, but my children are very healthy and I refuse to feel guilty over something I have no control of. Best of luck to everyone, no matter what their choices are or what their bodies can do.
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Sorry you can't....I plan to try, its amazing how hard it seems when you read up on it. "People have been doing it for 100s years" my husband told me" I am sure you will do fine." I Most definitely will try my hardest!!!
And sadly babies also died from malnutrition because not everyone can breastfeed (which is important to talk about because in those early days when problems arise your hormones can make it hard to get help). And people used wet nurses. Sorry, that argument just hits a nerve in me because it is so dismissive of the real issues that can arise with breastfeeding.
My assumption is that he was trying to ease my fears instead of causing more stress while I was expressing it seems a difficult and a worrisome process waiting for your milk to come in, and me being neurotic how I would need to supplement and pump or something. I doubt his intention was to dismiss and kill our child more to ease my fear.
I'm a pediatrician, and I wholeheartedly believe that what is best for a mother is best for her baby. Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad about formula feeding. Your kid will be totally fine.
I tried BFing with DD, calling in a nurse every 2 hours at the hospital to help us and bringing in the LC. My milk took it's sweet time coming in and in the meantime, DD was becoming dehydrated and not having and dirty or wet diapers, so we ended ip spending an extra night in the hospital. You think, oh bf is so natural, but it is so so much work. I ended up pumping for 3.5 months but once I got back to work, and with my constant supply issues (due in part I think to not being able to put her on my breast), it felt like all I was doing was either feeding her, pumping or washing bottles and parts. Formula worked out great for us, but this time around I'm hoping to get the BFing down because the price of formula adds up and I will at least be going down to PT at work (most likely) so I'm hoping to stretch the budget.
There is nothing wrong with formula. It's a good source of food an nutrition for your baby. You get to make the choice to formula feed for any number of reasons whether medical or emotional. Don't let the pro-breastfeeding internets scare you away from what is perfectly safe and healthy food for your baby.
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I was not able to BF my daughter. I was upset over it for a week or two at which point I just gave up and went straight to pumping. It was a PITA, but it worked out for us. As the pp's said don't like others' opinions influence how you feel about this issue: if you're not able to BF and have to FF instead, the baby will be fine.
I don't know if I will be able to or not. We will see when the time comes. I am not too concerned though. A friend of mine had a baby last year and her milk just never came in. Her comment, "Formula fed babies go to Harvard too."
What really bothers me is when my single friend, with no children just says, "The breast is best." like a mantra. While I applaud all of the public service work that has been going into educating the public on the benefits of breast feeding I think that some people get very judgmental toward women who can't or don't breast feed. Priority number one: making sure baby is fed. Priority number two: Being able to pick and choose exactly what I am feeding it.
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I plan to attempt to BF, but even if I can, it won't be for long. I have had to be off medications for a very long time to conceive this baby, and it's imperative I start taking them as soon as possible!
I had a breast reduction in 2001. They're saying now that even if they had to remove and reattach the nipple, there's a half a chance that you can still breast feed at least partially. Other new research suggests that if they were able to leave the ducts and nerves below the nipple intact during the surgery, women stand a better chance of success. Also, there's some indication that the ducts reconstruct themselves slowly after the surgery, and the longer it's been since the surgery, the better of a chance you can have at successfully breast feeding. If you're interested in giving it a try, check out bfar.org, or (as far as I can tell) the only book ever written on the subject called "Defining Your Own Success: Breast Feeding After Breast Reduction Surgery" by Diana West.
It's something I'm going to try to do myself. It looks like it's going to be a bit more painful than for the typical woman. I'm particularly not looking forward to how I suspect a particular little lump of scar tissue is going to feel. But, I also think that any breast milk at all is better than none, and as long as the insurance companies are required to cover lactation specialists and rental of a hospital grade breast pump, I'm going to give it a try.
As far as the general population goes, they can suck it. Unless they've been in our situation, they have no call to stick their noses up in the air.
I don't get why this is even an issue. Who cares if you breast feed or not. The point is that your baby is being fed and growing and thriving. Breast milk or formula...who cares. I'd only have an issue if you were putting Koolaid in the bottle.
I don't get why this is even an issue. Who cares if you breast feed or not. The point is that your baby is being fed and growing and thriving. Breast milk or formula...who cares. I'd only have an issue if you were putting Koolaid in the the bottle.
QFT
AMEN
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I'm really happy that this thread has not become flameful or too controversial.
From experience with DS, the nurses and LC at the hospital said I was a natural and DS was feeding well from the start. After we went home, it was a nightmare. DS was crying a lot. My nipples were bleeding and cracked. My milk didn't come in very fast but no one knew. After 3 days at home, DS become lethargic, wouldn't wake up to eat, even naked with a cold wash cloth. We couldn't keep him awake long enough to eat. I was so worried. We took him back to the hospital. It was terrible. They had to do blood test and a spinal tap, which didn't work. They had to rule out infections, but when all was said and done after transfer to a childrens hospital, they found that it was a combination of my milk having pain-med in it from my c-section, jaundice and dehydration. We switched to formula until the meds were out of my system. Then I pumped for 3 months, because after he had the bottle at the hospital, he wouldn't latch anymore. I was so dissappointed. I couldn't keep up with his demand, with pumping, so I finally quit and felt terrible. Formula is not cheap, cost about $125/month.
Sorry so long, but breastfeeding is not easy and there can be complications. That being said, I'll try again, but I won't beat myself up and think I'm a failure if it doesn't work this time either.
I think this might be a perception issue. As a breastfeeding mom, I feel like I face lots of judgement for nursing. I hear things like "it's selfish, you only do it to put your boobs in public." Plus I faced challenges with when/where to pump at work, and got the message: why don't you just formula feed. I think all moms feel some pressure about their choices.
I will say if you are a mom choosing to breastfeed, I would really suggest looking for some support now. I attended a class at my hospital, but it was really useful. When I hit problems, I was directed to the La Leche group in my area, and truly they made the different for me. Whenever I meet a pregnant MTB I always invite her to a meeting so she can get information before her baby is born and knows who to call when things get tough. Too many women fail becasue they don't have the right kind of help and feel like things are hopeless. I find breastfeeding to be really rewarding and I'm glad I made that choice. I know it's not for everyone.
First of all, you have to make the right decision for you and your baby...other people should not influence you decision or your feelings. Don't beat yourself up over it. And if you really want to nurse, are you sure that you can't or are you just assuming? It my not totally be out of the question. I nursed two out of three of my babies and the last time around was so tramatic on me and my daughter that with my fourth I am deciding to bottle feed exclusively. I feel sort of guilty, yet know that it will be the best choice in the long run. My children who were formula fed were just as healthy and that is what matters. Breastfeeding is not for everyone and the amount of formula and choices on the store shelves prove that....good luck either way!
I'm really happy that this thread has not become flameful or too controversial.
From experience with DS, the nurses and LC at the hospital said I was a natural and DS was feeding well from the start. After we went home, it was a nightmare. DS was crying a lot. My nipples were bleeding and cracked. My milk didn't come in very fast but no one knew. After 3 days at home, DS become lethargic, wouldn't wake up to eat, even naked with a cold wash cloth. We couldn't keep him awake long enough to eat. I was so worried. We took him back to the hospital. It was terrible. They had to do blood test and a spinal tap, which didn't work. They had to rule out infections, but when all was said and done after transfer to a childrens hospital, they found that it was a combination of my milk having pain-med in it from my c-section, jaundice and dehydration. We switched to formula until the meds were out of my system. Then I pumped for 3 months, because after he had the bottle at the hospital, he wouldn't latch anymore. I was so dissappointed. I couldn't keep up with his demand, with pumping, so I finally quit and felt terrible. Formula is not cheap, cost about $125/month.
Sorry so long, but breastfeeding is not easy and there can be complications. That being said, I'll try again, but I won't beat myself up and think I'm a failure if it doesn't work this time either.
Everyone is so supportive!! I expected to be yelled at a little because of this hot topic. My dr said that my lactation glands were removed because my nipples were completely removed and reattached so there will be no milk coming. I no longer feel bad about not being able to. All that matters is baby and mom are healthy. Thank you so much ladies!!
Re: Women who CANNOT breastfeed
I've been tempted to post something about this as well, but I know what the environment is like for non-breastfeeders (especially on forums).
I was so adamantly pro-breastfeeding with my son that I didn't realize he was starving for six weeks. Because my face went paralyzed and I had to take steroids, I chose to supplement with formula at 6 weeks instead of feeding him steroids. He immediately gained weight (and hadn't been gaining before that). I was obviously under a lot of stress from the fire and then got sick. I didn't have milk nor the time to be able to spend trying to make it work. He thrived BECAUSE of formula.
This time around I will be starting preventative antibiotics after the baby is born and will be formula feeding from the beginning.
My good friend started a blog about not being able to breastfeed (https://fearlessformulafeeder.blogspot.com), and the community there is fantastic.
I'm just curious and hope you're not offended by this question, but have you ever tried to breast feed before, or are you just assuming you can't because of the reduction? I'm all for your choice, either way. I think it's a personal decision. No one should get to judge based on the decision you make. You need to do what's right for you and baby and no one else.
I was just curious because I had a breast reduction myself 3 years ago. I'm really hoping (and planning) to breast feed, although I know with the reduction, it might not be possible. I've heard both ways though, some can and some can't. I guess I'll know in March!
M/C #2 - October 2016
MMC #1 - April 2016
I 100% agree. I figure I'll try and if it happens, great! If not, my baby will survive!
M/C #2 - October 2016
MMC #1 - April 2016
A healthy mom is far more important! I also need my sleep, and it's one of the factors in our decision. There are people who combo feed (if your antidepressant is approved for use with breastfeeding, and I'd research this because there are a lot of pro-bf sites that will say that nearly all meds are ok when they might not be), and it can be a great solution if you want to bf but also want to supplement with formula at night (for example).
And sadly babies also died from malnutrition because not everyone can breastfeed (which is important to talk about because in those early days when problems arise your hormones can make it hard to get help). And people used wet nurses. Sorry, that argument just hits a nerve in me because it is so dismissive of the real issues that can arise with breastfeeding.
OP: Even if you are ABLE to BF, I think everyone here would respect your decision. Thank you for starting this thread.
Kel: I'm hoping to EP this one. Its my first, and no, I haven't tried BFing, but its a psychological thing for me. (Saw a lot of kids being breastfed at WAYYYY too old when I was younger and it left me with serious issues). I haven't known any other moms that have done it, so I was glad to see your post.
Anyway, I know DH supports whatever I decide, and this March Mommy board has been so supportive, its amazing!
I plan on trying, but should it not work out for whatever reason, I don't see a problem with formula. My cousin's gf just had to switch to formula because the breast milk was upsetting their one month old's stomach.
How and what a baby is fed, shouldn't matter to other people. Just the parents and the baby's doctor. That's my opinion anyway. It's too bad others feel the need to attack a mother who chooses not to breastfeed (or didn't choose, it forced itself).
I can't breastfeed either. I tried with my first, but my supply wouldn't stay up no matter what I did. With my second daughter, my breastmilk didn't even come in. The doctor's attribute it to my specific thyroid disease.
I used to feel really bad about it, but my children are very healthy and I refuse to feel guilty over something I have no control of. Best of luck to everyone, no matter what their choices are or what their bodies can do.
My assumption is that he was trying to ease my fears instead of causing more stress while I was expressing it seems a difficult and a worrisome process waiting for your milk to come in, and me being neurotic how I would need to supplement and pump or something. I doubt his intention was to dismiss and kill our child more to ease my fear.
There is nothing wrong with formula. It's a good source of food an nutrition for your baby. You get to make the choice to formula feed for any number of reasons whether medical or emotional. Don't let the pro-breastfeeding internets scare you away from what is perfectly safe and healthy food for your baby.
Bubblegum Explosion
I don't know if I will be able to or not. We will see when the time comes. I am not too concerned though. A friend of mine had a baby last year and her milk just never came in. Her comment, "Formula fed babies go to Harvard too."
What really bothers me is when my single friend, with no children just says, "The breast is best." like a mantra. While I applaud all of the public service work that has been going into educating the public on the benefits of breast feeding I think that some people get very judgmental toward women who can't or don't breast feed. Priority number one: making sure baby is fed. Priority number two: Being able to pick and choose exactly what I am feeding it.
Me (32) DH (30)
A Wordy Blog
Baby Evangeline is here!
I had a breast reduction in 2001. They're saying now that even if they had to remove and reattach the nipple, there's a half a chance that you can still breast feed at least partially. Other new research suggests that if they were able to leave the ducts and nerves below the nipple intact during the surgery, women stand a better chance of success. Also, there's some indication that the ducts reconstruct themselves slowly after the surgery, and the longer it's been since the surgery, the better of a chance you can have at successfully breast feeding. If you're interested in giving it a try, check out bfar.org, or (as far as I can tell) the only book ever written on the subject called "Defining Your Own Success: Breast Feeding After Breast Reduction Surgery" by Diana West.
It's something I'm going to try to do myself. It looks like it's going to be a bit more painful than for the typical woman. I'm particularly not looking forward to how I suspect a particular little lump of scar tissue is going to feel. But, I also think that any breast milk at all is better than none, and as long as the insurance companies are required to cover lactation specialists and rental of a hospital grade breast pump, I'm going to give it a try.
As far as the general population goes, they can suck it. Unless they've been in our situation, they have no call to stick their noses up in the air.
QFT
AMEN
I'm really happy that this thread has not become flameful or too controversial.
From experience with DS, the nurses and LC at the hospital said I was a natural and DS was feeding well from the start. After we went home, it was a nightmare. DS was crying a lot. My nipples were bleeding and cracked. My milk didn't come in very fast but no one knew. After 3 days at home, DS become lethargic, wouldn't wake up to eat, even naked with a cold wash cloth. We couldn't keep him awake long enough to eat. I was so worried. We took him back to the hospital. It was terrible. They had to do blood test and a spinal tap, which didn't work. They had to rule out infections, but when all was said and done after transfer to a childrens hospital, they found that it was a combination of my milk having pain-med in it from my c-section, jaundice and dehydration. We switched to formula until the meds were out of my system. Then I pumped for 3 months, because after he had the bottle at the hospital, he wouldn't latch anymore. I was so dissappointed. I couldn't keep up with his demand, with pumping, so I finally quit and felt terrible. Formula is not cheap, cost about $125/month.
Sorry so long, but breastfeeding is not easy and there can be complications. That being said, I'll try again, but I won't beat myself up and think I'm a failure if it doesn't work this time either.
I think this might be a perception issue. As a breastfeeding mom, I feel like I face lots of judgement for nursing. I hear things like "it's selfish, you only do it to put your boobs in public." Plus I faced challenges with when/where to pump at work, and got the message: why don't you just formula feed. I think all moms feel some pressure about their choices.
I will say if you are a mom choosing to breastfeed, I would really suggest looking for some support now. I attended a class at my hospital, but it was really useful. When I hit problems, I was directed to the La Leche group in my area, and truly they made the different for me. Whenever I meet a pregnant MTB I always invite her to a meeting so she can get information before her baby is born and knows who to call when things get tough. Too many women fail becasue they don't have the right kind of help and feel like things are hopeless. I find breastfeeding to be really rewarding and I'm glad I made that choice. I know it's not for everyone.
Everyone is so supportive!! I expected to be yelled at a little because of this hot topic. My dr said that my lactation glands were removed because my nipples were completely removed and reattached so there will be no milk coming. I no longer feel bad about not being able to. All that matters is baby and mom are healthy. Thank you so much ladies!!