Breast or Bottle on time constraint?

allisonvinson · December 2011

My boyfriend and I are expecting our first little one, and up to now we have agreed on everything or compromised...However after a perverted comment from a friend of his about breastfeeding, to which I replied "that won't happen, not even possible as I won't be breast feeding" my boyfriend got extremely upset and offeneded. Not because I snapped back at his a**hole of a friend but because I don't plan to breast feed. I work a fulltime job monday-friday, and a parttime job nights and weekends. I also attend college fulltime. The baby will be in daycare which is run by my mother in her home, at aprox 6 weeks old. I don't think I would ever have the time to breast feed. Can somone explain the pro's and con's to breast feeding? Is there anyone here who breast fed and had a rediculous schedule like mine? Did it work for you? It's not that I don't want to breast feed, I just don't see how I would make it work?....HELP!

rosiemomma · December 2011

Is there a benefit to nursing for 6 weeks? ABSOLUTELY! if you do choose to stop nursing that is completely your choice, but don't give up before you even start! Give yourself a goal of nursing while your off (for 6 weeks) if things aren't working or you don't want to pump... don't! you will have given baby an incredible start.

I urge you to start by nursing, I know moms who regret not breast-feeding buthave never met one who regrets breast-feeding.

here is list of great resources:

https://www.bestforbabes.com/help-i-dont-want-to-breastfeed/

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/while-working/giving-formula-instead-pumping

https://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/while-working/making-most-your-maternity-leave

https://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning-partial.html

MrsMAF · December 2011

If you are willing and want to, I'd breastfeed for the first 6 weeks before your baby goes to daycare. If you can't manage it once you go back to work, and don't want to pump, at least you have given your baby 6 weeks of breast milk, which would be great! It's especially beneficial at the beginning of their lives, even if you stop shortly thereafter.

Pros and cons...I think there are only pro's to breastfeeding. The only con I can think of is that its very demanding and no one else can help with feedings...but I think it's so worth it..for however long you can do it.

Good luck to you!

OUKap · December 2011

There are health benefits:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/why-breastfeeding-is-important/

Another great thing is the convenience. I just need baby and me. I don't need to cart around bottles and formula. I also like the bonding. It is a nice snuggle time with the baby.

You can still bf if you work. Invest in a double electric pump.

cros8380 · December 2011

I agree with everything everyone else has said, but want to add that you can still breastfeed after you go back to work. If you can and choose to pump while you are working you can give baby bottled breastmilk. If you choose not to pump, or don't pump enough, you can supplement with Formula while you are away from baby, but still nurse when you are together!

I just want to reinforce that you should try it before you decide NOT to do it. Even if it is only for 6 weeks, it's still a great start!

If you do decide to breastfeed, do a little reading on breastfeeding positions, guide to latching, etc, so you will feel prepared for when baby arrives!

allisonvinson · December 2011

After my first appt. I spoke with my doctor. Like yall, she said at least for the first 6 weeks or however long I'm on maternity leave. After that try to pump. I can supplement with formula or go strickly formula later, but to at least give it a shot. The only con's I've come across is; correct, noone else can really help with feedings, and with my jobs, and classes, will I have time in between or during to pump to continue bottle feeding the breast milk? Hopefully it works out. All of the articles I've read about breast vs. bottle show much healthier, smarter, and happier babies when breast fed. Now if I could kick the 24/7 sickness that'd be great otherwise I may not have a career to worry about scheduleing around :-/

rosiemomma · December 2011

Honestly I would say if I had a hectic schedule like that I had to return too I would savor every moment of baby while on maternity leave!! Your baby will be getting fed by someoneelse for plenty of time, you should be very selfish and keep baby all to yourself those first six weeks! Trust me once you see baby you will know exactly what I mean!

I am glad you are considering this like I was saying if you simply have no time to pump then you don't have to and can still nurse baby at night, and again I will tell you, you will want that connection every day and so will baby it will make a huge difference for you and baby! Nursing is soooo much more than 'feeding' it is comfort, calm, relaxing, it eases babies pain and when baby is over stimulated, it gives baby a great way to connect with mom that is more soothing than anything else.

Keep doing your research it helps!

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