Poll: Breastfeeding

honeybee434 · February 2014

I voted FTM - Yes, but I'm not completely sold on the idea. It's really important to DH so I will at least try, but if things aren't working out I'm going to try to just pump and bottle feed for as long as I can and then if that doesn't work out, I'm just moving straight to formula. If DH didn't really want me to try I would just pump for a few weeks and then switch to formula. I won't be able to work out BF'ing at work so however things go, I will go to formula somewhere around 10-12 weeks.

V1981 · February 2014

STM - no. I don't enjoy it, and my kids are ::knock on wood:: healthy, smart and happy. I don't need that to feel close to them.

I totally admire anyone who does it, but after 9 months, I'm selfish and like to have my body back for me.

Lhalliburton · February 2014

STM planning to breastfeed. With DD, I would miss nursing times if she was sleeping, and I should have pumped. I made it 6 months, and the last two involved pumping 10+ times a day to try to get my supply up. Hoping to make it at least a full year with this one.

ddubzz · February 2014

STM and yes I will breastfeed/ pump.

Made it to 14 months with DS. The first 6 weeks were horrible (had 3 episodes of mastitis, requiring antibiotics twice), but once he and I got the hang of it, it was super easy and convenient. Pumping is a PITA at work, but I made it a priority... even while working crazy 24-30 hour shifts! I think BF is one of the hardest things to do. It definitely requires a lot of patience, determination, and dedication.

reils500 · February 2014

TallMomma29 said:
FTM here, and I plan to try it, but I won't beat myself up if it doesn't work out. Had I not heard so many stories from women where it didn't work out, I probably would beat myself up about it. So thank you to those of you here (and elsewhere) who are honest about their breast feeding experiences so us newbies don't have to totally freak out :-)

I'm also planning to go back to work somewhere between 4 to 6 months after LO gets here, and I work 75 miles away.. and I don't get guaranteed lunches or breaks depending on how crazy work is going... so pumping would be pretty logistically difficult. If BFing does work out for me, I'm a little bummed about potentially having to give it up because of work.

Do you drive to work? I had an hour commute when I went back to work after DS. I pumped in the car, I got a car adapter for my pump & wore my nursing cover. I was able to give DS breast milk exclusively for 4 months & maintained a supply until 6 . I had a low supply, so you may be able to make it longer.

marathonmom823 · February 2014

@salsera29- I applaud you for being willing to try bfding, even if it does creep you out

knitsandgiggles · February 2014

STM - planning to BF #2 and am still nursing DD. Milk came in pretty late with DD, my third day home from the hospital and then bam, milk everywhere.

yurmom · February 2014

STM, I had a very difficult time with DD and ended up stopping at 9 weeks. I'm going to try my hardest to keep at it this time. Mainly to avoid the cost of formula...the Enfamil AR shiz cost me $140/month. Next baby is getting Target brand (I think) if I need formula.

Salsera29 · February 2014

@salsera29- I applaud you for being willing to try bfding, even if it does creep you out

Thanks. I know objectively that that's what they're for and all that, but I just can't imagine it. My mom didn't bf and we're reeeeally not a touchy feely kind of family. So, I'm not sure if I'm going to be comfortable with it but I am going to try. I've heard some women say the idea of it grossed them out but then when they did it it was totally different than what they imagined... I'm hoping for that :-)

MrsLele · February 2014

Still nursing DD going on 15 months ! Depending on when she weans, I may tandem nurse. It's up to her . Breast feeding is SO hard in the beginning. I had low supply and DD was slow to gain. But we stuck through it and it's the most rewarding thing I've ever done. I'm so proud of our hard work and can't wait to do it again

Ecomom17 · February 2014

For those of you who are FTM, check out the breastfeeding board if you haven't already. Lots of good info/advice. And of course you can always ask us STM+ here!

I'm not a SS, but just want to share that I think it's better going in to assume it's going to be tough. There is a learning curve for both you and baby and any number of issues that can come up. Make sure you talk to an LC in the hospital, take a breastfeeding class before you deliver, and if you need to follow up at a breastfeeding clinic it can be really helpful.

I had a really tough start to BFing and thank goodness I had an incredibly supportive DH (definitely helps if your partner is fully on board to push you through the tough parts--kind of like in labor) and a great LC/breastfeeding clinic I was able to go to.

After that rough start I breastfed DS for a little over 3 years and it was just fantastic. Can't wait to BF this little one! It's definitely one of the things I'm looking forward to the most.

All that said, I also totally agree that if you're suffering from PPD or having major issues or it is such a hassle that you aren't feeling connected with your baby, it's not worth it! Don't beat yourself up if you have to go to formula. We all know that there are some amazing things about breastmilk such as how it adjusts to your baby's needs, but that doesn't mean that you won't have a healthy baby if you FF!

Ylvelill · February 2014

SarahVol131 said:

Ylvelill said:
If I can't bf I plan to at least pump. Formula feeding would make me a sad panda.
I don't know. Not feeding my kid would make me a sadder panda (pander?). Just sayin'.

For sure

yurmom · February 2014

I'm definitely going to the breastfeeding support group at the hospital this time.

bunkgirl · February 2014

STM and i voted yes. But i should clarify, i am looking forward to BFing again. I AM NOT looking forward to pumping (but i will) it is such a PITA with my job.

alyss0nl · February 2014

SS- STM I tried the first few weeks but was barely producing any milk. I will try this time around but like as others have said, I won't be upset if it doesn't work out. DS was FF and is doing great.

helloblueeyes · February 2014

Linzlu214 said:

Salsera29 said:

marathonmom823 said:
@salsera29- I applaud you for being willing to try bfding, even if it does creep you out
Thanks. I know objectively that that's what they're for and all that, but I just can't imagine it. My mom didn't bf and we're reeeeally not a touchy feely kind of family. So, I'm not sure if I'm going to be comfortable with it but I am going to try. I've heard some women say the idea of it grossed them out but then when they did it it was totally different than what they imagined... I'm hoping for that :-)

It's so true. It's weird when you think about how you've known boobs as being sexual your whole life, but there's literally nothing less sexual than a baby sucking on them. It takes some getting used to, but it usually ends up being very snuggly and nice.

Truth be told it creeps me the fuck out too.

But it might be from being around my mom with no modesty BFing for years. (My baby bro and sis are 6 & 4)

I'm really hoping that what @Salsera29 said is true and it's less creepy when you do it.

Prncesta · February 2014

helloblueeyes said:
I picked FTM- Yes.

But i'm honestly not 100% sure on the whole thing. I know all the health benefits and reasons why you should, yadda yadda. My DH really wants me to, and i promised to try. But i have made it very clear that i have to go back to work at 6ish weeks, that pumping at work is going to be a fucking nightmare, and if i need to throw in the towel then i will.

And i swear to god if my mother says one fucking word to me about i will fuck her up.

This made me laugh, I'm in the SAME situation! My DH wants me to BF, so I will definitely be trying, but if it doesn't work I'll switch over. My MIL also keeps pushing me and if she says a word, I might snap!

lynnyrd80 · February 2014

I'm going to give it a try with the twins, but I'm going to set my expectations pretty low. I really struggled with latch, supply, him falling asleep immediately every time he nursed, an inability to pump much of anything, etc. It caused a lot of anxiety and guilt. I powered through for 4 months and had to supplement and pump after every nursing session. I just can't do that with two. So, we will see.

helloblueeyes · February 2014

Prncesta said:

helloblueeyes said:
I picked FTM- Yes.

But i'm honestly not 100% sure on the whole thing. I know all the health benefits and reasons why you should, yadda yadda. My DH really wants me to, and i promised to try. But i have made it very clear that i have to go back to work at 6ish weeks, that pumping at work is going to be a fucking nightmare, and if i need to throw in the towel then i will.

And i swear to god if my mother says one fucking word to me about i will fuck her up.
This made me laugh, I'm in the SAME situation! My DH wants me to BF, so I will definitely be trying, but if it doesn't work I'll switch over. My MIL also keeps pushing me and if she says a word, I might snap!

Apparently it's one of my moms big "you must do this because its the best, I will make this my hill to die on" things.

I actually jumped her case when she got on my SIL about it once. As long as she feeds the baby STFU.

I also told her that she had the luxury of staying home with all of her kids so she has no clue about how difficult pumping and working is and therefore I wouldn't be listening to her on the subject.

Dream123456778 · February 2014

FTM I desperately want to breastfeed. I fully expect to be miserable and in pain and the beginning but I don't care. People keep telling my horror stories about what it was like when they started nursing or how they couldn't nurse. I still want to.

brooklynesque · February 2014

I really want to breastfeed. I know it can be hard, so I'll be prepared to bring in help in the form of a postpartum doula and/or a lactation consultant as needed. I'm already reading books about it. Like anything difficult but rewarding I'm sure it helps to be prepared.

Ecomom17 · February 2014

Salsera29 said:

@salsera29- I applaud you for being willing to try bfding, even if it does creep you out
Thanks. I know objectively that that's what they're for and all that, but I just can't imagine it. My mom didn't bf and we're reeeeally not a touchy feely kind of family. So, I'm not sure if I'm going to be comfortable with it but I am going to try. I've heard some women say the idea of it grossed them out but then when they did it it was totally different than what they imagined... I'm hoping for that :-)

I can see it seeming weird if you haven't been around it or whatever. The cool thing is that your hormones totally change your feelings and give you strong urges to do things you probably never thought you would want to. Really, we have some pretty strong instincts to breastfeed! While I was still nursing DS I always got the urge to nurse babies when I heard them cry. LOL Honestly, I think you'll feel like it's really cool when the time comes.

And if not, that's okay, too!

drunkenhandstand · February 2014

I'm going to try and go longer with this one but I only went 6 weeks with DS#1 and about 4 months with DS#2. I have no good reason, I just got sick of it. I'm going to try and make 6 months this time but we'll see.

SweetTamale38 · February 2014

I have been debating this one in my head the whole time. I voted SS.

With my son 13 years ago, I tried to pump at work, and a coworker looked at my bottles in the bathroom and said, "What? Is that all you got? I was like a fountain!" Then the lady watching my son scolded me that I needed to send him with more milk. Sheeesh....I just could not seem to make enough.

My daughter was harder yet. Not only was it a pain, but she refused any bottles! She went from breast to sippy cup in a very short time. It was very frustrating and depressing because I couldn't leave her with anybody for a long time.

Honestly, I don't know. Formula is more expensive now, and I'd like to give it another try, but it is not something I'm looking forward to.

bgoodbpar · February 2014

STM yes, but honestly I'm kinda dreading it right now. I BF'd DS for 14 months (13-14 I started weaning a bit and was really only doing one feeding a day) and pumped 2-3 times at work/school. I had a fairly easy time but it's a lot of work sometimes. I also had my stress out moments where I thought my supply was dropping dramatically ( it wasn't) or my missed feed/pump was going to dramatically change my supply (it didn't). And I'm not looking forward to giant milk filled boobs either... Seriously those things were bigger than DS's head and I have pics to prove it lol. But in all seriousness as much as I want to take the so called "easier" way out (I use that term loosely) and FF, if I have a complication-free experience at the start again with BFing then I'll stick with it again.. The things that stressed me out before aren't deal breakers.

MrsLele · February 2014

For those of you concerned about pumping once returning to work, here is the law :
https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Employment/WorkplaceSupport/WorkplaceSupportinFederalLaw/tabid/175/Default.aspx

It is your right, no matter your company. Just wanted to put the info out there for those interested

alysie89 · February 2014

I BF dd (and plan to again) but I knew nothing of what it would be like and really regretted listening to a group of people who encouraged me never to give baby a bottle if pumped milk. She never would take a bottle.
I also wish someone would have told me that BF-ing would have produced contraction like pains. It caught me off guard.
I strongly feel that breastfeeding is a relationship and that involves 2 people. If it is not working for 1 of you then that's a sign something needs to change. There is never any shame in feeding your baby with love, be that with formula or breast milk, you are still feeding the best way you can!

mrscurlygurl · February 2014

I agree with Ecomom17 that you really have to be prepared for how hard it can be. BFing is not as instinctive/intuitive as it seems like it can be. Those of you who are on the fence likely won't have the motivation to work past any initial struggles. I don't say that to mean there is anything wrong with FF...just that like anything that is difficult, BFing can be as much mental as it is physical. Those whose DHs/SOs are really supportive are lucky!

BFing/FFing is just like any other aspect of parenting...you've gotta figure out what works best for your child and your family. Some kids end up with tons of allergies that either mean a special diet for mom or a crazy expensive formula (DH's cousin's wife couldn't BF her third...they called the formula liquid gold, which I thought was funny cuz that's what they call colostrum). Some kids are champion nursers but refuse to take a bottle. Some kids never learn to latch correctly, but mom ends up EPing (which is truly amazing as I freaking hate pumping).

There are so many ways feeding your child can go...I guess my point is that the most important thing is to have an open mind and not feel guilty about whatever you end up needing to do for your baby.

Bsmortz · February 2014

International board certified lactation consultant. On top of that I also breastfeed a 15 month old, but we had serious serious issues at first. My milk didn't come in for 2 weeks, she wouldn't latch for 3 months, she had to have two surgeries on her mouth before she would finally latch. Now she's a pro who can even do yoga while nursing

mrscurlygurl · February 2014

Bsmortz said:
International board certified lactation consultant. On top of that I also breastfeed a 15 month old, but we had serious serious issues at first. My milk didn't come in for 2 weeks, she wouldn't latch for 3 months, she had to have two surgeries on her mouth before she would finally latch. Now she's a pro who can even do yoga while nursing

Haha...part of me wonders if the acrobatic nursing DS did towards the end toughened my boobs up to not hurt so badly this pregnancy.

Bsmortz · February 2014

mrscurlygurl said:

Bsmortz said:
International board certified lactation consultant. On top of that I also breastfeed a 15 month old, but we had serious serious issues at first. My milk didn't come in for 2 weeks, she wouldn't latch for 3 months, she had to have two surgeries on her mouth before she would finally latch. Now she's a pro who can even do yoga while nursing
Haha...part of me wonders if the acrobatic nursing DS did towards the end toughened my boobs up to not hurt so badly this pregnancy.

Lol I think that's definitely a possibility. It's crazy to me how they go from having to have the breast held for them to being able to pull it out of a bra and do gymnastics while nursing. They grow so fast!

Aab7114 · February 2014

I am a SS today! I am irrationally afraid of BFing, but understand all the benefits of doing so. My husband and family also want me to BF for all the obvious reasons. If it were just up to me and about me I would FF, but I know that's totally selfish. So I have decided to give BF a try in the hospital and then if a couple weeks go by and I can't stand it, I'll switch to formula. When I go back to work, as early as 6 weeks, I am switching to FF. I am not about to pump and deal with sore leaky boobs at work. Although, I am a FTM so I am sure things will go differently than expected.

Edited: posted before I was done.

nola 1017 · February 2014

STM. I'm still nursing my first, but she's starting to wean. Hoping I can nurse this baby too, but I know each baby is different so it may not work out

kmawb · February 2014

SS - STM, I EP and combo fed my DD for 6+ months due to supply issues resulting from a previous breast surgery. But I want to try to BF and supplement with this LO if I can but if it's not possible I will EP and combo feed again.

nola 1017 · February 2014

IMO, the most important thing is that your child is fed - regardless of whether it's formula or breastmilk. I hate that people feel guilty one way or the other. Breastfeeding isn't very common near me, so I'm surprised at how many people on the board plan to try to do it. I get more unsupportive comments about nursing than anything. Most people thought I was crazy for wanting to nurse.

marathonmom823 · February 2014

Don't forget about organizations like Human Milk 4 Human Babies. It's a milk bank- most states have their own FB pages (HM4HB- NY for example). Women can both post on the site to donate or receive milk. Some mamas ask for reimbursement for the milk storage bags, but it's a very small amount. Others ask for nothing. I wish I had known about milk banks when I weaned DS. I threw out about 100oz of pumped frozen BM!

TigerLily12345 · February 2014

FTM and I definitely plan to try to EBF for at least the first 3 months.

I will be at home for 12 weeks and then going back to work. I am a little unsure of how I will be able to pump at work, so at that point I may try FF when she's at DC and BF when she's with me (before/after work, at night, etc.). Who knows if it will work that way.

helloblueeyes · February 2014

MrsLele said:

For those of you concerned about pumping once returning to work, here is the law : https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Employment/WorkplaceSupport/WorkplaceSupportinFederalLaw/tabid/175/Default.aspx It is your right, no matter your company. Just wanted to put the info out there for those interested

I wish this helped me, it's for paid hourly workers, since i'm on salary it's kind of up in the air. I'm not the only female on salary but the other 2 are the owners wives and they don't "work" in any office and are all done with having kids.

And before anyone suggests going to HR, i am HR, but really the first person to have a kid and stick around. Most of our hourly employees are college kids and it's not really an issue we run into very often plus the law works on their side, not to mention they get breaks and lunches on time or on a schedule they want.

It's one more thing i need to bring up to discuss with my boss at some point, but talk about awkward.

katnipeverclean · February 2014

helloblueeyes said:

MrsLele said:

For those of you concerned about pumping once returning to work, here is the law : https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/Employment/WorkplaceSupport/WorkplaceSupportinFederalLaw/tabid/175/Default.aspx It is your right, no matter your company. Just wanted to put the info out there for those interested

I wish this helped me, it's for paid hourly workers, since i'm on salary it's kind of up in the air. I'm not the only female on salary but the other 2 are the owners wives and they don't "work" in any office and are all done with having kids.

And before anyone suggests going to HR, i am HR, but really the first person to have a kid and stick around. Most of our hourly employees are college kids and it's not really an issue we run into very often plus the law works on their side, not to mention they get breaks and lunches on time or on a schedule they want.

It's one more thing i need to bring up to discuss with my boss at some point, but talk about awkward.

Same here considering I work for a very small business and all of the offices have windows so it's not like he can just make another non windowed office for me. I know I could press the point, but I really don't want to.

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