Are you planning on breastfeeding?

mander82 · July 2014

Just to break it down, I am curious.

Allisonville · July 2014

Woo! First vote!

sweetbabyrahe · July 2014

BF for a year with DS and hopeful to make it the same this time, although work and pumping may be abit more challenging this time around

uncharted01 · July 2014

I plan to BF and then pump when I go back to work. Hopefully it all works out!

NLJ82 · July 2014

I understand that this isn't common, but I don't have a reason not to...I just simply don't want to. Not my thing I guess.

mockingjay1 · July 2014

I voted yes - I am going to try my hardest to breastfeed (and pump once I'm back at work). I know having PCOS increases your risk of low/little milk supply, so that makes me a little nervous. I also have ridiculously sensitive nipples and worry that it will be too painful to breastfeed. I don't think this happens that often (I've only seen it once in the 3 years I worked in mother/baby), but if so I am prepared to exclusively pump.

ccam · July 2014

I tried like hell with DS, ending up supplementing and pumping for 5 months and then switched to all formula. I'm going to give it just as much effort this time, but without all of the guilt because I know that formula works just as well. Hopefully being less stressed this time will only help me!

wildflower75 · July 2014

I want to be a milking machine!!!
I BF'd my DD for about 7 months and this time around I want to pump so much that I'll need to buy a small freezer for all the milk! I'm hoping to have enough to BF for 1 year this time. Which is why I am making a framed sign for my living room and bedroom which will say:
PUMP EARLY
PUMP OFTEN

This way I don't just go to sleep when DH is helping with feedings (like I did last time).

brooklyngirl18 · July 2014

yes, i plan to breastfeed and then pump when i go back to work. i hope it works!! i know tons of women are unable to i also want to prepare and not get stressed out if it doesnt work.

abbyful · July 2014

I BF DS for over a year, plan to do the same for this baby.

PennyLane26 · July 2014

I BF DD for 6 months, my new goal is 9 months with this one!

I had enough of a freezer stash that DD got BM for almost 8 months, so if all goes as planned I'll be able to wean at 9 months but she'll get BM for the first year. I am not against formula, DD had it from 8-12 months, but it's so expensive! It would be great to avoid the expense this time around.

carcrashheart · July 2014

No. Never tried with DS. It's not for our family.

AnnieRoo13 · July 2014

I definitely want to BF and I'm actually really excited about it! My SIL gave me her Medela pump as well so I'm hoping to be like @wildflower75 and be a milking machine. My plan is to BF for a year or so.

wildflower75 · July 2014

PennyLane26 said:

I BF DD for 6 months, my new goal is 9 months with this one!

I had enough of a freezer stash that DD got BM for almost 8 months, so if all goes as planned I'll be able to wean at 9 months but she'll get BM for the first year. I am not against formula, DD had it from 8-12 months, but it's so expensive! It would be great to avoid the expense this time around.

THIS!!!
Perhaps my sign will have that at the bottom
"Formula is expensive"
After weaning DD at 7 months I just calculated that I have spent approximately $900 in formula the past 9 months!
Hmmm... I need to rethink this plan because really I should plan for BF for 2 years! I guess that means no sleep for me... oh well...

PineApple85 · July 2014

I breastfed DS1 for 2 years and I would love to go at least as long with DS2. I had kinda hoped to tandem feed but he weaned a couple of weeks ago.

And I worked full time and pumped and managed to do it. It's a bit of extra work but it's totally doable.

Maelara · July 2014

I hope to BF for a year this time around

I couldn't last time but this is a different pregnancy so I'm hopeful!

moroccojade · July 2014

I had a breast reduction when I was 19.   I never had a full supply of breast milk for my first daughter in spite of all the herbs, drugs, pumping, etc, etc, etc.

Did that stop us from nursing? Hell no. We used a supplemental nursing system and "breastfed" for 18 months.   Only 5% of her milk came directly from a bottle (and I bet she choked while drinking half of those). The rest was from me. (Sort of.)

Some babies will never get 100% breast milk.   But if a nursing relationship is important to someone, you CAN feed at the breast. My daughter was getting my milk and supplemental formula at exact same time.

I hope not to end up with a bloody C section again this time and perhaps I will have a better milk supply.

moroccojade · July 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

Can someone start a breastfeeding information and question thread? I'm sure it'll be more helpful during 3rd tri but I'm an early planner lol. If I have any problems bf I'd like a single thread to ask you guys that have been there. My LC also will be a phone call away but it's just nice not to always bug one person lol. I'm afraid I don't have a lot of breast tissue and what if my supply could be low... but LC said your supply isn't low because it's keeping up with what the BABY wants and their stomachs are the sizes of golf balls. So I definitely like all that reassurance!

I had 50% of my breast tissue surgically removed and my daughter still nursed for a year and a half. If there is a will, there is a way.

absolutelymaybe · July 2014

I'm terrified by the idea of breastfeeding twins (my breasts are so sensitive -- I HATE anything touching them), but I'm going for it. I am likely going to be pumping, though, so I can get some help during feedings.

I just hope it all works out.

Dumbgurl04 · July 2014

Nope not planning on doing it, just don't feel comfortable with doing it.

Fearless Formula Feeder Here!!!!

ProcessofBecoming · July 2014

I had a breast reduction and had no luck with breastfeeding my son, however I had ZERO support from my hospital. This time, I will have both a doula and a LC on board to help me out. I'm also thinking about donor breast milk if I can't get these puppies to work on their own.

venussapphire · July 2014

I did for 19 months with DD so I am planning to do it again.

Kristil2014 · July 2014

I plan to. My doula is also a LC. I know that having support is key.

I am hoping it goes well.

mander82 · July 2014

I am still undecided. I want to try......but DH doesn't think I should. He is afraid its going to stress me out too much, and that it will damage my breasts/nipples. It does sound stressful to me.....worrying about feeding in public, feedings on the go, wearing clothes that let me access my titties, pumping at work, etc.

Throwing some water and powder in a bottle and shaking it up sounds so much easier. I am worried about the price of formula though. To just say F breastfeeding and go straight to formula seems like a financially careless decision.

I also try to take into consideration the cost of baggies to store breastmilk, nursing pads, nursing bras and tanks, bottles for the breastmilk while I am at work, etc. I know these costs probably don't compare to the cost of formula, but there are still costs associated with breastfeeding. Maybe if I was going to be a SAHM, it might be more of a "free" option.

I am horribly picky about bras too......I need support damnit, I want my bra to give me a boob lift while I am wearing it. I checked out some nursing bras and they seemed more like cheap sports bras......maybe there are good ones out there, but I haven't come across any yet.

jac409 · July 2014

I breastfed and pumped for 13 months with DD and plan to do the same or longer this time around. The only reason I quit last time was because I wanted to get pregnant again, which I did within two weeks!

PineApple85 · July 2014

mander82 said:

I am still undecided. I want to try......but DH doesn't think I should.   He is afraid its going to stress me out too much, and that it will damage my breasts/nipples.    It does sound stressful to me.....worrying about feeding in public, feedings on the go, wearing clothes that let me access my titties, pumping at work, etc.

Throwing some water and powder in a bottle and shaking it up sounds so much easier.     I am worried about the price of formula though.    To just say F breastfeeding and go straight to formula seems like a financially careless decision.

I also try to take into consideration the cost of baggies to store breastmilk, nursing pads, nursing bras and tanks, bottles for the breastmilk while I am at work, etc.       I know these costs probably don't compare to the cost of formula, but there are still costs associated with breastfeeding.    Maybe if I was going to be a SAHM, it might be more of a "free" option.

I am horribly picky about bras too......I need support damnit, I want my bra to give me a boob lift while I am wearing it.    I checked out some nursing bras and they seemed more like cheap sports bras......maybe there are good ones out there, but I haven't come across any yet.

There are but they are pricier. You can find underwire, too, but it isn't recommended, especially in the beginning as it can interfere with supply. I switched to a nice underwire nursing bra after DS1 was a year. I missed the support.

Zulily has a nursing bras on sale a lot. That's where I got mine.

MuchlyGen · July 2014

Breastfed both my sons for 2+ yrs, looking forward to doing it again! It really is something special and lovely.

I'm super positive and enthusiastic about breastfeeding and considering becoming a lactation consultant, so, if people do want to start a bf Q&A thread I'd be happy to contribute?

kimberly_ann81 · July 2014

Sweet Pea was BF until 16 months when he self-weaned and Peanut was right about a year when he did it. I plan to BF Pumpkin until she decides to be done but will start to wean if she goes doesn't start self-weaning around 18-20 months.

kimberly_ann81 · July 2014

jac409 said:

I breastfed and pumped for 13 months with DD and plan to do the same or longer this time around. The only reason I quit last time was because I wanted to get pregnant again, which I did within two weeks!

We got pregnant this time while I was still BF Peanut.

aa98 · July 2014

I really want to breast feed for at least 6 months though I'm not sure how it will work out. My mom tried with both me and my brother, but wasn't able to (plus I think society was less encouraging of BF back then).

My concern is when my SIL had both kids, the hospital insisted on supplementing as she wasn't producing enough. After that she pretty much never produced enough and had to supplement so for the first she BF for 3 mo and the second barely 5 weeks. My other SIL refused to allow supplementation was able to exclusively BF/pump for her LO for 6 months.

Do you ladies have opinions about supplementation in the hospital? I understand if the little one is failing to thrive, but it seems like maybe they don't give BF enough of a chance to work?

PineApple85 · July 2014

WildFlower810 said:

PineApple85 said:
There are but they are pricier. You can find underwire, too, but it isn't recommended, especially in the beginning as it can interfere with supply. I switched to a nice underwire nursing bra after DS1 was a year. I missed the support.

Zulily has a nursing bras on sale a lot. That's where I got mine.

You're not supposed to wear underwire nursing bras??!! Yikes. It's been 10 years since I wore a non-underwire bra (meaning, since I was in middle school).

I was the same and I wore nursing tanks exclusively for the first year before I finally got a "real" bra again. They make wire-free bras that are supposed to give good support but I never made the investment. I may do it this time because I seriously missed having perky cleavage. Nursing tanks are great for NIP modestly, but they give the support of a sports bra. Not known for being flattering to the ladies.

moroccojade · July 2014

ProcessofBecoming said:

I had a breast reduction and had no luck with breastfeeding my son, however I had ZERO support from my hospital. This time, I will have both a doula and a LC on board to help me out. I'm also thinking about donor breast milk if I can't get these puppies to work on their own.

Sounds like you are in better shape for a good nursing relationship this time around.

"BFAR" (no, not *barf* lol... ) is not a walk in the park, but any efforts made are so worth it. Be sure to write about how it's going for you. Nice to know I not the only one here...

lesliegolem · July 2014

I'm still breastfeeding my first who just turned 2 and today I'm 24 weeks pregnant! Planned on only going 1 year but with food allergies, reflux, and my daughter being a boob monster who refused bottles we ended up going longer. Think she's about done though only nursing 1-2 times a day which if she can be done before next baby it'd be great so I don't need to tandem nurse. Feel a lot more confident in myself this time around too which will help with the new baby.

PineApple85 · July 2014

lissydee said:

aa98 said:

Do you ladies have opinions about supplementation in the hospital? I understand if the little one is failing to thrive, but it seems like maybe they don't give BF enough of a chance to work?

I actually have pretty strong opinions about supplementing in general. Really there is NO need to supplement if baby is stable-- in terms of their blood sugar (while in hospital), weight, and is producing enough wet and poopy diapers. It is NORMAL for infants to drop up to 10% of their birth weight the first week. It usually bottoms out at day 3-4, and then they slowly start putting it back on (this is about the time when your milk should start coming in). As long as you are putting your infant to breast every couple of hours, that they've been assessed for proper latch and there is no concerns about a tongue tie (which can interfere with adequate milk transfer) then there is no need to supplement. Supplementing in the early days-weeks of breast feeding can literally sabotage your supply. The ONLY way to maintain a supply is to adequately stimulate them and empty them regularly (preferably by a nursing baby, but a pump will also do the job in most instances). IF the baby NEEDS supplementing (i.e. health reasons, mentioned earlier) then make sure you are also pumping for that bottle, or even better--use a SNS so that the supplement is at the breast.

More often than not, people perceive a crying, fussy, wanting to frequently nurse infant as meaning that mom doesnt have an adquate supply. These are actually normal, breastfed infant behaviors. As long as the baby is gaining weight and as adequate output, you can be rest assured that your supply is fine.

All of this. DS1 actually lost more than 10% of his weight (my milk came in a little late - I don't think I was feeding him frequently enough in the hospital) but at my insistence the LCs allowed me a weekend to pump and supplement at the breast before trying formula supplementation. I turned into a breastfeeding Nazi for that weekend and actually stopped supplementing at the breast after a few attempts when he didn't seem receptive and was able to get his weight back up.

jac409 · July 2014

kimberly_ann81 said:

jac409 said:

I breastfed and pumped for 13 months with DD and plan to do the same or longer this time around. The only reason I quit last time was because I wanted to get pregnant again, which I did within two weeks!

We got pregnant this time while I was still BF Peanut.

Don't get me wrong, I would never say breastfeeding should be used for birth control. I know several people who have gotten pregnant while still breastfeeding. For me personally, I only ever got a few sporadic periods while I was still BF. I have heard that you can be extremely fertile in the month or two after you wean, which proved to be true in my case.

aa98 · July 2014

Thanks @lissydee and @PineApple85! So it is ok to be assertive and refuse formula supplementation with the medical caveats-I wouldn't want to do anything that isn't good for the LO. I really really want this LO to have all the benefits of breast milk. Hopefully the breastfeeding classes at the hospital will help shed some light on their BF philosophies.

PineApple85 · July 2014

aa98 said:

Thanks @lissydee and @PineApple85! So it is ok to be assertive and refuse formula supplementation with the medical caveats-I wouldn't want to do anything that isn't good for the LO. I really really want this LO to have all the benefits of breast milk. Hopefully the breastfeeding classes at the hospital will help shed some light on their BF philosophies.

Don't be obstinate about it but yeah, advocate for yourself and LO. Just be open to the feedback from the LC and come to a mutual agreement or understanding on what's best for the two of you.

sparklingwhit · July 2014

I will try it out. If it's too hard, I will stop. No matter what I will only be doing it for a maximum of 12 weeks until I go back to work because I just don't want to feel overwhelmed by everything right after giving birth. Personally, it's not a big deal to me one way or the other if someone breastfeeds or not. I can afford formula and I have no concerns with bottle feeding so it's really another non-issue with me. I also couldn't care less what all the judgy people I've run into think about my decision

phdprocrastinator · July 2014

ccam said:

I tried like hell with DS, ending up supplementing and pumping for 5 months and then switched to all formula. I'm going to give it just as much effort this time, but without all of the guilt because I know that formula works just as well. Hopefully being less stressed this time will only help me!

Yes! With DD I drove myself crazy feeling like a failure for supplementing with formula. Now that I'm out of the craziness, I don't know why I beat myself up so much this time. I was able to continue to nurse for a year, but after my supply tanked at 4 months I was never able to get it back up again. Round the clock nursing and pumping - plus mountains of herbal supplements - mean that months 4 & 5 of DD's life are a miserable blur.

This time I hope I'll be able to more easily accept that I'm doing my best. And I will remember that formula isn't poison

mrsodonnell12 · July 2014

No question.... 100% will ebf for 2 years for this lo. Still going strong with my 18 month old. Nursed my oldest to 19 months.

angelajo19 · July 2014

Yes! My goal is 9 months this time. I made it to 6 months with DD1 when my supply tanked. This time I'm planning on pump pump pumping and drinking obscene amounts of water. I felt so guilty when I didn't make it to a year...she did just fine on formula for months 6-12 so I know not to feel guilty this time if we don't make it. It's hard not to though.

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