BREASTFEEDING!!!!!

avasmom22 · August 2014

Hey ladies!!!! I didn't breastfeed my son and now I feel guilty! I am 26weeks and 5 days preggo with my daughter and I am definitely wanting to breastfeed her. I have so many worries though...... Going back to work, what if I can't produce milk? What if she does not latch? I am nervous about all of it. I am reading a breastfeeding book and have talked to friends about it but I am still nervous!!!! What are your thoughts on this topic? New and experienced mommies please comment!!!

uncharted01 · August 2014

You won't know if it works until you try. Maybe you can try setting up an appointment with a lactation consultant to go over your concerns. Best of luck!

avasmom22 · August 2014

I know they have prenatal classes at the hospital where I work so maybe I can attend one of those! We do not have a lactation consultant at my hospital but I am sure I can find one somewhere!

jac409 · August 2014

You have nothing to lose by trying. I agree with PPs...look for a breastfeeding class, find a lactation consultant you can consult. There are a lot of resources out there to help you. Those first weeks are tough, I won't lie, but it is so worth it.

Dumbgurl04 · August 2014

First thing Don't feel guilty you didn't breastfeed your son. There is nothing wrong with not breastfeeding. I for one don't plan to breastfeed just because I don't feel it is right for me. Nothing is wrong with that. I do agree look into classes and talking to a lactation consultant but do keep in mind if it doesn't work out there is nothing wrong with that. Try not to worry, do your research and do your best that's all you can do and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out.

lizzielu82 · August 2014

lissydee said:

wait, did you post the same question twice? I swear I already answered, lol

Yes, she posted twice with two different titles… :-\"

MrsDL · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

Btw I'm a FTM. I believe it's a personal choice whether you decide to or not. For myself I am 100% for breastfeeding. The benefits are excellent and it's free, prepared, and warmed up already.

You shouldn't put that kind of pressure on yourself. I nursed DS for over a year and yes, it was a good choice for us, challenging for sure, but so rewarding. That said, where I see this go all wrong with friends is that they put pressure on themselves rather than being opened minded, and some have made some silly or downright terrible decisions that adversely impact their child because they got into this "I'm 100% nursing, no exceptions, for 6 months, etc."

OP - my advice is to do your best to not succumb to the pressure and go into it with a " I'll try it, if it doesn't work I can always supplement or use formula." The pressure placed on women from professionals and other moms to nurse really causes more bad than good imo (like guilt over not nursing when you may be a perfectly wonderful mother). Nursing Mother's Companion is an excellent book. My pedi had a lactation consultant so I met with her after his first visit (and I had so many questions in just those few days home it was great to have that).

You don't know how it will play out - latching issues, supply issues, thrush, mastitis - these things happen and if they interfere with your ability to emotionally parent or your child's nutrition - there is nothing wrong with switching to formula to supplement or even 100%. All you can do is try and see how it goes for you. If it's not working, you have another perfectly fine option. If you try and get into this mindset, there is nothing to be nervous about. Good luck!

pennyandandy · August 2014

There is a book called The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, great read to get some basic knowledge.

jj0313 · August 2014

I just wanted to pop in and say I'm scared too. I can't say for sure why-I just picture it being a struggle. But I'm going to give it a shot and see what happens. Hope for the best! Good luck!

avasmom22 · August 2014

Yes I posted this twice by mistake!

silverwings72 · August 2014

I am also scared but very willing to try. I guess I just assumed that once baby comes, so would the breast feeding. I didn't realize how much goes on, potential problems/concerns, etc. until I started reading TB. I can say that I am still motivated, just a little more informed and more comfortable discussing this with other women.

mrsodonnell12 · August 2014

You will do great! Try not to stress.

The worst thing that could possible happen is you put baby on formula.... Food meant for babies. No big deal!! Seriously, don't stress, educate yourself and go for it! You will do great!

SarahHeck · August 2014

Im planning on breast feeding this time, but I planned on it last time too and that didn't work out with my daughter's medical issues. I'm actually putting less pressure on myself this time than last time. I'm not gonna put myself into depression over this baby getting or not getting breast milk and I'm not gonna let anybody else put that pressure on me either. My daughter's NICU nurses made me feel awful about not producing enough milk. Saying I should be pumping more. I wasn't getting any sleep, because I was pumping ALL the time. I dried up and am pretty certain it was all stress/lack of sleep related. So yes, I think breast is best, but you being healthy and happy for your baby is also important. Don't put too much pressure on yourself about it.

clumsyatheart · August 2014

You can also choose to pump if nursing makes you uncomfy in any way or if you have trouble with latching later (or even production. Pumping a little is still okay)! I have issues with nursing and such because of trauma, so i will be exclusively pumping and supplementing. But honestly, any choice you make that you feel is best for you and your family is just that. Don't feel pressured in any way. A lot of us had formula as infants and we survived (i did. My mom also felt uncomfortable with nursing. Same with my mom. It is okay to feel uncomfy with it). Seriously, breast milk is amazing, but not stressing is too.

I am admittedly scared of being judged for EP and pressured to nurse, but i've tried to tell myself that i am trying to do what i feel is best for my baby because i love her. So if it doesnt work out for you, don't feel disappointed. You tried and that matters

jac409 · August 2014

For all you FTMs, check out Kellymom.com. It is a really great breastfeeding resource. There are lots of good articles and FAQs to read through.

MuchlyGen · August 2014

I second Kellymom, and look into the La Leche League!

I BFed both my sons and though it can be tough at the beginning, it was definitely worth it.

alysonmh · August 2014

Books and classes are a big help. The best thing to have is a positive attitude. Don't look at breastfeeding as a chore or something you need to worry about, it's a wonderful experience and you will be giving him/her the best possible start. A tip I can give is to not bottle feed for the first month if you are serious about breastfeeding. I supplemented bottles during the first month and it made my milk dry up. The first month is important because it's stimulating your milk production and teaching your body how much milk your baby needs so it can produce enough. Also giving bottles and breast the first few weeks can cause nipple confusion. They will latch once they are hungry enough so be patient if latching is an issue. Good luck!

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