Indecision: Breast or Pump

Jdsue · June 2015

With my first little I was unable to breastfeed due to post cesarean complications. I EPed for a year and did well but always felt bad that I didn't BF.

I had a successful VBAC and started BFing immediately with my second little. But now I'm conflicted.

I don't enjoy it. I don't hate it, but I don't enjoy it. Yes I get to spend time bonding with my baby but I did that with bottles too. Yes it's easier and more convenient but I'm uncomfortable doing it in front of others. (I do it, uncovered even, I'm just uneasy with it.)

I'm going to have to pump when I go back to work after 3 months so we will have to introduce bottles soon but why wait?

I thought BFing would be this wonderful experience but it's just meh.

Thoughts or advice?

SharonB222 · June 2015

I had a few wondrous moments with BFing - maybe a drowsy quiet evening or two - "meh" seems to describe most of it. Still I am a very lazy and cheap parent so it suits me just fine. I was a bit uncomfortable BF in public with LO#1, but with LO#2 far less so. DH did one bottle feeding with LO#1 every day (starting at 1-2 mos or so). With LO#2 we were too exhausted for bottle care so EBF was easier (we are both very AMA/APA). LO#1 was never particularly interested in BF and when I stopped offering, she never asked. LO#2 is very interested and demands it all the time and so I find I am now weaning him.

GL with your choice!

trytry38ever · June 2015

Switch if you prefer pumping It is said that you loose some benefits of the breastmilk by pumping it but it is still considered better then formula. Only reason not to introduce bottles early is to avoid nipple confusion and if you plan to switch to EP there is no reason not to switch. Maybe for the first 2 months BF if you feel like it because of immunity till LO gets vaccines so you will get the full benefits from the milk.

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Indecision: Breast or Pump

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