against breast feeding, anyone else?

jessicamc29 · July 2015

I'm due any day now and I am very stubborn on my decision to formula feed instead. I know everyone say it's better for your baby, which is true. I've always been very sensitive and can't stand having my nipples touched. It's uncomfortable to even think about and I know I will be extremely unhappy if I was to breast feed.
I feel selfish but, I want my baby and I to be as happy and comfortable as possible.
Everyone tries to pressure me to nurse when she arrives but, Im set in my ways.

Does anyone else have this issue or feel the same way I do?

LovelyMissLizzie · July 2015

Every baby I know that was formula fed turned out fine. I am also planning on formula feeding. I may try to breastfeed while in the hospital because the colostrum is so beneficial to them on their first days, but other that formula all the way. You are Momma go with what feels best for you & your baby. No one else should be judging that.

WowHey · July 2015

Finally! I'm the exact same way. I can't stand my nipples being touched and the whole thing grosses me out to think about honestly..I know it's natural and fine for others but not for me. Formula has all of the nutrients my baby needs anyways. I know breast milk has antibodies but the baby gets some while in the womb. And the whole thing about bonding..feeding our babies is a bonding experience no matter what. And I know it's selfish but after 10 months of pregnancy (and it has been so hard on me emotionally and physically) I don't want to be extra tired and have my breasts so sore and on demand. This way my husband and I have equal feeding responsibility. It's unfair to make a mother feel bad for this choice.

Koalaknuckles · July 2015

I don't have any desire to breastfeed at all. Never have.

I don't think it's selfish. It's a perfectly valid and healthy choice. The kid is going to be well-fed, that's the important thing.

My mom chose to bottle feed myself and my two older brothers. All three of us have never had any significant health problems. We're all very intelligent with no learning disabilities. And we're very close to our mother, no bonding issues.

I don't feel conflicted over my decision whatsoever

Mjstine · July 2015

Good for you! Stay strong! Literally the only reason I'm breastfeeding is because is it free. I plan to pump after the first few days because the concept grosses me out otherwise.

I was actually told by a lactation consultant before that If you are uncomfortable with it, it is better to avoid because baby can sense it and it will cause more trouble than it is worth. As long as baby is being fed and taken care of you are good. So stay strong in your decision and do what is right for you. Don't let other people make you feel bad because they happen to not agree with your opinion. Do whatever is best for you and baby!

zmombie · July 2015

I am the exact same way!!! With my oldest two I refused. There was no question. This baby I was on the fence in the beginning and then decided that I would only formula feed.. When she was born I said? Hell she's my last child I might as well try it.. As suspected the nipple agitation really got to me. (I get this really gross uncomfortable feeling when my nipples are consistently touched.. Weird I know)
Anyways, other then that.. I really enjoyed being able to feed her with nothing but my body. There is a little bit more of a closeness.. But then she was losing weight rapidly.. (Ounces at a time) and I had that yucky feeling, and depression (I really needed to go back on my antidepressants, but opted against them to breast feed)
So I was really stressed and down.. I would cry during feelings because they also hurt, and she wasn't even getting what she needed so I felt very useless. I put her straight on formula. She's so much more content as she's actually getting full, I enjoy feeding her, the stress of it all is lifted and I'm happier again.. I made the right decision. Breast isn't always best. I am very lucky though as I was never pressured either way! Not by nurses, or family/friends. My mom supported either decision I made. And even says I made the right one. Don't feel selfish. As long as your baby is fed and loved that's all that matters

ashleytiff · July 2015

If you're not comfortable baby won't be either.

ProfessionalPregger · July 2015

I'm just glad to hear I'm not the only woman who can't stand having her nipples touched. I can't even touch my own! Good thing my husband is not a boob man.

DrewFuller92 · July 2015

I can't stand my nipples being touched either, but I breastfed my first daughter and plan to do the same with the second. I'll admit, it felt weird at first, but I actually enjoyed how calming it was. But that's completely up to you. If you don't want to breastfeed, don't. If you're not comfy, baby won't be either. It's not like your baby will suffer if you formula feed. It's your baby momma! Good luck!

aclbatey · July 2015

So glad to see I'm not alone! Due the 23rd and still resolute in my decision to formula feed. This way baby can be equally dependent on dad for feedings and I can begin the grueling process of letting the milk dry up early.

Me and my sister both were formula fed and have always been very healthy!

mnj05 · July 2015

I tried with my first and didn't like it, plus I produced hardly anything so it was too stressful for both of us. It's not for everyone and that's just fine!

arbell615 · July 2015

I'm planning on exclusively breastfeeding but I know that might not work out. I agree that it has to be what's best for you and baby! Though if you're able to breastfeed at all, even if only while in the hospital, that will give baby a lot of extra nutrients and antibodies to protect them! But in the end it's like pp have said: you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby, do what's going to best for the whole family!

MEXARAB · July 2015

Your boobs! Do what's best for you guys. I'm hopping to BF but everyone's different. Don't let people make you feel like a bad parent. With my first I could only BF for two months the rest was formula and she's perfect.

jesslam · July 2015

I think it's great that you are making your choice based on how you feel best! Don't feel guilty everything will be fine!

WowHey · July 2015

She's saying how hard it is for her. There's no need for that. Selfish? She's still taking care of her baby. Why spend your energy on being negative to someone who only wanted support? I think that is pretty selfish. I'm sure you'll be an excellent mom given your lack of sensitivity. @inkblotanna

VToman · July 2015

It's a personal decision every mom has to make. I was formula fed, as was my sister. I am hoping to breast feed, but if it doesn't work out, there's no shame in using formula! My mom has actually tried to talk me into formula feeding only because she says BF will "deflate" my boobs!!

Sanine · July 2015

I'm pro-breastfeeding, however, if you are already sensitive to your nipples being touched, and already know you won't be happy, trying to breastfeed more than likely will not work anyway. You will stress yourself out, causing possible Mastitis or infection in the breast, unnecessary stress for the baby to try and nurse, and possibly other issues to yours and babies health.

You are not selfish choosing to formula feed. You are choosing what is ultimately best for you and your child for your situation.

jesicabrennan · July 2015

While I have no problem with you choosing to formula feed, that's your choice and none of my business, I do have a problem with your reasoning. Do you enjoy all the uncomfortableness of pregnancy? No. But do you do it anyway to have the baby? Yes. Do you enjoy pushing an 8 lb bowling ball out of your nether regions, then having it stitched up and possibly lasting pain? No. But do you do it anyway to have a baby? Yes. So why put your foot down on the breastfeeding? You should at least try it, you might surprise yourself and really enjoy it.

k8_jordan · July 2015

Please spend the extra and use organic formula. The other is shit food.

crf4 · July 2015

It is was it is, some of us are very pro breastfeeding. I was uncomfortable with my first and it was so hard and didn't end up working out for very long (6 weeks). My second I did my research and after making the mistake of spending SO much money on formula the first time I decided to give breastfeeding my best shot and we happily nursed for almost a year. Cost is definitely a huge factor to me, that and the fact that I've already got two kids I need to "prepare" the day for (meals, dressing, diaper bag stuff) the thought of adding more work with bottles & formula stresses me out. I don't like when moms put each other down about stuff like this, surely you will make sure your child is nourished one way or another - I was just surprised how natural the breastfeeding came to me the second time around after having such a hard time with my oldest. Your confidence and comfort level play a major role!

sutavim2 · July 2015

It's extremely selfish. Women have breasts so they can feed- that is their only purpose. By these comments it seems like you're not even ready to be a parent.

gotdiesel2007 · July 2015

You are selfish. You could at least try.

It's extremely selfish. Women have breasts so they can feed- that is their only purpose. By these comments it seems like you're not even ready to be a parent.

Wow really?!? The judgement on these two posts makes me think you guys aren't ready to be parents. Not every can or wants to breastfeed. It doesn't make them any less of a parent. A friend posted this the other day.

"If you breastfeed your baby, I support you.

If you wanted to breastfeed your baby but couldn't, I support you.

If you were able to nurse but chose not for whatever reason, I support you.

If you are nursing and supplementing and swallowing Goat's Rue and eating oatmeal and pumping your heart out, I support you.

If you are currently nursing your 3-year-old in the middle of a restaurant, I support you.

We're feeding our children."

I support you. Now support me for knowing how I choose to feed my children was best for them and me. I choose to formula feed my child from the beginning and I'm not ashamed of it because I did what was best for myself and my children. Think before you judge.

zmombie · July 2015

Wow. Some of you amaze me. I know there's judge mental people in the world.. But to say she's selfish and not ready to be a parent. Who the hell are you to judge that! So I'm selfish and shouldn't be a mom as well because I couldn't make breast feeding work out? When I didn't produce enough and my little preemie was losing weight and always hungry,
I'm selfish because I made the decision to formula feed her to give her what she needed?? Fuck that. You women need to grow up!

mnj05 · July 2015

I don't understand how it's selfish to for anyone to give themselves and their baby the best bonding experience possible. BFing when you aren't comfortable with it or just plain can't makes for a horrible bonding experience. Not to mention so many new mothers struggle with PPD or a lesser variety of it which BFing can enhance.

As long as baby is healthy and growing and mom is healthy in every way, who cares how baby is fed?

MEXARAB · July 2015

Gosh! You would think she said she wasn't going to feed her baby and let her starve. Let the baby figure it out on her own how to survive! Just ignore the ignorant people on here!

Numajawara · July 2015

I had a very hard time with my first.. Lasted for like 3 months plus I was going to highschool at the time (17yearsold) I was so stressed and just "gave up" I even had a lactation consultant come to my house to help but it just wasn't working so I formula fed after ... And my son is healthy and perfect! But I really honestly want to breastfeed my baby for as long as I can this time around completely avoiding formula . I hope it works out

Selfish?? Grow up ...

oneblessedmess · July 2015

Most of our generation was formula fed. OP isn't hurting her baby by not breastfeeding.

OP normally I would say at least try it cuz you might surprise yourself. But in this case I think it would probably just stress you out and you don't need that! If you are already set in the mentality that you won't like it then it's unlikely that will change. As long as you are (appropriately!) feeding your baby that is all that matters.

Natjune · July 2015

Don't feel bad. You know your body better than anyone else.
I tried breastfeeding while in the hospital (the lactation consultants and nurses were constantly nagging about it. And I was there 4 days because I had a c section). They kept saying they don't want you to feel bad if you can't....but with them constantly lecturing on the importance of, sandwiching my nipple, pulling out nipple, how to get baby to latch, etc. I felt beat up. My son ended up not latching correctly and still over a week later, my nipples are still sore and raw.
Because of that, I cannot breastfeed. Too painful. I'm now pumping and formula feeding.

babydoll1008 · July 2015

@gotdiesel2007, Amen!!!!

inkblotanna · July 2015

You all are entitled to your opinions as am i. I think she's selfish she won't even try. I have several friends that would have given anything to be able to breastfeed but couldn't. Does that make them lesser of a mom? Absolutely not! But at least they wanted to try to give what was best for their baby. I never said anything about formula feeding moms were bad moms. I'm just saying in my opinion to make up your mind already is a poor choice.

zmombie · July 2015

gotdiesel2007 said:

inkblotanna said:
You are selfish. You could at least try.

sutavim2 said:
It's extremely selfish. Women have breasts so they can feed- that is their only purpose. By these comments it seems like you're not even ready to be a parent.
Wow really?!? The judgement on these two posts makes me think you guys aren't ready to be parents. Not every can or wants to breastfeed. It doesn't make them any less of a parent. A friend posted this the other day.
"If you breastfeed your baby, I support you.
If you wanted to breastfeed your baby but couldn't, I support you.
If you were able to nurse but chose not for whatever reason, I support you.
If you are nursing and supplementing and swallowing Goat's Rue and eating oatmeal and pumping your heart out, I support you.
If you are currently nursing your 3-year-old in the middle of a restaurant, I support you.
We're feeding our children."

I support you. Now support me for knowing how I choose to feed my
children was best for them and me. I choose to formula feed my child from the
beginning and I'm not ashamed of it because I did what was best for
myself and my children. Think before you judge.

Awesome! I like that

babydoll1008 · July 2015

It's still uncalled for to call her selfish... Just my own opinion.

Because you are able to do something, doesn't mean you have to. If a fertile woman doesn't want to have children at all, does it make her selfish because infertile women would kill to be in her position? No. Same with breast feeding.

jessicamc29 · July 2015

Thanks for all the support and advice given on here. I was just asking for any support and curious about others experiences. I appreciate all positive and negative advice.

I'm just saying choosing a different form of food for my baby doesn't make me selfish nor does it make me a terrible parent. My reasons are medical and emotional, not just because I do not want to. She will be fed and well taken care of.

daizyifyoudo · July 2015

I have always believed breast is best but am also very uncomfortable with it myself. I have have 3 LO's at home and one one the way (that will only formula feed).
Everyone is different and while others may feel it is the most comfortable thing in the world it doesn't feel so to me. Our babies can tell what we are feeling g whether we are feeding through a bottle or all natural. I pumped religiously with the other three for a couple months and went to strictly formula, but this time I can't do to health issues.
Love and devotion is not measured in such petty opinions.
Do what works for you and your little one. No one else is entitled to judge that. You will know your baby better then any other person and they will love you unconditionally so enjoy every moment.

jtenkorang · July 2015

I am pro breastfeeding. There are so many studies out there saying how much it affects brain development. It also helps with infections years later. But with my first I exclusively breastfed for 1 month and then started supplementing because my daughter just wasn't getting enough nutrients. I really didn't produce enough milk for her. So I am going to do the same this time. I am having twins so I am going to take it one day at a time and see how it goes. If I have to supplement that's fine but I want my babies to at least yet some breast milk. Breast is always best. But ladies lets not shame each other. Support one another and the decisions we have each made. Her baby will be happy and healthy. Just make sure to love her and take the best care of her that you can. It's your choice. But if you decide to try to breast feed I think you might be surprised how close you become with your lil one. It really is an amazing experience

. But to each their own. Good luck!

babyparker2014 · July 2015

Thank you for posting this! I feel the same way!

biaromoy · July 2015

At the end of the day it is the mothers body and as long as the baby isn't being starved, who cares. It's not your body or baby so you have no right to comment or put anyone down. My personal opinion is breast is best but if you can't breast feed or don't want to, that's your choice

babyparker2014 · July 2015

I love this. I personally love when you can talk to someone with a different opinion and you can both be supportive of their decision

tierracmccoy · July 2015

I don't see a big deal with mothers choosing to not breastfeed.
My plan was to breastfeed this time around but my baby is sucking so much milk that it was impossible for her to wait for mine to come in. I even tried pumping several times but it's still not happening. I really wanted to do it but I'm not going to beat myself up about it either. As long as she's getting full and healthy, I'm satisfied.

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