I use the Lactmed app. It's easy to plug in different things to see what class they are for nursing. Whichever choice you make, you're still feeding and caring for your baby.
I was really nervous about bf-ing my first. My Mom didn't have the easiest time with her kids so I didn't expect much out of the experience.
It actually ended up working out really well and is something I'm really proud of. There were times when it was hard and frustrating but we powered through and we made it a year. I loved nursing way more than expected and find myself always wanting to encourage other women and offer tips and support to anyone who is determined to make it work or is having a hard time.
With that said, I also agree that if it's not working and baby isn't getting what he needs or Mom isn't in a good place because of it, then it's not worth it. And no judgement for women who want to go the formula route just because, either. BF is a personal decision and you really have to do what's right for you.
It probably depends on where you plan to deliver, but if you're going the FF or combo route, you may want to talk to your Dr or see what the deal is. My hospital was really "pro-active" with the lactation consultants right away (like, RIGHT AWAY) and throughout our stay. I didn't mind because we wanted to BF but it night rub someone the wrong way. Just something to think about when May gets closer!
We will be majorly on a budget having twins with two other children already, so I'm hoping I can mainly breastfeed both. It was not easy or pain-free learning to breastfeed the first time around. But once I got the hang of it, it was so convenient. I also love that time when you're forced to slow down, hold your baby and just stare at them. Even if I do formula feed I will enjoy holding them and feeding them or letting my older kids enjoy that experience too. The 'on-the-go' bottle feeding for tiny babies bums me out - they're only little once! cherish it! OK, I'm rambling.
I agree! It doesn't matter how you're feeding them, but taking that time to slow down and enjoy the moment is really important.
I try so hard not to be one of those preachy moms but on this, I can't help it. Time just goes so fast.
I definitely intend to BF. It's all I've ever considered, really. My mom had an easy time, so I'm hoping I'm as fortunate. I'm looking forward to bonding time with baby and saving money! So yeah, I'm really hoping it works out for me.
(if the link doesn't work, it's the Sunday NYT article by Courtney Jung titled,"Overselling Breast-Feeding")
The primary thesis is that, yes, breast feeding is cheaper, but only because we make it so, and the big beneficiaries are not the children or their mothers but the corporations making bank off of selling pumps and breast-milk based formulae.
And the advantages we hear quoted of breastfeeding over using formula are mostly unsubstantiated; the verifiable advantages are minuscule and not worth shaming or coercing anyone over.
And if your primary impetus for advocating breastfeeding is the bonding time you get with baby, then the thing you should be agitating for is not breastfeeding but maternity leave.
It's not a critique of breastfeeding, it's a critique of our obsession with it, which verges on bullying and is another way of perpetuating racism and classism.
Anyway, to quote a PP: I plan on feeding my child.
Personally, i think breastfeeding success or non success is really affected by your lactation consultant or midwife. If you feel like you have an awesome team in your corner and they're really teaching you different positions, your chances of success go up! I know some women aren't able to breastfeed, but i think some women don't get started on the right foot. It has been such an awesome experience for me that i hope you give it a good try! And research research research!
Nothing against formula feeding, though. Formula today is so much more healthy than it used to be.
I exclusively nursed my son until he was a year and then he finally started wanton some other foods so it was just right when he got up, nap and bed time. I am exclusively breastfeeding my daughter who is 7 months old with no interest in any foods yet and currently a few days over 9 weeks pregnant and planning on tandem breastfeeding once this baby is born. It doesn't cost anything and is so convient. You just gotta pull out the boobies and don't have to worry about temperature of bottles, remembering bottles, formula, all that stuff. When I had my son I wasn't sure about it since I was only 18 and in a abuaive relationship. But breastfeeding actually really helped me, it helped me relax and just focus on my son and I. Now I'm happily married to my best friend and having our second baby together even though he has taken on my pain as his own. My dear husband is very supportive of my strictly breastfeeding he loves seeing me take care of our lil girl and the bond we have. But don't let anyone pressure you into formula or breastfeeding. I would just give breastfeeding a try so if it works. It's very very hard at first! Good luck!
I had decided to breast feed with DD without exception. In fact I did for 4 mos. Then I lost my milk and I literally felt like the worst mother on earth. How was I going to bond with her in the same way I had been? I beat myself up so bad and felt sad and upset all the time. DON'T DO THAT TO YOURSELF. I did find a way to bond with DD afterwards while feeding her formula. DD is a very smart girl and I don't think the time she missed out on BF has affected her in a negative way at all. Is breast feeding good for the baby? Yes. Is formula feeding good for the baby? Yes (the kid has to eat). Some women aren't able to breast feed and take it from someone who learned the hard way: It's OK. If you can/want to breast feed, do it. If you don't, then don't. Either way it does not define you as a mother.
Been married since 2009. Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter) Several MCs DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
I'm a FTM and I plan the breastfeed purely for the sake of saving money. Guess I'll find out about the bonding factor when it happens. I will also pump so that me DH can participate in feeding as well. And to sadly prepare for the return to work. I feel like I bonded with my nieces and nephews when I fed them. The big eyes staring up at you is definitely them connecting. Gotta confirm this with my mom but I'm sure I was bottle fed and I think I'm pretty smart :> . Didn't start getting sick until my dang job started eating me alive with stress. But that's another track.
I just want to put this here as kind of a PSA: if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or develop it during pregnancy, breastfeeding might exacerbate it. In my case, I couldn't take care of myself or my baby. I could no longer grip, so I couldn't open the refrigerator, eat with utensils, or hold things like a sandwich or a cup. I couldn't hold a baby bottle, or a pump, or hold the baby to achieve a proper latch.
If you have CTS: Wear your wrist guards as much as you can. Do CTS exercises. Do not endlessly hold your baby, allowing them to lie on your arms/wrists. Try to keep feedings short. You will want to hold them all the time but don't do it!
I actually don't have a strong opinion as long as my baby gets fed. I formula fed my 1st and nursed my 2nd til he was 2, both are smart, healthy kids. I will say that I saved tons $$ with nursing and also felt a greater bond. I had 0 problems nursing (no latching, nips cracking or infection issues). I'm a wimp so may have given up :-). I'll breast feed this 3rd one as long as there aren't any issues.
Re: Formula vs Breast Feeding
https://www.infantrisk.com
It actually ended up working out really well and is something I'm really proud of. There were times when it was hard and frustrating but we powered through and we made it a year. I loved nursing way more than expected and find myself always wanting to encourage other women and offer tips and support to anyone who is determined to make it work or is having a hard time.
With that said, I also agree that if it's not working and baby isn't getting what he needs or Mom isn't in a good place because of it, then it's not worth it. And no judgement for women who want to go the formula route just because, either. BF is a personal decision and you really have to do what's right for you.
It probably depends on where you plan to deliver, but if you're going the FF or combo route, you may want to talk to your Dr or see what the deal is. My hospital was really "pro-active" with the lactation consultants right away (like, RIGHT AWAY) and throughout our stay. I didn't mind because we wanted to BF but it night rub someone the wrong way. Just something to think about when May gets closer!
I try so hard not to be one of those preachy moms but on this, I can't help it. Time just goes so fast.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/opinion/sunday/overselling-breast-feeding.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&referer=https://m.facebook.com
(if the link doesn't work, it's the Sunday NYT article by Courtney Jung titled,"Overselling Breast-Feeding")
The primary thesis is that, yes, breast feeding is cheaper, but only because we make it so, and the big beneficiaries are not the children or their mothers but the corporations making bank off of selling pumps and breast-milk based formulae.
And the advantages we hear quoted of breastfeeding over using formula are mostly unsubstantiated; the verifiable advantages are minuscule and not worth shaming or coercing anyone over.
And if your primary impetus for advocating breastfeeding is the bonding time you get with baby, then the thing you should be agitating for is not breastfeeding but maternity leave.
It's not a critique of breastfeeding, it's a critique of our obsession with it, which verges on bullying and is another way of perpetuating racism and classism.
Anyway, to quote a PP: I plan on feeding my child.
Nothing against formula feeding, though. Formula today is so much more healthy than it used to be.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
Married: Oct 20, 2013
BFP 1: Aug 31, 2015
EDD 1: May 12, 2016
DD1 Emma born May 12, 2016
An Honest Account of New Motherhood (with Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and OCD)
BFP 2: October 07, 2019
EDD 2: June 20, 2020
If you have CTS: Wear your wrist guards as much as you can. Do CTS exercises. Do not endlessly hold your baby, allowing them to lie on your arms/wrists. Try to keep feedings short. You will want to hold them all the time but don't do it!