Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I have never planned on breastfeeding. My mother didn't breastfeed any of her 4 children...and she's a nurse, so I trust her judgement in doing what is best, healthwise, for a baby.
I'm not really comfortable with the idea of breastfeeding....not sure why, it's just not something that appeals to me!

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I had it in my head that i would TRY it out, but didn't really care if it didn't work.

Breastfeeding made me feel uncomfortable. If you grow up in a family where EVERYONE formula fed (I have 7 aunts that all did) then it can sway your views.

If i had grown up witnessing everyone breastfeeding then I prob would have given it more of a shot. It didn't work for me..I hated it. But i have no problem now formula feeding my son..he is so healthy and has never been sick. To each their own. I applaud those who stick it out and it works for them..just didn't feel natural to me at all.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I would do it if I could, but I had a breast reduction 12 years ago and there is a strong possibility that it will be impossible for me to do so.... My entire family formula fed, so its not like I know of anything else, but I would have liked to have tried.

That being said, with my schedule, I think formula feeding will be easier. Plus, I was formula fed, and so was everyone in my family, and we are all healthy, intelligent people. We didn't miss out from not getting breast milk, at least I don't think so....

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Posted by Eireann

PS...the pumping is what weirded me out...just didn't like it

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I didn't do it and I don't regret it. It's a personal choice, and nobody should feel forced to do it or not do it.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Not PG yet, but I have no intentions of breastfeeding. I am not comfortable with it.

DH and I discuss it every so often and he would really like me to do it when the time comes - probably because his mother did it - which in the 70s was very rare and quite progressive. His aunt was a nurse and encouraged her sister to do so. He warned me that they may try to impose their beliefs upon me. I told him that he should cut them off at the pass and tell them to stay out of my bra.

My mother was the mother of infants in the 50s, 60s and 70s and never breast fed any of us. Perhaps I am stubborn, but I cannot be sold on the health benefits 100%. When I asked DH and my MIL how DH's health was as a child, she said he had many ear infections as did his sisters. My siblings and I did not. We were pretty healthy kids. I also think that a child can bond very well with a mother without having been breast fed. Not one of my four nieces and nephews were breast fed either and they too are very healthy children both physically and emotionally.

I may change my mind, but it is highly unlikely based on my own experiences. I respect those who do, it just is not something I have a yearning to do.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I've been agonizing over this now since I'm at the point where I feel like I need to make a decision. I also came from a family that was 100% formula fed. I never was around woman who breastfed. In reading all of the benefits for the baby I think it is the guilt at this point that is preventing me from making the final decision to FF. But for me the reason why I don't want to breastfeed is because I am uncomfortable with myself and my own body. I am a very private person as it relates to my body (am especially VERY uncomfortable with my breasts since I am on the larger size and I just hate them). So for me I just feel like whenever I need to feed the baby I will hide in my bedroom for privacy because I will be embarrassed to do it in front of others (even my own parents and possibly my DH). I know that probably sounds silly but that's the way feel about me doing it. I think my ultimate compromise may be that I at least try it up until I go back to work but if I can't get past my own issues then it may never even come to that. I just wish that wasn't the reason but it is. Please no flames for me either, I feel guilty enough about it.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

i use to be against it but i read how great it was for them. i tried and succeed for a little less than a month. I did what I could and it wasn't for me. She wasn't latching so I had to pump and I felt like I was pumping 24/7.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Honestly I was never comfortable with the idea and had decided before my son was born that I wouldn't The LC that came in to see me made me feel so horrible and guilty. I attempted to pump and it wasn't going to work. She was very nasty and that was that.

This time around there will be no LC's even allowed to visit me.

You have to do what is right for you and don't let ANYONE pressure you. I have friends that BF for over a year and their kids have allergies or have been sick way more than my child.

Message edited 2/19/2007 12:34:27 PM.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

When I had my first child, right when he came out of me the nurse started having me breastfeed him. I didn't really give much thought about it beforehand, but I was willing to give BF a shot. It became extremely uncomfy and painful. I only BF for a week because I was taking drugs from a complication and didn't feel comfortable BF and taking the drugs at the same time. I'm going to give BF another shot with my second baby but I completely understand the opinions on both sides. It's really a personal choice and whatever you chose, no one should judge you by it. It really doesn't make you less of a mother if you don't.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I too would like to commend all my fellow preggers for being so open minded! I am planning to breast feed for the first few weeks and then as I go back to work I will pump. I totally understand the girls that are skeptical about breastfeeding...it is not the most comfortable feeling in the world and a lot of women opt not to do it. I would choose the same if it wasnt for the benefits of the breast milk for my child AND for me...Im willing to sacrifice the pain and the uncomforable feeling (and the mess) for all of the benefits of breast milk.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I was pregnant with my first (but didn't know) and had a conversation how I don't think I ever would. I took a BFing class and almost passed out at the site of engorged breasts (that's the easy part actually...lol) but I ended up BFing for a year and never loved it (I loved the cost effectiveness of it!!) and liked pumping MUCH better! I think I did, because it gave me some alone time I needed.


Another posted mentioned allergies and health issues happen to both types of kids. I have been lucky DS has never really been sick, but I think it's DH's genes more than anything.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I always knew I wouldnt either. Its just not for me. I dont feel that want, not at all.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

As of now, I do not plan on it. It's due to personal "issues" that I have. However, I'm considering hypnotherapy to get attempt to get over these issues so that I can at least try it because it is very important to DH.

I will say this though. If I ultimately decide that it's not for me, I will make it clear in the hospital and to anyone else who feels the need to express their opinion on it, that I will not stand for anyone trying to pressure me into it. It's not my choice because of lack of education on the subject.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Message edited 2/19/2007 2:14:16 PM.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I have a lot of thoughts on BF from my personal experience - but I guess all I will say is Happy mom, happy baby - so you have to do what is good for you (yes, even sometimes over what is good for the baby!)

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I planned to try BF and if it worked, great, if not I would go to formula. The first few weeks were unbelievably painful & I saw an LC four times. I was crying through it, but pushed on.

DD is now 6 months & I love BF her. I'm so glad I stuck with it. I didn't feel the whole bonding thing in the beginning due to the pain, but I certainly do now. I now work full time and BF DD in the morning, afternoon & evening. She gets 2-3 bottles of formula during the day. My supply is keeping up & I want to BF for a year now.

Our society has so sexualized breasts that women feel uncomfortable feeding their children. It's a shame for women & their babies. I know I used to look at women funny when I saw them BF in public. Now I respect them.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I'm not pregnant yet but this has always been a hot topic for DH and I.

I'd like to thank you all for presenting the varying opinions without passing judgement because it has opened my eyes up to both sides when it comes time to make my decision.

Re: Probably a sore topic, but does anyone just not feel comfortable with the idea of breast feeding?

I knew I didn't want to bf even before I was pregnant. I just don't feel comfortable with it.
It's a personal decision and you're entitled to your own opinion. Don't let anyone talk you into something that you don't want to do.