Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I'm absolutely going to try... for myself, yes, the idea makes me a little uncomfortable, but then I think about all the benefits of breastfeeding and I just can't justify depriving my baby of those benefits because it makes me feel a little weird. And, when it comes right down to it, it really is the most natural thing in the world. If I have significant problems, I'll probably pump, especially when I start working again, and so DH can participate in the feedings...

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

MY son is 13 months old, and is on whole milk now. He NEVER had an ounce of formula in his life, he was breastfed for one year! I never had any problems, never had sore nipples or pain. I think a lot of women hear this and are turned off. It's a crock. With all the benefits, I was certainly going to do so.

And, the whole "formula fed babies sleep through the night" is also a bunch of bull. Andrew was BF and has been sleeping 12-hour nights since he was 3 months old. Honestly, those first 3 months went so fast, I had no time to even worry about DH being able to feed him.


I will BF all my children.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I most definitely will try. I have read many articles that state how healthy and wonderful breast milk is for your child. I hope it works out.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I chose not to BF. Truthfully, I have read the research and it still had no appeal to me. It is something I am not comfortable with. Personally, I think that he nutrition he gets from formula is fine and was never convinced from the research that BF is so much better. I thought maybe I would change my mind once I had the baby and want to try it but to tell you the truth - it made me not want to more. Formula is treating my baby just fine!

I think it is a very personal decision and to each their own.

Also, I saw someone mentioned hospitals push you to BF. I had heard that and it was a fear of mine. Although my hospital was a big supporter of BF and really went out of the way to teach it should you want the training, they never once questioned my decision not to BF. My pediatrician as well. I was very happy with that!

PS Formula does not make a baby sleep thru the night - trust me! It is all up to the baby!

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

More than likely I won't, but ya never know. Once I get pregnant will be the time I weigh the options and decide what will be the best decision for me.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I really don't have any desire to and I don't really know why. I may try it, but I don't htink it's for me. I think I would try pumping.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I think I'm definetely going to. Everyone in my family does and it never occured to me that I wouldn't. My family is pretty damn shameless when it comes to that kind of thing. I was holding on to my cousin's 4 month old baby yesterday and he reached for my blouse. His 6 year old brother went "He wants a drink!" and we all laughed. I think family dynamics have something to do with it. I just grew up thinking it's just what my breasts have always been there for - their ultimate practical purpose. And what do you do with the milk if you don't?

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I have no idea...somedays I think I will, somedays I think I won't

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I probably will not.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

Since I am not currently pregnant nor have ever been PG, I cannot honestly say EXACTLY what I will do when that time comes.

But honestly, my instinct right now would be to say that NO, I do not plan on breastfeeding. Its not something that ever appealled to me. And since I have no "firsthand" experiences to convince me of its benefits (neither of DH's nor my own female family members have breastfed their children, nor have any of my close friends) So I guess my point is that since nearly everyone I know personally has bottel fed their children, I dont really see the problem with formula feeding at ALL and I'm more inclined to head down that road.

That said, I still do plan on doing my research and weighing my options when I am lucky enough to be pregnant someday, and will actually have to face this dilemma

Message edited 6/7/2005 4:11:46 PM.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I am going to breastfeed when I have children,

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I am definetly not!

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I breastfed my son until he was 1 year old and I am currently breasfeeding my daughter (she is 4months old) - It is the best thing for them! Both my kids have had nothing more than a minor cold and they are very healthy!!

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I just have to say that I am so shocked at the responses on this topic. I have 2 children, and chose not to bf either of them, but I really felt like I was bein selfish and like I was definately in the minority, so I'm surprised to see so many other mommies (or mommies to be) that won't bf.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I find interesting that there are so many nos. It seemed that lately everyone I know was leaning towards yes.

At this point I am leaning towards no, but if/when I had child, that could change.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I am definetly going to try. Hopefully it will work out, even just for a short while- definetly the first 24 hours b/c of the cholostrum.

I have studied with so many Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Doulas, etc...while getting my PreNatal Massage education, & they definetly helped in my decision.
Not only is it good for the baby, but for selfish reasons- it helps you lose weight faster! Woo-Hoo! I also think it's an incredible way to bond with your baby.


Just a little info if anyone is interested, please don't think I'm trying to pursuade anyone, I just happen to have this article:
Long but informative article on Benefits of Breastfeeding :)

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I tried to bf my daughter- it lasted maybe 2 weeks. I had such a hard time with it from the very first time in the hospital. One boobie more than the other was so painful! Don't think it helped that I was sick during and after the birth. I kept trying to make it work and couldn't. I switched to formula and the first few weeks I still kept trying the bfing in between. I just had alot of guilt. I guess even though everyone said whatever you choose is just fine, I really wanted to make the bf'ing work....But, to each their own.... . My daughter is almost 4 and still, after taking formula except for those first 2 weeks, has yet to have more than 1 cold. (I think not being in daycare has something to do with that too.)

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I think I am going to try but we'll see how it goes. I am very skeptical of whether or noti I will actually go through with it and if I do, it will only be until I go back to work. I will not pump at work. The baby will also absolutely get a bottle of pumped milk immediately. DH is NOT getting out of feedings!

It IS a very personal decision and sometimes you don't know how you'll feel about it until the time comes. For me the main reasons for wanting to give it a try are because everything I've read says it's best for baby but also because it helps you lose the baby weight faster. Bfing consumes an extra 500 or so calories per day!

Still... it also ruins your boobs.

I'm still kinda undecided.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

Posted by BabyAvocado

I think I am going to try but we'll see how it goes. I am very skeptical of whether or noti I will actually go through with it and if I do, it will only be until I go back to work. I will not pump at work. The baby will also absolutely get a bottle of pumped milk immediately. DH is NOT getting out of feedings!

It IS a very personal decision and sometimes you don't know how you'll feel about it until the time comes. For me the main reasons for wanting to give it a try are because everything I've read says it's best for baby but also because it helps you lose the baby weight faster. Bfing consumes an extra 500 or so calories per day!

Still... it also ruins your boobs.

I'm still kinda undecided.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

Posted by KPtoys

Ruins your boobs? Honey, being pregnant, being engorged then deflated could ruin your boobs... After 2 kids my boobs are a little less firm than they were to begin with but other than that no big difference... it goes along with the stretch marks and C-section scar, badges of honor

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

Posted by BabyAvocado

I know, I know... being pg ruins them anyway.... But I heard that bfing makes it worse! I already have big boobies so I'm more concerned!

I'm still having a real hard time considering stretch marks and saggy boobs badges of honor, but I'm hoping that'll change after the baby arrives.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

When I was pregnant I decided that I was going to try breastfeeding. First I said I would do it for 6 weeks (assuming I could). Then once 6 weeks hit I said 3 months. Then at 3 months I said 6 months. I finally stopped when she was about 7 months old. I just loved it so much that I wanted to keep doing it.

My advice to people is if it's not right for you then don't do it. I don't think breastfeeding should be something you force yourself to do. You need to enjoy it otherwise you're not getting the full experience of it. It is truly a bonding experience. I really can't explain it.

As far as it being easier then bottles and formula, I don't know how that awful rumor got started. It is so not easier. Kiera is totally on formula now and it is SO much easier then BF. When you BF you have to plan you're entire day around nursing the baby. You limit yourself in going out because of nursing or pumping requirements. And if you're going to pump you still have the bottles to clean. With formula you just go when you need to go.

And formula fed babies do not sleep better then BF babies. That is a total myth. My daughter was sleeping through the night by the time she was a month old.

If you think you may like it then I would suggest trying it. After the first couple of days it is not at all painful. If it is painful then you're doing something wrong. The first couple of days are difficult but after you and the baby both learn what to do it truly is not painful.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

If I am ever so lucky to get PG, I am pretty sure I will. I think I would stop only if there is a major problem.
This is sort of weird cuz I come from a total formula family....everyone I know was raised on formula. But DH's family all BF and their kids are NEVER sick!!! Ever, except for a cold here and there... And some of them are in daycare so they are exposed.
The only thing that creeps me out is the public BF thing. I will probably spend half my life in the Bathroom....DH's cousin's, however, whip it out anywhere and everywhere...Including my shower and the wedding! You can imagine how that went over with my formula family!!

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I tried it at first. Due to some medical resons that made it harder I decided to switch to formula instead. In the end it was the best thing for the both of us.

When and if baby #2 comes I would like to try to BF again but if I can't or dont feel comfortable I am fine with going back to formula.

Re: Spinoff: Are you going to breastfeed if you have kids?

I am b/f and spplementing 2 bottles of formula during the day. It's not so mad, thought it would be harder. And I have a implant, but it still works.

And I never bf in public...

Message edited 6/12/2005 7:15:41 AM.