how long did you nurse your child and is it easier then bottle feeding?

Answer 1

Experts have actually studied this question... Some women find that breastfeeding is really simple and never have a problem. But many women do have a "learning curve" when starting to nurse. In cases like this, the first 6-8 weeks of nursing can be more difficult than bottle feeding, but afterwards, it is much easier. How many times have you heard a woman hit herself on the forehead and say, "Oh, no!! I forgot my breasts at home again!!"?

There's also the "ease" of having a healthy child. Not breastfeeding makes babies sick. Babies who are denied breastfeeding have more colds, ear infections, and stomach upsets. They are more likely to die of SIDS. They are more likely to develop cancer or diabetes later in life. They are more likely to be hospitalized--believe me, it is *not* easy to deal with a baby in the hospital!!

I nursed all 5 of my kids for different lengths of time, but all of them at least the minimum recommendation of 2 years.

Answer 2

I nursed my first daughter until she was a year old. Then I had my second daughter and nursed her for only about 4 months. My situation was different and at that time a bottle was much more convenient.

Nursing is not just about being healthy and antibodies etc. It is a quiet time that you can share with your baby. For those who say it is uncomfortable to do in public or it makes others uncomfortable, I think it is silly. What could be more natural than a mother taking care of her baby? Many people in the US are too conservative about doing things in public.

I loved breast feeding. It was easy to feed in the night if they woke up and it was a way to have quiet moments with the baby. Of course my husband did not feed, but he changed diapers and clothes, and watched them when I needed time to myself.

I also liked bottle feeding. That meant my husband could get up in the night and feed the baby. It also seemed easier to transition to water, juice, and sippy cups.

Overall, I would say that bottle feeding was the most convenient for a busy working mom. I simply hated the breast pump. But I loved the quiet when breat feeding. I can't explain the peace and satisfaction I felt. Choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed is a very personal decision. I would say try breast feeding for at least a month or two. If it is not for you, then don't feel bad.

A baby needs a happy healthy mommy just as much as it needs food!!!

Answer 3

I have 3 kids and all 3 were nursed. My first was nursed only for 3 months because its bad to nurse a baby if ur under a lot stress or have a lot of problems, I had all of that and more so I had to stop. My second was for 9 months but was bottle fed also. My daughter is 10 months old and I had to stop when she was 5 months because I had to get surgery. When your at home you could nurse as many times as you like and when your out at the mall or grocery shopping you can supplement with formula. If you dont want to you can pump but I hated that. I found it kind of hard when I would go out somewhere and had to find a way to warm up the milk. It does have to be stored in a cold place you know. I would do both if I were you.

Answer 4

1 year is the best. I nursed my son for 9 months and am now nursing my 3 month old girl.

When you are nursing don't listen to anybody about stupid comments. "Oh your baby is not getting enough milk." or "You are starving your child." It is emazing how your body works. Even if you do not have enogh milk at the moment, your little one will make you work till you do have enough.

You might want to talk to a lactation consultant or take breastfeeding classes.

These are some of the benefits of breastfeeding:
- Breast milk is always the right tempature.
- It saves you about $3000 in one year.
- It is always ready when the baby needs it.
- The more the baby wants milk, the more you produce.
- Breastfed babies are %37 less likely to get sick.

And don't think oh you are limited just because you are nursing. You can pump. Especially if you are working, it is worth to spend $35 on an electronic pump. WhittleStone.com is the best brand by the way.

The questions is not whether bottle or breastfeeding is easuer? For some women it is an hassle to breastfeed, for some women it is pretty easy.The question is how important to have a well fed healthy baby? Believe me you will not regret... Good luck.

If you have any more questions please contact me.

Answer 5

My baby is 6 months old, and I am still breastfeeding. Besides the obvious benefits... I think it is so much easier. It is like always having a bottle ready... There is no prep. Once you get through the first few days... it is so easy. What I would have wanted someone to tell me before I started breastfeeding was that it will hurt, but only for a few days. I wanted to quit when I got home from the hospital ( when my milk came in ) If it would not have been for having a supporting family, I probley would have. You have to get a good support group around you. People always tell horror storys... and I think that scares people away. It is not that bad in the beginning, and after that, its the best thing you could ever do for your child. I hope this will help.

Answer 6

I only nursed for two months. My baby wouldn't latch on right, no matter how many breastfeeding consultants we saw. When she did latch on right, she'd gag...so her solution was to only suck on half my nipple which means a TON of pain. In some ways it is easier than bottle feeding (no bottles to clean, no formula to buy, breast milk is always at the right temperature) but I really liked bottle feeding because it meant that other people in the family could be a part of feeding times, which can be very sweet and intimate sessions.

I won't argue the fact that breastfeeding is healthiest. But you must consider your needs and the baby's needs. Not just one or the other. And my daughter has hardly ever been sick and has had only two ear infections and she was only breast fed for two months....so don't feel like if you don't do it for a year your child will always be sickly.

Answer 7

Yes and No. My first child nursed until she was 8 months, but she took the bottle as well. I would go off my head if I didn't have that break. BF is easier because no making bottles, it is with you all the time. Bottle is easier because anyone can feed the baby. My suggestion, BF and bottle.

Answer 8

I breastfed my baby girl until almost six months. The reason I stopped (though I'd planned around 6 months anyhow, when she was born), was a serious case of mastitis; which her nursing wasn't curing at all; so the doctor gave me a milk suppressor and had us put her on the bottle.
As for easier; I don't know. It's certianally easier if you're out in public, and dont' have a spare bottle made, and the baby drank more than you thought it would; when ou're breastfeeding, it's always there, and always ready. I found it easier to put her to bed, as well, though she was in bed with us until she stopped breastfeeding (Is now in her cot/crib, which I prefer); to be frank, she woke up, all I had to do was roll over and pop the boob in her mouth, and I could go right back to sleep, didn't have to make a bottle. The bottle, I suppose is a bit harder, with the sterlizing, the warming the water; etc.; but you don't have to worry about breast pads or maternaty bras or leakage. Breastfeeding is better for bub; and if we have another; I'll probably do the same, breastfeed until about 6 months, but after that stop, switch the baby directly onto a followup formula, rather than weaning it onto a starter formula and having to switch it soon after.

Answer 9

I have been nursing 4 and a half months, but plan to nurse for a year total. After a year, they don't need to be supplemented with formula if they arent nursing, that's why I chose a year. In some ways, its easier than bottle feeding, in some ways its not. Breastfeeding is easer because 1. any time your baby is hungry, you have food right there, you dont have to bring formula, and bottles, and water with you every where you go. 2. the milk is already warm, if you are out, you dont have to stress about finding a place to heat up the milk. 3. breastfed babies get sick ALOT LESS than bottle fed babies (the milk has antibodies that protects them from colds and flu and they have fewer allergic reactions than formula fed babies) and it is VERY difficult to deal with a sick infant. 4. Nursing is not only food, but comfort, a sleep aid, and pain relief. Therefore, lets say your baby gets hurt , you can soothe and calm them instantly (ie my mom was putting our baby in her stroller and banged her head on the plastic and the baby started howling and I put her right on the breast and she quieted immediately), a bottle wont do that. Also, it takes my baby about an hour to fall asleep without nursing at night, but she falls asleep within a few minutes with nursing. (this is also true for naps) - so instead of spending an hour putting her to bed every day, I would be spending 3 hours! BIG DIFFERENCE, if she were bottle feeding! 5. Breastfeeding is also ALOT cheaper...formula will run you atleast $200 per month, plus increased costs of Dr visits because they are sick more often, your boob is free!

Bottles are more convenient because 1. You dont have the initial hassle of learning how to do it - breastfeeding is tough to get the hang of at the beginning and you NEED help from a lactation consultant or someone else who knows ALOT about breastfeeding. 2. A bottle takes less time to feed than nursing. An average nursing session is probably 20 minutes. An average bottle feed is less. 3. Someone else can feed your baby (not just you). - this is particularly helpful for night feedings, so you are not the only one getting up to feed the baby

But keep in mind, breastfeeding moms can pump and give the baby a bottle of breastmilk, so she can get a break, leave the baby or even let someone else do a night feeding. (but she has to take the time to pump it). So, breastfeeding moms CAN give bottles even every day.

However, convenience is all about what is better for YOU, in terms of what's better for THE BABY - nursing is SO much better for the baby than bottle feeding - as mentioned before, they have much greater resistance to illness, less gastrointestinal problems, less colic, higher intelligence, more rapid brain and eye development, fewer allergies, and better bonding with the mom. And keep in mind, these are only the benefits that we KNOW of right now. Every year they are discovering more and more benefits. Formula is just people trying to copy the perfect food for your baby. A copy is NEVER going to come close to the original! It is not a substitute that is just as good. Give your baby the best start it can have! why wouldnt you?

Answer 10

I nursed for a few months, a different time with each child ranging from 2-8 months. I liked nursing in the nightime because I could lay next to my child and sleep. With all but one of my children I did both bottle feeding and nursing. Good luck and this is a choice you need to make on your own and not let others pressure you. Le Leche league is an organization to help nursing mothers, they are a wonderful source for information. Also, you can ask for a lactation consultant in your area.