how long should i breast feed?

Question

I have a unsupportive mother and mother-in-law, always telling me to give him a bottle. He is 15 weeks old, and i think it is so much easyer, than bottles.

Answer 1

Breastfeed as long as you and the baby want to, whether it's 3 months, 6 months, a year, or 2 years. Any amount of breast milk is better than none so nurse as long as you both feel comfortable. Don't let anyone else make that decision for you. If your mother and mother-in-law don't like it, tell them that you disagree and as it's your baby, you will feed him the way you feel is best. If they don't like hearing that, they don't have to be around when you feed him (and don't give them the opportunity to give him formula). Agree to disagree and if they really love their grandson, spending time with him will win out over formula feeding any day.

Breastfeeding is definitely easier with support so try to find a lactation support group. Your pediatrician or obstetrician will probably know a few local groups. I know it would be much harder for me to breast feed if I didn't have the support of my family, friends and even my boss (he calls pumping "packing lunch")

A lot of people actually think breastfeeding is obscene. I have to wonder how on earth they thought babies got fed before formula was invented.

Answer 2

I would have to wonder if your mother and mother-in-law are telling you to feed your baby a bottle because they want to feed your baby. That they feel like they are missing out bonding with their grandchild.

I nurse my baby (4 months old). There has been times when she wasn't hungry and my mother-in-law pipes in that maybe she wants a bottle. And she would be happy to give it to my daughter. Sorry my rule is if I am around I feed her...and not from a bottle. She does get breast milk in a bottle when at work. And seeing that my mother-in-law watches her sometimes I do not feel bad denying her a feeding or two. I have never had a problem with my mom (who lives faraway). The rule was her suggestion. She nursed all three of her children. My mother-in-law formula feed from day one.

Answer 3

Hi,
Yep, many people don't understand breastfeeding.
It was 30 years ago when I breastfed my son and back then they were really pushing bottles.
I got involved with a group of young mothers from http://www.lalecheleague.org/
and they helped me much.
I do know this..
Once you give your baby a bottle they don't like going back to the breast sometimes because they have to work for the milk (a let down) while breast feeding.
Please concider looking at the above website and contacting someone in your area to talk to about this.
They are a fun group as well and you can call them night or day, make friends for a lifetime too.
Breastfeeding is much better for your child if you are clean from things even such as cabbage!
Yep cabbage.. remember if a food gives you gas,it's going to give your baby gas too and about 3 months old your baby might get colic anyways,, better to not eat things that is going to affect the baby,
chocolate is not very good either.
Caffeen is diffinitly out!
so if you can do it Yea for you.
good for you honey..

Answer 4

i am a mother of 4 and I have tried breastfeeding and well after much struggle, i gave up.. if you have it keep it up, that is the best start for every baby. I know people who breast feed until their kid was 5.. i still think that is a little odd, knowing what my 6 year old thinks of boobies now.. LOL, he is his daddy's boy.. but as long as you feel comfortable doing it, keep it up, if you are worried about going somewhere and leaving him with your mother or mother in law, you can always pump and have a bottle ready for him...but keep up breast feeding as long as you are able.. Good Job!!!

Answer 5

Don't listen to them. They aren't the baby's mother....YOU are. They had their chance to raise their kids the way they thought was best. Now it's your turn. If breastfeeding is working well for you and your child...keep it up! Congratulations to you for getting to 15 weeks without a support system!

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding for *at least* 12 months and thereafter as long as mutually desired by mom and baby. They also say that baby should be *exclusively* breastfed for the first 6 months.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend nursing for *at least* 2 years and support nursing longer if you want.

The longer you are willing and able to breastfeed your child, the more benefits both of you will get from it.

Tell your mom and MIL that if they can't be supportive then you don't want to discuss it. If they bring it up, say, "Pass the bean dip, please" and refuse to go there with them. It's YOUR choice and they have to learn to back off and let YOU be the parent.

Is your hubby supportive? Maybe he could run interference between you and MIL and ask her to either be supportive or keep her mouth shut.

Is there a La Leche League group or a hospital breastfeeding support group near you? Maybe it would be helpful to build a support system since you aren't feeling supported by your family.

Answer 6

I breastfed my son till he was 15 months old. I read alot of things about it being the best to do up to 1 year. I am so glad that my sister in law had a child before me and cleared the way about this with my mother in law. My mother breastfed so she was always supportive.

Answer 7

TELL THEM TO GO TO HELL...he's your baby and he should get breast milk for at least the first 6 months...if not his whole first year. It's none of their business how you choose to raise your child...YOU'RE THE MOMMY NOW...they already had their chance...

I plan on breast feeding on the breast exclusivly for the first three months and then after that I'll have to go back to work so I'll use a pump...but he'll still be getting breast milk. Dont let ANYONE tell you what to do with your baby...it's not their choice...you're doing the right thing for your baby...they can help or they can leave but they have no right to tell you what you should or should not do.

Answer 8

My doctor told me that the more you can breastfeed, the better, you can give him antibodies that he will need to don't get sick.

Idealy, 6 months is the best, but many women think is too much, so breastfeed him for as long as you want, that's nature and you'll build a beautiful and special bond with him....

I have 3 kids and breastfeed them 6 months each, it's more practic, you forget about sterilizing and stuff, and it's cheaper!

Such a perfect thing to breastfeed....enjoy!

Answer 9

It is a lot easier to breastfeed. You don't need to worry about making bottles or having enough formula when you are out and about. I breastfed my daughter until she was 8 months old and had to stop because she was biting me. Don't give a bottle unless you have to if you are comfortable with breastfeeding. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 10

breastmilk is the best thing for our children. easier than bottles because you dont have to get up at night or clean bottles everyday and also, it does not cost a thing. breastmilk is also good for the health of the baby and babies will less likely h=not allerigies when they are grown. Nurse as long as you want. I breastfed my two kids untill they are 18 months old.