I just found out I was pregnant! Should I breastfeed?

Question

I know this is a controversial subject and I know the benefits of breastfeeding. I didnt breastfeed my son who is now a very healthy and smart 3 yr. old. I'm very shy and would not be comfortable breastfeeding in public or even in front of anyone except my husband and mom and sister. But should I still try? And how can I be polite and not breastfeed in front of people who come to visit when the babys first born?

Answer 1

This is a great question. Yes, if you are able to, you should breastfeed you child, even if it's only once a day and you supplement with formula. There's a strong bond that you will form with your baby as well as all the health benefits of breastfeeding. As far as being shy: I was the same exact way. I would just go in my room and take the baby, even if there was company! They need to understand that you and the baby come first - they can wait and talk to your huband and visit with him or your mother while they wait.

When my 1st wa born, my daughter was having trouble latching on, and I kept getting very frustrated. When she finally did latch on for teh first time, it was just a few seconds before my husband's grandparents showed up at the hospital to see the baby. I was about to take the baby off my breast when my mom said, "No, you keep feeding her" and she went outside and kindly told his grandparents that I was breastfeeding the baby and they would have to wait. They were very understanding, and waited until the baby was done.

My mom was very nice when she told them to wait, but I also know that she would have yelled if she had to, even at his grandparents, if they had been rude or insisted that I stop feeding the baby so they could visit.

If your mom will be around, or your sister, or even your husband, then talk to them before you have the baby, and ask them if at least one of them will take on this role, and make sure that people understand when it's time for you to breastfeed, you will need to go and take the baby, and they can either leave, or stay and visit and chat until you're done.

My mom was a big help with this, and I was very appreciative, especially because I'm always worrying about making people mad, so my mom was doing the "dirty work" and I would just do what needed to be done.

Also, places are getting much better as far as having a place to breastfeed. Most malls now have a "feeding room" which is basically like a bathroom stall or a little room near the restrooms, but instead of a toilet, there is a rocking chair, and maybe a table, so that you can sit and breastfeed your child with privacy.

If you are producing milk, and you're still wanting to give your baby breastmilk, but you're too nervous about breastfeeding, there's also the option of renting or buying a breast pump. They really work, and you can give your child the health benefits of breastmilk, without the nervousness of breastfeed.
In my opinion, though, People should get over themselves when they see a woman breastfeeding. It's one of the best, most natural things you can do for your child, and paople have put such a negative twist on it, that people are afraid to breastfeed their kids.
Congratulations, and Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I hope this helped a little.

Answer 2

I think that you should give breastfeeding your new baby a try. There is nothing else that can duplicate the health benefits for you and baby. You will have a unique bonding experience also. Just because you choose to share your breasts with your new baby doesn't mean that you must share them with the world. When people come to visit you can just say please excuse us while we feed. I will be back in about 15 minutes but please make yourself comfortable while you wait. The ones who really want to visit mom and baby will do exactly that. Good luck to both of you.

Answer 3

Breastfeed if you feel comfortable doing so. You dont have to do it in front of anyone. In fact I think most people would give you the privacy you asked for during that time. Just go to another room when you are breastfeeding your child and you have company. All you have to say is "Excuse me for a moment, its feeding time". They will completely understand.

Answer 4

you will get over it quick. i was the sme way. If there are visitors exuce yourself and tell them you are going to your bed room to breastfeed the baby if your insecure about breastfeeding in public then partice at home and get he baby used to being fed with a blanket bc that was an issu with my son as he got older. Its something natural and beaiful and honestly you really wouldnt catch a mom breastfeeding in public unless your staring. I was at the park on monday with my two kids and I seen a baby maybe 1 wiggling its feet and I looked and realized the mom was breastfeeding the child and nothing was exposed and she had no blanket covering the baby

Answer 5

I definitely think you should give it a try. If you are uncomfortable breastfeeding, try getting a good pump. When my sons were born I pumped and built a surplus. This made it easy to give them a bottle with your breastmilk. Also dad can give them a bottle so mom can take a break. The immune system of your baby will be so much stronger because of the antibodies in your milk. Good Luck!

Answer 6

No, you should not attempt to breast feed now; wait until the baby is born. Also, if you want to be polite when breast feeding after the baby is born, then offer the baby one nipple and your visitor the other! You will be teaching the little one a valuable lesson about sharing!

All kidding aside, it is easy to excuse oneself for privacy when breast feeding your infant. But if I have learned one thing in all of my hospital experience, it is this: If you lose your modesty, you will keep your dignity. But if you try to keep your modesty, you will lose your dignity and your modesty as well So, flob that big titty out there and let baby nurse away while you keep up your end of the conversation!

Answer 7

When my wife breast fed our children she would do so in public, but she carefully laid a blanket over the shoulder and across the baby shielding both the baby and the activity from view. It's considered less 'daring' now than it once was, so as long as you are comfortable, anyone who is NOT comfortable can avert their eyes or leave the room. You're doing this for the baby, not them.

Answer 8

I was unsure too. However, when my son was born six months ago, I knew I would try anything for him. I tried it for a few weeks and then I figured that it wasn't for us. He did not appeal to it as everyone described and I was a little uncomfortable myself but the best result is that I tried and I will never be left wondering what it would have been like. To my surprise, people actually see it as a natural thing and no one really pays attention.

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is a big plus. You don't have to do it in public, at least I never did. I think that's something that is private. I always pumped when we were going out somewhere so he would have his bottles. Breastfeeding even helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight faster!

Answer 10

Now in days you really don't need to breast feed. However, if this is something you want to do then go ahead. Don't let anyone guilt you into doing so. I have a friend who feeds her daughter breast milk but never puts her to her breast. This way she doesn't need to worry about having privacy to breast feed because she pumps. Another good thing about pumping instead of directly breast feeding is you are not tied down by this growing child attached to you. You can take a break when you need to, go to the store and shop for a while or something. It's important to take time for yourself after having a baby and not having to plan this in advance is great , just say 'honey I need a break and go'. All you need to do is invest in a good electric breast pump.