I don't want to breastfeed. I couldn't even imagine my breasts sagging and seeing some one other than a grown man sucking on them. I also don't think I could handle it. Is is okay--meaning healthy--not to breastfeed?
2006-09-12 07:29:48 · 18 answers · asked by CeCe 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Maybe I should add...I'm just not comforatble with it.
2006-09-12 07:34:50 · update #1
How is it selfish if I do not feel comfortable with breastfeeding?
2006-09-12 07:35:44 · update #2
What ever you'd like to do, although however, I suggest at least giving the baby the colostrum (first milk after baby is born it is the most nutrient filled) if you can stand it, or pump it. Perhaps with this you may even change your mind. Your whole world will change after the baby is here.
Never mind the hateful things others are saying. It is your choice.
2006-09-12 08:08:54 · answer #1 · answered by Laura G 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, you need to do what you need to do, and formula is adequate nutrition for babies who can't get breastmilk, but can I make a few suggestions?
First, research the benefits of breastfeeding. Look at the studies that have been done, and decide for yourself if the advantages of breastfeeding are worth it to you.
Then, try and find some women who have breastfeed, and talk with them about it. Get it firsthand, so to speak. You may find some of them felt like you, but changed their minds.
Once your baby is born, give breastfeeding a try. Sort of a "Don't knock it till you've tried it" thing. Make a plan to do it for at least the first week, and take it one week at a time. That way at least your baby will get the benefits of colostrum, even if you ultimately decide breastfeeding is not for you. But who knows? You might like it!
Remember your breasts will sag due to gravity, whether or not you breastfeed! And if you DO breastfeed, you are less likely to lose your breasts due to breast cancer later on, and if you have a girl, SHE is less likely to get breast cancer if you breastfeed her.
Once you become a mother, things change. You will find out it's not AT ALL the same having a baby nurse from you and having your breasts used during sexual play. Breastfeeding is a great experience, and releases calming relaxing hormones that make you feel good, not sexual though!
So, my answer is: don't make the final decision based on what you feel like right now. Things change once the baby is born, keep an open mind!
If you end up going to formula, your baby will grow fine on that, but you'll know you tried breastfeeding, and didn't just give up on it without giving it a chance.
2006-09-12 14:51:21 · answer #2 · answered by Kathryn A 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Not breastfeeding is not going to keep your breasts from changing. Your breasts will change during your pregnancy to prepare for lacation, even if you don't intent to nurse. And you'll go through post-partum engorgement even if you never put your child to the breast. Those are the things that will cause your breasts to change, not breastfeeding. So even if your child never tastes a drop of milk....your breasts will be more saggy after you have your baby.
Formula is considered an acceptable substitute for breastmilk. It's man's best imitation of the perfection of nature. Babies can live on formula.
It is NOT anywhere near as healthy as breastfeeding though. Breastmilk is custom made for YOUR baby at his specific stage of development. It is a LIVE substance like blood or plasma. It changes to fit his needs. It contains antibodies to anything he has been exposed to. It will help boost his immune system so he will get sick less often.
It won't feel sexual at all. It's very different than a man playing with your breasts. Breastfeeding feels very relaxing thanks to the hormones involved.
You could also consider pumping your milk and putting it into bottles for your child. Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are lost by not directly nursing (for example, the dental benefits since the child would be getting it from a bottle) but it's still healthier than formula.
Why not do some reading and research and learn a little more about it before you make your decision? Maybe talk to some nursing mothers and see if any of them felt like you prior to becoming nursing moms.
I'd strongly encourage you to at least TRY it. (I mean really...didn't you think the same thing about sex when you first heard about it? That it seemed weird or gross and you'd never want to do THAT with a guy?)
At least commit to nursing your baby for the first couple of days so that he will get the colostrum which is like his first immunization. Say just for the time you are in the hospital or just until baby's first post-partum checkup. Or commit to two weeks before you make a decision. If you could make it past 6 weeks, you'd be past the most difficult part of nursing. Set small goals for yourself and see if you want to continue. Or just take it day by day.
2006-09-12 14:57:44 · answer #3 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Truth #1: There are SO many benefits to both mother and child from breastfeeding. You should educate yourself on those prior to making any decisions.
Truth #2: It's YOUR body and YOUR baby. You have to do what's right for you. Don't let anyone tell you you're not being a good mom for choosing not to breast feed.
The fact is that breastmilk is the absolute best thing you can give your baby, but formula is the next best thing. Breastfeeding is a wonderful and bonding experience, plus it helps mom lose weight really quickly after giving birth. Babies who are breastfed have a higher IQ, lower incidence of obesity, and a number of other things.
HOWEVER, if you aren't comfortable with it for one reason or another, it won't work anyway. I will tell you as a mother of two (both breasfed) that it's not weird or gross and that your breasts don't necessarily end up sagging. (Mine are very perky still and I'm now 31 years old).
Overall, though, you must do what's right for you and for your baby. Do your research, talk to people, read all you can on the subject and then make an educated decision. Above all, you gotta love that baby. That's THE most important thing.
Good luck to you sweetie. Congrats on your bundle of joy! You'll find that he or she will be the love of your life.
2006-09-12 14:45:30 · answer #4 · answered by pisceanwillow 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
How far along are you?
There are plenty of women who choose not to breastfeed and their babies are just fine. I could encourage you to just try it out and if you still feel uncomfortable with it then by all means do formula. I breastfed for 6 weeks and after that I was getting aggrivated because I didnt have time for myself I was always feeding my daughter and I finally threw my hands up with it because she was nursing for an hour and a half at a time every hour and a half so there wasnt much time inbetween feedings and come to find out she wasnt getting enough milk thats why she was eating all the time.
I hope you would at least try it out because it is healthier for the baby and yourself.
The reason why I asked how far along you were is because as you get closer to D day your mind could change.
As a last resort for breastfeeding you could try pumping and giving your infant breastmilk from a bottle.
2006-09-12 17:45:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Formula has come a long way over the years. These people on here are making it sound like you are abusing your baby. I just want to say that I breastfeed my kids because that was the right decision for me. Do NOT feel bad about your decision. Do not let people guilt you into changing your decision. You don't ever want to feel resentment toward your baby and that is what could happen. Just because people breastfeed...that doesn't make them saints.
2006-09-13 00:44:22 · answer #6 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is not healthy to chose last resort food for your child just because you don't feel comfortable with it. Breast is best formula as the only other option comes last.
It doesn't take much to figure out who breasts were actually intended for. Breastfeeding doesn't make your breasts sag, pregnancy does that. They swell and they sag, you dont want saggy breasts, don't have kids. And besides yourself and your husband, who the hell else sees your breasts anyway? Wear a bra and get over it!
2006-09-12 16:14:47 · answer #7 · answered by mama mia! 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wow I was 18 when I chose to have my daughter I breastfed her for 9 wonderful months, She was never sick, never had one health problem, no colic, No ear infections nothing we also have a very close bond and she Has a very High IQ, which is now prov-en to be a factor of breastfeeding. It seems very selfish to me that you are worried about sagging boobs compared to a babies health. I also breastfed My other 2 children My breasts are not saggy at all in fact they are better than ever, and its a great feeling to know you are doing what is right for your child unselfishly. All of my children are healthy and not skinny sick babies because I cared enough to do what was best for them. There is nothing gross about it, really whats gross if feeding your baby chemicals that are man made, that clearly do not give our children what they need to be as healthy as they can be with breast milk. I would never in a million years give a child Formula, This is a million dollar Idea that is making our children sick, and making Formula companies rich. Please reconsider your choice to breastfeed your child you will not regret it if you do. your bond with them will be stronger and your child healthier. Please email me if you have anymore questions I am an expert on this subject! Sincerely mother of three Breastfed babies.
2006-09-12 15:01:34 · answer #8 · answered by Flagstaff mama 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Pregnancy and heredity makes breasts sag breastfeeding does not cause that.You were not given breasts for "grown men to suck on" they were given to you to feed your child.If your asking if feeding formula ok than yes it will keep your child alive and help it grow but its healthy to breastfeed for both baby and mom,formula will NEVER be as good as breastmilk.The world health organisation gives this list of whats best for a human infant to consume listed from what is best to last resort. 1.Breastfeeding from mother. 2.Expressed milk from mother. 3. Donated breastmilk from milkbank.4.formula. This is not a choice between Coke or Pepsi,formula and breastmilk are not equal substances and formula should always be a last resort.
2006-09-12 17:22:05 · answer #9 · answered by alecnaaron 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its up to you huh. But just so you know, its a myth that breastfeeding will make your breasts sag. My boobies look exactly the same and I breast fed. Just keep in mind that babys all through the 40's and 50's were bottle fed.
2006-09-12 16:27:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋