2006-10-05 11:21:35 · 20 answers · asked by Juli 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Yes, and it's the greatest thing for baby and me! My third and last is still nursing and I dread the inevitable weening. I read an article some time ago that said that when a baby is nursing, the let down reflex releases some chemicals in the mother that make her feel more maternal and relaxed. Whatever it is, it's a wonderful experience! I know we'll still have cuddle time after she's weened, but I'm really going to miss this special bonding time we share. (sniff)
2006-10-05 16:46:18 · answer #1 · answered by Chocoholic 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With my oldest I was only 17 when I had him and I was not very educated about breast feeding. When I tried and did not get it right away I started giving him bottles and then he didn't want me anymore. So with my other three kids I was determined to get it right and since I have just weaned my last baby I feel like a professional at it. The reason I did it was because of all the positive effects of breast versus bottle feeding. So far one of the effects I see with my oldest son not being breastfeed versus the other three is his weight. He is chunkier than the other three which are average sized kids. As far as IQ, I don't know yet He gets good grades in school but that doesn't mean he has a high IQ.
2006-10-05 11:45:07 · answer #2 · answered by nicky 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. There were just too many positives than negatives to breastfeed rather than formula-feed.
Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies. It's so convenient and inexpensive. I saved so much money not having to buy formula. And I didn't have to worry about food contamination (unless I pumped and bottle-fed but that was very rare).
It's up to you if you want to breastfeed your baby. You are the mother, you get to make the decisions despite what anyone else has to say. But I do suggest that you try breastfeeding first and go into it with the understanding that it IS hard in the beginning and it WILL tire you out, but after you've got the hang of it, you WILL appreciate that you stuck with it because the benefits of breastfeeding your baby are all worth it. Good luck!
2006-10-05 11:54:40 · answer #3 · answered by caliorchid 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I did but not in the traditional sense. Instead of having a child attached to my breast. I pumped three times a day and then mixed that with formula. The technique is called exclusively pumping. That way he got the health benefits of breastfeeding. And daddy got to help with the midnight feedings.
And we just used our old dorm fridge and kept it right in his room with 5-6 bottles premade. That way when we needed one it was right where he was. I wasn't worried about cross contamination with anything else in the fridge. And He got the benefits of both breast and bottle feedings. So find what works for you. No matter what people tell you.
2006-10-05 12:34:36 · answer #4 · answered by kholbee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didnt breast feed my first two. I think I was just too young to appreceiate it. I'm alot older now(36) and had my third (and sadly my last) a month ago. I breast fed her as much as she would take before she'd fall asleep, which was almost immediately. Dispite my best efforts, she just wouldn't stay awake long enough to get enough milk. It kinda breaks my heart that I didn't apprecieate it years ago because now that I want to and absolutely loved it (what little time I was able to) with my last child, I can't. And this is something you don't get a second chance with. I can't discribe the feeling you get when your child latches on for the first time. Overwhelming love!
2006-10-05 13:10:46 · answer #5 · answered by Kathi E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, for six months so far. They say it's best for the baby. It was really tiring at first, but I think after the initial pain and tiredness it's really easy. It seems to be cheaper too. Now that I just started back to work, it's definitely not as easy with all the pumping and getting the bottles together. I do enjoy my time with her when I am nursing though and so far nursing has been very easy for me. My husband is for it and my mom and sister both nursed and can give me advice.
I think I was lucky with my baby. She's been a good sleeper so that makes everything easier.
2006-10-05 14:52:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i did for about 3 months and then i just couldnt do it any more. my baby would not latch on, i had lots of people try to help me to include a lactation nurse and even she couldnt help me. so i strictly pumped milk for my baby. but i could only handle it for so long, it was tough because i would have to wake up with my baby, feed her, get her back to sleep and then pump. i didnt really have any help because my husband had to get up really early in the morning and i am a stay at home mom/student so i did all the night feedings. i was just getting too worn out. if i could have gotten her to latch on i would have kept breast feeding her.
2006-10-05 11:39:57 · answer #7 · answered by krystal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, for 11 months...it's healthier for them. They are less prone to get sick, have ear infections or asthma. There are some studies that say breast feeding stimulates the brain and helps the memory.It is easier, no going to kitchen to make, warm up bottles...no asking for hot water or looking for a way to warm the bottle when out in public.
2006-10-05 12:52:39 · answer #8 · answered by Butta 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't had my baby yet, but I fully intend to. There are so many benefits! All those immunities that get passed on and the lesser chance of developing breast cancer! I have heard that is one of the best ways to lose wieght after the baby too.
2006-10-05 11:54:07 · answer #9 · answered by emmadropit 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! There are WAY too many reasons to breastfeed to not do it! Reduction in breast cancer for mom, reduction in breast cancer for daughters who were breastfed (those were big selling points for me since breast cancer runs in my family), less allergies, less obesity, less illness, etc. etc. etc. Breastmilk is a perfect food and it's actually a living substance (like blood) that changes to meet baby's needs as he/she grows. It's a wonderful, warm and relaxing moment between mother and child. Not to mention that it's FREE!
All three of my children were exclusively breastfed until starting solids at 6 months. They continued to nurse after that until well beyond one year. My oldest weaned at 3 years & 5 mos of age, my middle weaned at about 22 months and my youngest is almost 3 years & 8 mos and still nursing.
Cows milk is for baby cows. Breastmilk is for human babies.
2006-10-05 11:46:24 · answer #10 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋