To breast feed or not to breast feed?

Question

I am 22.5 weeks pregnant and have been tossing around this question since I first found out I was pregnant. You see, my bf and I were BOTH allergic to breast milk! I told my Dr this and he said it is my choice. He says there is a better chance the baby could be allergic as well but there is no evidence of this being hereditary. I have been researching all the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk really is the BEST thing for a newborn. My dilema is I was VERY allergic (I almost didn't make it)! I know I would just die if I decided to breast feed and then poof my baby is gone! My bf really wants me to breastfeed because of all of the benefits. Money isn't an issue for us and I know that formulas now have DHA and ARA but is that enough? I feel like I am depriving my child if I don't and possibly sentencing them to sickness or death if I do. What would you do?

I realize that it is rare but yes you CAN be allergic to breastmilk, and it has nothing to do with the mother's diet. My bf was allergic to pretty much everything and I was only allergic to breastmilk and every formula except soy.
I may have given the wrong impression about my bf wanting me to breastfeed. He doesn't want to harm the baby he just thinks we should at least try. He figures since we were both fine, even if our daughter is allergic everything will be fine. He isn't pressuring me or anything that is just his opinion.

Answer 1

Whether you breastfeed or not is totally up to you. I did not breastfeed my daughter and she was healthy, her and I bonded so well you would think we were joined at the hip. Bonding doesn't take place at the TEAT, it takes place in the HEART. It has also been proven that if a mother is uncomfortable breastfeeding and does so the child will pick up on the "vibes" and this will hinder the bonding process. You are NOT depriving your child of anything. Formula/bottle feed your little one if you want, you can still hold a baby, cuddle a baby, coo to a baby and NURTURE a baby when you bottle feed, one doesn't need a boob in order to love a baby. Just ask any woman who lost a breast to cancer before she got pregnant.

Answer 2

It's great that you guys are thinking of breastfeeding your baby because there is nothing else like mother's milk. Even the best formula out there doesn't come close to the benefits of mom's milk. However, you have to think hard about the decision that you make. Me personally, if I am so determined, I would do a small test to find out if my baby shows any sign at all, if he does then I would stop right away. I don't think a small amount would cause any harm to your baby even if let's say he is in fact allergic to it, but it is really your call. You would have to discuss with your doctor about doing the test first though if you decided to try it out. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you want to try breastfeeding, then try it. In the hospital, tell your nurse about both your allergies and have her standing there as you feed for the first time. Both of you watch that baby like a hawk. If anything happens, she can run the baby to get help alot faster than you could, postpartum. Everything may be fine, but nothing wrong with being too careful. I loved breastfeeding my kids and found it easier because their was nothing to heat or mix. And you are right, those first few days of nutrients are very good for a newborn. So if you want to try, just have someone close that can help in an emergency.

Answer 4

I was allergic to breast milk and everything else at the time (my mom tried breastmilk, all formulas available in 1984, goat's milk, cow's milk) from about 4 months up I was on broths and that was the only thing I could have.

I breastfeed my son and he was fine.

I would say try it out to see if he is allergic while in the hospital and if he shows any signs at that point or not and watch him very closely.

Answer 5

If you are even a little worried your child could die do not do it you would never forgive yourself and your boyfriend needs to understand that. Breastmilk is best but there is a new study out that says breastmilk does not make your child smarter as they once thought. Its good for the immune system but the truth is someone just cant breastfeed whether its because of allergies or the woman not being able to produce enough milk to satisfy the baby (which is what happened to me) My son is on formula and he is doing great. Growing at an excellent rate, hes very advanced for his age as well. Hes 3 months old and can do some of the things that 5 and 6 month olds are doing. There are benefits to formula as well. Feeding in public is easier. They dont seems toneed to eat as much with formula. Which means they sleep better at night. When they poop it isnt as runny as it would be with breat milk which means easier clean up for you. Do what you feel in your heart. Your boyfriend may not like it but you have to do what you feel is best for your baby. Follow your mommy instinct. Good luck to you and your baby!

Answer 6

You aren't allergic to breastmilk, it is something in the breastmilk that made you sick. It's like saying you are allergic to lasagna... you aren't allergic to the whole thing, just maybe the cheese (dairy) or the pasta (wheat).

It sounds like you know in your gut that you should breastfeed. If you and your bf are prone to allergies, breastfeeding your baby will help her NOT have allergies.

I'm really glad you are considering your options and not just jumping on the formula bandwagon. I would question your doctor- read the article listed in the source and give breastfeeding a shot.

Answer 7

How about a trial? You can try the baby a little bit at a time and see how they react. Plus remember, the first time you breastfeed you're still at the hospital, so there will be someone there in case the baby has a reaction.

You could always go like half and half, half breastmilk half formula (I've never heard of such a mixture but I guess it could work, right?)

Answer 8

You should definitely follow your doctors advise. You might want to just plan to try to breastfeed for the first week and see how it goes from there. The first few days will just be colostrum and that is very healthy for the baby. But should you decide that breastfeeding isn't worth the risk, then there is nothing wrong with that. Don't beat yourself up for it and don't allow anyone to make you feel guilty. You just do what you feel is best for your baby.

Answer 9

I nursed my first three children until they were at least a year old. My first was two. I just had my fourth baby and he is on formula because there were problems with him latching on and he lost 10% if his birthweight. Once I was over the guilt of not breastfeeding him, I began to realize the freedom I had. Plus he goes longer between feedings.
The other important note is that my first born is allergic to just about everything under the sun and is asthmatic although I did everything as "natural" as possible.

Answer 10

I'm sure the doctors can figure out a way to test if he/she is allergic or not, and I'm almost positive your child is not going to die from having a small amount of breastmilk to test whether or not they are allergic. Just talk to your doctor about it. I've never heard of anyone being allergic to breastmilk, but I'm sure your doctor has and can help better than anyone on the internet. God bless and congrats on the baby :-)