Did/Do you Breastfeed? Why or why not?

Answer 1

I did and think it is great! I had a hard time at first and wanted to quit and I would have if it was not for my husbands support

Answer 2

I breastfed my oldest daughter for 2 weeks then the source went dry.. After consulting my Dr. and the local Le Leche League (breastfeeding support and counseling group ) and 3 days of constant crying for both my daughter and me, I switched to bottles and formula... Nothing that my Dr. or the LLL suggested worked and I was at my wits end..

WIth my youngest I breastfed for a few days (2-4) ending up with the same problems of the source drying up and switched to bottles and formula.... I did switch more quickly with the youngest not waiting the torturous 3 days because I had been down that road before and knew how upsetting it was and didn't want to travel it again...

With my middle child I attempted to pump for a few days without much success and coupled with the stress of having him in neonatal ICU etc. I decided I wasn't going to add to the stress in a seemingly futile attempt to create breastmilk that just wasn't there...

Each woman is different my older sister had enough milk to feed a small army... While I never did... My grandmother was completely unable to breastfeed as was my mother (thier milk never came in)... Maybe it's a family trait that skipped my older sister, we will probably never know...

All three of my children did wonderfully on formula... All thrived very well and none exhibited more sickness (colds etc.) than thier cousins who are all the same ages and were breastfed....

While I enjoyed the very short time I breastfed my oldest and youngest.. I don't feel I lost anything by switching to the bottle I bonded with each of my children even if they were not dependant on me for every meal...

Answer 3

My children are 27, 25, 22, and 9. I breast fed all of them at least for a little while. I felt that it was best for my babies. While commercially prepared formula is perfectly suitable to meet an infant's nutritional needs, breast milk is unique to meet the needs of each baby. I loved the closeness and the bonding of nursing. It was a special time between just me and my baby and I cherish those memories. I found breast feeding very convenient. No mixing, no warming, no extra expense, no risk of spoilage. I also liked that breast feeding burned more calories and helped get my weight back under control after birth. I was a stay-at-home mom with my youngest 2 and was able to nurse them until 11 months and 14 months respectively when both weaned themselves to a cup.

Answer 4

I did with my first and intend to with this one as well. I just went in with the intentions of trying to do all I could to keep my baby healthy and for me it worked. My daughter is 21/2 and even with all the germs from daycare, she has really never been sick. She's had a fever once after getting her shots and had minor runny noses during the winter,but never had a bout of the flu or vomitting---nothing. On a side note, I also thought about the savings from not having to buy formula (yikes!) and I had also heard from others who didn't breastfeed how much their boobs hurt after birth when milk came in but had to dry out. I fed my daughter fulltime breastmilk (obviously pumping when I went back to work) until she started getting cereal at 6 mo, but she never had formula. She weened to cow's milk during the day at a little over a year, and then was totally weened from breast milk at 16 months. I will be honest and not try to preach, but it was a great experience for my family and I intend to feed my baby that's due in March as well. Do your research, find out what you think is going to be best for your baby and for you, and don't let others sway you one way or another.

Answer 5

I did breastfeed. It was never a question. I just knew that I would. I was not breastfed, but breastfeeding is so beneficial to both baby and mother. And it was so very relaxing. It took several weeks before I quit falling asleep while nursing my son. I had to maks sure I was propped up and had my arms propped as well. That hormone release was just so wonderful and relaxing.

Answer 6

Yes I did. There are already a lot of good points that I agree with. The greatest part was the bonding that went with it. There is not much more you can do to compare to the special bond you experience when you nurse long enough. Though I have to warn you , you need to get your nipples ready.Every day when you take your shower rub you towel against them extra. That way they can toughen up a bit in advance. My first baby no one told me about this and Iexperienced a lot of pain. (BUT I HUNG IN THERE) On my second baby I prepared my nipples in advance so that they were ready. anyway dont give up because the reward is greater than the pain. My daughter had a problem with inverted nipples as well as not enough milk. But when they started telling her to give up because of it I found her another specialist to help her and with our help and her not giving up she finally starting to produce.Another thing that noone said any thing about was that it helps you loose your weight gain! Not only that but you can eat without guilt. Dont fall into the modern belief of timing how often you feed your baby. Just use the old fashioned on demand routine. Especially at night! THAT info about not having to worry about bottles and warming ect... is true . Theres always a place in a corner with a blanket over your shoulder availabe in public. And dont listen to the negative talk about its dirty ect..God mad e our breasts for the baby . Enjoy this time while you can. Because you cant change your mind later. Another thing is if you can try to nurse at least for a year. I read later after my babies were older that the international organization for breast feeding suggests until the age of 3. So remember dont let anyone pressure you with belifs . Just do wants best for you and keep looking for more info. Another thing be sure to buy a nipple shield ahead of time. This way if your nipple does get sore your put this over it and the baby sucks the milk right through it . I relieves the rawness temporarily. GOD BLESS BOTH YOU AND YOUR BABY!

Answer 7

Yes i did, and i knew my child was getting the best nutrition, because i was also eating healthy...there is no other milk that is better for your child i think, than breast milk...i tell you true, the bond that you get from breast feeding your baby is just the best thing in the world, and it also helps to build your baby's immune system, and make it stronger too, the only hiccup is when you are in public places and you need to feed your baby...but most places like big shopping centres will have a mother and baby rest room which is really useful, so they seem to be getting much better with these facilities.

Answer 8

I have breastfed two boys, one for 2 1/2 yrs and the other for now 5 months (he's 5 months old). It is the absolute best possible thing you can do for your child. You eat right when you're pregnant to nourish your baby, and you breastfeed after their born to nourish your baby. Your body's responsibility for your child doesn't stop at birth. There are so many benefits to your baby that's it's just too numerous to name here. You also get benefits, you sleep deeper when breastfeeding to make up for sleep deprivation, you lose weight faster typically, your chances of breast cancer are reduced by 50%, your chances of osteoperosis are reduced, you assimilate nutrients more efficiently when breastfeeding (like calcium).

Some myths that keep mothers from breatfeeding are:

Your boobs will get saggy...Your boobs get saggy because of the hormone relaxin made during your pregnancy which stays in your body for about 9 months after the birth, not because of breastfeeding.

It hurts...it only hurts during the few few days up to a week or so. If it hurts after that or it hurts really badly in the beginning then it's probably because of an improper latch. Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt!

Formula feeding is easier...No it isn't, breastmilk comes prepackaged, pre-mixed, perfect temperature, no clean up and it's always available. And it's FREE!

I want my husband/family to be able to feed the baby...that's your job, just like pregnancy was your job. There are other ways for them to bond with the baby, or you can pump breastmilk and have them give it in a bottle if it's so important.

My milk supply could dry up... 99% of women can breastfeed successfully. If you're drinking plenty of water, and eating enough calories and nursing often then your milk supply will be fine and your baby will grow well.

There are lot's of reasons to breastfeed and only a few valid ones as to why you shouldn't (medical reasons like a metabolic disorder in your baby for example). You will be happy that you did!

Answer 9

nothing is better than looking at the face of your baby as you nourish her, knowing your giving her the best on earth (as long as mom's doing her best to stay away from no no's and keep healthy) and all the antibodies breast milk contains. breast milk changes with every feeding and age of baby to give baby exactly what it needs, unlike formula. its FREE, its always available (if mom's around or has pumped) it's always warm and is close to MOM! It slows mom down during crazy days and requires skin to skin contact which comforts baby and releases hormones that comfort mom too! Nighttime feedings are easy, nothing to warm up or mix, just lift and serve! Baby spits up less, has less allergies and tummy troubles and did I mention its FREE! Breast feeding has also been linked to a lesser chance of breast cancer and helps mom loose the baby fat. OH, and it's free! Much more, little time, baby hungry!

Answer 10

Yes. I breastfeed all my children, it was easier, cheaper and better for the immune systems. They were never sick until I stopped breast feeding. I even fed twins! I pumped for one for 10 months because she is fed via a feeding tube in her tummy

Answer 11

yes...i breastfed my daughter for the first 6 months (until she got teeth) and it was convienient because it was always ready. also formula can get expensive, so breastfeeding was cheaper. i've been told breastfed babies are healthier as well. my daughter is 7 months old and hasn't even had a simple cold...i'm not sure if that is due to breast milk, but her doctor said it did play a role in protecting her from illness.