Breatfeeding?

Question

I know that breastfeeding will give me a stringer bond with my child, but doesn't this mean that the child's father will miss out on the bonding experience gained during bottle feeding?

Answer 1

I have been successfully breastfeeding for almost 8 months now. I pump and we give the occasional bottle and that's primarily Daddy's job. Additionally, I give Daddy dibs on solids, bathing, putting her to bed, reading her her bedtime story, etc. One day of the weekend, I feed her and then get to sleep in while Daddy takes her downstairs to play with her without me around. Neither of us feel that he has missed out on the experience or bonding. She doesn't give a bigger smile than she does when she sees Daddy walk in the door after work. There's a very strong bond there.

Answer 2

Unfortunately dad can't breastfeed, but he can bond with baby in other ways - comforting, bathing, changing, and as baby gets bigger, playing and soothing bumps. You could always think about introducing a bottle for 1 or 2 feeds, either expressed breast milk (start expressing straight away, it can take a while to get the hang of) or formula. I wish someone had suggested this to me, I was determined to breastfeed, and now my 6 1/2 month old doesn't take a bottle, so it is all down to me! This would allow you a break when baby is a little older, and mean that someone else can have little'un for a few hours - heaven! But do seriously consider breastfeeding, its not for everyone but it is best for baby, best for bonding, and best for getting back into your jeans!

Answer 3

I breastfed my daughter for the first 6months then had to stop due to medical reasons. Then my daughter went on the bottle, she is now 2 yrs old and is a definite daddies girl. I think breastfeed has no effect regarding the fathers bond. Different people will have different views but when you think about how much it is pushed that breast is best, there is still a large percentage of people who use the bottle straight away and there children are fine. Make your own decision there isn't a wrong or right answer it's just your choice.

Answer 4

I breastfed my son for 3 months (i wanted to carry on but he wasnt feeding well) I found that this helped our bond and i was giving him the best i could

I did also express milk into bottles and let other feed him once in awhile not only did this give me a break to do anything else i needed to do but it meant that others could bond with him and he was used to a bottle when i had to stop breastfeeding

Ultimately the decision is yours, good luck x

Answer 5

You could always express some milk and store it so that the father can feed baby with a bottle. It will also make life a little easier for you as you won't be solely responsible for all of the feeding (believe me, as lovely as it is at first, it does get tiring)
It also means that when you stop breastfeeding, the baby will be used to taking feeds from a bottle as well.

Good Luck with your baby xx

Answer 6

I've done both and trust me, you and the father will bond regardless. I choose to breastfeed for other reasons. Mostly because I am too lazy and hate making bottles J/K I do it for the health and I.Q. benefits but with my first I let outside influences convince me I shouldn't after 4 months. My last two have been exclusively breastfed and if a bottle gets near their all they do is chew on it. Their dad is just as close with them as the ones he help feed. Let the dad help with diapers and bathing or getting baby dressed. Let him hold the baby and comfort him when he is cranky but not hungry. All will be fine. Good luck!

Answer 7

What we did while I was breatfeeding, my husband would burp and snuggle afterwards and I fed. My husband would also make sure that I had some water to drink and anything else I needed, like the remote, while I was feeding. He sat right there with us while he was able and would also help keep the baby awake

Answer 8

I BF my first daughter but due to medical problems was unable to BF my second daughter.
You do not bond better if your BF thats rubbish, that would be like saying I love my eldest daughter more than my youngest which I definatly do not I love them equally.
However I WOULD recommend BF as it is very beneficial to your child and you.
As for the father then I dont think you have anything to worry about.
Their are plenty of other ways for him to be involved with the baby, maybe he could do the babys bathtime?
My DP just loved to sit and hold our daughters when they were awake and they are both real daddies girls.

Answer 9

Dad can bond with baby other ways.
Massages, baths, dressing, changing, going for walks, simply cuddling with baby to reconnect when he returns from work (my hubby LOVED this), tummy time with toys in the floor, etc. At 6 mos dad can be the first one to give baby a bite of solid foods and can even be made responsible for most of the solid feedings if you want.

Answer 10

When I had my baby i wanted to breast feed so much and i wanted the dad to be apart of that so what i did was i used a breast pump so it helped him to bond with my son as well, it was my first child as well. its a good way of helping the baby and dad bond as well and it is also good for you cuz it means you can have a good rest as well as and when needed!