My fiance doesn't want me to breastfeed past 6 months!?

Question

I think breastfeeding is very important! My mother breastfed me until I was three and I think he thinks I want to do that, I don't! I have done research on it and found that it is reccomended to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months and continue with other solids at least for the first year and to continue thereafter until both myself and my baby decide to stop. I want to go from the breast to the sippy cup omitting the bottle completely. HOW CAN I EXPLAIN TO HIM HOW IMPORTANT BREASTFEEDING TRUELY IS? He also is dead set against me breastfeeding in public.... "it's wrong". I completely disagree.........H-E-L-P!!

Answer 1

Last time I checked, they were YOUR boobs!

Sit him down and explain this all to him. He probably is making these decisions without even knowing everything there is to know about breastfeeding.

Tell him all the benefits, what your plan is when it comes to breastfeeding (how long and all that), and why you feel this is right for your child.

As for the breastfeeding in public, why don't you ask him how he would like it if he had to "hide" while he ate? Ask him if he thinks his child has the right to eat in public like everyone else.

Answer 2

Breast is best for your baby and you.
Let him read up on the subject, I think he will change is mind when he sees the benefits for the baby.
Also, it is cheaper than formula. If he's worried about being left out, you can always pump off some breast milk and put it in a bottle.
Ultimately, this is your decision, your body and your baby.
Tell it will help with getting your figure back.
A baby feeding from his Mother's breast is the most natural thing. If you don't mind and of course the baby won't mind being feed in public, what is to him?
I loved the fact that it didn't matter where I was, I had food my baby, the right amount at the right temperature. When in public you can cover up with a blanket, go the washroom, the car, etc..
He will like the fact that when the baby starts crying and you are both in public place and nowhere to heat a bottle that you have all the equipment you will need.
When the baby comes, he may change his mind.

http://www.breastfeeding.com/

http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancybirth/breastfeeding/archive.jsp

Answer 3

Congratulation on your newborn. I think that it is great that you are breastfeeding. Don't let the stress of the disagreement mess up the wonderful bonding and healthy start you are giving your baby. Many men feel that there is an interruption in the intimacy and sexual fulfillment they will receive if you nurse past 6 months. They are not even always aware of their reasons. Enjoy the next six months with your baby and the father. In six months, you may find that the baby will have teeth and breast feeding is difficult, or you may go to work, or your fiance will have a better understanding of your point. 6 months is a great start. Marriage will be all about negotiating for each partners needs. Be open and ask him to be open. Be sensitive to his feelings and let him know you hear him and consider his feelings. No decision needs to be made today, except the decision for both of you to to be open and flexible at the end of the first six months. Then, take it one day at a time. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I think it is completely up to you what you do to YOUR body! I've been breastfeeding now for 6.5 months, and don't plan on stopping until my son is at least 1 year old...after that, I'm not sure. And breastfeeding in public is very easy (once you and the baby gets the hang of it). I've even breastfed in a Catholic church, and no one even knew! Have you had the baby yet?? If not, then take the breastfeeding basics course at the hospital you plan to deliver at...and take your fiance. My husband went with me and he was actually glad to go...and he was a huge help in those 1st few days!! Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Breast feeding is the best source of nutrition for his baby. Its good for both mother and baby.
Why is he worried about you breastfeeding in public? You can do it very discreetly without people noticing what you are doing and heaps of places now don't mind if you do it. Take a blanket of sheet and that will preserve your modesty if you prefer
Bottle feeding is a complete faff. If he wants to do all the sterilizing malarkey and pay for the formula then let him.
Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. It provides antibodies, so its likely baby will suffer less colds, infections etc. You have to do what is right for you and your baby and breastfeeding is the optimum choice provided you get the support of your partner. He seems to have other concerns.

Answer 6

Both of my kids did very well on breastmilk. And I think it's interesting that my firstborn got continuous, difficult-to-manage ear infections within weeks of being weaned from the breast. And, because of the ear infections, he developed a life-long allergy to penecillin.

Your fiance has some issues with your breasts and sexuality, and doesn't seem to want to see your breasts as functional. He's putting his desires before the interests of the child. I would think long and hard about making a pernanent attachment to this person - there will be many times in parenting where the adult's needs and desires are second to the needs of the children. When there is an actual child involved, it is time for the adult children to GROW UP! If he can't do it, maybe now is the time to recognize it, and cut your losses. Hard words, I know.

Answer 7

You are absolutely right and you should breastfeed. It is best for the baby and you want to do it. Besides I think you have a closer bond if you do. As far as you breastfeeding in public your boyfriend somehow is only thinking of the breasts as sexual. They are meant to nourish your baby. Try compromising and telling him you will be discreet in public. Maybe, cover your breast with a receiving blanket. I definitely wouldn't compromise breastfeeding all together.Your baby will be healthier and that is what is important. Good luck.

Answer 8

Why are you giving the cereal in a bottle, does your infant have reflux? If no longer, you shouldn't be giving cereal interior the bottles in any respect. Cereal ought to receive from a spoon purely. At 6 months, i'd say 2 feedings of cereal an afternoon will be adequate. At 6 months, my son become eating about 4-5 6 oz..bottles an afternoon. i do not understand the precise volume you should be feeding your infant an afternoon, yet i'd say no more suitable than 30 oz..an afternoon finished.

Answer 9

It has been well documented that breast feeding babies is beneficial in so many ways that it should not even be a matter for discussion. Just for the single fact that babies get a stronger immune system is reason enough. As mentioned already, it is your body and your choice.

My guess is, because I'm a guy, that your fiancé is more concerned about how your breast will look once you are done feeding your baby, rather than the babe's health. I find this attitude quite selfish. Isn't he proud to be a father? Doesn't he wants his kid to have the best health possible?

Give him a good whack behind the head for me will ya? ;)

Answer 10

its youre body and youre decision not his breastfeed till youre ready to stop most babies can go to a sippy cup a lil les than 12 months, just explain to him youre decision and tell him right out breastfeeding is important it helps and supplies antibodies to youre baby to ward of sickness and infection and diseses tell him that if he dosent want a chance of the baby going through something bad hell respect youre decision. as for breastfeeding in public its not wrong but compromise you can get a breastpump and pump into bottles for when you go out theres nothing wrong with a bottle maybe hell agree to that. good luck and let me know how it turns out lotsa luck dee