breast or bottle feed?

Question

I bottle fed my 1st child and breastfed my second (it was not a pleasant experience)..I pumped my milk and breastfed my son,ever since birth he had a hard time latching on,my milk supply was out of whack but i did everything right...Now with this one im contemplating on breast or bottle feeding..i really wanna bottlefeed again. Did u or are u breastfeeding or bottle and which one is more comfortable for you?

Answer 1

It is not an issue of comfort. Look at the facts.
ADVANTAGES to Breastfeeding
* more babies die from respiratory infections and diarrhea who are bottle-fed than who are breastfed
* breastfed babies have a decreased likelihood for allergies and dental caries (cavities)
* people who are breastfed may experience less trips to doctors and dentists
* for mothers: reduced rates of various cancers
* for mothers: prevent postpartum hemorrhage and promote uterine involution (the return to a nonpregnant state)
* nonbreastfeeding mothers lose less weight and don't keep it off as well as breastfeeding mothers
* As long as a mother breastfeeds without substituting formula, foods, or pacifiers for feedings at the breast, the return of her menstrual periods is delayed
* you can feed your baby even during stressful times such as when normal supplies of food and water are not available (Hurricane Katrina?)
* no bottles to mix or warm (or clean!)
* Breastmilk does not stain clothing like formula can
* The stools of breastfed babies do not smell until solid foods are introduced (can't say the same for bottle-fed babies!)
* Breastfed babies are healthier babies
* breastfeeding mothers who are employed outside the home are likely to miss fewer days of work
* human milk is delivered without excess packaging or processing and thus contributes to the health of our planet
* helps with the child's ability to mature
* breastfeeding provides nutrition, comfort, security, for a way to calm down and for reassurance
*closeness and availability of the mother through breastfeeding is one of the best ways to help toddlers grow emotionally
* Breastfeeding helps a toddler feel good about himself, because his needs are being met
* milk provides immunities and vitamins, and can help protect your baby from illness and allergies
* current studies show that after weaning their children, breastfeeding mothers' bone density returns to prepregnancy or even higher levels
* NON-breastfeeding mothers have been shown in numerous studies to have a higher risk of reproductive cancers
* women who do not breastfeed have a higher risk of hip fractures after menopause
* Breastfeeding has been shown to be protective against many illnesses, including painful ear infections, upper and lower respiratory ailments, allergies, intestinal disorders, colds, viruses, staph, strep and e coli infections, diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, many childhood cancers, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, salmonella, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS) as well as lifetime protection from Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, some lymphomas, insulin dependent diabetes, and for girls, breast and ovarian cancer.
* baby's immune system develops more rapidly than does baby who is fed formula
* if baby does become sick, the illness is generally less severe and lengthy than if he were bottle-fed
* breastfeeding relieves pain and stress for baby
* bonding between mother and baby- this creates foundations for a healthy relationship well into adulthood
**The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends that "Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.." ** The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies be breastfed for at least two years.

DISADVANTAGES of Breastfeeding
* restricted diet-there are some foods that you do not want passing to your baby
* restricted medications- same as above. However, there is an herbal/natural remedy for just about every illness you may get (those can be used while breastfeeding)
* discomfort for mother
****Milk Supply: One misconception is that there are a lot of cases where women have such a low amount of milk that they can not breastfeed. The truth is, the instances where it is really impossible to breast feed are few and far between. Our diet has a lot to do with milk production or the lack thereof. And there is work to be done if we have created a situation that is not conducive to good milk production. These natural sources help increase milk supply.
Red Raspberry Tea (delicious and good for overall women's health)
Brewer's Yeast- 3-4 tablets daily (may cause gas at first)
Concentrated Alfalfa-3-4 capsules daily (available at Walmart)
Marshmallow Tea-drink warm as often as desired, or 2 capsules 3 or 4 times daily.
Blessed Thistle Tea
NOTE: SAGE and PARSLEY dry up milk if taken in therapeutic doses.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I have two daughters.
Daughter one nursed until 16 months old (now 3 yrs old)
Daughter two is still nursing (15 months old)

**Compare your two children. Is the breastfed baby healthier than the other?

If I can advise you in any way, please EMAIL ME.

Answer 2

As the previous posters have mentioned breastfeeding is the best for your baby. However, there have been generations that have been botle-fed and with no apparent problems.

Do remember that each child is different and this baby may not have the troubles breastfeeding that your other one had. I am palnning on breastfeeding this one, but I am not expecting it to be as easy as my last one. I had never breastfed before and she took to it like she was a natural. I never had ANY of the soreness, latching on problems or anything. I can't get so lucky a second time around. LOL

There is no harm in bottle-feeding. Maybe you can try a bit of breastfeeding to see if this time is better, but you do whichever is best for you and your baby.

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 3

I'm assuming that you already know the health benefits of breastfeeding over bottle feeding. Other answers have mentioned that.

In my experience, breastfeeding was tricky at first, but it is so much easier than bottle feeding for me. I had to bottle feed my son during several supply problems and a pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. I much prefer breastfeeding.

I'm also very comfortable breastfeeding in public, which, to me, is a big plus if you're planning on breastfeeding. If your first instinct is to whip out a bottle just because you're in public, breastfeeding might not go as well for you. I've learned to nurse in public without people even knowing that I'm nursing, and I don't cover with a blanket.

Good luck and congratulations. :)

Answer 4

Supposedly, breast feeding directly from the breast helps a mother establish her milk supply. The motion of the baby's mouth causes the mother's body to continue to produce milk. I don't think the same thing happens when milk is pumped from the breast. It's definitely o.k. to pump and feed from a bottle, but not exclusively. In some way, the body (the mother's) recognizes the difference.

Answer 5

With my first child I had a horrible time with breastfeeding and gave up after 5 weeks because of the pain.

With my second I was told about Avent Breast Shields that you wear while nursing and they solve the problem of cracking and bleeding and for babies that don't latch on well it gives them the feeling of the bottle with the benefits of breast milk. I was able to nurse for 6 months when I got pregnant with number three.

I definitely plan on using the shields again and nursing number three.

Answer 6

I did breastfeeding because I feel breastmilk is better than formula AND I was too lazy to deal with bottles, mixing, cleaning, etc. Did you get help from a lactation consultant (contact your local La Leche League) to see if you were holding the baby correctly and if baby was latching on correctly? Every mother needs a little guidance with breastfeeding and you shouldn't try to go it alone. Also, buy Lansinoh and put it on your nipples after each feeding. It'll help with healing and hurting for about a week is normal until you (and baby) get the hang of it :)

Answer 7

I am sorry that you had such a hard time with breastfeeding. I found it to be the most wonderful experience in my life, and I can't wait for this child to be born so I can do it again. I'm sure you know about all the health benefits for Mom and Baby, but if not, you can research it. If I were you, I'd give it another try. What was uncomfortable about it? I'm sorry it was not good for you. Best of luck.

Answer 8

Breast feeding is no doubt very hard but I think the benefits are well worth it. Believe me at times I have wanted to quit breastfeeding so bad but I stick with it because I know its good for my baby. She hasn't gotten sick yet and this is the season and I can't help but think that because I am breastfeeding, I have been keeping her healthy! My brothers and I were bottle fed and we never had an problems either so the choice is definitely yours! Which is more condusive to your life style?

Answer 9

Breastfeeding is much better for the baby. Unless you have an electric pump it's harder to get the same amount of milk out by pumping that a baby can do by sucking.

Answer 10

I breast fed both my boys until they were 2......The first few weeks were very uncomfortable actually quite painful until my milk supply came in and my body adjusted. Everyone says that "breast is best", but is something that you have to really want to do. If you don't feel comfortable breast feeding than maybe you shouldn't. But if you want to, you just need to really be patient and not give up, it really does get better.

Answer 11

I was never able to breastfeed because of a severe iron deficiency that I have. My son was formula fed and is now almost 5 and healthy as can be. He has hardly ever been sick. I am now pregnant with #2 and this one will be formula fed as well