Why did you choose to breastfeed and how long do you plan to continue?

Answer 1

I chose to breastfeed because of all the benefits, not only for the baby but also for the mother. Breastfeeding decreases the chance of the baby developing diabetes when they're older and also obesity. It helps the mother lose weight after having the baby and also helps the mother and baby bonding process. Mother's that breastfeed have less of a chance of getting breast cancer later in life. The baby has a lower chance of getting ear infections, diarrhea, and developing allergies. Not to mention that it's the most nutritious for the baby. Most doctors recommend breastfeeding 6-12 month. I'm going to try and do it for a year, but I'm rejoining the military and might have to put my baby on formula.

Even knowing all the benefits of breast feeding, remember that it's a choice that the mother should make and no one else. Breastfeeding is a life style choice and for some mother's breastfeeding isn't for them. It's ok if you don't choose to breastfeed.

Answer 2

For the benefits to the immune system of the baby...being a single mom who will have to put my 8 week old into day care I will need all the help I can get in keeping my child from catching colds etc. I plan on breast feeding for at least a year. Though I will not exclusively breastfeed for a year, if my little one seems to be able to hand & enjoying some solids.

Answer 3

Breastfeeding isn't a choice, to me, it is just what you do. You have a baby then to feed the baby you breastfeed. Then again I live somewhere where breastfeeding is far more common than the US.

I will continue until my son chooses to self-wean. Probably some time between ages 2 and 4 years. Right now he is 11 months and still nursing strong, still 8-12 times a day he is such a boob man.

Answer 4

My mother never breastfed her children. I decided I wanted to for a couple reasons. The baby gets antibodies from you and those help to prevent all kinds of problems like ear infections, gastrointestinal problems and respiratory problems, among others. There also is some evidence that breastfed babies are less likely to be overweight when they get older. Moms who breastfeed are healthier too. They lose weight after the baby is born. It also is a wonderful way to bond with your child. I'd suggest getting a good quality breast pump also, so your breasts can have a break every now and then and the baby can take a bottle. Also, your husband (or mother or sister or whoever) can have the special feeling that comes with feeding the baby. I nursed until my son was nearly 8 months old. He weaned himself. It was almost like he just woke up one day and decided he didn't want to nurse anymore. I continued to pump through the 8th month, but then switched to formula until he was 11 months, when he decided he didn't want a bottle anymore either! Good luck and enjoy nursing!

Answer 5

I chose to breastfeed because I wanted to make sure that my baby got the best start for life. All my immunities are passed through my milk to her. Not that there's anything wrong with feeding your child formula, but there are good things in breastmilk that you can't get in formula. Breastmilk is also easier to digest (formula has lots of iron that takes longer to go thru the baby's digstive system). And it's cheaper than buying lots of formula for the baby.

I intend to pump or breastfeed my baby for as long as I can - at least a year, when she can start drinking cow milk. But I have to go back to work soon and I'm not sure how that is going to work out...

Answer 6

I chose to breast feed, just because I wanted to try and I know everyone says it's best, I am aware of the antibodies the baby gets from the mother and wanted to be able to provide that for my son. My son had a hard time latching on, so he didn't eat very well at the hospital, so my milk never came in very good. It was a struggle for 2 weeks at home as he had a very hard time latching on properly (he could do it on one side, but it just wouldn't work on the other) So my pediatrician and I decided to pump and feed in a bottle. That worked for a bit, but because my milk never came in very well I didn't enough when I pumped, so I had to supplement 1/2 formla in his bottles.

On top of that, when I got back to work the workload on my job made it difficult to get away in the proper timing to pump and my grandmother got deathly ill and we spent a lot of time in the hospital which didn't allow for pumping timely either. I ended up drying up around 8 weeks.

I am going to try to breastfeed again with my one due in June. I'm preparing to bring my pump to the hospital in case this one doesn't latch well either so I can get my milk to come in well. And we'll see how long I do this time around.

Answer 7

I choose to breast feed because it makes a bond between you and your baby that no one else can have. Plus it can be quit & relaxing at some times because you can go in to a room and lock it and have peace and quit time with your baby.
Now how long that is up to you . I only did it for the first few months (3) for my first & second ,4 months for my thrid one. I also did that because my doctor told me that my breast milk helps reduce the chance of my baby getting colds or sick.And my third child was born 2 months early. I really enjoyed that time with my kids.

Answer 8

I chose to breastfeed because it's best for the baby's growth and development. Unfortunately I don't produce a lot of breast milk so I mix it with formula. I plan to breastfeed as until my milk runs out.

Answer 9

It's natural, although not always comfortable. You need to keep your child's best interest in mind. Your human breast milk has exactly what your human child needs for growth and development. No man-made formula can come close, though they claim to. It also creates a bond between you and your child that is irreplacable. I breast-fed for 13 months. And I'll tell you, for the first 2 weeks it HURT. There are creams out there for you to use, I think they are available even at Walmart. I also ALWAYS wore breast pads as to not advertise my leakage to the world. I can't remember the brand I used, but it started with an "L". please breast feed, even though it can be uncomfortable at first. The first 3 months of your child's life will influence the next 80 years.

Answer 10

My wife (with my support) chose to breastfeed because of the health and developmental benefits for our son. Plus, it's free and doesn't involve getting up, going downstairs, and heating up a bottle. Oh... and we plan to continue until he's at least 1 year.