scared to breastfeed?

Question

i need some advice. im due to have my baby in 2 weeks and i have been thinking about breastfeeding. my b/f wants me to do it as we both know its better for the baby, but honestly thw whole i dea makes me feel sick. is this normal? will it become the most natural thing to me once the baby gets here? has anyone else had the same fears. plus i have read it helps you bond with your baby better.

Answer 1

It is okay and natural to feed nervous and scared to breastfeed. Who wouldn't, with all the horror stories you hear from people who "tried" to breastfeed but didn't have the support to help them through the slightest problem they might have encountered. I urge you to contact your local La Leche League leader, who you can find at www.lalecheleague.org. They are knowledgable and helpful, available 24 hours a day, and FREE. PLEASE, if you decide to breastfeed, contact LLL immediately. It is better to have the connection now than to wait until you run into a problem and have a screaming baby to find help.

Don't let anyone fool you; formula is NOT as good as breastmilk. It never will be. When has any man or woman been able to create anything equal to anything that God has created? Even if you don't believe in God, read the packaging on the formula. They ALL tell you that breastmilk is best. It is not true that some people can't breastfeed (at least not in 99% of cases). If that were true, we would have died off as a species many years before formula was invented.

Breastfeeding is for EVERYONE -- at least for every mother and baby. Do not decide to "try" it. Everyone who decides to "try" it gives up. Decide that it is what is best for your baby, make a commitment, and do it! You will never regret it.

Breastfeeding should NEVER be painful. If it is painful, then you need to seek help immediately, because this is a sign of a problem, such as an improper latch or mastitis, and needs to be treated before it worsens.

Your sick feeling is probably because of the fear and anticipation you are feeling. It will most likely go away the moment you see your baby, or at least when you get the hang of breastfeeding him or her.

And no matter what else you do, you will always have the peace of mind of knowing that you did the best thing for your baby. It is an amazing feeling to know that you alone are supporting the life of that tiny child.

Please, if you have any breastfeeding questions or need any help at all, email me anytime. I have been through most of it and would be thrilled to help.

Answer 2

I was really nervous about breastfeeding, to be honest. Would the baby latch right? Would it limit what i can and can't eat/drink or take for meds? How long should I do it? My mother is the lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert...She nursed 7 kids!) so any fears I had, I talked over with her. Breastfeeding is the best food for your baby. One, it gives your baby antibodies that they can not get from formula. Two, it helps you loose the pregnancy weight (A plus for mom) Three, it's a whole lot cheaper than formula. Someone said you can save $2300 if you breastfeed exclusively. Four, when you're out, you don't have worry about finding water, warming it up, and mixing it right. You just need a blanket. The best reason, I think (especially if you're a working mommy) , is the bond that you get with your baby. My daughter is nine month old. She is teething on biter cookies, eating solid foods, and just started drinking juice from a sippy cup. She still prefers the breast over all that because she knows that's her mommy time. It is okay to do a half and half. Breastfeed when you are around and awake but when you are gone (Work, school, etc...) have fomula. It still costs money but you don't use as much and your baby still gets that mommy time he/she will need.

I advocate breastfeeding wholeheartedly because there are so many benefits and very few drawbacks. My advice? Go talk to the lactation consultant at the hospital you plan on giving birth at. They also have breastfeeding support groups. Go to one. Discuss your concerns and you will have all sorts of new and not so new moms helping you.

When you go in for the birth, make sure the nurses know what your decision is. If you breastfeed, ask to see the lactation consultant ASAP after the baby's born for help, especially if the baby won't latch. Everything will be okay. Good luck!

Answer 3

Breastfeeding can be wonderful...but it isn't always easy and is sometimes quite painful in the beginning. Don't give up too quickly though...set a goal like 1 month. After the first two weeks it really starts to feel much more natural. It does promote bonding and it also makes for a baby with a higher IQ.

If things don't work out though...it is okay...but too many moms give up too soon because they get bad advice or don't have the support.

If you can nurse at least the first 6 weeks before you think about formula - you will have given your baby an awesome headstart and he/she will have many of the benefits even if you do need to stop.

Answer 4

I had my first baby when I was 18 and my partner at the time wasn't earning much so I primarily wanted to breastfeed for financial reasons, lol. I was scared about it hurting and and about breastfeeding in public but after he latched on the first time it just felt completely normal, a little strange and it hurt a little bit but it felt completely right.
There is no problem when you're out as nobody can see anything and you get used to it pretty quickly. I fed my first for 18 months (just at bedtime after he was 1) my 2nd for 8 months (as i fell pregnant again) and I am currently feeding my 3rd. I had to give my 2nd bottles, your milk changes when you fall pregnant ready for the new baby, and I hated it, it costs a lot more, you don't get that connection with your baby and it's a lot more work.
Any breast milk you can give your baby is going to be good for him/her even if it's only for a week and then you feel that you can't do it thats still the best thing you can give your baby, however if you cant do it, don't feel like a failure as b/feeding isn't for everybody and at least your tried :)

Good luck with the birth and good luck with feeding :)

Answer 5

Breastfeeding is the best for baby. But if the thought of it makes you sick.. then will not be a bonding experience with baby. I would suggest just trying it and if that makes you uncomfortable, maybe you could except the feeling of pumping your breast and feeding it through a bottle. That way you can at least say you tried. Some people just can not do it.. there is nothing wrong with that at all. There are many formulas out there that the baby can benefit from, just as it were breast milk. I wish you luck and hope the best for you and your new family.

Answer 6

It is so different than your breasts being touched sexually, if that's what you're worried about. Those wonderful, warm, relaxing mothering hormones will kick in and you'll probably enjoy it. I think a lot of women worry about it before they experience it.

I'd really encourage you to at least give it a try. Commit to nursing while you're in the hospital the first couple of days so baby gets the colostrum, which acts like a first immunization. Or the first week while hubby may be off work to help you out around the house. Then decide how you feel about it.

Answer 7

I had a friend who felt the EXACT same way you do.
This is my stance on it. Breastfeeding is best, BUT, I dont think you should do anything you arent comfortable with. I breastfed for 18 months, and I really enjoyed it. My daughter and I had it down to a fine art in a couple weeks, and... it just went very smoothly. Some women, and some babies arent that lucky, and it's too frustrating for them. Or, like you, and my friend "T", it's just not something you are comfortable with.
Everyone feels differently, and that is alright. Everyone is comfortable with different things.
I think you should try it... it's a little tricky at first... but you never know, you could REALLY enjoy it. It might suprise you.
And, if you try, and you arent really comfortable with it, you'll always know that you at least gave it a shot.
It's kinda like trying a new food, you never know if you dont like it, if you dont at least try it, right?
:)

Answer 8

Hi there honey. I have to tell you that of all the responses that I have heard to breastfeeding this is a first. What in the world would you be afraid of?
Have you ever watched a mother nurse her baby? It is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see. There is nothing that can compare to the look of adoration on the face of a baby when they look at their breastfeeding mother. It is a look of such tenderness and blissful expectation that it just melts your heart. A nursing baby cuddles up to you in a way that no bottle fed baby ever will. They snuggle their little head close to you as they search for the nipple and it is just the sweetest thing.
I am quite sure that the first time you hold your baby you will forget all about your fearful feelings.
I had never seen anyone nurse a baby and was about as naive as one could be. My first little boy knew just what to do. I just held him near my heart and he did the rest. He knew exactly what to do.
Nature does not do things without a reason dear. Breastfeeding is the most perfect system that was ever created. The more you nurse, the more milk you will have.
By now your body is making an incredible substance called colosturm, it is clear, sweet and powerful, it is the perfect first food for your baby. It is all he or she will need as a newborn until your milk comes in. In addition to that it contains powerful antibodies that will protect your baby from staphylococcus infections, polio virus, coxsackie B virus, infant diarrhea, and Escherichia coli infection....the very germs that infants are most susceptible to.
It is almost impossible to list all the positive benefits of breastfeeding.
Breast feeding gives your baby an immunity to almost all common childhood diseases until you stop breastfeeding entirely.
Breastfeeding is the easy, economical way to feed your baby, there are no bottles to carry around or sterilize and breastmilk is always the perfect temperature. It will also allow you to get the rest you need as breastfeeding mothers do not have to get up at night (or any other time) to fix a bottle for a crying, hungry baby. Most of us just cuddle our baby down next to us and sleep from the very beginning. You will want to do a quick diaper change and remember to change sides but other than that nighttime can be a very peaceful time for a breastfeeding mother. Since the baby's needs are met so quickly they do not fuss or cry, they return to sleep easily and quickly. Other family members will comment that they do not even know there is a baby in the house!
A fact not often mentioned is that when you nurse the baby your body produces oxytocin, often called the "mother love" hormone which creates an almost euphoric feeling. Nursing mothers feel a rather sensual, satisfying closeness to their babies that bottle feeding mothers totally miss.
Even if you do not plan to breastfeed please be sure to give your baby the benefit of this first, perfect food. If you will only breastfeed for a few weeks you will be giving your baby a precious gift and a powerful tool to stay healthy. If you have to you can always stop nursing your baby, if you never even try, the chance is lost forever. Next to life itself there is nothing more important that you can do for your baby.
Please remember that one fact, you can always stop, but if you never even try, you will never know what you have missed.
Again, please, even if you do not breastfeed your baby, please let him or her have your colostrum. For just a small bit of your time and effort you will give your baby very important health benefits.
Bottles are dirty and unsanitary and formula is expensive, artificial and difficult for your baby to digest. Breastfed babies bowel movements do not have any odor...bottle fed babies dirty diapers stink to high heaven. If a breastfed baby spits up ( and the seldom do) it has no odor, bottle fed babies will have a sour milk odor that will run people out of the room.
These are the pros and cons.
If you still have questions please check out La Leche League. They are the worlds foremost experts on Breastfeeding. They do have a website. It is www.lalecheleague.org take a look and see if there is a chapter near where you live.
I hope I have answered all of your questions. If there is anything I can do for you, feel free to write.
Take care and I hope you enjoy the wonderful, magical time you are about to experience!
Love and Blessings
Lady Trinity~

Answer 9

i understand your nervousness, but thought i'd share my own feelings. i am 20 weeks pregnant with #2 and actually, getting to breastfeed again is one of my favorite things about having another baby. it was the most wonderful experience, everything about it is fantastic. i was a lucky one that didn't have any issues at all. but, it sounds like you are hesitant. listen to these feelings, because maybe it's not right for you. however, you may want to at least try it. i loved it! best of luck to you.

Answer 10

Is this your first child? I think it is natural for some women to be intimidated or even scared of nursing. I did not nurse my first child because I was not comfortable with the idea.

I did nurse and supplement with my 2nd and my twins. Now that I look back on it, I wish I had nursed my first.

I suggest having the lactation consultant at the hospital help you. I had a wonderful woman and she really helped me with my 2nd child. I was having issues latching on. (Mainly from me being scared lol) and she helped me work through that.