To me, breastfeeding is awkward. I would never feel confident pulling my breast out in public or even in the comfort of my own home. I'm aware of some of the pros and cons of breastfeeding and formula. I've also heard that after breastfeeding, you lose some sensitivity in your breasts, and I wouldn't want that because thats one of the only things that "gets me ready" for sexual activity. What should I do?
2007-03-26 04:01:29 · 48 answers · asked by CherryDiVa 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
if that is the way you feel then breast feediing is not best in your case. todays formulas are made to be nutritionally balanced for a baby. We all know breast milk is best, but if mom is tense and uptight it will be obvious and make feeding much more difficult for you and your baby. It should be a pleasure to hold your baby close and nourish it - so which ever method you choose and feel comfortable with is whats best for you and your baby! Good luck!
2007-03-26 04:06:36 · answer #1 · answered by just me #1 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋
You should do what you are comfortable with but know that most studies and doctors say that breastfeeding is best. I have a 6 month old baby and while I was pregnant I was all set on breastfeeding. Well after I had her my milk never came in. I only produce like 1 or 2 ounces at a time no matter what I tried so i very reluctantly supplemented with formula and after about 2 weeks went to straight formula. Formula is very convenient though really expensive! Next time around I hope I am able to breastfeed but I will probably only do it during my maternity leave.
Good luck and I hope you can make a great decision that you will be comfortable with.
2007-03-26 05:26:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd say you should at least try it. The thing is that if you hate it you can switch to formula, but if you start on formula there's no going back. The first 'milk', colostrum, is particularly important for mental development, so do really try for a few days!!
You may also find that you feel quite differently about your body after you have been pregnant and given birth and you don't really have to get them out in public anyway! Wear loose tops that you can pull up and get a nice scarf or shawl and drape it over your shoulder when you're feeding the baby.
Breastfeeding is certainly the best thing you can do for your child as it gives the baby the perfect balance of nutrients, fats and water as well as boosting their immune system. Breastfed babies are also often less picky when they start eating as they've tasted foods through your milk.
It's also quite nice to be able to eat whatever you want for a while and lose weight - like when else is that going to happen?
You mention a concern about loss of sensitivity - it's a new one to me and certainly not something I experienced. I'm actually much happier and more confident about my body now than before I had my baby and sex - rare though it is these days - is much better!!
2007-03-26 04:18:19 · answer #3 · answered by Skidoo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding really is best. Formula is a substitute but it can't provide the same benefits that breastfeeding will give your baby and you. Formula was originally invented so that mothers that couldn't breastfeed for medical reasons would have something to feed their babies. It may feel a little bit uncomfortable at first but once you get the hang of it you may even come to enjoy it and you won't lose sensitivity after you nurse. Breastfeeding is free, convenient (no bottles to clean, prepare, or heat up), and it's the best food for your baby since it's most easily digested.
2007-03-26 04:18:22 · answer #4 · answered by Miriam Z 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your body was designed to provide nutrition for your baby. Breast milk is the perfect food for your infant. That being said, you don't have to breast feed if you aren't comfortable with it. Your baby will get the proper nutrition should you choose to use formula instead.
However, breastfeeding can be a wonderful thing to share with your baby! You don't need to pull your breast out in public. I never have. I go in the back of the car and put a towel over me- no one has even known that I was nursing. You can also pump breast milk and give a bottle of that while you are out. You can go into the baby's room and nurse in private if you are uncomfortable at home too. Don't worry, your baby won't tell anyone about it when he or she is older.
Nursing definitely doesn't decrease the sensitivity of your breasts. At least mine are the same as they were before nursing.
2007-03-26 04:12:03 · answer #5 · answered by not too creative 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding really IS best for your baby, and it is actually pretty darned good for you too! Did you know that it helps prevent breast, ovarian and uterine cancer in you? It lessens osteoperosis for you. It promotes weight loss (well known) and your mental health. (breastfeeding moms suffer PPD less often than formula feeding moms)
If you are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, there is always the option of a breastpump and bottle. That way your baby still gets the Liquid Gold (breastmilk) and you do not need to expose yourself. (though thge exposure can easily be concealed with a cover up or even some stealthy dressing)
All women react differently to breastfeeding. My breasts are actually more sensitive, and I experience more pleasure out of them being fondled, etc by my significant other.
At very least give breastfeeding a chance. Just the first three months, and if you don't like it... fine, switch. But give your baby (and yourself) that three months. It will be 100% absolutely worth it!
Who knows, you might end up liking it. Maybe you will discover that Maternal Goddess in yourself.
2007-03-26 04:48:50 · answer #6 · answered by kikiandcorbinsmama 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is entirely up to you, and people should not be pressuring you to do anything with your child you are not comfortable. Personally though, I think that if you can breast feed you should being that it gives the baby immunitites and white blood cells that help develop the babies immune system. I can understand feeling a bit weird about using your breast as a feeding tool for your child (it's one of my spots too) but you should really keep in mind that your whole being is taking on a new role... your mind is no longer just a wife/girlfriend but now a mommy. Your body is no longer just for pleasure but for necessity of your child too. After a while you and your husband/boyfriend will be able to work past any sexual inconviences that would come with breast feeding... i mean while your body has a lot to do with arousal- you mind has the most.
But the choice is up to you. There are formulas out there that will be good for your baby... (oh and did you know that your body automatically changes its milk to tailor to your child's needs- formula can't do that) Also, too is the possiblity of doing both... Breast feed at home in private and bottle feed (either pumped milk or formula) in public- though you should not do the bottle feeding until the baby is used to breast feeding or it could lead to complications with breast feeding. But before you make a decision either way you should discuss it with your doctor- and the baby's pediatrician. good luck and congradulations on your baby!!!!
2007-03-26 04:23:23 · answer #7 · answered by NewMommy!!! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is best for the baby, especially for the first days of the baby's life. The baby is able to receive viable anti-pathogens and immunities to fight off some bacterial infections and other illnesses. Breast milk is very nutritious and compatible for the infant. You will not have to worry about milk allergies and it will supply many other vitamins that the child is going to need. It is also good for brain development of the baby. Losing breast sensitivity is not that much of an issue. My wife breastfed and she is even more sensitive in her nipple area, (especially when we are getting ready for sexual activities). People are different but the outcomes for the baby are the same.
2007-03-26 04:14:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The idea of breast feeding to me the first time I was pregnant seemed awkward too. It will be OK. Its normal to feel that way. There is no harm in giving it a try. It will help you recover from being pregnant faster and it will give your little one a real good start in life. It is more possible to move to formula from breast feeding then to breast feeding from formula. With the breast your baby will get sick less and the poop will smell much better. As for you there is no cost for breast milk. No clean up time or preparing time. You will not need to carry around extra stuff to feed your baby. Or the need to make a late night run to the store for formula because you ran out of it. It really is a good bonding time with the baby too.
Good luck. :)
2007-03-27 00:17:08 · answer #9 · answered by Angelfur 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As your pregnancy progresses, you may find your body and mindset changing as you prepare to deliver. In your final months, along with nesting, your child's best interest will become much clearer. I know the idea of breastfeeding was pushed on me early on, and it made me uncomfortable - I didn't think I would. But after my baby and I were taken to our private room from labor & delivery I was ready to try. There's no sexual confusion or anything, and you have the choice not to breastfeed in public - you can always pump and prepare and feed your child breastmilk from a bottle.
On the other hand, when my son switched to the bottle he did great as well. Don't be afraid to tell people that you aren't at a point where you have to worry about feeding methods yet - you're only 3 months along!!!
2007-03-26 04:15:01 · answer #10 · answered by hoosieraa2006 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Lots of research has been done stating the benefits of breast feeding even if it is only for a short period of time... Your not alone when you say that your not sure what to do...
What ever your decision stand by it and know that you are doing what will work best for you and your family. Quite frankly it is no one else's buisness what you decide to do.
I would encourage you to try to breastfeed, give a week or tow and see how you feel. I have known lots of mom who really ended up enjoying it and were glad that t hey gave it a try... You really have nothing to lose... If it doesn't work for you well at least you gave it a shot!
Hang in there you have many month to think about what to do....
2007-03-26 04:11:33 · answer #11 · answered by luv2syd 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋