shall i breastfeed or bottle feed?

Question

im due to have my baby any day now with my second. im thinking of breast feeding but not sure i bottle fed my first and he was fine what are your views x

Answer 1

You can certainly choose to breastfeed even if you didn't for the first. There are things that breast milk has going for it that formula doesn't. Its always at temp., always fresh, its loaded with anti-bodies that boost the babies immunity, and you can express for a bottle feed, so you can have a break, if you want to.
But having said that, there has been huge improvements in formulas and no mother should feel guilty if this is what she chooses.
Personally I would give breast feeding a good go.
Myself, I'm the mum of four and this is my history.
First child was a poor feeder, struggled through to 3 1/2 months breast feeding, then went onto complimentary feeds (breast and bottle) to 5 months, then onto the bottle.
Second child, 6 weeks breastfed, didn't have enough to help to cope with bad nipple problems, so she went onto the bottle.
Third child, breastfed for 1 1/2 years - no problems.
Fourth child, 1 year no problems, and straight onto a cup - no bottles.
So not only is each child different, so was the way they were fed, and all are happy and well adjusted, and no noticeable difference for the variation in feeding methods.
You have to do what is right for you and your baby, get the info and go with what works for the both of you. Good luck.

Answer 2

Give breast feeding a go, it is the best start for the baby and free too but dont get stressed about it if you find you cannot do it. I really wanted to breast feed but my baby was lazy and would only feed for 10 mins then get frustrated, and then want to feed again after 20 mins, this was day and night ! I managed 6 weeks then needed sleep so went onto formula.
As a student nurse I did a research assignment about the pressures to breastfeed, it is the best but not for everyone and if it makes you stressed it can effect your bonding and feeling towards the baby. So many women are pressurised and devestated that breast feeding doesnt work for them but formula now adays is a close second so do what you are happy with. Good luck

Answer 3

It is totally up to you and your preferences/ circumstances etc. Dont feel pressurised by the 'breast is best' crew / health visitors etc- if it is not for you, it is not for you. If you are comfortable breastfeeding, maybe give it a go as it is easier to start off breastfeeding then stop, but nigh on impossible to change your mind later on once you have established bottle feeding.

One thing to consider is your other child - how old are they? You will need to keep them occupied when you are feeding (either way) so as to prevent any jealously. Reading is always a good one. Dont forget newborns seem to constantly feed and by breast they can only be fed by you, so you may need some help in the early days with your first child to prevent 'de-thronement'.

The choice is ultimately yours. You will probably face a lot of pressure by the health professionals but they do not have to live with the decision, you do.....

I am in the same situation as you, due in a couple of weeks, and I am planning to start off breastfeeding and see how we go.

Good luck x

Answer 4

I believe it is entirely up to you hon. I did not breast feed for a number of reasons and there is not a thing wrong with my now eight year old son. He is tall, healthy, happy and has a great active life Style and appetite. It did not harm him in any way. You decide it is your decision to make take no notice of all the pressure, it is unfair. Do what you feel is right for you and baby, when the time comes you will feel right breast feeding or you will not. So many women don't breast feed now days and that is a fact! All the best to you. xx

Answer 5

You shouldn't express for 6-8 weeks ideally as your supply will still be settling in but definitely wait at least 4 weeks. If your baby struggles with breastfeeding at first then wait longer to introduce a bottle as its much less work for a baby to bottlefeed. Don't wait too long though - I started trying my son with a bottle when he was 4 months ready for me going back to work when he was 6 months and he just wouldn't have it. My mum insisted that he would if he had no choice and babysat overnight - he came home starving. He did eventually take to the bottle but it took several weeks once he'd started nursery, luckily he was starting solids at that time so I knew he was getting something during the day. I think 10-12 weeks is the right time.

Answer 6

I wanted to breast feed and managed to struggle for 2 weeks. However I wasn't producing enough milk and my baby was going hungry. My midwife was very stern about continuing breast feeding and I got very depressed. It turned out, I'm unable to produce milk due a tablet I'm on for life, but no-one told me! Whatever you decide...... If breast feeding doesn't suit you, switch to bottles. It's more important you don't resent your child like I did (wrongly) because of pain, exhaustion and harrassment from an unreasonable midwife! I still would love to have been able to breast feed, but it isn't the be-all and end-all! Good luck! x

Answer 7

i intend 2 b breastfeeding mine. im due in 4 weeks...hopefully. anyway. if u breast feed u got all the benefits 2 ur baby dat im sure midwife has told u all about, but then there r loads 2 urself! in my family theres lots of women who hav died of cancer, and breastfeeding can reduce the chances of that and other womens cancers. also, u'l lose the extra weight u put on due to baby much quicker. ppl say it can make u hav droopy breasts, but if u go and get a nursing bra correctly fited, it should be fine. those who hav got saggy breasts after breastfeeding were simply not giving their breasts the support they needed. also, they were more than likely bringing breast to baby, not baby to breast.

bottle feeding has its pro's too. like the father can get up in the night to feed baby, but then agn, u can just express breast milk so he can do the same there.

u already kno how bottle feeding worked for u, and if u think that would b best then go 4 that again! like i say, im guno TRY breast feeding...but im pretty sure i'll end up going to bottles pdq!! lol

good luck, n im SO jealous ur pregnancy is nearly ova! 4 more weeks for me....

Answer 8

You should breastfeed. Its soooooo much better for both of you. Bottle feeding has been linked to obesity and heart disease later on in life. There is nothing good in formula milk no matter what anyone tells you, of course the companies are going to say its good, they have to make money and so do advertising companies and even health professionals get paid to promote formula. Do the right thing and give your baby the best possible start in life, your baby deserves it!

Good luck

Answer 9

I would breast feed especially since this is your second child. It is so much quicker and convenient, no sterilising and preparing bottles, its cheap, no need to take so much stuff out with you, its quicker at night, helps you lose weight, is good for your baby, has health benefits for you and your baby and I just think it is a nicer way of feeding your baby, you are doing it its all down to you and something to be proud of.

Answer 10

I breast fed both of my children for 10 months a piece. I think it is the best option by far. You will find it is so much easier for you especially with having 2 now. Your baby will get all the great nutrition that he or she needs from you. I would go for it, you wont be disapointed.