Breastfeeding, what do you think about it?

Question

My husband wants me to breastfeed our baby and I just don't know. I mean I know it's the natural thing to do and it's 'free' but I don't like the idea that this baby will be dependent on my until it's time to stop feeding. And what I mean by that is that my neice was breastfed and whenever she was still small and my sister-in-law had to go somewhere and someone had to watch her, she was just a pain because she only wanted to feed on her moms breasts. And I know you can pump breast milk and by special nipples...I dunno I just don't want that kind of burden to fall on someone who might have to watch my child if I can't be there. Plus I've heard that if you breastfeed, your breasts will stay big...I don't want that lol.

And this is just a side question...but what does it feel like? I mean I know what it's like to have a grown man suck on your nipple...but a baby with no teeth...what's it like? lol.

Did you breastfeed? Were you breastfed? Do you think it really makes a difference?

Answer 1

If you are going to breastfeed, decide firmly ahead of time. You cannot be ambivalent or it will never work.

Be Prepared! Go into this armed with all of the information you can get your hands on.

Take a class and make your partner go, too. You'll need his support as breastfeeding, while wonderful, is also extremely time consuming for a few months int he beginning. You'll need his help.

Once piece of advice: When your baby is born, breastfeed her as soon as you get your hands on her. And even if
the nursery at the hospital offers to let you sleep through the night, tell then NO BOTTLES, bring my baby to me when she is hungry. Get her on the boob early and often. no bottles.

Good luck-it's really a wonderful thing...my nipples were sore for a couple weeks there, and I had 3 plugged milk ducts in a year, but overall, it was easy, cheap, and incredible bonding.

Having said ALL that, I did not breastfeed my first little girl because I wasn't prepared!! I got the WORST pice of advice from the nurse...she said, "that first night you have the baby, you need to sleep, let the nursery keep her". Well, by the time I got my wee bird in my arms again,. she didn't want to breastfeed. I tried after but really? My lack of preparation (and committment, too, I think) had already failed me. Wee bird was on stinky, expensive, messy formula shortly thereafter.

As far as what it feels like-it feels nice. But it's an emotional sensation to be nourishing your own child.

Answer 2

Like others have mostly said, you should give it a try. There is so much scientific evidence that it helps your baby be as healthy as possible, and provides benefits that formula can't.

Also, it really helps build a strong relationship with your baby. Not that bottle-fed babies don't have good relationships with their moms, but the power of nursing is amazing. When my son is scared or gets hurt, a few seconds of nursing calms him down. Seconds! Not minutes.

If you pump, you can put the milk you've pumped into regular bottles. The baby still gets the benefits of the superhealthy milk, if not the closeness to you.

I'm not one of those moms who thinks formula is poison -- I wasn't breastfed myself, and I did supplement about 2-4 oz of formula per day with my baby.

I don't know if my sister and I would have had as many allergies if we had been breastfed or not. That's the thing that makes it hard -- it isn't like "all babies who are breastfed are X and none who aren't." But if there are allergies or immune system issues in your or the father's family, isn't it worth it to try to help your baby have less risk of those kinds of issues?

I totally agree with whoever said you and your husband should take a breastfeeding class. It will help you know that you are making enough milk, and give you good suggestions for how to be more comfortable.

You should also buy a few packs of "comfort gels" for the first couple of weeks. A baby nursing doesn't hurt or feel like a lover touching you, but the baby does spend so much time nursing at first that your breasts will probably feel very sensitive and sore until you get used to it.

GREAT places to find help locally are your La Leche League (they aren't judgmental or scary, as some people fear, and they are free and local) and KellyMom.com

Answer 3

Breastfeeding is one great thing that you can do for your baby. But it is YOUR choice. I breastfed my older daughter (now 7) for 8 weeks. She had problems latching on. as for my second daughter (2 1/2), I breastfed her until she was 18 months. It was a great experience but also difficult at times. My suggestion is that if you decide you are going o nurse that you should introduce the bottle to your baby at 6 weeks. That way your husband and others can also feed your baby. I didn't do this. It was very difficult when I wanted to go somewhere without my baby. It is an amazing bonding experience but only if you are truly comfortable with it.

Answer 4

If your not comfortable with breast feeding then you don't have to do it. We all know breast is best but if you don't want to then don't. This is your decision. Its your body. No your breasts wont stay big unless they were big to begin with. Most of the time your breasts go back down. Breastfeeding will no make them sag either, sagging is caused by a bad fitting bra and poor muscle tone. There are many great books and literature out there on breast feeding. Stop at your local bookstore and read some on it. One of my favorite benefits of breastfeeding is that it helps you to lose your baby weight faster!

I cant describe how it feels to have a baby suck. Its wonderful to know that your nurturing your child they way they were intended to be!
I breastfed my daughter for 4 months. I would have longer but I had to start medication that would be passed to her in my breast milk and would have made her sick. I am almost 38 weeks pregnant with my second and I am planning on breastfeeding him for at least a year, possibly longer. My mother had 3 children and she only breastfed the youngest, my brother. But she always said that if she knew about all the benefits of breastfeeding she would have nursed all of us.
Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 5

I breastfeed and I think it is the best way to go. My son was breastfed till he was a year old and my daughter will be to she is 9 months old. It is best but both mine would switch back and forth between breast and bottle. I bought the bottles with big nipples and rounded bottoms so it feels more natural, and a baby sucking feels way different to me then when my husband does it. Its more of a tug when the bay does it, I would suggest that if you are gonna breastfeed that you should start to get your nipples ready. I started at about 7 months along I would rub my nipples with a cloth when i was in the shower and I made my husband bite and nibble harder on them to help toughen them up. I does hurt horrible for the first few weeks, but you get used to it and it will quit hurting but keep lanolin around it helps when you get chapped.

Answer 6

I think you should do whatever you are most comfortable with. If you feel restricted and overwhelmed by breastfeeding, I think it would be a miserable experience for you and the baby. I nursed my children but I had to be really committed. I would leak out in public. I had to be so careful of what I ate. It was a round the clock ordeal. It doesn't feel bad. You get numb unless you get dry and cracked. They have balms for that. If you pump your breast, get the electric pump. The hand pump is a form of Chinese torture. Buy nursing bras and put a pin in the cup that you last used. That way you know to start with that breast next feeding. You will be nursing around the clock every 2 to 4 hours and some folks can't take that. Especially if they are trying to work or have other small children. You really have to be a contented cow. Does your husband think this is the best thing for the baby or is he concerned about money for formula? You can get assistance with the cost of formula. My mother states she tried to breastfeed me but it hurt too much. She was probably just scared. I think kids grow up healthy on formula or breastmilk.

Answer 7

breast feeding is the best thing for you baby
you dont need special nipples jsut ones she likes
and its nnot that hard to go back and forth on some babies
i breast feed my baby still at 9 months
and my husband would give her a bottel so she knows that im not the only food she has
and pumping if you start at the begining its not to hard just dont stop till your done if you do
the baby sucking cant say it feels good but it does like love i guess
you will only know if you try and in the begining it hurts
lol
the research shows breastfed babies are less likely to be fat as children and young adults
think bout it good and do some real research
but i think you should its best for baby and bonding you will not regret it if you do

Answer 8

Breastfeeding was a wonderful experience and I really like to promote a middle of the road approach to this type of question. Buy a pump!

I had to return to work but I wanted my baby and myself to have all the benefits of breastfeeding so I pumped! You still lose the baby weight fast, your milk is still FREE, the baby is still getting the best nutrients, you can still feed your baby anywhere in an emergency, and you can make as little or as much milk as your baby needs (no waste.)

I think it makes a huge difference. My son wasn't sick nearly as much as my co-workers formula fed baby. Almost same age - same scenarios, but much different outcomes.

Give it a try! I really think you'll love it. Formula costs $4-$6 a day! Its worth trying it and seeing how wonderful it really is!

Answer 9

You really need to want to breastfeed...If you don't it probably will not work. The first few days were very challenging. But It worked out for the best for both of us. It was only painfully when I was engorged and not able to pump or feed him myself. My baby is 9 months old and I only BF at night now. I pumped for six week after a started work. then only BF when I was able. He has always taken the bottle very well for me. Avent bottles and pump have been the best for me. I would at least give it a shot. Good Luck.

Answer 10

I have been breastfeeding my baby for 6 months now. Health wise its the best thing you can do for them. She has not been sick at all. With my first child I formula fed and he had alot of ear and sinus infections. I personally feel its the best thing to do if you feel comfortable doing it. Don't let anyone pressure you though. It very demanding and takes alot of time. Me and my husband have not had a night alone since our last baby was born. But look at all the money we have saved. As far as how it feels, it hurts a little at first. You get sore and feel like giving up. But if you can make it through the first couple weeks you will be fine and you get to where you don't even notice your baby sucking. The only problem I have is my baby refused a bottle. She actually screams if I offer her one. Good luck with your new baby. Do whatever you feel is right for you.