Breast feed or formula????

Question

With my first son (now 9 mo.) I formula feed him, I am now having a second (due in sept) even with wic I still don't like that me and my husband could aford formula for both my 9 mo. old I have to buy 2 of the larger cans a month more than what wic gives him.

I know breast feeding is a better choice health and money wise but I don't know if I will be comfertable with doing so? Also I don't know if I could even breast feed my mom never could she tried with me but she could not make enough so the doctor told her to just use formula? Have any advise for me?

Answer 1

If your not comfortable breastfeeding then try pumping thats what i do. Have a nurse at the hospital try to get your baby to latch on and if it doesnt then try to pump.

Answer 2

I'd say give it a shot!
It sounds like you really can't afford to pay for the formula anyway, so it couldn't hurt.
If you're still not sure, you could commit to yourself to do it for at least the first 3 weeks. If you decide it is working for you, you can set another goal for yourself. If it's not, you can decide to pump at that point. Formula is so expensive and Breast Milk is so healthy for both mom and baby.

Personally, I didn't like pumping and I found it easier to just nurse baby when he's hungry. No milk to store. No bottles to clean/sterilize. No milk/formula to cart around when we go out. And no bottle to heat up in the middle of the night.

I know it seems like a weird concept if you have never done it before, but I surprised myself in that it was easier than I expected and I actually enjoy it... most of the time anyway. I kind looked at it like an extention of the pregnancy. My body nourished him inside for 9 months so it's not so strange to continue nourishing him after he is born.

Years ago, drs used to tell women all the time to just switch over to formula. Unfortunately there wasn't as much support or good information out there. It is very rare that a woman cannot breastfeed. Any problems that come up have a solution. (I don't say that to be judgemental, but to assure you that you CAN be successful if you want to.)

If you decide to breastfeed, I'd read up on it and get some support. The first few weeks can be hard, but if you prepare yourself you can prevent a lot of problems. Honestly, it's been rather easy once we both figured out what we were doing those early weeks.
La Leche League probably has a group that meets near you. You can go and ask any questions you might have about what to expect and how you should prepare. If a meeting is not your speed you could visit a forum at www.lalecheleague.com or the one on www.kellymom.com

Congrats and good luck!

Answer 3

I think your idea is somewhat true. I mean if you come from a family where most people breast feed then I think you a little more likely to breast feed and breast feed for a longer period of time. I think this is especially true if you have difficulties in breast feeding, because your family can give you more support and advice. My mother breast feed my sister and I for a few months each. And my sister breast feed all her four children for ten months to 13 months (they self weaned) I am breast feeding my second child. And with my first I exclusively pumped because I had lots of problems breast feeding. I doubt with all my difficulties with the first that I would have pumped for as long had I not had a lot of support from my family. I doubt that I would have tried the second time around if not for both my mother and sister being breast feeders.

Answer 4

Doctors have incentives (like cruises and crap) to push formula. So sure, they will tell you your baby isn't getting enough. Do your research. Find out how to tell if your baby is getting enough. I think it's only like 3% of women actually do not produce enough milk. It's supply and demand. The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will make. Period. Don't schedule feedings, don't time feedings, don't hold out or deny feedings. Feed when your baby is hungry (and for the first month this feels like every 15 minutes sometimes). It is difficult learning how with no help, but it can be done and it is SOO much easier if you get EVERY book you can from the library. Set up meetings with the Lactation Consultant, join the La Leche League... If you're not sure if you'll be comfortable, I guarantee those feelings will go away. The first time my son latched on I was a little weirded out. But now I see boobies and I think milk, not sexy. It's strange, but you will get used to it, you just have to give yourself the chance and the time to. I'm sure you'll be able to if you get enough support.

Answer 5

Its a persnal choice.

I cant breast feed so I use formula. Your son will be off formula about a month after your baby is born. So I dont think it would be much of a problem

Ive never used WIC so im not sure, but both children would have their own case right? I have a friend that uses it and she said they give her more then enough. And she has 2 on formula right now.

But wic isnt supposed to buy it all is it?

I completley agree with Dani.

Answer 6

Mary, I have two ideas for you. The first is to just try it. I have always been a modest person, but I felt strongly about nursing. And it is wonderful. It's work sometimes, b/c the baby is depending completely on YOU for his nutrition. But once you start, it gets easier. It just....does. It's great for baby and is a sweet, wonderful way to bond.
The second idea is to sign up at the nestle and enfamil websites. They will send you coupons, samples, a diaper bag filled with goodies, booklets on feeding your baby, magazines, etc. You can even purchase cheap coupons on ebay for these things.
I'm throwing out a final idea. You can do both. Try the breastfeeding, use a pump to increase your supply, and supplement with formula when needed.
You can do it! No matter what you decide, I know it will be your best!! Good luck!!!

Answer 7

Unfortunately, there are several doctors that tell moms their babies aren't getting enough and suggest formula feeding instead of giving them other options...it wouldn't hurt to try...it is a little uncomfortable at first, but you can find lactation consultants to help you with getting baby to latch on and stuff...remember, baby isn't born knowing how to breastfeed, so try to be patient..to ensure you produce enough milk, remember that the more baby nurses or you pump, the more milk you will produce...make sure you drink a lot (water, juice, milk, etc) and be sure to take in enough calories each day.

Answer 8

Before I had my own child I never realized how judgmental some people can be when you're talking about breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. Some women will get outright nasty and say things like, "You're so selfish, if you can breastfeed then do it!" Personally I did not enjoy breastfeeding, and I felt like it was hindering my relationship with my son instead of helping the bonding that it was supposed to be increasing. I know that it IS better, but formula fed babies are just as healthy as breastfed babies. I would say go with whatever you are comfortable with, and don't let anyone make you feel guilty for not choosing breastfeeding.

As for money, yes breastfeeding is definitely cheaper. I'm on WIC too and I know that we will still have to buy formula for my son. But like the woman told me today, WIC is a supplemental organization, and sooner or later we will have to spend money out of pocket for formula. After all, it is our child.

I would suggest just trying breastfeeding. If you decide that you don't like it or you aren't producing enough milk, switch to formula. Lots of babies are formula fed and come out completely healthy and happy.

Answer 9

The only way you will know if you can successfully breastfeed is to give it a try. I have 4 older kids that were all formula fed. Breastfeeding wasn't really encouraged then the way it is now. I did make up my mind to breastfeed my now 16 month old and I just weaned her at 15 months. She never had formula at all. I thought I would be uncomfortable with it especially in front of people but once you get started really it is no big deal no matter who is around.

Answer 10

Many hospital obstetric units now have lactation nurses specially trained to assist you in successful breast feeding. You may also be eligible for one or more home visits. You may find the experience very rewarding and have a desire to continue.

Meanwhile, pick up a book on breast feeding to prepare yourself. Old standby's were authored by Dr, Ruth Lawrence. There are several other good ones.

Answer 11

I tried breastfeeding with my son, and i had a lot of trouble from day one. My breasts are rather large, and i was having trouble getting the nipple into his mouth. I was also having trouble producing enough breastmilk. I tried to hand express, but hardly anything came out. Anyway, i decided to go the formula way. I was a formula baby, and so were my brothers. My son is now 5 months old and thriving. There is the expense issue, however, money should not come before yours and the baby's sanity.