For me, the decision to nurse (to the best of my ability) has been a no-brainer. Even when I return to work, I plan to pump so even if I'm not physically there the baby will have milk.
Last weekend my husband and I went to a 'marathon' prenatal class at the hospital. There were fifty couples (nearly all first-time parents-to-be) and the part about breastfeeding was at the end. The instructors (two nurses) said that anyone not planning to nurse could leave. After that, I counted only fifteen couples in there! I was really amazed.
I understand that a lot of women plan to work after the baby, but formula only? I mean, formula costs a lot of money, so I'd think people would want to at least know about the nursing option.
So, would you have stuck around? If you're choosing to try to breastfeed, how come? And if not, what's your reason? I'm really curious.
2007-09-21 07:47:11 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I simply wanted to know why people (esp. first-time moms) don't even want to investigate the breastfeeding option. I know that it doesn't always work out like you plan but I didn't exactly skip out during the formula segment either because I wanted to know about it 'just in case.'
2007-09-21 08:08:11 · update #1
Honestly, I grow weary of those who say, "It's just too hard and I thought it'd be easy." Nothing worthwhile is every easy. Parenting is not easy. If you wanted easy, you're out of luck for the next 18+ years.
I am breastfeeding my first son, currently 6 months old. We got off to a really rough start. He didn't latch on for the first 5 weeks. He lost over a pound in the first 3 days because of that. I pumped every hour and a half for five weeks to keep up my supply and keep him fed. I had several people tell me that I was nuts to keep trying and that I should just give in and buy formula. No way.
If you look at the facts, breastfed babies have an average of a 6 pt. higher IQ, less risk of dying of SIDS, less risk of food allergies, less risk of obesity in adulthood, and better health due to the antibodies that are passed in the breastmilk.
Why WOULDN'T anyone breastfeed if they could? Why deny your child of these benefits. And for those who can not, there are resources out there. There are milk banks, there's a milk donation organization (They have a Yahoo group).
Unfortunately, I've run across so many people who don't/won't breastfeed due to ridiculous reasons. Some reasons I've heard are that it'll make their breasts sag, their husbands/boyfriends/etc. thinks it's gross, they think it's inconvenient, etc. It just saddens me to see people who would rather have convenience than give their baby the very best they can.
I'm really not intending to bash anyone who can not breastfeed because I know that there are some with true supply issues. The thing is, many people THINK they have supply issues when they actually do not. Also, many people aren't aware of all the resources to increase their supply in order to ensure a great breastfeeding relationship with their child. I truly hope that more people do choose to breastfeed.
2007-09-22 05:54:29 · answer #1 · answered by Mandi 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am ~ 35 weeks pregnant now with my first and I have a very demanding job, but I still plan to breastfeed my baby as long as possible (hopefully more than 6 months.) I want to give my baby all the nutrients and antibodies I can. Also, I will save money on formula and lose my baby weight faster.
Actually, I was in a baby care class last night with ~ 20 couples. When the instructor asked who planned to breastfeed, everyone raised their hand. That made me happy, since I know how it really benefits the baby. So, despite your experience with the other couples at your class, it looks like more and more people are choosing to at least try and breastfeed. :)
Best of luck to you and your little one!
2007-09-21 07:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by ahill_hokie 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I attempted to breastfeed my daughter and it was pure HORROR! First of all the actual nursing part was like torture. It was painful and uncomfortable. I felt very uncomfortable breastfeeding in front of company so I would leave the room to nurse (which became very lonesome). Eventually I began to feel as though I was nursing 24/7! That's when I decided I would start to pump my breasts. This idea was worse than just breastfeeding! My day was consumed of nursing, pumping, bottle feeding, and washing and sterilizing bottles! After nearly 2 months of this I broke down and said SCREW THIS! I cracked open a sample can of Enfamil from the hospital and made a bottle. At first I cried because I felt like a failure, but that soon passed when I realized that bottle feeding was the right choice for me. I am now 27 weeks pregnant with baby #2 (boy) and I happily plan to use formula. I could not imagine living that nightmare again. Best of luck to breastfeeding!
2007-09-21 08:22:42 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I breastfed my first, exclusively for the first 2 1/2 months and she ate and gained like a champ, and then started introducing formula. I pumped all along and she took a bottle quite easily. I went back to work when she was 3 months old. I wasn't able to pump at work as much as I nursed when I was at home, and by about 5 1/2 months, I had almost no milk.
My second daugter was over 5 weeks early. I nursed for 5 months. She was a great eater, but I had a really hard time putting weight on her. No matter how much I ate, my milk wasn't doing the trick this time. So I put her on formula. I pumped with both my girls and they went from nipple to bottle and back to nipple with no problems and went from breast milk to formula to breast milk without problems. It is a really personal choice and people here seem to have no problem saying you are a bad mom if you don't breast feed. I am not one of them! You need to do what works for you!!!! Good luck and congratulations!!!!
2007-09-21 10:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by momoftwo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm 30 weeks pregnant and I'm planning on trying to breastfeed. I just want what is best for my baby and me. There are just so many benefits to breastfeeding -- not only is the child likely to be healthier it will help me loose my baby weight quicker. I plan to continue feeding once I go back to work (after 6 weeks), that is a big reason why they make pumps -- but I really don't know how everything is going to go. I admit I am very nervous about breastfeeding -- I don't know how I feel about whipping it out for all to see . . . but I'm hoping that is something I will overcome. Another bonus, one my husband keeps pointing out is the fact that it will save so much money on formula. I'm not going to judge those who choose not to feed . . . but for me it wasn't much of a debate.
2007-09-21 08:09:34 · answer #5 · answered by thatgirl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding!
I went back to work at 4 mos. ,pumped at work for a year and nursed him at nights and on weekends.
The american medical assoc. encourages "at least a year" and the world health organization "at least 2 years".
My son has been really healthy and has had only a handful of colds, even while going to a home daycare everyday. He has never needed antibiotics and I believe this is because of the antibodies he receives from my milk. Allergies and digestive issues run in my family and I really wanted to do what I could to reduce his risk.
Emotionally breastfeeding is very powerful too. It's a very bonding, snuggly and makes the baby very calm and happy.
I think the key to successful breastfeeding is having accurate breastfeeding knowledge (go to a La Leche League meeting) before the baby comes, lactation support once the baby is born, trust that your body will make enough for your baby needs (nursing stimulates milk production), determination, patience and having support (whether on-line friends, real life friends family).
I do acknowledge those who tried and just couldn't... it can be very challenging in the few weeks, for many different reasons, which is why is so important to build your arsenal now.
Good for you and your baby!
2007-09-21 08:52:11 · answer #6 · answered by doula 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most do TRY breastfeeding, but do not succeed long term for various reasons. My first I was sure I could breast feed him, but ended up choosing not to - I was young and he would not latch on. I had no patience. My second was breastfed for 1 month, then I returned to work. My third was and still is breastfed. She's almost 9 months. I WISH I would have done it this long with all of them. I love it!!! It's VERY hard at first. The first month basically sucks. But if you stick with it, it is so rewarding, such a bonding experience.
Don't knock people who choose not to breastfeed. Some can't.
Good luck!
2007-09-21 08:03:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I want to breastfeed. Several reasons. Free being the first and best! Bonding with the baby, never forgetting or running out of food for the baby and because it is so good for the baby's development. I know sometimes it just doesn't happen, some babies don't take to it, but with patience I think I will be able to do it.
2007-09-21 08:05:46 · answer #8 · answered by jenjfrost 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your vagina would be drier for a on an identical time as. not a great deal, in basic terms test with relaxing lubes. i'm not in basic terms thirsty, yet hungry as quickly as I breastfeed. i for my area do not drop extra pounds quicker, yet my SIL become at her skinniest whilst she become breastfeeding. this is a ask your self she weaned so quickly. Breastfeeding delivers extra sleep, in view which you do not ought to stand up and make bottles (or arise in any respect, in case you cosleep). It makes your breasts complete and around on an identical time as you're breastfeeding, so which you get to maintain that fullness from being pregnant earlier you get that placed up-being pregnant sagging. Breastfeeding might properly be effective start administration in case you persist with the regulations of LAM. in case you slip in a bottle or schedule feedings, then get some condoms somewhat. Breastfeeding is extra effective for the ecosystem too, it quite is stable for all of our bodies.
2016-11-06 01:31:15 · answer #9 · answered by apley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I plan to breastfeed. I'm going back to work also and I plan to pump.
I've heard that it can be really hard for the mother but I plan on trying anyway. Hopefully everything will work out.
I want to breastfeed because it's good for the baby. Also because it will save money and hopefully it will help me lose weight faster.
Good luck to you!!!
2007-09-21 08:45:26 · answer #10 · answered by jensim108 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋