I'm only 15 weeks preggers, so I know I have time to think about it. I haven't made up my find about breastfeeding, but I know I want the baby to have the colostrum. So my question is, can I give the baby colostrum when he\she is born and then switch to formula? I know breastfeeding is best for the baby, but I don't know how comfortable I am with it.
2007-12-17 10:48:41 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Yes you can give your baby formula after your colostrum. You should try breastfeeding though. It does hurt really bad for the first few weeks. your nipples get real sore and cracked. But after that its a breeze unless you get a yeast infection of clogged ducts. But I recommend everyone try it. Its such a special bond only you can do with your child. If you want your baby to still get breast milk you can also pump it and give it to her/him. Dont let people try to push oyu in one direction or another. It is your decision. Breastfed baby require only your attention a lot. So Daddy or noone else can help with those late night feedings.
Good luck with your baby!!!
2007-12-17 11:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by pixiepalace04 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The short answer is yes, you can give colostrum first then switch to formula. Many mothers have done it. Now I'll tell you how I really feel.
I encourage you to learn all you can about breastfeeding from your doctor, your pediatrician, your mother, friends, books, WIC and of course the internet. Breastfeedingpartners.org is an excellent sight. I also recommend amysbabies.com.
I feel strongly that the more a mother-to-be knows about breastfeeding, the more she will realize that breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed her baby. There is just no end to the reasons why "breast is best". In fact, I think that instead of talking about the benefits of breastfeeding, we should talk about the risks of formula, since nursing is the normal way for a baby to eat.
If you do choose to breastfeed, get all the support you can. Talk to your partner, your mother, your sister, or anyone else who will be helping you in the early weeks after you bring your precious baby home. You will need encouragement while you and your baby are learning to breastfeed.
If, for whatever reason, you choose not to continue to breastfeed, know that any amount of breastmilk is a gift that you have given your baby.
2007-12-19 12:51:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can but remember it is those first days that are very uncomfortable, even painful to some. I would have given up if I did not have the excellent support and advice that I had at the hospital. If you can get past the first few days of colostrum then you can go much longer. Once your milk comes in it will be much better.
And you already know - breastfeeding is a much better choice.
Good luck. I hope you give it a try and last much longer than just the first few days.
2007-12-17 18:57:52 · answer #3 · answered by AlongthePemi 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can give your baby colostrum and then change to formula. Having your baby take the colostrum will cause your milk to let down and so you may become engorged. I would suggest trying breast feeding and seeing how you feel about it. The more you do it, the better you will get and the more comfortable you will feel. Talk to the nurse when you deliver and get some other opinions. You may find that you enjoy the bond and time shared with just you and baby.
Good luck!
2007-12-17 18:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by Pedsgurl 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can give your baby colostrum and then switch. The PROBLEM with this is that your milk will come in and it will be harder and painful for you to dry your supply. Plus you may also have a hard time getting the baby off the breast if you only breast feed the first couple of weeks. I breast fed my baby a full month and then for the 2nd and 3rd I did both the bottle and breast till I was able to wean him from the breast completely. I'm not a big fan of it for several reasons but I too wanted him to have the benefits of the colostrum and help him build his immune system until we got him started on his shots. He is now 20 months and very healthy =)
2007-12-17 18:59:03 · answer #5 · answered by BEBE 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes you can switch after your baby has the colostrum.
2007-12-17 18:55:50 · answer #6 · answered by carol anne 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can do whatever you want, but yes of course it's best to give breastmilk for as long as you can too.
2007-12-17 18:54:02 · answer #7 · answered by Melissa 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋