Is Breastfeeding Really Worth It?

[Anonymous]

It was worth it for me. It may not be worth it for you. And there is no judgement, or right and wrong in that decision.

If it doesn’t feel worth it, it probably isn’t. And it is 100%, positively okay.

[Anonymous]

It's a very personal decision. If you want to switch, go ahead and switch.

But you should know that three weeks is still very early and the very most difficult days of formula feeding. It gets a lot easier later in the game. I would keep trying for a couple of more weeks.

But if you really don't want to breast feed any more, then let it go. It's really fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s overrated in importance. Most of the pressure I felt was from other women, not my doctors. If I had to do it over again, I would have not put so much effort into it. Maybe even skip it all together. My kids are healthy but I don't think it's from my milk.

Same. My pediatrician didn't blink an eye when he wrote down that I was going to formula feed. My kid had one sick visit his first year and maybe one his second year but after that, he only saw the doctor for his yearly checkup for a good 8-10 yrs.

[Anonymous]

The pressure women speak of is entirely internal. I was encouraged to formula feed. We didn’t. But I didn’t see it as pressure, mostly well intended advice that i sloughed off.

Do what feels best for you and your family. No one else matters on this one.

[Anonymous]

If there is a weight gain issue, and you aren't enjoying it, switch to formula.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here’s the truth, OP: no one can or will ever say that formula is better than breastfeeding. And I say this as a mother of two who could only breastfeed each child for one month before I had to stop to go back on medication. My kids are brilliant, healthy, and beautiful at 8 and 3. Would breastfeeding have been better than formula? Probably a little -yes. But I’m the mother they got and I have a serious medical condition that requires medication. I can live with slightly second best in this case.

My point is that this is not the last time you’re going to face issues like this. Would the perfect Mary Poppins nanny have been better than daycare? Probably but we could not afford Mary and chose the best possible daycare. Would Sidwell have been better for DC than the school he’s attending? Probably. We couldn’t afford it. We’re doing the absolute best we can. And, in the end, that has to be good enough.

+1
In no other area do we beat moms up so much for not doing the slightly better thing.

That said, I think BF is really important - in developing countries where the water is dangerous and they are so poor they are likely to water down the formula. Neither is the case here since formula is given as part of WIC to those who cannot afford it. It may not being “exactly as good” but it is only slightly less good for a US baby not dramatically so. Just like tons of other slightly less good choices we all make alll the time about our kids.

+2. Be confident in your choices and don’t rationalize because you do not have to.

[Anonymous]

I have teenagers. I breastfed them both without issue.

I am giving you permission to stop. It’s not that important. It was easy for me but people make such a drama about it, just like circumcision.

Maybe pump a little to give baby a little daily antibodies if it’s important to you but don’t let your mental health suffer for it

[Anonymous]

Honestly no. Fed is best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s overrated in importance. Most of the pressure I felt was from other women, not my doctors. If I had to do it over again, I would have not put so much effort into it. Maybe even skip it all together. My kids are healthy but I don't think it's from my milk.

+1

Fed is best as is a happy mother.

[Anonymous]

It's not worth it, if it makes you miserable. I was miserable with my first. Didn't do it with my second and our entire family was much better off.

[Anonymous]

Is it worth it to you? If you think it’s not, then it’s not. There’s your answer.

[Anonymous]

Marginal benefits in a first-world country.

The women who would benefit most from it in this country (because of the cost savings) are those who are least able to do so because they work the types of jobs that don't come with pump rooms, time to pump, paid leave, etc.

I did it during the newborn (1-2 months) stage bc I was up at night anyway, but not beyond then.

[Anonymous]

My second had poor latch and poor weight gain. I was pumping and triple feeding around the clock which was a challenge. She was eventually diagnosed with MSPI and i went on a pretty strict elimination diet but she was still having significant GI issues and other allergy manifestations like rashes. I switched to Alimentum (preferred the RTF due to ingredients and she tolerated it better as it's thick) and she gained weight really well and her GI symptoms resolved quickly- it was like having a totally different, happy baby. No regrets, glad we figured it out a few weeks before I went back to work, it made the infant period so enjoyable because I wasn't struggling to feed her and we all got to sleep.

[Anonymous]

Depends on your wants and situation.

For me, yep.

For others, no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Marginal benefits in a first-world country.

The women who would benefit most from it in this country (because of the cost savings) are those who are least able to do so because they work the types of jobs that don't come with pump rooms, time to pump, paid leave, etc.

I did it during the newborn (1-2 months) stage bc I was up at night anyway, but not beyond then.

This! If you aren't happy, skip it. When your kid is a teen like mine is now, literally NOBODY CARES if you breastfed.

It's all a big marketing campaign as far as I call tell. My kid is healthy and fine.