Choosing Between Breastfeeding And Formula Feeding

[Anonymous]

After the first week or so, I didn't have physical issues with breastfeeding (and FWIW, I have {or at least had} tiny flat nips). BUT..my child ended up having a ton of protein intolerances through breastmilk, though, including severe reactions to soy and legumes, so there's basically no guarantee I could've formula fed even if I had wanted to (would have required really expensive Rx formula, and even then it might not have worked). My original goal was to aim for six months of nursing and we made it ~16 months. Kiddo has no food allergies and has been super-healthy. Weaning was a breeze.

Just one additional wrinkle to consider - the possibility that you'll *have* to breastfeed.

[Anonymous]

If you WANT to learn about breastfeeding, and are interested in trying it, sure try it. There's lots of support out there to be had for this, so seek it out. IF YOU WANT.

But also: if you just don't want the hassle and want to go straight to formula that is TOTALLY OK!!! Honestly, formula is a wonderful option for a lot of people. I did a combo of both, and honestly if I had a 3rd I'm not sure I'd even try nursing again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:After the first week or so, I didn't have physical issues with breastfeeding (and FWIW, I have {or at least had} tiny flat nips). BUT..my child ended up having a ton of protein intolerances through breastmilk, though, including severe reactions to soy and legumes, so there's basically no guarantee I could've formula fed even if I had wanted to (would have required really expensive Rx formula, and even then it might not have worked). My original goal was to aim for six months of nursing and we made it ~16 months. Kiddo has no food allergies and has been super-healthy. Weaning was a breeze.

Just one additional wrinkle to consider - the possibility that you'll *have* to breastfeed.

Why would she “ have” to breastfeed? She can formula feed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After the first week or so, I didn't have physical issues with breastfeeding (and FWIW, I have {or at least had} tiny flat nips). BUT..my child ended up having a ton of protein intolerances through breastmilk, though, including severe reactions to soy and legumes, so there's basically no guarantee I could've formula fed even if I had wanted to (would have required really expensive Rx formula, and even then it might not have worked). My original goal was to aim for six months of nursing and we made it ~16 months. Kiddo has no food allergies and has been super-healthy. Weaning was a breeze.

Just one additional wrinkle to consider - the possibility that you'll *have* to breastfeed.

Why would she “ have” to breastfeed? She can formula feed.

Bottle refusal or severe allergies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After the first week or so, I didn't have physical issues with breastfeeding (and FWIW, I have {or at least had} tiny flat nips). BUT..my child ended up having a ton of protein intolerances through breastmilk, though, including severe reactions to soy and legumes, so there's basically no guarantee I could've formula fed even if I had wanted to (would have required really expensive Rx formula, and even then it might not have worked). My original goal was to aim for six months of nursing and we made it ~16 months. Kiddo has no food allergies and has been super-healthy. Weaning was a breeze.

Just one additional wrinkle to consider - the possibility that you'll *have* to breastfeed.

Why would she “ have” to breastfeed? She can formula feed.

Bottle refusal or severe allergies

There won't be any bottle refusal if the baby gets bottles from the get-go. Severe allergies are rare and can be dealt with with hypoallergenic formula.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:After the first week or so, I didn't have physical issues with breastfeeding (and FWIW, I have {or at least had} tiny flat nips). BUT..my child ended up having a ton of protein intolerances through breastmilk, though, including severe reactions to soy and legumes, so there's basically no guarantee I could've formula fed even if I had wanted to (would have required really expensive Rx formula, and even then it might not have worked). My original goal was to aim for six months of nursing and we made it ~16 months. Kiddo has no food allergies and has been super-healthy. Weaning was a breeze.

Just one additional wrinkle to consider - the possibility that you'll *have* to breastfeed.

Why would she “ have” to breastfeed? She can formula feed.

Bottle refusal or severe allergies

There won't be any bottle refusal if the baby gets bottles from the get-go. Severe allergies are rare and can be dealt with with hypoallergenic formula.

Hypoallergenic formula, as the poster above points out, is extremely expensive. I also know anecdotally of some formula-fed babies who refused bottles and were primarily spoon and cup fed.