Forum Index
»
Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
I am choosing not to breastfeed.
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
Great post! Thank you for your honesty and empathy. |
Anonymous
Me four. |
Anonymous
WHO CARES! I BF, but I get why someone wouldn't want to. As long as the baby is getting fed, that is all that matters 
|
Anonymous
|
I chose not to breastfeed. Said child is now 9 years old, happy, healthy and among the top in his class. (So far.. )
The baby won't care what you fed him/her.. so long as they're fed. Make your decision and be strong in it. This is your baby, you and your husband are raising said baby. The opinions of hundreds of others don't matter. I get that you're looking for support right now. I really hope you can gain the confidence to just do what's right for you while others do the same. |
Anonymous
| Note to expectant moms who may be reading this thread and getting scared about how hard breastfeeding is. Breastfeeding is difficult or impossible for some women, but from what I can tell based on my experience and the experience of my friends/colleagues is that breastfeeding is actually pretty easy (at least after the first week or two) for most women. So - definitely no need to feel guilty if you can't or don't want to breastfeed - but if it is something that's important to you, just wanted to put out some words of encouragement. I BF and definitely don't feel like a martyr for doing so. In fact, I think it's way easier than formula feeding (at least until I go back to work). |
Anonymous
| Formula is not the same as breast milk. It is not as good, it is not as healthy. Sure, it is OK, or even better than OK. Sure, your kid can survive - even thrive - on formula alone but let's not kid ourselves into thinking that they (formula and breast milk) are equally good. BM is the gold standard and I challenge anyone to find a doc, researcher, etc. who would say that formula is just as good. Heck, even the formula companies agree with that. So, if you want to (or have to) only give your baby formula that is your choice and your baby will be fine, but it's not AS good. It's that simple. |
Anonymous
| Breast feeding is a pain in the ass at the very beginning. If you can't get past the first four to six weeks AND you experience issues with latch or supply I can totally see why someone would not want to try. And it HURTS. Raw nipples are painful. |
Anonymous
|
Yeah, formula isn't quite as good, but the margin of difference is small and the benefits easily can be outweighed by the drawbacks. Your child is far better off with a happy mom who gives him formula than a struggling stressed-out mom who breastfeeds. Likewise, a happy, full baby on formula is better than a hungry, needy baby on breastmilk. Any doctor who recommends breast milk over formula at the expense of mom's peace of mind and baby's weight gain is a bad doctor.
|
Anonymous
|
Its really variable whether breastfeeding will be easy or hard for you. My first was a preemie and BF was very hard. I had supply issues and needed to start supplementing with formula around 4 months. I was expecting the same problems for my second kid but was surprised at how easy it was. Night and day experience.
We go out alot and do travel. As long as you are not uncomfortable breastfeeding out of the house, I will say that BF is much easier here. It was amazing not to have to pack bottles, formula and figure out how to clean them in a hotel. |
Anonymous
| 13:28 is right - it is totally variable. I have BF 2 kids, each for over a year, working FT from 4 mo with each, no supplementing. It was a breeze with both kids from day 1. No latch, supply, sore nipples, etc issues. I have many friends for whom BFing was equally easy and of course some friends who faced some bumps along the way. |
Anonymous
| okay, is this what you want to hear...your self centered. Selfish and choosing to give your child second best (if even that) because you just don't want to be bothered. Well it is your choice. Your child will still grow. |
Anonymous
I love it when a post's tone, grammar, and writing style perfectly reflect its content. Bravo. |
Anonymous
| There have been many studies (check out the study from Michael S. Kramer M.D that have shown little difference in the health benefits of breast vs. bottle.) Start looking at Medical Journals and studies and then make your decision. Many people just sau "Breast is Best" okay they are entitled to their opinion but if the mother cannot or does not want to do it what type of effect does that have on the family dynamics in the long run? Only you know your family and what is best for you. I breast fed both of my children while on Maternity leave I had C Sections with both and had to wait 8 days with the first and 12 with second , I was in the Army at the time so that limited my options for pumping. It was difficult to get started and it hurt at first, then it got eaiser and then both of them were not satisfied with just the breat milk because hey they are little people and they know what they want and they wanted formula. So be it. i was very aggresive with the Nursing Nazi's and let them know from the start to keep their advice to themselves and I would not be packing my bags and going on a guilt trip over breastfeeding when I was literally going to pack my bags and go to Bosnia with the first one and Iraq with the second. Today I have two healthy, talented, affectionate, well traveled children who guess what DO NOT REMEMBER IF THEY WERE BREAST FED OR NOT! I can assure you that even at a very young age if they went hungry THEY WOULD REMEMBER. So research and then do what you want because I am not in support of breastfeeding over bottle feeding I support FEEDING HUNGRY CHILDREN! |
Anonymous
| looza's |
Anonymous
| hopefully OP didn't choose the recalled formula. |