Bottle vs Breast

[summersun]

Hi im 16 and 28weeks pregnant with my 1st baby babys dad and me arre not togehter anymore after he hit me in the stomach when i told him i was preg. I am having a little girl who im calling Catlyn Jasmine who is due 27th July. I am in the middle of deciding whether to breast or bottle fed and wondered if anyone has any experiance or way to help chose?

[SassyMummy]

I'm of the opinion that, unless ther's some reason why you can't breastfeed, it's a good idea for both you and your baby to give it a decent go.

Breastmilk IS the best for your baby, so if you can provide it, of course it's the healthier option. If, for whatever reason, you honestly cannot breastfeed, then formula isn't going to harm your baby.

I'd go into the breastfeeding section of the forum, and do a lot of random reading. One of the biggest things those mamas have to say is that it WILL HURT and it WILL BE HARD at first... but you know, you deal, you get over it... and it's fine, and both you and your baby benefit from it.

I had my daughter 25th July 2005, and I think breastfeeding is great for babies born around that time... you can just have them in bed with you, and like, both keep warm under hte blanket, you just pull your boob out, lay on your side, and let baby suckle. No getting up in the freezing cold like I did when I swtiched to bottles (which I regreted - but by then it was too late).

[~Temet Nosce~]

I'm of the opinion that, unless ther's some reason why you can't breastfeed, it's a good idea for both you and your baby to give it a decent go.

Breastmilk IS the best for your baby, so if you can provide it, of course it's the healthier option. If, for whatever reason, you honestly cannot breastfeed, then formula isn't going to harm your baby.

I'd go into the breastfeeding section of the forum, and do a lot of random reading. One of the biggest things those mamas have to say is that it WILL HURT and it WILL BE HARD at first... but you know, you deal, you get over it... and it's fine, and both you and your baby benefit from it.


everything she said :iagree:

[abiishu]

Breastfeed! Breastfeed! :D

As well as being the best thing you can do for your baby, I think it is much easier and more convenient than bottle feeding. Breastmilk is always on tap and ready to go when bub is hungry, saves money as you don't have to buy formula, bottles, sterilisers etc.

There is no need to wash bottles, measure and prepare formula, or make sure it is the right temperature with breastmilk - it is the perfect meal for bub, ready to go, whenever and wherever you are.

I have been breastfeeding DD for 7 months now - and I just love it! :goodvibes:

Why not join up the ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Association) and go along to one of their breastfeeding classes. You will learn heaps of useful, get to talk to some other mums, and probably see a breastfeeding demo as well.

Good luck!

[Skittles]

hey i had to bottlefeed both my bubs..but only because i was unable to breastfeed. It is one of my biggest regrets that i didnt because i believe it is best for bub (even though formulas these days are really good) and a great way to build up your bond. However it is a very personal decision so good luck with whatever you pick. Congrats on your little girl by the way.

[stellarella]

It shouldn't be a decision you make even before your baby is born.
Part of the parenting deal is giving BFing a go because it is normal and what your babies immature system is expecting.

FF is something many mums HAVE to turn to because they encounter too many problems, and it is an acceptable though inferior substitute to breast milk.

Give it a go, you might love it!

:thumbsup:

[grass is always greener]

I'm of the opinion that, unless ther's some reason why you can't breastfeed, it's a good idea for both you and your baby to give it a decent go.

Breastmilk IS the best for your baby, so if you can provide it, of course it's the healthier option. If, for whatever reason, you honestly cannot breastfeed, then formula isn't going to harm your baby.

I'd go into the breastfeeding section of the forum, and do a lot of random reading. One of the biggest things those mamas have to say is that it WILL HURT and it WILL BE HARD at first... but you know, you deal, you get over it... and it's fine, and both you and your baby benefit from it.

I had my daughter 25th July 2005, and I think breastfeeding is great for babies born around that time... you can just have them in bed with you, and like, both keep warm under hte blanket, you just pull your boob out, lay on your side, and let baby suckle. No getting up in the freezing cold like I did when I swtiched to bottles (which I regreted - but by then it was too late).


:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

I stopped Breastfeeding at 3 weeks with my son and i used to say it was because i had mastitis, however, i now say its due to lack of information and knowledge. I suggest to arm yourself with so much information that its a small novel. Then if for any reason you are unable to BF, then you can make the informed choice to stop. Also your mum may be a great source of information and also support.

[~Bec~]

Breast milk is definately best for babies but don't assume that it's easy. If you're on a budget obviously breastfeeding is much cheaper than bottle feeding but read up as much as you can in how to do it, the problems you may face and join the ABA.

Best of luck with everything. :)

[NewBeginnings]

Hun, first of all congrats on your pregnancy. :goodvibes:

In the end this is a decision only you can make. You can do as much research and reading on breast feeding vs. bottle feeding as you like.

We all get it rammed down our throats that breast feeding is best for bubs etc. But if it is not for you, then don't push yourself to do something you don't feel comfortable doing etc iykwim.

I breastfed my son for 3 days. He wasn't latching on properly, he had completely mutilated me, it was for me more painful than giving birth. I was adamant the entire pregnancy my baby was going to be breastfed. But I was going downhill fast... he wasn't sleeping, was hungry all the time, was crying all the time.... I was spiralling downhill and fast and did not want to be left alone with him and was starting to resent him. I walked out of the hospital toilet one day to see my ex feeding my son a bottle... and I felt like a failure cause he stopped his non stop crying, he slept... so needless to say with that sort of "support" my son went on the bottle, without asking or telling me. I do regret it now, and next bubs I will be trying so much harder... but at the time I did what I thought was right.

But don't let anyone tell you what you have to do with your baby. They are your boobs, it is your bubs... and if you don't feel right or comfortable then don't force yourself to do it. If you are still confused about it when bubs arrives, then by all means try it, see how it goes. If you don't feel it's for you then put bubs on the bottle! But hun... it is your decision and your decision only!

Good luck with it hun, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for doing what you feel is right for YOU and YOUR bubs!:hugs:

ETA: I don't mean to "scare" you writing my experiance.... but I am just giving my experiance... BF can be easy for some and extremely difficult for others...

[~Temet Nosce~]

I dont know if anyone else noticed what you said about your ex- but jeez, he sounds like an absolute a$$hole :thumbsdown:

[Queen]

I'm of the opinion that, unless ther's some reason why you can't breastfeed, it's a good idea for both you and your baby to give it a decent go.

Breastmilk IS the best for your baby, so if you can provide it, of course it's the healthier option. If, for whatever reason, you honestly cannot breastfeed, then formula isn't going to harm your baby.

I'd go into the breastfeeding section of the forum, and do a lot of random reading. One of the biggest things those mamas have to say is that it WILL HURT and it WILL BE HARD at first... but you know, you deal, you get over it... and it's fine, and both you and your baby benefit from it.

I had my daughter 25th July 2005, and I think breastfeeding is great for babies born around that time... you can just have them in bed with you, and like, both keep warm under hte blanket, you just pull your boob out, lay on your side, and let baby suckle. No getting up in the freezing cold like I did when I swtiched to bottles (which I regreted - but by then it was too late).


It shouldn't be a decision you make even before your baby is born.
Part of the parenting deal is giving BFing a go because it is normal and what your babies immature system is expecting.

FF is something many mums HAVE to turn to because they encounter too many problems, and it is an acceptable though inferior substitute to breast milk.

Give it a go, you might love it!

:thumbsup:

:iagree::iagree: Everything they said:D

[Fizzgig75]

My best advice for everything you are about to face (even though you didn't ask for it! :p) is to 1) Don't make any firm decisions about your parenting style' before it's time - GO WITH THE FLOW. Seriously you are going to get so many 'know-it-alls' telling you this that and the other but you just have to take your time and work out what is best for you and YOUR baby, it is, believe it or not, different for every one.

But to answer your question, put all facts and beliefs aside re: breastfeeding... from a lazy point of view it's just downright easier, more convenient AND cheaper... if you can work it out ;) For some it's natural; for others (like me) you spend AGES with a lactation consultant and suffer with sore, cracked nipples and bursting boobies before it all just becomes 2nd nature anytime between 8 - 12 weeks (!!); and then there's some who even after the best go aren't able to (or decide they don't want to)... and you know what - that's OK too!

So please give it go just to see, it's generally easier to switch to bottle than to start with bottle and then try to switch to boobie.

I'm pleased to hear you're no longer with the dad, what he did was completely unforgivable and unacceptable - what a TOOL! Sorry if it's putting you through a tough emotional time... but seriously you're doing the best thing by staying away. :hugs:

[Whispers]

They do say breast is best but dont feel bad if you cant or if you decided not to its your choice. Just becasue you bottle feed dosnt make you a bad mother and just becasue you breast feed dosnt make you a good mother it all depends on what you wanna do hey you could always to both by expressing :D although that migt be a lot of hard work lol

[the_queen]

Breastfeed. Just like pregnancy and birth, it can be tough and hard to cope with at times. But it's what you do. Your body produces milk, that's what you feed your baby.

[defa]

Hay how are you..
Everyone will tell you that breast is best but you have to do what is best for you if breast isn't the best for you it wont be for your baby.
I know your only young and you can breast feed if you want but don't feel like you have to becaues everyone tell you that it is the best thing for you to do..
I bottle feed my baby from birth and she is a happy health girl with only a runny nose once in her 2 years..
As long as your happy with what you decide to do your baby will be happy..
Glad you left your man donesn't sound like a nice guy..
Hope you have someone to help you out and look after you..

[neostudded]

I have experience with breastfeeding and I highly reccomend it.

After the initial start up period, breastfeeding is very easy. All you have to do is raise your shirt and let the little one latch on. No shopping for formula, bottles, and other supplies. No mixing, heating, refrigerating and cleaning up of formula. If you sleep with your baby, or sleep the baby next to your bed, you can forget about all the disturbing night time rituals associated with formula use. All you have to do is roll over, let the baby latch on, and go back to sleep

Good luck with everything :)

[Whispers]

Breastfeed. Just like pregnancy and birth, it can be tough and hard to cope with at times. But it's what you do. Your body produces milk, that's what you feed your baby.

Not everything is as simple as that though.

[the_queen]

Not everything is as simple as that though.

I never said it was simple. In fact I said
it can be tough and hard to cope with at times

[Whispers]

But you also posted

"But it's what you do. Your body produces milk, that's what you feed your baby."

So by saying that you are saying it should be the only choice when in fact its not.

[the_queen]

Sadly no, it's not the only choice.

[Whispers]

breastfeeding or bottle feeding, like pregnancy, like birth, like staying up late with a sick baby - is just something mothers do because it's what you do.

[the_queen]

Breastfeeding should be the first choice though. It's a baby's birthright.

[Whispers]

The baby has the right to be fed, looked after, and loved. It is the mothers RIGHT and the MOTHERS choice to choose how she does this.

[forbetoel]

I'm of the opinion that, unless ther's some reason why you can't breastfeed, it's a good idea for both you and your baby to give it a decent go.



).

I think it is as simple as this.
It is better to try and it not work out, than to never know.


Btw, I was lucky enough to find breast feeding really easy. For me bottle feeding would be harder.

[Hollywood]

Breastfeed.

It may hurt at first, you may even cry and curl your toes from the pain. If you have trouble then contact the ABA, the hospital lacation consultants or anywhere you can get help.

The thing with BFing is that it DOES get easier with time, the babies get quicker at feeding (eg my DS feeds for 5 or so minutes tops, unless he's drifting off to sleep).

Also, breastfeeding is FREE! It doesn't cost you a thing and is very convenient (always ready, no heating or preparing bottles, no expensive formula to buy).

Arm yourself with plenty of knowledge, and don't assume it will be easy at the start.....but trust me it will get better and you'll be glad you did it.

Good luck!!

[mummysangels]

Hi :wave:

I bottle fed DD1 because of the lack of help from the nurses when she was born.

Breastfed DD2 for 18 months (had plenty of help), she was an easy baby to feed.

DD3 is a different bub, I have breast and bottle fed as she isn't getting what she needs from the breast.

It isn't easy to breast feed but you should give it ago :yes:, just to see how you go at it.

But then if you bottle feed it doesn't mean you'll love her any less.

Good luck with your decision, your the only one who will know what is right for you and your baby.

[blissfullybonkers]

Hi,
being a first time mum, deciding before bubs is born, to go for breast or bottle isnt really the best idea,its something you need to experience for yourself:)
i would definately have a go at Breastfeeding and give it a couple of weeks, but just incase you want to try expressing too have a breast pump and few bottles on hand.if it doesnt happen for you and bubs then you can always goto the shop later and get some formula, but hopefully you can BF, its such a nice bonding thing, and its something that only you can give to your baby:D

i would also recomend 'Lansinoh' its a cream that you can put on when your breastfeeding to protect and help heal if you get sore nipples, you also dont have to wipe it off when you are feeding bubs.i think it can also help prepare your nipples for b/f if you start massaging it in for a weeks weeks before bubs is born.

goodluck and CONGRATULATIONS!

[NewBeginnings]

Breastfeeding should be the first choice though. It's a baby's birthright.

Yes... but what about the mothers rights? surely they shouldn't have to do something because 90% of society says it's what they "should" be doing :confused:

[Mummaholic]

The baby has the right to be fed, looked after, and loved. It is the mothers RIGHT and the MOTHERS choice to choose how she does this.

:iagree:

Sadly ppl often think they have the right to choose for others.

I suggest heaps of research, talking to lactation consultants and making your decision after bub is born.

Happy mum = happy baby so it is a personal decision.

[NewBeginnings]

:iagree:

Sadly ppl often think they have the right to choose for others.

I suggest heaps of research, talking to lactation consultants and making your decision after bub is born.

Happy mum = happy baby so it is a personal decision.

I could not agree more! :D To me having the baby fed - who cares how - is the most important thing... at least they are being fed! That's the important issue! :yes:

In my instance... wouldn't you rather have a happy, full and content baby being bottle fed (and a semi :p sane mum)... rather than a mum trying to BF, spiraling downhill and fast, completely resenting her baby... and a screaming, discontent, hungry baby :confused: I know I would! :thumbsup:

[Mum&bubs]

Well for me when I was pregnant at your age, I only ever thought there was that one option of breastfeeding, it just seemed like the most natural thing to do. So that's what I did, I didn't even think about giving bubby a bottle (okay maybe I did when it was 3am and she was screaming and my nunus were sore :laughing:)

I think have a go, theres no harm in trying. Obviously, breastfeeding is best but if it doesn't work out, bottlefeeding is best. Breastfeeding is good for them, good for you, it's free, it's convient, you can do it anywhere anytime! You may have some problems in the beginning but if you seek support you should be able to overcome them.

If not, then you can bottlefeed. There's nothing wrong with bottlefeeding but I think your first choice should be breastfeeding. Best of luck! And sorry to hear about your ex, he sounds like an absolute jerk. Feel free to PM me if you want to chat :hugs:

[Jodestar21]

My advice is also to read as much as you can and also speak to others who have breastfed (as someone else said maybe attend an ABA meeting)..they are so friendly and helpful.

Of course bf'ing is going to be best for your baby (in most circumstances), and most convenient and easy for you (once you both learn how to). It truly does take a while for most of us to master, its a learning experience for us and our bubs. My best suggestion though would be to make sure you see a lactation consultant while you are in hospital AND for the first few days, call for help EVERY time you are going to bf, to help with attachment. This is the hardest part to master and if you can get that right b4 u leave hospital, you're virtually there! My sister advised me to do this and i dont think i could have got through it without the help of the wonderful nurses and midwives. They were so patient and helpful and im still bf'ing now, nearly 17 months later!

I cant remember it being painful but i know it can be for lots of women(except for the engorgement..read up on this also to be prepared. Not everyone gets it as painful as i did but if you know whats happening its not as frightening. I thought my boobs were going to burst...lol. But thats another story, just something to be prepared for). The more help you ask for the easier it will be. And if you cant do it, as lots of others have said, dont stress. Maybe you can express or bottle feed. Just wait and see what works for you.In the end thats all you can do. Lots of people have very strong opinions on this subject but in the end it does all come down to is it working for you and your bub? If not and you've had all the help and support you can, then bottle feeding is not the end of the world and may end up being a happier choice for both of you.

Good luck and im so sorry what you went through with your ex. What a horrible, sorry excuse for a man he is. Its not too late to let the Police know! What he did is one of the lowest acts i can imagine. You and your bub will be so much happier on your own. Best of luck.

[my_lot]

I have four children and have had four very, very different experiences with breastfeeding. Never, with any of them, could i look back and say it was all easy or even that it got easier.

With each baby i had something else come up, over supply, buildingsupply, mastitis, expressing to tube feed premature baby, reflux, The joys of feeding after a c-section, baby with high palette, feeding during pregnancy, breast refusal, teat refusal ect. It was never a matter of "put baby to breast and let them suckle"!

The afterpains got worse with each baby, the timing of the morning feed and getting kids out the door for school was tricky, and the lack of sleep due to dp not being able to help, was highlighted far more with breastfeeding baby no.4.

but with only the one baby and yourself to look after, support, advice and freedom to sleep when baby sleeps you should be ok.


Heres some things i wish i had known before the first baby-

- you have to drink, drink, drink!! You will need plenty of water!


-The milk cycle inc. let down
- how to hand express
- where the tongue should be if the baby is latched on correctly
-how to break the suction to re-latch the baby
- to expect huge discomfort when the milk comes in
- 3rd day blues are normal and worse if the baby is not feeding well!

join the ABA, even if your not sure what way you want to feed, the whole way through the pregnancy, you may feel very sure when you hold your little one the first time.

best of luck.

[nicoleE]

I havent read all of the other responses here but i have to say i strongly recommend you at least give breastfeeding a try. it is best for your baby (i dont think anyone will deny that) but the biggest surprise i found was the incredible bond i felt (and still feel) with my baby when she is feeding.
of course some women choose for their own reasons not to and it may be that it just isnt working for them but you wont know until you give it a go.

i was someone who thought id give it a go but figured i wouldnt be disappointed if i couldnt continue thinking id only feed until 3 months anyway... well early on i came to a point where i didnt think i could continue and i was devastated at the thought.... happy to say i persevered and passed that 3 month mark, then i figured i would stop at 6 months... well DD is now 7 months and i have no intention of stopping anytime soon!

for some women it comes easy, some hard and others inbetween, there is allot of help out there and if in the end you are struggling with coping and just stressing out you can always switch later to formula.

i guess it can sound like it is really hard but it isnt, just sometimes bubs and mums milk need a little time to adjust and this is the tricky bit sometimes, once it is all established it is as easy as pie!

[supa_star323]

I agree with everyone else! BREASTFEED!!!

I had to bottle DS due to medical stuff, a very long story, but still now am regretting that I couldn't breastfeed him.

[jaq]

Without getting into the debate (IGNORE the politics and take the INFORMATION), I just wanted to say that everybody's experience with breastfeeding is totally different.

I never once experienced any pain, feeding both of mine for 12 months plus.

The worst thing I encountered in the whole experience was the PRESSURE from midwives in the hospital. Not to breastfeed, but HOW to breastfeed.

Nurse A would say this. (And grab me). Nurses B, C, D and E would say something else. (And grab me.) Then the specialist lactation consultant would come along and have a different opinion again.

I had difficulty learning how to feed when I was in hospital with my first. Once I got home, RELAXED, it all fell into place.

I'm down to one feed a day with my daughter at the moment after swapping her morning feed for cowsmilk earlier this week ... and am already missing that closeness and the bliss of letdown.

All the best to you and your little girl. :kiss:

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

Your baby does have a birthright- and that birthright is to be looked after to the best of your ability and to be fed- doesn't matter how - FF or BF. Good luck with what ever you choose and don't let enyone bully you into anything- if you care about you and your baby and it sounds like you allready do then you will make the best decisions you can. - you are the mum and you will know best- you will know if you need advice and when you won't and what sort of feeding is right for you both when bubs comes along.

[Verdi]

Your baby does have a birthright- and that birthright is to be looked after to the best of your ability and to be fed- doesn't matter how - FF or BF. Good luck with what ever you choose and don't let enyone bully you into anything- if you care about you and your baby and it sounds like you allready do then you will make the best decisions you can. - you are the mum and you will know best- you will know if you need advice and when you won't and what sort of feeding is right for you both when bubs comes along.
I agree.
You do what is right FOR YOU!!
Don't let anyone pressure you either way.
God knows that at your age you are probably feeling a littlle overwhelmed.
If you cant Breastfeed, bottlefeed. If you can than thats great! If you can't then thats okay too.
NEVER EVER FEEL LIKE A FAILURE! You are doing something special bringing a child into the world especially under your cirumstances i applaud you. Who cares how you feed your baby, as long as baby and mum are happy!:)