A question about bottles and my second baby

[justmum]

I am expecting my second baby in January 2009 and am incredibly determined to exclusively BF this one until 6 months and then on (with solids) until at least 12 months.

With my son, he had formula top ups occasionally from birth. Toward the 4 month mark it was every feed until BF lost out at the 6 month mark.

I don't want this to happen this time. No top ups.

So my question - should I throw all the bottles out to get temptation out of the way?

Or should I keep them and trust that I won't give in again (knowing they will eventually be handy for EBM)?

[Sammilee]

No harm keeping the bottles (obviously as long as they are in good nic), 'coz as you said you can use them for EBM, just don't buy the formula to put in the bottles ;)

[Chunkydunks]

I never bought bottles with the intention of using them for formula. They were bought for EBM only. i didn't go to formula because the bottles were there I went to formula because DS was losing weight. It might sound easy to go to formula but if you're determined then you will stick to it.

[ladybugblue84]

I have the formula, the bottles, the works but BF wins everytime. In the beginning I was supplementing feeds with formula & EBM because breastfeeding hurt but as the pain went away so did my desire to feed my baby formula & to have to wash & sterilise bottles everyday :laughing: I say keep the bottles on hand for emergencies or EBM.

[RedPanda]

I had bottles in the house (from my first son) but I never used them. Have them on hand, but don't have them sterile. When you have a screaming baby in your arms, the last thing you want to do is sterilise a bottle. If it's not ready to go, chances are you'll have to just put that screaming baby onto your breast. And if you do run into real strife, the bottles are there.

[SJE]

Good on you for giving it another go:thumbsup:

They are not doing any harm by being in your cupboard.

Maybe have a look at the issues you had with DS and have a chat to some ABA counsellors to prevent them reoccuring:idea:

[justmum]

Good on you for giving it another go:thumbsup:

They are not doing any harm by being in your cupboard.

Maybe have a look at the issues you had with DS and have a chat to some ABA counsellors to prevent them reoccuring:idea:

Oooh yep I should have mentioned I've signed up to the ABA and am going to a half day work shop. I am hiring an independent LC too. (I am really determined this time :D).

[Sheer Bliss]

:yelclap: JM - good on you for being so determined!! Don't forget, I am here anytime you need it too. Don't put too much pressure on yourself though, the more relaxed you are the easier it will come. I thought I was an expert by the time #2 arrived, since i fed DD until 10-11months, but we still had issues. We were able to work through them - and the ABA & b/f section here had a great deal to do with that. :thumbsup:

Keep the bottles, but as someone else said, jsut don't buy any formula. Nick refused the breast for 3days at 4-5months, and it was a welcome relief from the worry to be able to give him a bottle of EBM. And even though he is still on the boob now, they are still handy for when I go out at night sometimes for him to drink from.

[Lastcenturymum]

Oooh yep I should have mentioned I've signed up to the ABA and am going to a half day work shop. I am hiring an independent LC too. (I am really determined this time :D).

Aw good for you! :yelclap:You have wonderful support there. now if you can get someone to cook your meals and do housework.....:D

Try to stock up your freezer etc to make like as easy as possible this time. I found that helped. I had one or two bottles for EMB but had to go and stock up when I decided I couldn't keep going. Don't be tempted to give a top up feed via a bottle) or the whole cycle starts again..just offer give frequent feeds to build up your supply for a few days if things get tough.

All the best!