View Full Version : A couple of quick questions
Feel free to make the answers not-so-quick though :D
I am contemplating entering the dark-side by giving up the booby feeds and putting the munchkin onto the bottle exclusively. Granted, I have contemplated this since he was a week old but it takes me a long time to think things through - teeny brain and all that.
Anyway, my questions.
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
(I realise these questions sound a bit ... pointed. Please believe me, I'm not being at all judgemental :D )
jasminesmum
21-09-2006, 13:32
I breastfeed my first ds but had so many problems and it put me off doing it for my other children.
My second ds and my dd have been bottle fed since birth. They have been just as healthy as my first ds and hardly ever get sick.
All the best with choice. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. And do what you think is best for you and your bubba.
tweedledee*tweedledum
21-09-2006, 13:32
Firstly, I have twins so my situation is a bit different, but I thought I would answer your questions anyway!
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? I was finding it too difficult to breast feed both children, as they started having different feeding times and was not producing enough for both of them at different times.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? I gave it a very good go, I should get a medal!
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? 4 and a half months
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? Neither have had any illnesses at all since birth.
lucyrose9
21-09-2006, 13:33
Feel free to make the answers not-so-quick though :D
I am contemplating entering the dark-side by giving up the booby feeds and putting the munchkin onto the bottle exclusively. Granted, I have contemplated this since he was a week old but it takes me a long time to think things through - teeny brain and all that.
Anyway, my questions.
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
(I realise these questions sound a bit ... pointed. Please believe me, I'm not being at all judgemental :D )
Hi i stopped breast feeding at 5 months she was on there all the time and wasn't gettiing enough so i went on to the bottle.
My daughter has not been unwell at all and i find so much more freedom with bottle feeding and it helps when leaving baby with other ppl(grandparents)
Good luck with it an don't think your bad if u stop
I breastfed my first 2. Bottle fed my 3rd because I had to return to work due to finances (or a severe lack of!)
I tried to breastfeed my 4th, but for some reason we just couldn't get our groove happening.:(
My first child (breastfed) was always sick. Bronchitis, ear infections, roseola, slap cheek etc etc. So the breastfed baby never being sick thing was shattered with him. My 2nd (breastfed) has hardly ever been sick, apart from the old cold and runny nose. My 3rd (bottle fed) has NEVER been sick, she is 2 in 3 weeks! My 4th (bottle fed) has been sick and hospitalised with bronchitis and a perferated eardrum.
So, to say that breastfed babies are healthier than bottle fed babies can't be true. Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute of breastfeeding and it definitely has it's health benefits. I was absolutely devastated when I couldn't feed my last bubba. When we have our next bubba, I will definitely try and breastfeed again.
The only down-side to bottle feeding (IMO) is that when you introduce solids, some formulas don't mix with the introduction of solids and can make bub very constipated. I have found this with my last bubba.
HTH
poshBecks
21-09-2006, 13:38
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
With #1.... I didn't have enough milk for the poor kid, he was starving!!
With #2... It was a pain in the bum for me & I found it quite gross.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes!! With both.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
#1 was for 4 weeks, & #2 was for 2 months.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
:no: Nope, not at all. Both my kids are generally well children. And they are both just as switched on as any other child aswell :thumbsup:
I Bf until 4 1/2 months, and boy were they long months.
Reasons for stopping-
1. had no idea that it didn't just happen, this was a big shock!! I suffered baby blues (then later a little PND) and this made those first weeks very hard- i can remember crying/sobbing "no he can't possibly want another feed"
2. improved a little with nipple shields but bub was an all day feeder/comfort sucker. I dont think my boosies were put away for more than an hour a day- earthmumma here.
3. public feeding was really hard, bub was a on off on off on off on off (you get the picture). I hated my boosie being flashed to the world. Where we live there are NO feeding rooms.
4. the tiredness from waking 4/5times a night to feed compounded my blues. I felt like i was not coping from lack of sleep.
Generally did not feel bonded whilst doing it which made me feel like a failure for not feeling this natural love. I felt i needed space.
Hope I dont sound horrible. We are ttc #2 in next couple of months and I aim to give the whole kit n caboodle another shot. I would love to master this BF'ing, it's my personal goal.
edited to add- my bub has not been a sick baby, i've had more colds etc than he has!!
Be at peace with whatever you choose, good luck :)
Go with the flow and do what you need to do for your situation!
There is so much pressure put on women to breastfeed, for heaven's sake, even the formula tin tells you you should breastfeed!:mad: :banghead:
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? with DS I ran out of milk around 8 months he kind of self weaned. with DD it just didnt happen- I expressed and put it in a bottle for 5 months then switched to formula as my milk dried up.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? yes!! and i will with future bubs(if there is any)
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? 8 months DS and about 3 weeks with DD then i expressed
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? no not that i am aware of my neice who was exclusively breastfed has been sick more often than my 2
:thumbsup:
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I started supplementing at 3 months, gave a bottle of forumla at 9pm feed to encourage sleeping through the night which worked for us. (slept until 5ish, the breastfed and slept again until 7ish.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, exclusively for 3 months and both until 6 months.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
No! I can only compare to the children I know and in our case it is the opposite. We are very lucky to have a a 19 month old who has only ever had 1 cold - that is it!
You should do what is best for you and your bub, don't feel you are a bad mum if you decide to formula feed. It is normal to feel a bit of guilt, but if it makes you a happier mum, then that means a happier bub. Good luck. :)
Chickadee
21-09-2006, 14:03
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? At around 4-5 weeks DD lost significant weight. Although she had been gaining at her 3 week check she then dropped back below her birth weight. She was scarily thin.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? Yes, 4-5 weeks and then expressed for around another 4-6 weeks (my memory has gone). DD refused the breast entirely after her 2nd bottle of formula although she'd had EBM prior to that.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? 4-5 weeks. I thought it was going well, but apparently not.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? Not that I can tell. She was very healthy until starting daycare and has had the usual colds since then, rarely seriously or requiring anything other than a dose of Demazin. She's had 2 bouts of gastro in nearly 3 years, both well after starting solids.
MrsMiggins
21-09-2006, 14:08
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? We had just about every problem imaginable! I think I could have coped with one thing or another, but the 2 things that really forced me to stop were the cracked, bleeding nipples (more than just a little bit, it actually looked ~and felt!~ as though large chunks of my flesh had been gnawed away!) that would not heal no matter what I did and also 2 bouts of severe mastitis.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? Absolutely! I was determined that it was going to work, but in the end I needed my sanity!
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? We began to supplement from around 1 week of age when the pain was just literally too much for me to bear any more. From 4 weeks, she was predominantly bottle fed and then just before 3 months my milk had dried up too much for me to even attempt feeding any longer.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? Do you know, I've actually found the opposite to be true! Claire has managed to escape virtually every bug that has gone around, and in nearly 1 year, has only been sick twice - once with rotavirus (we all had that one!!) and once with a cold. She also managed to shake both off relatively quickly. I have also not noticed any developmental delays - again, quite the opposite! I suspect that while BM has antibodies which formula cannot emulate, FF bubs are at least getting consistent levels of the correct vitamins & minerals at each & every feed, something that unless you are a complete diet nazi, is not always going to happen with BM.
Duchessa
21-09-2006, 14:12
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Physical exhaustion/sickness - I spent a week in hospital with pneumonia and was severely underweight.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
As good a go as I could for as long as I could.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
I bfed both girls (twins) exlusively for 9 months but was aiming for at least 12.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Yes, but allergist advice is that their allergies were most likely triggered when they were in the NICU and were given formula (S26Gold). This will NEVER happen again with one of my children! The heartache and anguish that first feed of formula has caused/is still causing!
Both children have been to hospital for treatment for anaphylaxis resulting from consumption of dairy based formula.
reAllytee
21-09-2006, 16:29
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I got to the stage where i was so stressed out because i had no milk that Boof would be screaming continuously for food & i couldnt give it to him. He also had a tongue tie which didnt affect the latching process but meant he ripped me to shreds at every feed combine that with him having teeth just under his gums & him biting me. I was in total agony & had blood everywhere.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Most certainly did Boof was put to the breast once he was okayed by the doctors etc after birth i couldnt hold him but the wonderful middies helped & they were great in their help on the ward also.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
We did it for 4 days & yes many say thats not enough time to know if my milk would come in but it was i never got any feeling of it, i never suffered sore boobs or even worried about any attempts to try my milk up. I just went back to wearing my normal bras with nothing, no hassle, no pain. I even had my lactation consultant say she was pretty sure nothing had come in plus everyone was horrifed with how my boobs looked they were suprised i was still going after the first day !
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Your kidding right :p You have seen Boof do you think he has problems hehehe besides the stubborness i mean hehehehe ! He had roseola earlier this year just before his 1st birthday & he has had one cold that daddy brought home last year that i ended up getting too. He has had nothing else no gastro, no ear infections, ongoing sickness nada !
This is your choice hun no one else can decide for you but you need to be happy with what you choose in that its going to be the best thing not just for little bean but for you also. Happy mum = happy child is so very true & can have a lot to do with their not being able to settle etc.
Make the decision knowing that its right for you both.
Good luck you know where i am if you need me :hugs:
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
DD was going on 10mths and refusing all solids, due to her getting bigger though, she was constantly wanting booby, with a maniac 2 yr old running around it was getting increasingly difficult to sit and feed her for as long and as often as she wanted it.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes!
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
DD was 10mths
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Within a couple of days of going exclusively onto formula, she began to get terribly constipated and had to really work at it, causing her alot of pain and discomfort, the first time it happened it went on for a few hrs and I wished then and there that I had not done it.
~EmsMum~
21-09-2006, 17:00
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
When DD was around 2 weeks old I decided enough was enough plus I was going through very severe post natal depression
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
2 weeks
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Nope so far so good, its all been smooth sailling for me... :)
Oh and please don't let anyone make you feel guitly either way
Mischief
22-09-2006, 09:49
Did you give breastfeeding a go? How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
Yes. I couldnt cope emotionally with breast feeding. It gave me flashbacks to a really bad time in my life, and I couldnt help by associate these bad feelings with my son. I couldnt bond, and felt so depressed. I breast fed for 6 weeks and then I expressed for just over 3 months, but in the end that was taking its toll on my physical and emotional health too.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Nope, Oliver has been fine. It took a couple of goes to get the right formula though. He's so much more settled and happy on Goats based formula than Cows.
Beany - Whatever breast milk you can give your bub is a great help! Your little boy is so beautiful! I just love your Av.
Most of all, enjoy this time, its gone way to fast!
jessgray
22-09-2006, 10:10
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? before ds1 was born
Did you give breastfeeding a go?no
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?didnt
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
he has allergies and asthma and eczema now i wish i tried BF for at least 6 months :( he has colds alot but he goes to daycare.
Mrs Potts
22-09-2006, 15:25
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
With DS we literally fought for 5 days from his birth to try to establish breast feeding. He wouldn't attach or suck properly no matter how much time we spent trying to make it happen. I ended up with PND and he ended up on the bottle - we both ended up happy.
DD took to breast feeding from the first time we tried. She did brilliantly for 2 days. Then wouldn't have a bar of it. She wouldn't attach properly, again, no matter how much we tried. I refused to end up in the same situation as we did with DS so she went on the bottle. She still doesn't attach properly to the bottle so we never stood a chance really!
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, see above.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
See above.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
A bit too early to tell with DD, but no dramas so far.
DS has very mild asthma, but so do I so I'm not about to suggest it's because he was bottle fed. Aside from the general colds he's been a healthy child. He's 5 now, and with this being his first year at school I expected plenty of illness but he hasn't had so much as a mild cold.
Beany, don't beat yourself up over this. I know how hard you've been working to get the breast feeding happening. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is that your baby is fed and content, and that you are happy and healthy.
:hugs:
Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions - I'm happy to help!
littlepickle
22-09-2006, 15:47
Beany, I agree with Mrs Potts, dont beat yourself up about this, you really have had your fair share of problems, and have really tried to make it work. I went to see my dr to get some maxalon to increase my supply as bub is sooo hungry and I just cant seem to keep up, she told me that the most important thing is that bub is healthy and putting on weight and that mummy is sane!! If this means bottle feeding, then so be it, it is not a failure!:hugs:
Bubble*Crazy
22-09-2006, 16:08
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
DD - I was really in pain feeding, cracked nipples etc (must have been the latching on, but no matter what I did it was the same) she was waking every 1-2 hours for the first 9 weeks for a feed that would take nearly 1/2 hour and then another 1/2 hour to settle - I was only getting a total of 4 hours broken sleep per night
DS - I was having the same pain that was worse than I remember :p and on day 5 he ended up with a huge mouthful of blood from my nipple - I struggled through that last feed, took my bottles off the top shelf in his room, washed them and headed straight to the shop for a tin of formula - I wasn't going to go through that all again
Did you give breastfeeding a go? YES
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
DD - 9 weeks
DS - 5 days
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
DD wasn't sick at all for the first 12 months - never even had a cold - first time she was sick was after she'd been at daycare for a few weeks, and all she had was the run of the mill cold!
DS has had a little cold right in the early days. Nothing else at all - and he is such a contented, happy baby.
I know so many other babies that have been sick (and even breastfed babies that are now older kids of 6 and 7 that are always sick ... I personally think it comes down to the actual child and not how they are fed - this will be my naievity (sp) showing thru!
I think what you need to consider is what is going to work in your situation. Like most have said or implied ... Happy Mum = Happy Babe.
Good luck with the decision :fingerscrossed:
Baby Girl
22-09-2006, 16:15
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
DD1 - I was returning to work and decided to bottle feed as it was easier for us than me expressing and storing my milk while I was at work. She was 5 months and still got a night and morning feed until about 7 months.
DD2 - By the time she got to 6 weeks she was fussing and feeding almost every hour (sometimes more), more so comfort sucking than anything else and to be quite honest I felt invaded so between 6-8 weeks I weaned her onto the bottle. Within the first 2 days we were all more settled.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes (see above). BUT, I had terrible trouble with my nipples first time around, thankfully after leaving hospital I got a nipple shield and within 24 hours all was fine and I stopped using it. Second time I had no trouble with the actual art of feeding but more the independant feeder I had.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?5 months and then 6 weeks but you already read that ;)
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
DD1 was very sick, very often. She often got gastro (maybe from what I was eating??) or had a head cold (runny nose, dry throat). A lot of diarohea (sp?) and vomiting until she was almost 18 months, probably once every 2 months or so she would be sick for a week or so and she didn't start daycare until she was nearly one so I don't think other kids were the major cause.
DD2 has been sick once in her 16 months and that was about 2 weeks ago when she had a combination of teething, cold and gastro - oh my that was fun :rolleyes:
You are not entering the dark-side but simply trying out another way to feed your bubba. If it works for you then :smiliedance: But if you are feeling a bit apprehensive, thats okay too.
Good Luck.
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Well Rhianna was a very hungry bub never seemed to be satisfied- always fed for at least 1 and a half hours at a time (and one night for 4 HOURS STRAIGHT!!) :eek: then have a break for 1-2hours before hopping back on... exhausting.
Also had troubles latching on- I was doing all the right things they said but she would always slip back down the nipple (OUCHY!) Cracked and bleeding...
Eventually we found out she is lactose intolerant- so that could have been contributing to the issues too.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yup :yes:
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
6 weeks (but i was topping up her feeds from 2 weeks)
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Well so far she's been totally fine!! :fingerscrossed: it stays that way!!
:hugs: Beany, don't feel bad if you choose to switch... I know I did. But, I have such a happy contented baby (and mummy LOL) now I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Thank you for all the contributions, not to mention the support, so far girls :) Very appreciated.
I suppose there is an element of guilt-in-waiting if I decide to quit the breastfeeding thing. The most robust and energetic kiddies I know have been formula fed. Trouble is, I see two of my nephews who were breast and bottle fed and who suffered with eczema in their childhood. Horrible thing to happen to any child.
Now the fact that all the rest of my dozen nephews and nieces (again, all breast and bottle fed for the initial month or two and then onto formula exclusively) are perfectly healthy and never so much as had a nappy rash will do little to alleviate the truckload of guilt should I do the formula feeding thing and the munchkin develop eczema or some other nastiness.
Thanks again for all the support! Do keep the contributions coming (though don't necessarily feel inclined to offer support if you don't want to :p )
reAllytee
23-09-2006, 23:46
Your always going to suffer with guilt on some level hun there are always the "what ifs" not just for feeding but for soooo many other things !
You will know whats right in the end :hugs:
angcaltam
24-09-2006, 00:13
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
DS1, to much milk and he was getting to stressed because the milk would come out to fast, I had enough for twins, in the end mum and bub stressed. DS2, same but lasted longer because he was such a big boy but in the end to much stress for both bub and mum, this time I had double the amount of the first time. Then with DD, teething stopped us.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, I done the best I could.:yes:
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
DS1, 2 weeks, DS2, 1 1/2 months, DD about 6 weeks
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
DS2 has always had lots of ear infections,:banghead: but that is what I was like when I was little and still am. So I don't think it had to do with him being on the bottle.
Just make sure that it is your decision and that nobody makes you feel like you have made the wrong choice which ever way you go.
Good luck with your decision.:hugs:
Mischief
24-09-2006, 14:23
Beany - If you are having a struggle and are thinking of stopping breast feeding have you considered topping up with formula and breast feeding, or exc expressing for a few weeks? I kept setting myself goals when I was exc expressing.
8 weeks....
3 months
4 months
6 months.....I got to 4 and a half. :)
Every day you can continue is a great thing you are doing for your little Munchin, but if its taking to much of a toll on you, then you need to weigh up the pros and cons.
I felt llike the worst person in the world when i stopped. But now I see how happy and content Oliver is, I feel so much better.
HOWEVER, that said, I look at the new add for the ABA on TV and feel all teary, because the baby looks so happy BF, and I wish I had been able to do that for Oliver and enjoy it. :( So you have to decide.....if the guilt and pain will make you feel worse than keeping going...or do you need to stop because you cant go on. Or can you set yourself a goal to go until, and after that YOU WONT FEEL GUILTY! Ie....12 weeks or even 8.... :)
PM me any time! GOodluck with your decisioin!! :hugs:
hayleylea
24-09-2006, 14:33
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? I got a kidney stone and was oh morphine for a week - just physical too ill to continue
Did you give breastfeeding a go? yes, because i had been ill for a couple of months though i didnt enjoy it too much cause it took too much out of me, it was a beautiful experience none the less though:thumbsup:
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? 3 months
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? had the odd cold etc but thats all
li'l mac
24-09-2006, 15:18
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Oh, the pain of it! I had mastitis a number of times, my nipples were so badly grazed that one scabbed over and no milk could come out and it then became engorged and I would then cry whenever bubs cried for a feed. I was in quite a bit of discomfort from episiotomy and tearing also so found that the combination of pain at both sites just unbearable.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, I REALLY wanted to do it.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
2 weeks. I initially started expressing with the intention of putting him back onto boobie when my nipples had healed but bubs and I were both so much happier without the stress that we ended up staying on the bottle (going to formula once I couldn't keep up with expressing).
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
No, just had his first cold (he's just under 11 months).
Good luck with your decision, I've only ever had support for my decision to bottle feed, even from my mum and her generation (which I was really surprised at!).
li'l mac
24-09-2006, 15:20
Oops, meant to add to the last bit about being unwell in relation to bf children:
My niece (3) and nephew (almost 7) were both bf for at least 2 years and they are ALWAYS sick. They always seem to have colds or gastro or a rash of some sort. Not a judgement, but I have been constantly surprised by how often they get sick.
elice_in_oz
24-09-2006, 18:24
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Latching on was not very successful at first and so I ended up feeding DS with EBM within days. Did try to mix BF and EBM but nipples kept cracking and he kept getting frustrated so he has been exclusively on the bottle since about 3 weeks old. The constant expressing is doing my head in though so we're going the FF way now!
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yep, and I didn't find particularly rewarding or as blissful as they make it out!
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
See above
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
I've only just introduced a couple of formula feeds a day for the last week or so but he's been taking it just as well as EBM. I can't tell for the long term, but for the short term, I'm happy so he's happy. I only express twice a day now and I'm planning to wean him off EBM completely in the next few weeks.
It took me a few days to stop feeling guilty about it, but I'm good now and he's been an angel the last week so I guess I'm not doing anything wrong!
Mischief: you read my mind :) My current goal is to make it to 6 weeks (that goal was set at 4 weeks). After that, I'll reassess and probably go up in increments of 2 weeks and reassessing.
I already use formula as a top up measure - or rather I had been until about 4 days ago when I found that he was actually pretty much satisfied just on breast milk. He's had the odd top up here and there on those days when he fussed excessively but would generally chuck it up as he was plenty full enough thank you very much, he just wanted to play at 5am - who doesn't?! La la la Waaaaaaaah!
Oh and expressing is sort of out. It hurts more than just feeding him. :(
SassyMummy
25-09-2006, 01:30
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I decided to formula feed (nobody can ever really FORCE you to do it, unless you're willing to let them). The reason I switched to formula, was because DD would feed (on the boob) for about 1.5 hours, and then wait another hour, and then go again. It was exhausting, and I hated it. I also didn't like the feeling that came with it - a constant feeling of pins and needles in my nipples. It was painful and annoying.
One night, my mother suggested giving a bottle a go, just to see if DD would seem more "full." That night, after her bottle, was the first night she slept through...so I slowly weaned her from breast to bottle (over a 6 week period). When it becomes "easier" to do something, I kinda just...do it.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
I did give breastfeeding a go - in fact, I intended on breastfeeding. That's what happens though...once you have the baby, most of your plans go out the window.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
I breastfed exclusively for 3 weeks. At 9 weeks, she was fully formula fed.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
No way. DD is 14-months-old, and around her 1st birthday was the first (and only) time she'd ever even had a cold. That's the sickest she's ever been...and all it was, was a runny nose. She's never been a "sickly" kid.
Niksmum26
25-09-2006, 07:21
Hi,
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? Ds was no longer happy to be breast feeding. Was wanting more then i had to offer.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? Yes i breastfed for 3 months
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? Once i saw that Ds wasn't happy on breast, crying etc, a week after that i went on bottle- now his much happier, content and sleeps longer at night.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? I haven't noticed a change.
Mischief
25-09-2006, 10:18
Mischief: you read my mind :) My current goal is to make it to 6 weeks (that goal was set at 4 weeks). After that, I'll reassess and probably go up in increments of 2 weeks and reassessing.
I already use formula as a top up measure - or rather I had been until about 4 days ago when I found that he was actually pretty much satisfied just on breast milk. He's had the odd top up here and there on those days when he fussed excessively but would generally chuck it up as he was plenty full enough thank you very much, he just wanted to play at 5am - who doesn't?! La la la Waaaaaaaah!
Oh and expressing is sort of out. It hurts more than just feeding him. :(
You are doing a great job just keeping going. Breast feeding is so much harder than I ever imagined it could be. There was NEVER any question in my mind that I was going to breast feed until 8 months when i went back to work, and then BF until 12 months morning and night or until my supply dried out. But it doesnt always work like that and unfortunately breast feeding DOESNT work for everyone.
Keep setting yourself little goals and try not to feel bad when you do need to stop. Also by setting yourself those goals you are allowing yourself ample oppertunity for things to get better. You have said you dont WANT to stop breastfeeding, so you never know....another week and maybe all of a sudden it will get easy and you can keep going. :) But if it doesnt and you cant, then you have tried!
I have so much more to write but my boy just woke! Talk later and you are doing a great job!!!! XX :hugs:
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I tried breastfeeding my daughter for 6 weeks. basic senario was I lost a lot of blood during c-section, thus low supply plus hospital gave her a bottle on the second night!!!!,
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
yes,tried to feed but daughter would scream at me each time, made for a very long six weeks before I finally made decision. Expressed what I had and supplemented with formula during this time also.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
6 weeks
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
Definitely not, on the 95th percentile, crawling, has got over two colds quickly and not caught a nasty bug I had. A happy, active little girl.
wannabee
23-09-2010, 20:08
I realise this is a very old thread, but as a new mummy struggling with bf'ing I've been reading through it with much interest :o Thought I would give it a bump as surely I'm not the only one battling with bf'ing, and also I'd be interested in hearing more stories from those who have transitioned from breast to bottle.
puddlejumper
23-09-2010, 20:20
I realise this is a very old thread, but as a new mummy struggling with bf'ing I've been reading through it with much interest :o Thought I would give it a bump as surely I'm not the only one battling with bf'ing, and also I'd be interested in hearing more stories from those who have transitioned from breast to bottle.
What is it your struggling with exactly?
Can we be of any help to get you through it?
I guess any advice depends if you would prefer to try and 'fix' breastfeeding and try to make it easier or if your mind is made up and you only want 'how to switch to bottle' advice?
Why dont you start your own thread so you can get all the help you need. :hugs:
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? I came to the conclusion that DS simply wasn't getting the nourishment he needed, from my breasts anymore.
Did you give breastfeeding a go? Absolutely!
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? We fully breast-fed for almost 7 months. Now at 7.5 months DS is duel fed.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? N/A
mum2bubba
23-09-2010, 20:59
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed? I hated breastfeeding
Did you give breastfeeding a go? I did with the girls, only because I was told to but I really just wanted to bottle feed right from the start
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle? With Hayley it was 2 months, Skye it was 1 week. I never breastfed Nathan
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children? No difference at all.
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I had mastitis, as Isabella had such a strong suck reflex that my nipples were damaged, and let infection in. Boobs were not as sore as nipples were. Ended up quite sick and back in hospital for a week on IV antibiotics, and then Isabella got jaundiced, due to lack of milk and had to stay in longer under UV lights. Supply kept dropping off, despite taking Motillium (was like she didnt like the taste of my milk on the medication) and I kept persisting once at home for two weeks, with formula supp feeds. She wasnt interested in the breast as it wasnt giving her enough, she is very hungry. Plus logistically it was hard, as I have two teenage kids and a 4 year old, and my Dad living with us, and I felt very awkward trying to feed in front of my Dad (stupid I know but I just couldnt handle that), and it was made worse because it took so long and was a struggle.
Only this week gave up on the breast, and Isabella is on 100% bottle - Karicare Gold, 100ml every 1.5 hours or so. She has put on 900g in two weeks. Everyone more settled now, but I still feel very guilty.
Never had any problems with previous 3 kids, but never went more than a few months for various reasons (first - gave up at about 6 weeks as she didnt attach well, second gave up because he was huge and hungry and drained each side twice every 2nd hour and that last 6 weeks, third lasted a few months, just gave up as I had to go back to work and wasnt good at expressing)
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, for two weeks with medication to stimulate milk.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
Two weeks.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
None. All of my kids never get sick (maybe a cold once a year), have never had antiobiotics, no illnesses or allergies, and they are all big and strong (my 13 year old is 6 foot, 80kg and very healthy).
Hope that helps :)
Jac
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
I had mastitis, as Isabella had such a strong suck reflex that my nipples were damaged, and let infection in. Boobs were not as sore as nipples were. Ended up quite sick and back in hospital for a week on IV antibiotics, and then Isabella got jaundiced, due to lack of milk and had to stay in longer under UV lights. Supply kept dropping off, despite taking Motillium (was like she didnt like the taste of my milk on the medication) and I kept persisting once at home for two weeks, with formula supp feeds. She wasnt interested in the breast as it wasnt giving her enough, she is very hungry. Plus logistically it was hard, as I have two teenage kids and a 4 year old, and my Dad living with us, and I felt very awkward trying to feed in front of my Dad (stupid I know but I just couldnt handle that), and it was made worse because it took so long and was a struggle.
Only this week gave up on the breast, and Isabella is on 100% bottle - Karicare Gold, 100ml every 1.5 hours or so. She has put on 900g in two weeks. Everyone more settled now, but I still feel very guilty.
Never had any problems with previous 3 kids, but never went more than a few months for various reasons (first - gave up at about 6 weeks as she didnt attach well, second gave up because he was huge and hungry and drained each side twice every 2nd hour and that last 6 weeks, third lasted a few months, just gave up as I had to go back to work and wasnt good at expressing)
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
Yes, for two weeks with medication to stimulate milk.
How long did you attempt breastfeeding for before going to the bottle?
Two weeks.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
None. All of my kids never get sick (maybe a cold once a year), have never had antiobiotics, no illnesses or allergies, and they are all big and strong (my 13 year old is 6 foot, 80kg and very healthy).
Hope that helps :)
Jac
TheSudgestionator
14-10-2010, 10:20
Why did you decide to/become forced to formula feed?
Low (almost none) supply. DD had many latching/sucking difficuties due to the size/shape of my breasts/nipples. DD also had reflux which wasnt diagnosed till she was 10 weeks old and would vomit violently after every breast feed leading me to believe there was something 'wrong' with my milk. so after adjusting my diet to the point where i wasnt eating anything but veggies, and still no improvement i switched to formula.
Did you give breastfeeding a go?
tried for 6 weeks, saw lactation consultant twice, 2 visits from CFHN and 2 doctors visits, expressing 10mins either side after every feed (every 2-3hours) strated giving DD a bottle before bed hoping shed sleep a little longer then an hour and with in a week my milk supply was gone.
Has your child been unwell to any degree greater than breastfed children?
she had 2 long persistant colds when she was 4 weeks old and again at 6 weeks, she hasnt been sick again while being formula fed.
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