breastfeeding vs bottlefeeding

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i started off breastfeeding both of my boys, but with my first i became really ill when he was about 2 months old for a week and couldnt feed or do anything so he went onto bottles, then with my second i feed him for aound the same time but i was in so much pain towards the end, as soon as he cried for a feed i cried cause i knew it was gonna hurt so hubby went tesco and bought bottles and formula lol

if you want to try breastfeedng then do it and great if it all goes well but dont gttoo hung up on it hun, some people/babies take to it and some dont

jackomdj

I bottle fed both of mine as neither would latch on (I was told I had a lazy baby & funny shaped nipples!) so after 3 nights in hospital trying to get DD to feed we decided that I would express & feed that for a month/6 weeks. It was a lot more work as I was basically doing it twice (once to get it out of me & once to feed her) but I felt it necessary to give her a good start. The same happened with DD2 but that time I said I was not prepared to stay in hospital trying, as it turned out DD2 was a very hungry baby & I ended up topping her up on formula as she was having almost double the amount she should have but the health visitor said it was better to give her more than using a hungry baby formula.

danielle1977

i loved breastfeeding my baby-we stopped at 8 months ad it was soo much easier than bottlefeeding-ds1 was bottle fed when I didn't produce enough milk (before I got pregnant the second time I found out I had an underactive thyroid and started taking thyroxine).

Give it ago (don't give up if your nipples get sore after a few days-it gets better) and if it doesn't work then go to bottles (and don't feel guiltly about it if you use bottles).

teasleym

I breastfed both my daughters (now 4 and 4 months). Had to stop at 5 months with the eldest as I was going back to work, and also for the first 2 weeks she wouldn't breastfeed at all (she was in pain after a ventouse delivery). I expressed for her and then after 2 weeks tried again and she fed!

Unfortunately I had to stop feeding my youngest on Monday as she has been diagnosed with an intolerance to milk. Very sad to stop so suddenly but I'm still glad I did feed her.

I did it for several reasons, it really does create a bond between mum and baby, its good for the babies (unless they are intolerant like my little one!), and its cheaper and easier than sterilising bottles and making up formula. If baby is hungry its quick and easy to feed them wherever you are.
The downsides are that you are always tied to baby, you can't go out for more than 3 hours, you have to do the night feeds so have to wake up, you can't take some medications or alcohol.

I'm glad I did it, and quite upset I had to stop so early this time, but I'd advise you to go for it, but you don't have to do it for 2 years! You can always stop after 6 months when they have had the most goodness.

Hope this helps!

moomoomama27

I started off BF all of my children. I managed it for varying times, but the longest was 4 months. I found it incredibly hard, and each time I got so down about it that I was on the verge of depression. Switching to bottle feeding eased that each time. I tried my best, and I think if you at least just try it, that's a good thing, if it doesn't work out, don;t beat yourself up about it, you won't be a failure! Happy Mum, happy baby is my motto!!

Metranil_Vavin

I'm currently breast feeding my 8 week old, despite having said since practically day one that I am giving it up and going on to bottles!

I really struggled with it to start with, and actually gave DS some feeds with formula whilst I was in hospital.

Thankfully the midwives there were really supportive and not the militant 'you should only breast feed or you are a bad mother' brigade that I have heard about.

They did advise me not to completely throw the towel in on BF, and I'm glad now that I didn't as it really did get easier as time went on.

I still have days where he doesn't latch on well, or my nipples are sore, but I'm persisting with it and hope to do so until he is at least 6 month old.

Just go with what feels right to you and don't let anyone make you feel bad for any decisions you make.

rach

Definitely give it a go, nothing to lose! And if you struggle and want to get help I'd recommend finding your local babycafe or breastfeeding specialist. I had really bad advice from community midwives and health visitors and when I went to the babycafe it turned out ds had a tongue tie, when snipped it all massively improved. For me support from friends (including pigpen!) was invaluable, DH wanted me to give in and I'm pretty sure i only persevered to assert myself!!

mrsspendalot

I bottle fed #1 and #2 as I just didn't fancy breastfeeding at all. With #3 I was a little more open minded and decided to give it a go. Luckily we both took to it really well. I loved the experience. I loved the convenience. I loved the way it made the baby weight melt away too! I breastfed for 10 months. I have every intention of breastfeeding #4 when he arrives too.

BUT if I don't manage to breastfeed as successfully this time I won't feel bad.

The key is to go with whatever you and baby are happy and comfortable with. Give it a try, but if it just isn't right for you, then so be it. Baby won't starve and formula milk isn't poison

Js_Other_Half

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/568932

This is an old thread I was on from 2007 about problems some women have producing milk, and what equipment etc they used to feed their child alongside breastfeeding.

pozalina

My advice is see how it goes, keep an open mind! I bf my 1st for 9 months but with 2nd one it just didn't work out. The main thing I would say, having gone through both experiences is, please don't feel guilty about your choice or let anyone else make you feel guilty. I had a terrible time (physically and emotionally) trying to keep bf my 2nd when it wasn't working. It wasn't until my gp said 'you haven't failed, you know' that I felt ok about it.