breastfeeding vs bottlefeeding

building_with_lego

The mechanics of feeding mean that the bottom teeth, usually the first ones to show, are covered by the tongue and when the top ones come through they tuck their top lip in to cover those.

The thing that strikes me in all this is that humans are mammals, and as such breastfeeding is the default setting, if you like. Therefore we cannot decide *to* breastfeed, only to *not*. (And by asking mothers-to-be about feeding choices are we encouraging people to overthink it? )

Oh, and Vroombroom- I know that feeding two year old looks :eek: while your baby's still small, but they grow and develop really fast, and soon they can crawl or speak and then it's their birthday and they're only feeding at bedtime, and then they're two... It's the kind of thing I didn't plan but it just sort of happened!

building_with_lego

LadyMorticia wrote: »

I'm not pregnant yet but have been reading this thread with interest. I have one little question which may seem embarrassing but I haven't see it asked yet.

Is it possible to breastfeed with inverted nipples?

There. I asked it.

Yes.
Although mine are flattish now rather than inverted. I think the main thing is whether you can get them 'out' or not, and you can get those Nipplette things that were advertised in the back of Just17 when I was a teenager.

pinkclouds

LadyMorticia wrote: »

I'm not pregnant yet but have been reading this thread with interest. I have one little question which may seem embarrassing but I haven't see it asked yet.

Is it possible to breastfeed with inverted nipples?

There. I asked it.

I have no personal experience but, as far as I'm aware, it's possible to breastfeed with any sort of nipples! If it bothers you, then you could use a suction product before breastfeeding. Lansinoh is a great brand and they make something suitable. I've personally used their lanolin cream, breast-pads, manual breast-pump and bottles and I am happy to recommend all their products:

http://www.lansinoh.com/products/latch-assist

LadyMorticia

building_with_lego wrote: »

Yes.
Although mine are flattish now rather than inverted. I think the main thing is whether you can get them 'out' or not, and you can get those Nipplette things that were advertised in the back of Just17 when I was a teenager.

pinkclouds wrote: »

I have no personal experience but, as far as I'm aware, it's possible to breastfeed with any sort of nipples! If it bothers you, then you could use a suction product before breastfeeding. Lansinoh is a great brand and they make something suitable. I've personally used their lanolin cream, breast-pads, manual breast-pump and bottles and I am happy to recommend all their products:

http://www.lansinoh.com/products/latch-assist

Thanks guys.

I just wasn't sure because I've never seen someone breastfeed with inverted nipples before so thanks for the reassurance.

iamana1ias

pinkclouds wrote: »

I have no personal experience but, as far as I'm aware, it's possible to breastfeed with any sort of nipples! ]

Depends on the baby and the nipples actually. A colleague couldn't breastfeed because her nipples were too big for her baby's mouth (he almost suffocated) and my cousin's nipples didn't extend far enough into her baby's mouth for him to latch.

blah11

Hello I am a mum of a 26 month old toddler and I'm still breastfeeding her. I plan to let her feed until she self weans. Last week I also found out I was pregnant so I plan on tandem feeding if Amelie doesnt self wean by the time baby2 is born.

I love breastfeeding and would encourage EVERYONE to give it a go. Its a wonderful experience.

blah11

In regards to 'getting my body back' surely your childs wellbeing is more important?

I actually found quite a lot of your post quite offensive if I'm being honest. 'best is breast' brigade, why I would feed my baby with teeth, expressing as horrid etc. Yes, express your opinions but don't make your point by putting the other choice down. I noticed you didn't point out the positives of formula feeding, just the cons of breastfeeding.

tsstss7

LadyMorticia wrote: »

I'm not pregnant yet but have been reading this thread with interest. I have one little question which may seem embarrassing but I haven't see it asked yet.

Is it possible to breastfeed with inverted nipples?

There. I asked it.

yes - although it can hurt a bit more than normal.

pinkclouds

blah11 wrote: »

Hello I am a mum of a 26 month old toddler and I'm still breastfeeding her. I plan to let her feed until she self weans. Last week I also found out I was pregnant so I plan on tandem feeding if Amelie doesnt self wean by the time baby2 is born.

I have 20 months between my two kids. If you do end up tandem feeding, it's actually a bit of shock the first time the new baby latches on! You are used to your toddler nursing and the strength and urgency of a newborn is quite different and it's all kinda "I don't remember that!" for a couple of weeks. But it's fine. I used to lie down with the baby on my chest and my toddler nestled against my side, with my arm around her. So easy when you're tired.

Desperate_Housewife_2-2

Its a personal choice so go with what you feel is best for you. Find out as much as you can about both.

I breastfed both mine for around 10 months each and went back to work at 6 months. It took some organising as I did shiftwork but it was well worth it, I just didnt feel like bottlefeeding was good enough for my babies (and when you look at what comes out of bottle fed babies nappies confirmed it)

I read a very good book called 'The experience of breastfeeding' by Sheila Kitzinger which looked at it from all angles and was very informative, she even talks of how to juggle cooking etc with breastfeeding twins in the day.

Pros are that it is cheaper, on tap, natural (no additives) specially designed for the baby and has antibodies so the baby will be less likely to get gut infections. Also you get to cuddle your baby as they 'need feeding' while others who come to 'help' can get on with the ironing (it can be the other way round if you bottle feed)

Good luck whatever you decide and hope you enjoy this special time