breastfeeding - March 2020 Babies | Forums | What to Expect
anyone else stuck on wanting to breastfeed but know how hard it is and for that reason wanting to formula feed? i want to breastfeed so bad but i don't know if i could keep up with it. i heard it's hard. ftm.
Just because it’s hard don’t quit- know it’s going to be a challenge and be dedicated to sticking with it. Get some support from your loved ones and ASK FOR HELP - from a professional. It’s hard but it’s just because it’s new for you and baby and you are tired and there is just a lot going on post partum-it’s so worth it you just have to stick with it and be empowered by support and getting help. I’d avoid google and forums and friends for advice- all mean well but your body, milk supply, baby, and experience are 100% unique to you and the best place to get advice and help is from a Lactation consultant. Use the LC at the hospital for every feed and figure out a plan for going home. My hospital offered a weekly support group that I went to and they also had a hotline you could call with questions. I called every single day sometimes multiple times a day- you can totally do this! It does get easier it’s just a steep learning curve in the beginning- stay patient and don’t give up 💗
If you want to do it, then try. If it’s not working for you please don’t be discouraged and feel ashamed for switching to formula. With my first breastfeeding was never discussed and I was so naive for thinking it was just something that came easily and naturally. After trying for a few weeks and constantly feeling like my daughter just wasn’t getting enough seriously caused me so much anxiety and stress mixed with the insane fluctuations in my hormones it just wasn’t worth it. When I switched to formula I’ll never forget the relief I felt seeing the bottle empty and knowing that she was in fact full and not starving. I knew then that I could care less about what anyone said about me not breastfeeding because at the end of the day I knew my baby was getting what she needed. I plan on trying again this time but if I have issues this time I’ll be sending my husband to the store and it will be problem solved and I won’t sweat it. Please don’t be discouraged, just love on your new little one and you will get the feel for what works best for you.
honestly, I feel like breastfeeding,is WAY easier than bottles! no getting up at night to mix and heat bottles, not washing bottles, no packing enough bottles to go places, and no horrid smelly formula poop. if you want to breastfeed, do it! so much easier, cant wait to do it again with baby number 3 💕
You have to feed your baby regardless of how - so there isn’t really anything to “keep up with” until you need to be away from baby, in which case you’d need to pump ... but pumping isn’t too overwhelming. And breastfeeding means less bottles, so less dishes! Don’t let fear of something being difficult keep you from the attempt. Surround yourself with a support person, keep a lactation consultant on speed dial just in case, and go for it! You can totally do it. Good luck, momma!
This is a great graphic I saw and think it’s very accurate, the longer you breastfeed the easier it is
You're not alone, that's for sure. I keep going back and forth. With my son it was a nightmare, literally the hardest thing I've ever tried. I felt super depressed and tired with my letdown, he wouldn't latch or eat, it got so bad that I was sleep deprived and began hallucinating. 7 lactation specialist couldn't help us and he started loosing too much weight. Plus, more than anything I just hated it. Now I really just don't want to even try but feel like I need to for my daughter and myself. But I really don't want to and just I have no idea. No advice but you're not alone mama.
you always have the option to do both. i had to with my last child. his demand was so high. he also used my breast as a pacifier to. The doctor said it was ok for me pump and give him formula. i breastfeed for about 4 months then he went strictly on formula.
I'm doing both..breast and formula.. I want my baby to have all the benefits of breastmilk but not be stressed out it..ivr talked to my dr, nurses, and lactation consultants about my decision and they said its perfectly okay...they even gave me tips on how to keep my breast milk coming when I'm formula feeding
There are some good recent posts addressing exactly this in the feb 2020 group! It is super hard so give it your best but do not beat yourself up if you feel overwhelmed. Also keep in mind that combo feeding is always an option. I eventually combo fed my first and loved combo feeding so much that I’m doing it again this time :)
I won’t repeat what others have said but I will stress that it get easier and then becomes something which you just do. It’s good for your baby and helps you recover and when it does become easy, it’s a joyous moment with your child which only you can have. It’s also free and doesn’t require you to sterilise bottles etc.
Stick with it for 6 weeks and you’re through the worst, if the worst happens to you. You may be one of the lucky ones who finds it a breeze from day one.
I struggled but was encouraged to keep going and didn’t regret it
Does it get better? I’m almost 6 weeks in and it’s still so painful. If it happens while I’m actively breastfeeding, it’s not as bad but if I’m not, it literally stops me in my tracks.Im dying! Don’t think I can handle this my entire BF experience.
Latest: 3 hours ago | XtinaRy