NWR: How are you feeding your baby?

YuMMMy721 · February 2012

So since I seemed to have sparked quite a bit of response in the "WTF" post, I thought I would start a post for itself. How do you plan to feed your child (or how did you)? Formula or breast milk? do you think the father gets a lot of say in that?

My original post in the WTF:

And on top of all that I am exhausted! We went out with FI's family last night for his birthday and then get home and get ready for bed, one thing leads to another and we somehow get on to talking about babbies, and then have a 2 hour discussion on breast feeding vs not (he's for it, i'm against it) and he bassically ended up saying that he's not sure if he wants a baby if its not breast fed, he will resent it! WTF!!

and my repsonse to why i feel the way i do:

It really creeps me out and the thought of having my child latched on to me in that way is gross in my mind. I can't see myself ever being happy doing it. I don't like watching people do it in public and there is no way that I would be able to do it in public, which means I would be hitched to my house, and no where else for however long I did it for, and my life involves a lot of traveling and on the go.

LADY324 · February 2012

I plan on breastfeeding 100% as long as I am able to. My mom breastfeed both myself and my brother. I just think that it is the best thing for your baby so why not at least give it a try?

I had a cousin and a friend who both tried and were unsuccessful so they switched over to formula after trying for 2 days.

mekiakoo · February 2012

I really think it's a personal choice. As long as the baby is getting fed!

I'd love to breast feed- I just can't imagine spending a lot of $ on something that I can produce on my own for free. I understand that it will be a lot of work. I'd also like to pump too, but I am not sure if it'll be too stressful for me with work. I worry about not being able to breast feed- like what if the baby won't latch? What if I don't produce enough milk? etc.

It will all depend on how everything is going. I'm willing to do both, but I would like to at least be able to breast feed.

Nati05 · February 2012

That is my plan as well. Breastfeeding all the way... at least as long it works. I've read it's not as easy or quick as we think it is. That being said, my mom has said various times the differences she noticed between her 3 children based on who was breast-fed and who wasn't. I was hardly breast fed, my brother was for less than a year and my sister was breast fed the longest. Out of all three of us, my sister was the healthiest baby. I almost died of pneumonia at 5 months and my brother was sick more often than my sister ever was. Basically I see breast feeding as a health benefit. I'm not exactly 100% looking forward to the process much myself, I understand it's quite a hassle. But to me, the important thing is raising a healthy baby. I believe sooo much of our health is attributed to what and how we eat. So I'll be trying at least. My hope is to go all the way!

LADY324 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_nwr-feeding-baby?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:cf8f3fa3-bb99-4fa1-84d1-a962ebc8573cPost:acf1cef4-007a-4d30-8b12-e25566fcc5ea">Re: NWR: How are you feeding your baby?</a>:
[QUOTE]That is my plan as well. Breastfeeding all the way... at least as long it works. I've read it's not as easy or quick as we think it is. That being said, my mom has said various times the differences she noticed between her 3 children based on who was breast-fed and who wasn't. I was hardly breast fed, my brother was for less than a year and my sister was breast fed the longest. Out of all three of us, my sister was the healthiest baby. I almost died of pneumonia at 5 months and my brother was sick more often than my sister ever was. Basically I see breast feeding as a health benefit. I'm not exactly 100% looking forward to the process much myself, I understand it's quite a hassle. But to me, the important thing is raising a healthy baby. I believe sooo much of our health is attributed to what and how we eat. So I'll be trying at least. My hope is to go all the way! :)
Posted by Nati05[/QUOTE]

I completely agree with everything you just said!

dramaqueen91087 · February 2012

I'm going to try. However, there is a very good chance that I will not be able to. I had a breast reduction and when they do that they have move/remove a lot of breast tissue. That can make it impossible to breast feed. Some people can and some can't it all depends on how your nerves and such reconnected after surgery. I probably won't be able to though. I still (3 years later) have no feeling in one breast, and somewhat limited feeling in the other, because the nerves didn't reconnect. Though recently I have gotten some feeling back, which the doctor said could happen, so we'll see. I'd like to try because of the health benifits but I am fully aware that it might not work.

ski2play · February 2012

I breast fed both of my children. They were both IMHO much healthier for it as they went through their early years. I really enjoyed the bonding time with them and the added benefits to get the momma back in shape (burns more calories) With all of that being said, it was exhausting.

It really is a personal decision on a mom by mom, child by child, case by case basis. What ever you each decide is the correct decision. Please do not let anyone tell you differently.

Fabi&Nita · February 2012

We are both planning on BFing 100%

Elinetrouwt · February 2012

As I said in my vent post: to each their own. I know breast feeding has a lot of benefits, but I don't like the way women who use formula, out of choice or necessity, are being guilt tripped these days.

Clearly, in your case, breastfeeding would make you very unhappy, and I'm sure getting breastfed by a resenting and grumpy mom would cancel out all the health benefits.

I will give it a serious shot, and actually, I kind of like the idea. But if it doesn't work, formula it is. Which has as a huge benefit that FI can get out of bed at night too. Hm, maybe that's why your FI insists?

k8888 · February 2012

I certainly plan on trying to BF. If I am not successful, I will be pumping and then bottle feeding. I'd like to avoid the extra expense of buying formula, if possible.

penny12986 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_nwr-feeding-baby?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:cf8f3fa3-bb99-4fa1-84d1-a962ebc8573cPost:787983a2-b31d-4f73-ac12-44445f837795">Re: NWR: How are you feeding your baby?</a>:
[QUOTE]As I said in my vent post: to each their own. I know breast feeding has a lot of benefits, but I don't like the way women who use formula, out of choice or necessity, are being guilt tripped these days.
Posted by Elinetrouwt[/QUOTE]

eye to eye

bells24412 · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_nwr-feeding-baby?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:cf8f3fa3-bb99-4fa1-84d1-a962ebc8573cPost:57c6129d-7582-4ae2-9eef-8e2997d4e901">Re: NWR: How are you feeding your baby?</a>:
[QUOTE]I certainly plan on trying to BF. If I am not successful, I will be pumping and then bottle feeding. I'd like to avoid the extra expense of buying formula, if possible.
Posted by k8888[/QUOTE]

This.

BeachLover2885 · February 2012

Ditto PP about trying breastfeeding. I would love to breastfeed my children, as my mother breastfed all of us.

Dramaqueen-- I actually had cysts removed from my right breast about 10 years ago. I never even thought about the tissue scarring, etc. I will have to ask my obgyn about it the next time I go.

Skyjewell23 · February 2012

I am all for breast feeding.

I will breast feed my child for as long as I can and then I would like to continue to pump and bottle feed them until I dry up. The benefits of breastfeeding plus the emotional connection outweigh everything else for me.

FI is on board with my plan. I will pump from time to time so he can feed the baby as well.

BrightFirefly · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_july-2012-weddings_nwr-feeding-baby?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:066005ef-215f-48b1-8655-328b41e07c52Discussion:cf8f3fa3-bb99-4fa1-84d1-a962ebc8573cPost:787983a2-b31d-4f73-ac12-44445f837795">Re: NWR: How are you feeding your baby?</a>:
[QUOTE]As I said in my vent post: to each their own. I know breast feeding has a lot of benefits, but I don't like the way women who use formula, out of choice or necessity, are being guilt tripped these days. Clearly, in your case, breastfeeding would make you very unhappy, and I'm sure getting breastfed by a resenting and grumpy mom would cancel out all the health benefits. I will give it a serious shot, and actually, I kind of like the idea. But if it doesn't work, formula it is. Which has as a huge benefit that FI can get out of bed at night too. Hm, maybe that's why your FI insists?
Posted by Elinetrouwt[/QUOTE]

I agree with you.

I don't plan on having kids for probably the next two years anyway - so I haven't given it MUCH thought - but if I do use breast-milk, it will be pumped breast milk.

I'm a big women's health advocate/reproductive rights - and I whole-heartedly believe choosing whether or not to breast feed is one of those rights. :: shrug :: I wasn't breast-fed, I turned out fine.

littlemoments324 · February 2012

It is said that the colostrum (the first milk that comes out within the first week or so, I believe), is the most important part of breastfeeding. It has all the antibodies & nutrients to help prevent viral & bacterial illnesses. If you can at least breast feed your baby for the first week or so, that would be amazing!

I am 100% going to try and breast feed. I've learned in my classes and from others I know who have breast fed that their children aren't as sick as their peers who weren't breastfed.

Also, there a quite a few babies that are allergic to certain formulas causing GERD (or acid reflux in babies). I want to avoid paying for formula as much as possible...Granted, eventually you may have to switch to a formula if your body can't keep up with it. Your body only produces what it needs.

Sign me up with a pump & I'm good to go!! Oh and thanks for reading my health lesson

michelle11988 · February 2012

I haven't given it much thought but we aren't going to be trying right away anyways. I will probably breast feed and then switch to a pump down the road. I heard it's much better, health-wise for the baby to do it this way. But to each their own.

Rebis58 · February 2012

I will definitely plan to 100% breastfeed. I think the health benefits are worth it, and to me I see it as a natural process we were built to do. I also think it has the added benefit of the bonding experience. As a nurse, I do wish that all women would at least TRY to breastfeed, but I would never impose my personal beliefs on others or judge a woman who doesn't do what I would do.

That said, I have seen - and hate - the pressure that the health care field in particular place on women to breastfeed. It's horrible for a woman to be physically unable to breastfeed and then made to feel like she's not a good mom or like she failed. I watched a friend go through this and it was painful to see.

I am a huge believer in having the right to control what happens with our own bodies. If a woman chooses not to breastfeed - even if it is for a reason that others disagree with - her choice should be respected and she should be supported in providing the best nourishment possible for her baby with formula.

Also, in response to your story about your FI, I do think that he, as the baby's father, should get a say or be allowed to have an opinion, but I think ultimately it is your body and you should feel comfortable with what happens to it. I think it is a little (ok a lot) unreasonable of him to say if the baby isn't breastfed he doesn't want to have one! Seems a bit of an overreaction to me. I would have further conversations with him about it for sure and try to understand why he feels so strongly about it.

owengirl996 · February 2012

I definitely plan to breastfeed, if it works out for us. I'm not opposed to formula at all if it doesn't, I just don't want to spend the fortune it requires!

My work provides rooms for breastfeeding. It's in the bathroom and you get a key to it if you are BFing. There is also a little sign outside to mark when it is in use or vacant. It's a wonderful idea and I'm so happy we have that available! Unfortunately, the company daycare is closing, so that part won't be quite so convenient

BmoreBride311 · February 2012

I think you should go into with an open mind. Give it a try. It may not be as awful as you are imagining. That said, I think your FI is over-reacting a bit with saying he may not even want children if they're not BF. He isn't the one that will be doing it, so he should be more open minded and respectful of you, as well.

hunterneal07 · February 2012

I am BF my second baby and she is 5 months old now.

With my first I BF 7 months but always gave him formula while I was away. So I was able to do stuff. With my second she wont even take a bottle! So its been rough. But in the end its very satisfying for both of us. I think whatever you choose is great! It is a full time job to BF. Up to 2 months old she was eating every 2 hours. And now is eating solids so its much better. But you lose weight faster and get that bonding time. But its not for everyone. Next baby we have I will be working so I will have to pump and feed proabably and thats even more work! but in the beginning of BF well with my first it was so painful but it goes away in about 3 days and gets better to where its like nothing. And with my 2nd it wasnt bad at all. You just need to take motrin or percacet before they nurse or when they start the first day or two. Thats what they do in the hospital. It takes the pain away from you contracting. You get real crampy while they breastfeed. Anyone can do it! Just gotta get through the first few weeks.

))

NWR: How are you feeding your baby?

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