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bottle v breast
This is in no way meant to start a debate but I was wondering what everyone was thinking re feeding?
I made the choice to bottle-feed my 2, no medical reasons etc just what I wanted and they were brilliant very content babies and very happy and healthy now.
I have been thinking about bfing this one simply because this will be out last so I would like to have experienced it. My issue is I don't want the first few weeks to be unhappy with me being sore, baby being unsettled, feelings of guilt if it doesn't work out. The idea would be to bf for a few weeks and move onto combi-feeding. Just wondered what you ladies were thinking and those with more than one what your experiences were. I'm very much in 2 minds. x
I made the choice to bottle-feed my 2, no medical reasons etc just what I wanted and they were brilliant very content babies and very happy and healthy now.
I have been thinking about bfing this one simply because this will be out last so I would like to have experienced it. My issue is I don't want the first few weeks to be unhappy with me being sore, baby being unsettled, feelings of guilt if it doesn't work out. The idea would be to bf for a few weeks and move onto combi-feeding. Just wondered what you ladies were thinking and those with more than one what your experiences were. I'm very much in 2 minds. x
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This time I will try to breast feed again but will buy things in for bottle feeding too xxx
I TOTALLY understand that some ladies just can't bf for various reasons, but if you are able I would say a million times over, do it, at least give it a try. It's the natural way and it's FREE!!
This time round I definitely aim to bf, but I think I will also bottle feed when baby is still quite young (expressed or formula, we shall wait and see), as I've heard many stories about bf babies refusing the bottle because they are so used to breast. My dd would take a bottle from anyone as she was so used to being fed by different nurses on scbu, it was great!!
I really hope this hasn't come across as preaching, as I don't mean it to in any way. Even though I am very pro breast feeding as it is natures intended way, I am also pro choice, but I would say give it a go, but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work out. xx
I tried bf both mine and both couldn't latch on they were both nil by mouth for the first 24 hours which i think this is we're the problem lies, although I have to say unjust didn't like the feeling first time round I felt such a failure I bf for 2 weeks every 20 minutes and ended up with pnd when I couldn't do it felt the worst mum in the world, second time I tried my nipples cracked so bad the the mw at the hospital told me to stop using the left side because it was so bad so I stopped its not worth feeling bad about it, ad I had a peadiatrician come and tell my that formula is soo good nowadays to not worry about it (obv breast is best) but give it a go just make sure you have formula aswell incase it doesn't work out!
If I was totally honest with myself I would say I just do not like the sensation of breast feeding the most natural thing in the world doesn't feel natural to me
This time I am undecided as to whether I will give it another go, I think if I did and everything goes well then fab but if not and end up bottle feeding I will not beat myself up about it like I did before. x
I really feel for you being blamed, that's horrible!!
Can I recommend a breast pump? I used the Medela swing when feeding my dd, it's really good, easy & portable, though ??100 is a lot of money!!
As for babies & teeth, yes, ouch!! I was bitten once and it HURT!!!
My advice to you would be to start using Lasinoh on your nipples BEFORE even starting to feed, nurses at the hospital told me prevention was better than cure and this advice was gold dust as my nipples never cracked. It did hurt (draining wise) for the first two weeks but after that was absolutely fine and worked for us.
Angiebaby...whoever told you it was your fault for not breastfeeding is well out of order!!
im bf my ds who is now six months, he hasnt had anything else, im very proud ive managed it as i know how hard it can be and never dared hope we'd make it.
In the beginning i was soooo sore, we have done it the whole time with a nipple shield and this has worked for us. I was made to feel guilty for this as they can reduce supply, and lead to a demanding baby which could lead to giving up. At times my LO has fed hourly, but then most bf babies do at some point, so i wouldnt put it down to the shield. I was so happy and peaceful bf with it and felt depressed and anxious and in pain without it! And we've managed! In the first few weeks i couldnt imagine why people went on about it being a lovely, serene experience that bonded you to your baby - i was knackered, sore and doing it all the time. Then it clicked, and it has been so special. Id never say someone who bottle fed was not bonded to their child - but the rush of hormones every time he latches on feel amazing now. I wouldnt have missed it for the world and now dont want to give up!
Whatever breast milk you give your LO is a bonus, my advice would be go in with an open mind, accept all help on offer (we stayed at a MLU too - fab hands on help and advice really got us off the ground) lots of lansinoh and nipple shields if needed! Your bubba will behave differently to your other two being bf - you probably will find its more little and often in the beginning than it has been with your others - but as others have said, once off the ground its wonderful. good luck x
Firstly angiebaby...what a load of tosh!!!! My sister bf her 2 boys exclusively until 9 and 10 months and both children are always ill, always coming down with infections and never away from the dr. Her daughter (who was ff) is the healthiest of the 3. My children are rarely ill and they were both ff. Please don't listen to anyone who says your children ending up with allergies is your fault. I would have put a complaint in!!!!
Lots of different stories and mummies with the same fear as me...there first few weeks being miserable. Getting the cream beforehand sound like a good idea. I think I will put in my notes that I would like to try but I would also like to have bottles on hand just in case I change my mind. xx