Breastfeeding vs. Bottlefeeding, questions

[Windigo]

I realize that this is a sensitive subject for most, but I was wondering who here breastfed their children. If so, how long? I'm planning to for the first year when I have my children because I was, however I realize that this is not the case for everyone. However, I'm not a parent yet, and won't be for awhile, so who knows, did anyone change their opinions, both ways, once they had their baby? How do you feeling about extend breastfeeding? For me that seems to be more about the mother's own inability to let go, but ... who knows? :bigblue:

[Aowyn]

I realize that this is a sensitive subject for most, but I was wondering who here breastfed their children. If so, how long? I'm planning to for the first year when I have my children because I was, however I realize that this is not the case for everyone. However, I'm not a parent yet, and won't be for awhile, so who knows, did anyone change their opinions, both ways, once they had their baby? How do you feeling about extend breastfeeding? For me that seems to be more about the mother's own inability to let go, but ... who knows? :bigblue:
Ummm well i am breastfeeding currently and my boy is almost 11 months old. I have always thought that since the main function of a woman's breast is to provide milk for her offspring that when I had a child this is what I would use them for I was more than a little freaked out in the beginning because hey its not like you can measure how much is going into the kid until he or she well you know.
I do supplement with bottles but he seems to prefer mama milk over the fake stuff. I was planning on weaning him around a year old. Personally I am glad that I kept up the nursing cause when he got sick recently he wouldn't eat anything or drink a bottle or a sippy cup no matter how much we coerced him, all he wanted was the breast. When i took him in to the doctors office they said they were really impressed that there was still enough in there to keep him going but that he was in really good shape other than his little head cold.
I think that it is all up to the mother how long she wishes to nurse, and that going over a year while not the norm in the united states is not necessarily a sign of the mother not wanting to let go. Its just a personal preference of both the mother and child...after all you cant make a baby nurse if he or she doesnt want to. :woah:

[Shanti]

Well I did both!! I had 5 kids.
1..bottle. Had probs with constipation. Used regular formula. Used pacifier.
2..bottle. Had probs with constipation in the beginning then switch to low iron formula and all was well. Used Pacifier.
3...Breast for 2 years. We weaned when we both felt we were done. No pacifiers and free suckling at will. And no probs.
4...Breast fed for 1 yr. Weaned when I couldnt take getting bit no more. Used patsy and no probs.
5...Breast fed for 3 months. Child 4 made it impossible to do it longer (jealousy). Switched to bottle, low iron formula, no probs switching or with formula and used a patsy.

[MoonDragn]

Erm... *looks down*... Looks around and quickly leaves the thread.

[LadyTrinity]

I breast fed for 5-7days... I think after that time the baby doubles its drinking ounces and my breasts couldnt keep up. After a month of electrical pumping, regular breast feeding, doing both formula and breast feeding and people hounding me to NOT put my son on formula.. I ignored everyone.. and Just put him on formula and my son stopped crying from hunger and my fustration and depression went away. _pounce_

[farm girl]

Here is my two cents. I have 5 children who are 7,5,3,21m,&2m. I believe it is a very personal decision and one can not answer which is best unless they know the child, the mother, and the situation.

With my first, I was 18. I didn't have the maturity or the patience to breastfeed. I tried, but I failed. Same with #2. Breastfeeding is hard for new moms, especially exclusive breastfeeding. I was an emotional wreck and very stressed. It became an emotionally unhealthy situation. I would dread feeding time, so I quit. I was happier. Babies were happier. They are growing up just fine.

With #3, I decided to give it a shot. This time, I knew enough to get a good lactation consultant. I successfully breastfed for 6 months. The same thing happened with #4, and #4 was MUCH easier. AND it was a joy. Those moments of nursing were the most wonderful bonding moments. I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Now I have a 2.5 month old. I tried to breastfeed her. She was 8 weeks premature and in the hospital. She could not breastfeed, BUT I pumped every bottle/tube feeding. She was readmitted into the hospital soon after discharge and I continued to pump. Unfortunately, she got pretty sick. When we went home again, they were worried about weight gain, so they said I could give her Neo-Sure formula(which has xtra calories) or I could continue pumping for the next few months and adding human milk fortifier to all bottles. When I got home, pumping simply didn't work out. She is high needs and needs to be held quite often. Between her and my other kids, there was just not 20-30 minutes every 2-4 hours to pump. So with great despair, I stopped. I am proud that she was exclusively breastmilk fed for the first 8 weeks though.

Now, breastmilk is better for many reasons, but you are not a bad mother if you choose formula either. Sometimes you have to. As far as extended breastfeeding... Kudos to those mothers, as there are proven health benefits for those who do.

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for one year, and anything after that is just added benefits.

[FlyingBear]

I'm a big believer in breast feeding. I'm also nursing my daughter who is 13 months old. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's much healthier, cheaper and more connivent to breast feed. Granted, there are those who are unable to bf no matter how much they want to or try and that's unfortunate. For me, it was the best and easiest choice I could make for her.

There isn't any 'magic age' for nursing babies, or any particular time when the breast milk stops being good for them. I've known women who have nursed up to five years old, it's really not that big a deal.

The main problem(s) seem to be other ppl's perspective on the whole issue. Too many ppl see breasts as wholly sexual and don't take into thought their true function. They get all bent out about a baby nursing for a year or more but think nothing of low cut dresses, piercings, or anything that might throw their libido up a notch. :goodgrief

I would suggest you look into these websites.....

http://www.breastfeeding.com/

http://www.lalecheleague.org/home_intro.html

http://www.kellymom.com/index.html


:tub:

[Loralienn]

I didn't really 'change my mind', but I did plan on bf'ing for a year and ended up only bf'ing for a little more than 2 months. My daughter and I were doing fine with feedings since her birth, then all of a sudden she would get really fussy after about 5 minutes on each side. At first I just thought it was it was a phase, because right around this time she was getting very interested in playing and constantly wanting new things to look at. After about a week I was getting really concerned - she wasn't dehydrated at all, but she seemed to be losing weight.

Pediatrician weighed her and she had lost weight since her last visit, and made me supplement with formula right away. I guess my daughter was getting just enough milk to keep her hydrated, but not enough to supply her body with the calories it needed. She said there was things I could do to get my milk production back up, but at that point I was so freaked out about it I transitioned to formula full-time. At least with formula I could double check the ounces my daughter was eating without pumping for every meal.

I was feeling more than guilty that I even let it go a week -- although her doctor kept reminding me that if I had brought her in any sooner than I did, she probably would not have been able to tell there was anything wrong. Still, it is pretty frightening. Then, of course, I felt guilty that I didn't bf for as long as I had planned.

Not trying to scare anyone with the story or anything, I just wanted to illustrate that sometimes things happen. You may be dead-set on bf'ing or against bf'ing, whatever, just leave room for changing your mind later if another method might work better for you and your child. That is what is most important - what works for the two of you.

[VelvetBlade]

I have 4 children and bottlefed the first 3..boy do I wish I had breastfed them. I nursed baby #4 and it was wonderful!! If it is at all an option for you, I would highly recommend it.

~AW

[Amethyst Rose]

I breast fed my son for 1 year and 3 days. He weaned mostly on his own...we never really had that great of breastfeeding relationship, but I kept it up because it was the healthiest thing for him. I had planned on nursing for 1 year, before I had him.

[skye*]

first one bottle fed, soy formula-switched to whole milk at 1 yr, nuk and she still has it,
although i wish i would have taken it away at a yr, she so attached now its not even funny.

2nd one bottle fed, first carnation good start, than he was horribly sick with it so we switched to similac soy, he had diareah for 3 wks and horrible gas, finally i swithed him to my daughers kind that she had prosoybee by enfimil. normal stool the first day:) and still had gas..........for about 2 wks. now hes fine and sleeps almost the entire night.NO NUK

HOWEVER I REGRET NOT BREAST FEEDING BOTH OF THEM! I HAVE WHAT YOU CALL BREAST PHOBIA AND HATE THEM TOUCHED, BUT I HAD CHANGED MY MIND WHEN HE HAD THE DIAREAH AND SWITCHED FORMULA AS A LAST RESORT, BEFORE I WAS GOING TO TRY.
I EVEN MADE APOINTMNTS WITH THE LACTATION COUNSELOR TO START PUMPING AGAIN SO THE MILK WOULD COME BACK. DUE TO EAR INFECTIONS MY DAUGHTER HAD AND HIS HEALTH IN GENERAL I READ THAT IT BUILDS UP THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND KIDS THAT ARE BREASTFED ARE LESS PRONE TO COLDS AND EAR INFECTIONS. I REALLY FEEL LIKE I GOOFED UP ON THIS ONE. AND I WAS KICKEN MYSELF FOR IT 2 WKS AGO......I DEF WISH I WOULD HAVE JUST
STARTED BRESTFEEDING HIM RIGHT AWAY, BUT WITH MY DAUGHTER HAVING NO PROBLEM, I THOUGHT HED BE FINE.
EACH CHILD IS DIFFERENT AND SOME CANT TAKE FORMULA IN THEIR SYSTEM.

I THINK ITS UP TO YOU, WHETHER YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH IT OR NOT.
IF YOU HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH BREASTFEEDING THAN YOU DEF SHOULD AT LEAST TRY IT FOR A MONTH OR SO, I THINK I HEARD UP TO 3 MONTHS HELPS THEM SOO MUCH.

EITHER WAY IM SURE YOULL MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR FUTURE BABES:)

[Ceres]

I have breastfed my three children for a total of 85 (yes eighty five) monthes. This is morte the norm worldwide than babies being breastfed for days or weeks. I dont regret breastfeeding or doing it for as long as we did - its a relationship and so only the two in the breastfeeding relationship can decide when to end that part of the overall relationship. Most breastfeeding problems can be overcome simply with correct information. Unfortunately there are other reasons women cant or dont wish to breastfeed their babies. They should never be censured by those outside the breastfeeding relationship for this - its no one's business but their own.

[RavensEye]

First one tired to breast feed failure, then my daughter was taken from me at the hosiptal to be put in foster care so I gave up.

Second one tried witha bit more succes with breastfeeding then used the brest pump, but was not keeping up with it so I eventually went to forumla and still due to her not being satisfied and her loosing weight I went even further then that.

To make a long story short with my third one, I had already planned this time I was going to use the breast pump again, and also did things to increase milk production, but never got to use the milk cause my son went to University of Alberta hospital why I was in Grande Praire, and when he came back he was not even able to drink so they had to do the IV thing... and eventually he got strong enough to drink the breast milk from a bottle..

[Dragonladyofwater]

I breastfed my first for 6 months, it went wonderfully. Second pregnancy I had twins... I tried to breastfeed them both but it was incredibly hard and after six weeks I put them on a bottle to retain my own sanity.

The question though should best be left to you. For the first six weeks a mother produces a clear liquid that boosts the babies immunity system and were I to suggest anything it would be to try to give that to your baby. Breatfeeding just doesn't work for everyone, and if it isn't working allow yourself to decide on your own whether it is in the best interest of your child to continue.

You will be choosing for the next 18 years what is best for that child, breastfeeding is no different, so try to make it your own personal choice and not let others pressure you one way or another. This lesson was hard learned by me.. I hope you learn it easier, if you've not already.

[~*Ginger*~]

I breast fed both my girls.
First one was 34 months old when she weaned herself.
Second one was 32 months when she weaned herself, I also supplimented bottles with her, she's a good eater.

Both are very healthy children.
Beautiful too!

:smile:

[lednevir]

I breast fed my baby for nine months until she pushed me away and said. 'ap ju' (apple juice) they say your immunity system goes into them if your breast feed

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

I breast fed for the first three months until it became apparent than my son was not getting enough to eat. We tried out a system where he breastfed until I was empty and then continued feeding with bottle but my milk production kept getting less and less until I wasn't producing anything anymore. My son used the Ailumentum because he had a sensitivity to milk proteins. He has drank whole, organic milk since he was a year old and loves it.

[Rhianna813]

I had planned on breastfeeding for a year and I am a big supporter of breastfeeding. We had issues from week one and my midwives helped me a lot to get my supply up and Brendans weight back up. Soon things we good although Brendan BFed almost 24/7! When he was 3 months old I returned to work and used a pump. Things went downhill fast! I could not pump more than an once or 2 at each session. Soon we were doing half formula and help BM. By 6 months he was on formula.

This didn't go how I wanted it to but Brendan is healthy and happy and in the end we do the best we can!

Rhianna

[Sleet]

I'm a guy, but my wife breastfed both our kids for 18 months. She loved it, even though she had to do a few odd things with her diet (give up dairy, and I mean fanatically every last trace of dairy protein. It's amazing what they put butter into.) I have a few opinions on the matter. ;)

All else being equal, breastfeeding is better for both mom and baby. Please note the importance of the first four words of that sentence. If breastfeeding is making you miserable, it's probably not worth it - give it an honest try , but don't feel guilty switching if that's what needs to happen. Better to have a happier mom and formula fed baby than a miserable mom and a breastfed baby, I think.

And don't let anyone make you feel bad about making a decision in either direction. It's your baby (and the dad's), and they're your breasts. Do what you think is best to do for all involved.

[fadeerskin]

i breastfed my son until just after his third birthday. it was a very unpopular choice with my in laws. my husband was pretty supportive but toward the end even he was wanting me to pull the plug, so to speak. i kept waiting for my son to ween himself, i'd read that they will do that, only he wasn't the least bit interested in weening himself. eventually it was to the point where he only did it at bedtime, so i just removed the 'boobie' from bed, kept them tightly covered. it was rough for a few days but then he settled down and accepted it.

there was never any question for me as to breast over bottle, i always knew it would be breast. at the hospital there was lots of trouble, my little one was one of those who would rather just camp out and nurse for 20 mins then sleep and wake up to do it again. so it took a lot to get the hang of it. we managed though.

as i said before my in laws were not for the breastfeeding thing, they would make me leave the room to do it, and i remember when they visited in the hospital and it was feeding time....i didn't want to do it while they were there, so judgemental and all that, so my son was crying and they just exchanged this knowing look. i showed them though three years of it!

i smile when i see women out in public breastfeeding, heck i even saw a woman walking around a store with her baby nursing, i never managed that level of control.

i've rambled on and on so i'll stop...oh right...i am very proud of myself for nursing my son for that long, i feel i did the right thing for him and me...and stopping when i did was a blessing as well. i hadn't realized how resentful i had become, wanting my breasts to be mine again. or rather, share them with my husband...which is a whole 'nother topic...men and the breastfeeding breast.

fa deerskin

[wintermagick]

My daughter is 1 1/2 months old and I have been breastfeeding almost exclusively (she has a formula bottle like once every three days because there are some places you just CAN'T pop out a breast). I thought I would hate it and only do it for a couple of weeks. However, it is going great and my goal is to do it until she is 1 year. However I am returning to work next week... so toting that breast pump every day and sneaking off to an empty conference room during break and lunch is going to be a real challenge. Wish me luck!

:twitch:

[Aleigh]

I breastfed my first for about 5 days before I quit mostly because I was completely unprepared emotionaly for the entire mothering experience and just didn't know how to deal with the problems I was having nursing him. My milk hadn't come in yet and he wouldn't stop screaming so my husband finally started giving him formula because I was too busy sobbing on our bedroom floor to be at all useful. It just wasn't pretty. :p I never changed my mind about wanting to breastfeed. It was just that by the time I pulled myself together (I had really bad PPD) it was way too late. He was a few months old, and the stress of trying to stimulate milk production at that point would have pushed me right over the edge again. I still regret not nursing him. :(

My second son I breastfed exclusively for 6 months, and then he was accidently weaned when he was 9.5 months old because I got really sick and had to take anti-nausea medication that knocked me out for almost 3 days straight. When I got better, he absolutely refused to have anything to do with trying to nurse. At that point he'd only been nursing 2 times a day (whenever his brother was not around to distract him!) and having solids and formula most of the time anyway, so we didn't push him too hard, but I would have liked to keep going at least a few times a day until he was a year old.

[Raven Reed]

I bottle fed my two sons. I TRIED breastfeeding. I have inverted nipples. The hospital gave me this little plastic weird thingy to go over my breasts. Did no good. There were many tears and much frustration, from me and the babies. Also, both boys had jaundice and I was advised NOT to breast feed for a while. So they ended up bottle babies.

The only problem I had with the bottle was my second son couldn't digest regular formula properly. I had to switch him to soy. I kept taking him to the doctor because he had terrible diarrhea, but no one would listen until he started loosing weight. :ahhhhhhh: I didn't even know there was another formula to try until the doctor finally figured out what was wrong.

They both had awful ear problems as little ones, and both have stressed induced asthma, but asthma runs in their dad's family and I alway have had ear problems, even today. *shrug* Who knows how much could have been averted if I breast fed? I sure don't.