Am I making a mistake?

Question

I'm  currently  29 weeks pregnant  and I have been going back and forth with  breastfeeding vs bottle feeding. I know bottle feeding is going to  be what's easier for me because I'm going to be doing this alone and  I plan  on going back to work maybe a month to a month and a half after she's  born I can't  afford  much more time off. Being part time I don't  qualify  for pto right now. I'm a Home health aide doing classes to become a STNA and I can't really pump at work with the type of job I have. I know breastfeeding is great for the baby but I don't  see how it's  possible  with my lifestyle .  Anyone  else in this boat  or anyone have any suggestions or advice or just something  to make me feel better about my decision?

Answer

Not a mistake-the only mistake is NOT feeding your baby! 
I'm a FTM & I work in healthcare as a nurse Extern & when the lactation consultant at the pediatrician office I picked asked if I was planning on breastfeeding or bottle feeding, I told her both. I know working in healthcare can get busy & I see a lot of moms at my job struggle to get the time to pump. The lactation consultant said they will work with me to prolong breastfeeding as long as I'm able & help me with making that transition back to work & will also help me with transitioning my baby to formula if need be (i.e. I don't pump enough for my baby sitter to give 12-13hrs worth of food to baby)

If you can find one or your peds office has it, I recommend finding a lactation consultant who would be willing to work with you on both like mine says she will with me. Like I said, I'm hoping it helps me to be able to prolong breastfeeding longer than I really think I will be able to. At least I'm optimistic after talking to the consultant.

Answer

Why not both? You can always nurse at home and give formula when gone. Eventually your supply will decline of course, but some is better than none! Do what's best for your family.

Answer

Do what's best for you and your baby. I wanted to breastfeed with my first but I couldn't because my milk came late and it hurt like hell to pump lol so I formula fed her and now I'm 28 weeks 4 days with a boy and I'm gonna attempt again. If it doesn't work then I'm gonna formula feed him too. Don't let anyone influence your thoughts on what you should or should do. As long as your baby is fed that's all that matters! Good luck!

Answer

Ultimately you do what you need to feed your baby.  But just wondering, do you have health insurance?  If so they provide you with a pump of your choosing free.  There is one called the freemie, and it's for on the go, working moms to pump.  I've seen women do it while driving and they love it.  It might be an option for you if you're driving a lot to maybe try pumping?  You can call your insurance provider and ask those questions, they will have all the info for you.

Answer

Do whatever you think is best for you and your baby :) breastfeeding may be easier in the begining while you are home (cheaper/less dishes to do/no preping a bottle) once you are at work most state have laws that make your job have to allow you pump breaks. You may want to look into that before you make your decision. Also you can always switch from breastfeeding to formula. It is sometimes possible to switch back to but not always. Formula definitely has it's advantages though too (can prep multiple bottles at once/convenience) You could always do both too. Nurse at home and formula for sitters.

There is no wrong way to feed your baby as long as you are feeding him or her. :) good luck on deciding.

Answer

One is not any better than the other . Do what's better for you and baby.

Answer

No. Things go in and out of style. Right now people are all hyper about breastfeeding, but it wasn't that long ago that formula was the norm, and all those people grew up just fine. I may or may not breastfeed for a little while, maybe the first 6-8 weeks, I haven't decided, or I may strictly pump (because right now the whole concept is a little weird to me still,) but I also may be doing this alone and I'll have to return back to my full-time job, meaning pumping or formula are my only options. I can haul a pump around, but I'm also not into the idea of engorgement and infections if I can't always escape in a timely manner to pump, so I very well may swap to formula when I go back to work, regardless of how much mommy shaming happens. What's important is that your child gets fed, in whatever way works best for you guys.

Answer

I'm a firm believer of doing what is best for your situation. I FF my 1st 2 and have 0 regrets because that's what I felt was best at the time. I'm gonna try to BF this time but only because I feel it's the best option for me now!! Being a stay at home mom I have more time to invest in it. There is nothing wrong with either choice so don't feel bad!!

Answer

I'll be trying to breastfeed, but I'll be going it alone as well and return to work at 6 weeks in a place with no pumping room and I can't pump at my desk. I've gone back and forth but what will make my decisions is my medicine. I can't breastfeed if I go back on my anxiety meds.

Answer

I am in the same boat, I will definitely breastfeed  the first few weeks. Once I go back to work I think it would be too difficult as I am on the road all day with my job. I go house to house and assist elderly all day with another person so it's not like I could pump on the road.... My coworker would be very supportive however if I did choose to pump but I just think it would be awkward.

Am I making a mistake?

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