Pumping vs. Formula feeding?

Question

My 2.5week old refuses to latch. So far I've been pumping ... but it's hard. 
Should I keep with it? Or just do formula?

Answer

Keep at it! It’s so demanding and exhausting, but so worth it! 
Have you tried a nipple shield? That might help the latch. 
My milk dried up completely around 8 weeks. I wish I could have continued so bad. 
Of course, if you choose not to, formula isn’t bad at all! Whatever works for you! 
But I’m hear to give you some encouraging words and say keep going! It’ll become second nature soon enough 😊 all the long and tiring hours you’re putting in is so wonderful and rewarding!

Answer

I was in the same boat. I was pumping and supplementing with formula. I did it for 2-3 months and then I stopped. It was too hard to do and still live the life I wanted for me and my daughter. Pumping while running errands or going out is hard and I wasn’t doing it enough to make enough milk to make it worth it. My advice is to continue until you don’t want to anymore. Your happiness and stress level affect the baby’s. If and when it becomes too much, don’t feel bad about stopping. Do what’s best for the two of you.

Answer

Keep at it , the first weeks are the hardest it gets better . But if you want to formula feed then that’s your choice also as long as baby is getting fed .

Answer

Yes it’s difficult and demanding but there’s so many benefits. Of course you hear how nutritious breast milk is for baby so I won’t get into that. Think of how much money you will save. We’re talking thousands per year. The weight loss is nice too! Have your husband feed baby since you’re pumping. :) you’ve got this!

Answer

Do what you think is best! I found it helpful to make a goal and if I meet it, I decide if I want to keep going (I’m going to pump for the next two weeks and see if I want to continue, etc.). Whatever you decide is best.. pumping is hard, and if you decide to stop, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty! It’s hard mentally and emotionally, and your baby needs a mom that’s healthy in those ways, too.

Answer

Do what you think is best for you and baby 😊 don’t feel like you have to keep pumping and giving breast milk unless you want to. I tried to breast feed and she wouldn’t latch, even using the nipple shields. I pumped for a bit and I felt tied down and like I was constantly doing it. I felt like a failure because I couldn’t breastfeed or give my baby breastmilk because everyone always says breastfeeding is the best and breastmilk is better for babies so I had that in my head. I ended up switching to formula and it’s been so much more stress free and better for my mental health. As long as your baby is fed, either one is fine☺️

Answer

Baby will be fine either way. Do what is best for you and that will be best for baby. Exclusive pumping is hard, I did it for almost a year with my 3rd. I'd like to do it again but I don't know if I can with an 18mo🤣. Don't beat yourself up if you go with formula. Happy mommy, happy baby!!

Answer

My guy wouldn't latch at first. I ended up exclusively pumping while trying and failing to latch him at almost every feed before giving pumped milk. He finally started to get it around 10 weeks and was fully nursing by 13 or so. It was worth it in the end for me, but hard as hell and I don't think I could have done it if I wasn't still at home. I produce plenty of milk, so formula wasn't ever on the table for me.

Answer

Get help from a lactation consultant if you can to help fix her latch

Answer

Keep with it. My girl is 4 months old. It does get easier! You just have to establish your routine and pattern and get used to it.

Pumping vs. Formula feeding?

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