Breast feeding or Formula?

Question

I'm pregnant and trying decide if i want to breast feed. I know it's healthier for u and baby but I'm afraid it may be pain ful. Is it?

Answer

It’s hard to choose isn’t it? Especially when your midwife/care practitioner is emphasising the importance of breast milk.. 
I really struggled with it with my daughter, was quite literally terrified because it hurt me so much, in the end my midwife said “what’s more important? Your baby having a full belly and developing correctly with her mother happy and healthy? Or a nutrient deprived infant with a depressed Mum?” 
Go with your gut? Maybe buy some formula and still try breast, could be perfect for you, I know a lot of mums who absolutely loved it. Just do what makes you feel comfortable (oh also.. my midwife told me, it’s the milk from the first 48 hours which passes immunity to the baby, after that it’s simply just breast milk..) 
..sorry for the full on story.. xxx

Answer

I had my baby and I was 110% determined to breastfeed and to pump. Well while birthing my daughter she had shoulder dystocia and complications arose and the doctor fractured her clavicle. There was no way to hold her to breastfeed without hurting her collarbone. It was awful. So I supplemented along with pumping. And then at two weeks post birth I got a cold and the medicine that was approved for me to take while pumping completely dried me up. I went from producing 5 ounces in 10 minutes to not even getting an ounce in 45 minutes. It broke me. I tried all of the supplements and teas and I suffered post partum depression and I hated myself when we exclusively switched to formula. But now my daughter is 13 months old and she is healthy and thriving. I learned that no matter how much you plan life can throw you curve balls. So my advice is go into with an open mind. If you are able to breastfeed then that’s amazing, and even more amazing if you love doing it. And if you aren’t able to breastfeed or complications come your way or you’re overwhelmed and formula comes in and saves the day then that’s amazing too. You just need to figure out what works best for your and your baby. I wish you the best of luck for you and your little one!

Answer

I formula fed and do not regret it. I have anxiety as it is and it was 100X worse after I had my son. I knew breastfeeding would not go well at all.

Answer

I think in the beginning, it's always going to be sore. You're not used to having your nipples CONSTANTLY being latched like that. But having a good ointment and support helps a lot. Making sure you have a lactation consultant or a nurse to help you makes a big difference. My son is still nursing and he's almost 15 months 😊

Answer

Breastfeeding can definitely be difficult in the beginning. I had many appointments with a lactation consultant before we got a good latch and were able to get off using the nipple shield, but to me it was all worth it. No matter what you choose at times it will be inconvenient. Either you always have to have to lug formula and bottles around with you or you can't go a few hours without pumping or breastfeeding. You can always start out breastfeeding and switch to formula if it's just not working out for you.

Answer

yes its painful at least for me it was its a lot of work. The first time I thought it was going to be a walk in the park and it was far from that nobody informed me about the pain and cracked nipples and how engorged you get and all the struggles so I gave up within in a week but with my second baby I was determined to breastfeed and this time I knew what to expect so I prepared myself with tons of nipple cream and I took a lot of showers to relieved some of the engorgment and here I am now 4 month into breastfeeding its worth all the hard work but at the end of the day its what best for you and baby fed is best

Answer

Ours had a lip tie that wasn’t diagnosed until later so he couldn’t latch. I pumped but it’s difficult if you don’t have someone to help with the baby. Baby is now on formula because I lost my supply

Answer

You should try breastfeeding and see how you go. It’s such a beautiful bond between you and your baby, and a lot cheaper and more convenient. 
If that doesn’t work, you can always formula feed. 
I loved breast feeding my babies ❤️

Answer

It’s only painful for the first couple days when you’re getting used to it and when your milk comes in - after that if it’s painful, the baby’s latch isn’t right and you need to correct it.
Do some research - there are HUGE advantages to breastfeeding your baby and it’s great for you as well. It’s cheaper, more convenient and it creates a bond that can not be duplicated (I’ve done both bf and formula feeding.)
That being said, you need support in the beginning either from a lactation consultant or from someone who has breastfed before. Once you learn it, it’s second nature and totally pain free. I do recommend checking out Dr. Jack Newman on Facebook or just his website as a resource, as well bring nipple cream to the hospital with you and insist that you are breastfeeding from the beginning. Put the cream on before and after every feeding - think of it like preventing chapped lips. I absolutely loved breastfeeding, though it isn’t for everyone. I would say give it a good try for at least 2 months no matter what and then decide if you want to switch to formula, as most problems can be overcome in that time. Good luck!

Answer

It's definitely hard and painful in the beginning. My youngest couldn't successfully latch so I ended up pumping until I dried up at 3 months. I'm sure that the improper latching made my pain even worse, but I'm hopeful that I can succeed this time around.

Breast feeding or Formula?

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