Breastfeeding help?!!

Question

I am 31 weeks, and still have no chosen if i want to breastfeed or formula feed. 
-
What is your pros and cons with breastfeeding? and the general need to know about it? 
-
Also, what is the best pump? and need to know about pumping?
-
I have talked to my WIC worker about breastfeeding, but as he is male and never went through it, he just told me i should do it, thats it.

Answer

I would try. Pros of breastfeeding for me are it’s cheap, never have to worry about packing bottles or formula. My favorite part is the bonding though! It is a lot of work but it is such an incredible feeling knowing I’m the one making my baby grow stronger everyday. Breastfeeding isn’t for everyone though so do what’s best for you but I say at least try and see if you enjoy it. 
I have a Medela pump but I honestly use my manual pump more. I am a SAHM thou so I don’t really have to pump often

Answer

It can be super hard at first. The first week or so I hated breastfeeding. The hospital made it worse. They would have a million suggestions and I was overwhelmed. I went home, did my own thing, and it has been great. I love being my daughter’s food source. It’s so special! It’s easy to feed her anywhere, as well. Also, there are just so many health benefits for both of us. Not to mention, I have lost 50lbs since having her! 
I stay at home, so it’s okay that she refuses a bottle...but she does refuse a bottle. We tried everything. It is hard being the only one that can feed her sometimes. Cluster feeding is also really rough in the beginning. 
I never had a lot of pain, but we use a nipple shield. I don’t really pump, but I do love my Spectra S2. 
I don’t regret breastfeeding at all. If you decide to do it, I would recommend joining a support group at your hospital. Also, just be super committed and make sure your partner is really supportive. You might want to quit in the beginning, and it is hard not to. I have nothing against formula feeding, I just am very glad I have breastfed.

Answer

A definite need to know about breastfeeding is that it’s not as easy as it appears. The first few weeks are tough physically and emotionally. But for me it’s so so worth it and I love it now (almost 11 weeks pp). I would say you need to give it at least 4 weeks to give it a true shot if you’re going to try, some say 6 weeks is when the sweet spot kicks in. Biggest pros are the sweet moments and bond you have with your child. That you have a guaranteed way to calm them when they’re upset and can put them to sleep. It’s cheaper and convenient. The only cons I can think of currently are that it is time consuming if you have a slow eater like I do, and you feed a lot more in the beginning so sometimes it’s really tiring and you might want a break. 
As for pumping, I hate it. It’s also never a good indication of what your body is making and can be stressful! I don’t respond well to an electric pump but I bought the Haakaa for like $10 and love it!!! I use that to build up a freezer stash.

Answer

Definitely try breastfeeding. 
I will be honest, it's really hard at first. My nipples hurts so badly. One of them was bleeding and scabbed so bad by the time I got home from the hospital that I broke down and gave her formula for a feeding. After that I pumped and bottle fed her for a few days while coating my nipples with nipple cream. But after a few days it got better. It still stung a little when she latched, but by the time she was 4 weeks old, it was like nothing. Now she is almost 6 weeks and everything is much easier. She still gets a little fussy with latching when shes super hungry. 
But honestly even with all that, it's just better if you can nurse. 
It's free, you always have it fresh on you. The bonding is unbeatable. And it's way easier on their stomach. Formula is so hard on their stomach.

Answer

My advice is to try it in the hospital and see if you personally can do it! You might fall in love with it! Or hate it!

Answer

I would definitely try. It really does help bonding with your baby, it’s free, it helps with after baby weight loss, it’s there on demand (don’t have to prep a bottle)... so many great reasons. 
I was only able to breastfeed for a few weeks, my supply was lower so I had to supplement bottles here and there. Around 8 weeks my production shut down so I went to bottles. No shame in moving to bottles but I did wish I could have made it longer.

Answer

I agree. Try it out in the hospital. 
With my both my babies I breastfeed at hospital so they could get the colostrum. But then I'd pump for a while. I didn't produce much so I supplemented with formula.

Breastfeeding help?!!

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey