Why did you choose formula feeding?

Question

No judgement here. I'm a FTM and 6 months pregnant. I've really been wanting to breastfeed, but I'm afraid that with my unpredictable job, pumping will become extremely difficult and I won't be able to breastfeed for more than a few months, if I can at all after the 6 weeks maternity leave. 
Why did you choose to formula feed? My friend had such a hard time with breastfeeding and had so little support that after 6 weeks, she started formula feeding her first and just formula fed the rest of her boys. I don't blame her because I know breastfeeding can be hard. 
I just want to know why you chose formula feeding, when you started formula feeding, and if you could go back and change it would you?

Answer

You can only do what you can do, if you’re stressed out it won’t be a good experience, I encourage all women to TRY breast feeding as we all know it’s what’s best with that said, if you can only do it a week that’s a week more than if you didn’t try, if you can only do it a month that’s a month more than if you didn’t try!! Don’t put time limits on it, enjoy the process and the bonding, and try not to stress about stopping before you’ve even started, you know what’s best for you and your baby listen to your body and your instincts, if anyone judges you ignore them it’s not their journey or their baby, you got this mama! There is NO shame in feeding your baby formula if that’s what you need to do. This is my fourth pregnancy, my other three girls each had a few months of breast before I dried up, that wasn’t up to me my body said enough, all I know with this one is I’ll try, I’ll do what i can when I can and when I can’t any more I’ll feel no guilt in switching to formula xxx good luck hun you got this

Answer

I didn’t even attempt to breastfeed. I had a touch of ppd and some anxiety. When you breastfeed, you put off the balancing of your hormones so whenever you eventually quick breastfeeding ppd can kick in to overdrive. I also take St. John’s wort to help which it does tremendously and I don’t know if you can breast feed while taking that, even though it’s all natural. Also, I work so breastfeeding can be somewhat challenging when it’s time to separate baby and use a bottle. I have friends who breast fed and some who didn’t. The children who are breast fed where more demanding which in turn results in sleep deprivation because the baby only gets so much and then falls back asleep, where when you bottle feed you know exactly how much they are getting and they typically sleep longer. I have the utmost respect for women who breastfeed, by no means it is easy and it takes commitment! I honestly just needed the easy way out because of my mental health. I’m doing great now and so is LO. Formula feeding has done her right!!! She’s been in the 95th percentile for weight sense she was born lol. I have a chunky girl on my hands!!! She’s 16 pounds at 14 weeks! Lol

Answer

I tried to breastfeed. My daughter had failure to thrive because she’s allergic to cows milk, so she had to go on a hypoallergenic formula. This is what the difference between her on breast milk and her on formula, only a two weeks difference. It was better for her. 
I’m choosing to formula feed when this baby is born, because I won’t have help and have 3 kids. 8 years old,2 year old and newborn. My husband will be working 45+ hours a week, with no time off besides two days after baby is born. So it’s just the best choice for me. Do what’s best for you and your baby

Answer

I haven’t given birth yet, but I plan to formula feed. The thought of breast feeding does not appeal to me. And the thought of pumping, no thank you. The women I know who pump are tied to their pumps. And at my job, it would just be too much of a pain in the ass. I think it’s also because I was formula fed, and my 5 month niece is also formula fed (my sister tried to breast feed and wasn’t producing enough), and I see how great it is to just give her formula. Again, my feelings could change, but as of now, I truly have no interest in breast feeding.

Answer

I exclusively breastfed my first for 13 months while im proud of us that is far outweighed by the anxiety of constantly wondering if im making enough, post partum depression, husband not being able to help with feeds because she would not take formula or pumped milk let alone even latch to a bottle. I plan on shipping off to basic training when our second is 6 months so we will be formula feeding && honestly I feel so relieved && it doesn't make me a bad parent either!!! I have done extensive research && everything points to it being just fine 💙

Answer

I chose to switch to formula for a multitude of reasons. 
1. When I returned to work at 12 weeks postpartum, there was no where to pump. My boss was very willing to let me pump but all offices in our building are glassed in. I did not feel comfortable at all considering I was the only woman in my department. The bathroom did not have outlets, so that wasn’t even an option. I had some pumped milk stored but when that ran out we started supplementing formula twice a day while I was at work.
2. I hated breastfeeding. It was torture for me. Despite seeing 4 latch consultants, who all told me my daughter had a perfect latch, I was in agony every time she breastfed on my right side. I don’t know if my right nipple is just extra sensitive or what, but it was torture. My nipples never cracked or bled and I never got mastitis or any other infection and yet I was miserable. So many women I’ve talked to say this same thing, and yet no one talks about it or tells you that you might absolutely hate breastfeeding.
3. I did not get the oft-mentioned “bonding” feeling with my daughter when I breastfed. I love and adore her, but I felt nothing during breastfeeding. I felt more bonded to her giving her a bottle than I did breastfeeding because I got to love and nurture her without being in pain. 
Ultimately I breastfed full time for 3 months and partially with formula for 7, but the last breastfeed, I was so thrilled to be done! With this baby I will breastfeed again because it’s good for him and helps with immunity through flu season (especially since I’m due in December), but I will not beat myself up like I did last time if I need to supplement with formula or quit once spring dawns and flu season is over next year and he has his first few rounds of vaccines. I return to school next June when he’ll be six months old and I intend to be fully weaned by then.

Answer

The first time was because I was on meds my son couldn’t have and it turned out great. He grew well, I got sleep, dad got to help and bond with him. This time I’m working full time so it’s just going to be easier, plus my husband loved being able to help and I loved being able to sleep.

Answer

I do both! Very hard and stressful to just breastfeed for me I don’t think I make enough for my hunger boy to stay full.  I mostly just breastfeed at night and when I can, then formula feed the rest! Best of both worlds for me anyways

Answer

I hated breast feeding. My supply was fine. Didn't like it so I didn't do it

Answer

I didn't make enough milk and had to supplement with formula. By the time I was only pumping 1/4 of what she needed, I honestly decided that it wasnt worth the time I put into it. I will go back to work after 3 months with this baby, and I hope to breastfeed and pump after I go back. But if I can't then that will be ok too.

Why did you choose formula feeding?

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