I want to breastfeed my baby, but would prefer to pump and feed with a bottle..is this practical?

Question

pump and feed with a bottle..is this practical?" /> 
I’m 8 weeks. I want to breastfeed my baby, but I’m really not comfortable with breastfeeding in front of anyone other than my fiancé, and probably my mom and sister. I have an 11 year old stepson (that lives with us) that I’m not comfortable feeding in front of, so I would prefer to just pump and bottle the milk. Also, I have inverted nipples. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t care about other moms doing it in front of people or anything, I’m just not comfortable with doing it myself. Is it realistic to only pump? Or is that not going to work? 
Another thing I keep thinking about is that my sister was not able to breastfeed for long with either of her children, and I’m guessing I’ll probably have the same issue. With her first she made it to about 6 months, second only made it to 4 months. She kept having issues with thrush and wasn’t able to produce enough milk. I have a really hard time staying properly hydrated (even with drinking lots of water), so I won’t be surprised if I end up not producing enough either

Answer

Just because your sister had any issues in no way means you will, there is no link.

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I don’t mean for this to sound harsh but you are only eight weeks pregnant and you sound awfully negative already.

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Exclusively pumping is ALOT of work. It's doable, but not easier and tiring as hell. Especially when you have a newborn and have to pump every 3 hours

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When I started pumping I was producing a LOT less milk. Its possible, some women do, but it might not work so be prepared for that.

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i don’t see how you’re being negative. yeah you’re only 8 weeks, but you know from the beginning some things you do and don’t want to do with your baby. you’re probably comparing yourself to your sister because you don’t know anyone else’s experience. if you want to pump, go for it. some people aren’t comfortable breastfeeding and that’s okay. just be determined if that’s really what you want, but also so don’t beat yourself up about it if it doesn’t work. you may want to try to actually breastfeed when the time comes. remember formula is not poison.

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Great advice from others here. 
Do note though, being hooked up to a pump every couple hours is A LOT more socially awkward that just breastfeeding. If you think breastfeeding in front of your stepson is weird (which trust me, everyone will get over it), then pumping will be 100x weirder. You’ll probably have to isolate yourself to a separate room. 
It’s a lot more work and hassle to exclusively pump. It’s doable, but if you can feed from your breasts, it’s sooooo much easier.

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Okayyy. Don’t listen to that comment lol. You have every right to feel the way you do. I tried to breastfeed to, and my idea was just to pump and give her bottles during the day, and then at night just let her breastfeed. But because she was not latching in right, she was a formula fed baby, and that’s okay. If you fear you will not produce enough, then at least try and if you can’t, formula is not a bad thing. The first few weeks are tough, but females really do step into their mothering phase and it’s gonna be just fine!

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Yes. I exclusively pumped and fed. It is a lot of work but join the FB group ahead of time for more info and a supportive community.

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What makes you think that because your sister had a hard time breastfeeding that you will too? Everyone is different. Your sister may have had some struggles but it doesn’t mean you will. 
I have a hard time staying hydrated and had no problems producing milk.
You can use cover ups to breastfeed. 
If you want to exclusively pump that’s totally your decision but I don’t think your sister should be one of the reasons why. 
My personal opinion on pumping (my personal opinion does not mean I think pumping is bad) is that it’s way more work than just breastfeeding. I exclusively breastfed and I hated when I had to pump. I found it so inconvenient honestly. I felt like it was double the work. You have to pump and then feed the baby or thaw the milk. And then if you didn’t pump enough you have to pump more. 
This is solely how I felt during my breastfeeding experience. I know a lot of people do it with no problem. I found it inconvenient and double the work. Plus I LOVED the breastfeeding experience. It was special. Yeah it wasn’t always easy. I also got thrush once. But it was special regardless. 
I also agree with the other women. You are early and have plenty of time to think about it. But I will say having a negative attitude about it can definitely impact your success with breastfeeding. I’m not judging I’m just honestly saying thinking it isn’t going to work for you before even trying is setting yourself up for failure. If it’s something you truly don’t want to do that’s fine to

Answer

Pumping is just fine. Be positive

I want to breastfeed my baby, but would prefer to pump and feed with a bottle..is this practical?

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