I Am Thinking About Breastfeeding Our Next Baby.

Hi C.,

I breastfed two of my kids and bottle fed two of my kids. There are advantages to both. I do not believe that I bonded any differently with my breastfed babies than I did with my bottlefed babies. You are still holding your baby and gazing into her eyes.

The advantage of bottle feeding is that someone else can do it while you are away, resting, etc. I have known several mothers who strictly breastfed and they were basically tethered to their kids for the first year. Those mothers tended NOT to ever give their kids the bottle so it made it difficult for them to be away for more than a few hours. Personally for me, that simply wouldn't work. Making bottles is not all that much work and with formula that you purchase from Sam's or store brands, it is not as expensive as it used to be.

Now, for the benefits of breastfeeding. Your milk is ready in the middle of the night or anytime. You always have it with you and it's the right temperature. It is cost free (other than initial costs like a breastpump/pads/etc.) The initial nutritional benefits are wonderful and will give your baby a headstart in health.

Is breastmilk superior over formula? I have asked many pediatricians and basically, their answers have been the same; overall, there is not much difference in breastmilk over formula. They say that breasfed babies have less ear infections, attributed to the fact that most babies are fed in an upright position. How do you avoid that with bottlefed babies? Hold them while you feed them. Someone mentioned in an earlier post that for bottlefed babies, you make the formula and then give them gas drops to counteract the formula. There are plenty of breastmilk babies that are on gas drops.

Whatever you choose, don't feel guilty about any of it. As long as you feed your baby, hold her, and simply love her, her source of nutrition really isn't an issue. Will you be a superior mother if you breastfeed? No. Is there any right or wrong answer to feeding your baby one way or the other? No. Give it a chance, try breastfeeding your baby. Stay committed for at least three months. If it doesn't work for you, switch to bottlefeeding and don't suffer one ounce of guilt for one minute.

Good luck

YES. Do it. It's so much better for your baby. I think it's easier and more convenient than bottle-feeding, even if you're an "on-the-go" kind of family. When you bottle feed you have to either pre-make bottles and keep them at the right temp, then find a means of safely heating them or haul a big bottle of formula and pure water around with you. When you're breastfeeding, you have all of the ... hmm-hmm ... equipment right there with you. Keep telling yourself that it's the best thing you can do for your baby and you can have success. Also remember there is LOTS of support out there for nursing mothers. Usually the hospital where you deliver has some means of support, and the La Leche League (look it up in your local phone book) will support you.

I breast fed my son, who is now 7 but not my girls, my 2yr old couldnt latch on and I lost my supply within about a month of my 7 month old baby. Its a personal choice to breast feed or to bottle feed. Both are just fine, my son is healthy but so are my daughters. My advice is if you want to breast feed, try it for a while, that first milk has many wonderful benefits in it, though you dont really need to use it. Also, dont listen to the nay-sayers out in the real world who think that formula feeding is bad, my older sister was a formula baby and she has 4 kids nows and pushing 40 really hard (but you didnt hear that from me lol). Good Luck, and do what you think is best for your FAMILY!

I have three children...funny thing is my first I breastfed for about 4 months, my second for 6 weeks, and my 3rd for 13 months.

People thought it strange that I could breastfeed a baby with two preschoolers running around. I was determined that time because I had such a bad pregnancy..I thought he needed it.
My third child is the only one to have recurring ear infections, asthma(severe), and was never more bigger than the 30th percentile in his first year.
I thought breastfeeding would prevent all these things..or at least soften the blow...but I don't think it would have mattered if he was breast or formula fed.

I did take advantage of a local group of lactation consultants, which helped a lot. I looked up what you have in your area...
Deb Abelson
Mothers Own Milk
Sioux City, IA 51106
Email: ____@____.com

Maybe contacting this woman may help you, because you could always do both breast and formula.

Good Luck!
S.

* After reading the previous poster's response I have to add to my advice. First of all let me say I do not think mom's who choose to formula feed are bad moms or don't care about their children, in most cases I think they are just uninformed on the benefits of breastfeeding and don't have the proper support in doing it. Breastmilk is best for baby and there is a mountain of evidence to support this. Just go to the American Academy of Pediatrics website and read their stand on breastmilk vs. formula. They recommend that all infants be breastfed unless the mom has a disease like HIV or is on drugs. They say that breastmilk is superior to formula because it is tailor made to each individual baby. No man made product can replicate it. So although whether or not to breastfeed your baby is a personal choice, you can't say that breastmilk and formula are the same. And if my Pediatrician said that I would look for a new Pediatrician. If you need support in Breastfeeding or want to read more about the benefits and evidence behind breastmilk go to kellymom.com, it is a great resource for breastfeeding moms.

I personally think Breastfeeding is so much easier. I have breastfed both my sons, the first one for 14 months at which time he self weaned and now this new one who is only 6 weeks old I will also nurse until he self weans. I worked at a daycare and had to mix bottles to feed the babies and it was such a pain compared to just pulling up your shirt. Also with traveling, you don't have to pack bottles or formula cans, just yourself. I will nurse anywhere, I am a modest person but I am always covered up when I nurse so it isn't an issue. Sometimes people give me funny looks but I don't mind it is their issue not mine. No one gawks at a mom feeding her baby a bottle, so why gawk at a nice covered woman breastfeeding her baby.
The most important thing is that you HAVE to be committed! You can't just say I will try it out because more than likely it won't work. The first couple of months can be VERY difficult until you and the baby figure it all out. So unless your committed you will probably quit. I had a hard time with the first one but I had promised myself I would nurse him for at least a year so I perservered and I am so glad I did, it was a wonderful bonding experience for us and also saved us a TON of money on formula. I was actually sad when he weaned himself. My second son has been a breeze to nurse. I was sore for a week but that's it. I would highly encourage you to commit to nursing your baby because it is so worth it and so much better for your baby.

Hi C.. It is wonderful that you are thinking of breastfeeding! So much better for you & baby (& cheaper) than formula. The best resources that I have found are books, Le Leche League, and other moms who nurse! Why were you on the go so much with your first? I know that doctor's recommend that you stay home for the first two months...which doesn't always happen, but really helps with getting baby used to nursing on demand. My daughter is now two months, and we don't have a problem at all- at home, or out in public. I have heard that a fabric sling is wonderful if you are moving around- the baby is basically strapped to your chest able to feed while you get things done! Let me know if I can help you out with anything!

I could go on and on about the benefits of breastfeeding for you AND your baby but those are just a given. My first daughter was only formula fed. My second who will be 2 in June is still happily breastfed. I don't plan on weaning until she self-weans. Being able to compare the two I realize that breastfeeding is by far the easiest. You don't have to carry bottles, water, and formula with you. You also don't have to get it the "right" temp or wash bottles daily. No sterilizing, no spending money on formula only to buy something to take the gas away. With breastfeeding it is always the right temp and the perfect nutrition. I pumped when I went back to work (for the few months that I did work) and still enjoyed it. At home we were 100% on the breast. If you pump all the time it can lower your milk supply. Just an FYI so if you do work you will want to breastfeed when you are at home and not do bottle as much. That helps up your supply. The biggest thing you need is the determination and the support system. The rest will all come naturally.

C.,

I am a mother who was always and still is always on the go. When my son was first born i was excited to breastfeed him. As the months passed it began to get really h*** o* me. The reason being is because he didn't like the bottle. So my advice to you as a busy mom if you decide to breastfeed you baby make sure that you rotate between bottle and you. This will help because when you have a busy day you can have some extra milk ready in a bottle that you can take with you. Ask your doctor if there is a breastfeeding support group that you can consult with. I hope that this helps a little and good luck. Another thing don't feel guilty if you have to mix some formula. I was told it is better to mix a bottle when you need to than miss the feeding until he or she gets a little older.

I agree w/ the other poster. You will actually have MORE time to spend w/ your other kids, friends, and family if you are nursing. There is no prep time, you just do it. And if you invest in a good sling (20-50 bucks will get you a good one), you can have your hands free. I can walk around the mall, grocery shop, go to dinner or a movie, clean the house, walk around the neighborhood, take the older kids to the park, etc, all while nursing my 3 mo old.

I'm currently nursing my 4th child, and it really is the easiest thing in the world. If you co-sleep (or use a co-sleeper beside the bed), baby can nurse in the middle of the night w/out either of you fully awakening, and you'll feel that much more refreshed when you start your day.

I would have your boyfriend help out with changing, dressing, bathing, burping, laundry, dishes, or other housework so that you can have more time with the older kids. And if it's an issue of him bonding w/ the new baby, my husband's "job" is bathtime, and that's just their thing, so that's his bonding time. There are many other ways for him to help you out, that actually are harder on you than putting the baby to the breast, in my experience.

Not to mention, you'll save on formula and could put the money that you would have spent into a jar every week/month and do something extra special w/ the older kids if that's important. :)

**Edited to add that you can still pump for those times when you want/need to go somewhere without baby, but I wouldn't suggest doing that until your milk supply is well established (4, preferably 6 weeks postpartum.)

Good luck!

C.-
After reading the other post, I too have to edit my response. Of course the Doctor says that their is not much of difference between formula and breastmilk. They have very little education and training on it and have close relationships with formula companies. Who could ever say altered, powdered cow's milk, corn syrup, whey (by-product of cheese), coconut oil and a few other ingredients are the same as breastmilk? It's not rocket science if you actually flip the can around and read the ingredients.The huge misconception is that breastmilk and formula are interchangeable, that is why a lot of women give up easily in the beginning. What's the reason to do all the extra work?
I also wanted to make a comment about the person who talked about the child she breastfed the longest having allergies and asthma. That is just the way statistics work, everyone who smokes does not get lung cancer their chances are just higher. Not to mention things like that that can be genetic like the shape of the child's ear canal being a certain way so they are suceptible to ear infections. Also there are other factors too and it could have lessened with breastmilk you never know at least it was tried. There are many other things you do not about being affected like IQ, that breastmilk helps.
I am so glad you are thinking about breastfeeding again. I totally agree with all the other people who have posted. It is one of the most incredible experiences I have had and I did not start to enjoy until my daughter was about 6 months old. It takes a while to get the hang of it and it is much easier than preparing bottles. You can just go places and not have to worry about formula spoiling (now they say it only takes 30 min), having access to warm, clean water. I have gotten so much accomplished using a sling and nursing at the same time which is something you can't do with a bottle. My first child had a bottle in the beginning because I had a lot of problems nursing and I can tell you it was a lot more work and I will never miss getting up in the middle of the night making bottles. We co-sleep so all I have to do is roll over and latch on staying pretty much asleep. Your bf can definitely help out with other things, there is such a misconception that is the only way to help/bond with baby. Also you will see what an incredible bonding experience breastfeeding is for you and the baby. Having done the bottle and the breast I can tell you I felt like I was so distanced from my daughter feeding her a bottle compared to breastfeeding. Once you put in all the extra work in the beginning, breastfeeding is much easier. You'll learn to do it anywhere, in the car seat, in a restaurant, mopping the floor, going to the bathroom, eating, reading, etc. It gets easier day by day. Hope this helps with your decision.
Brekka

Hey girl
I personally think that people try everything they can to make excuses not to breastfeed because they are selfish and or lazy. Not to be rude or confrontational you asked for our advise and this is mine. I breastfeed both my kids they are really healthy and happy. It was not easy it was really hard and trying and stressful but the bond you have with your baby is unbelivable and regardless of what people say it is better for them. It helps to have a support system, also there are lots of things you can do in public breastfeeding blankets, feeding before you go, or pumping a bottle before you go, people understand that you have to take a time out so your baby can eat they dont care its natural! It gets easier at about 5 months they level off and get on a schedule you just have to be tuff knowing its best for them also its only for 12 months 12 months of you entire life its not forever! Also I forgot you loose weight faster too! I have lots of tips and tricks if your still intrested. good luck!
A.

I bottle fed both of my boys. They turned out healthy and fine. My sister claimed it was easier to breast feed because you didn't have to mix formula and clean bottles all the time. She always had plenty of milk.
I wasn't comfortable breast feeding. I didn't like the soreness or the constant leaks.
I feel it's up to you and your husband. With bottles, he can definately help. Good luck!!!!

Bottlefeeding is not work?
When you have to mix the formula, heat the bottles, sterilize the botttles...

Breastfeeding you just sit down and do it- great "down time" for you too.

Seems to me bottlefeeding takes more time, energy and cost...
When you need bottles, you can have them by pumping ans storing it in your freezer/fridge.

Definitely go for it! I too bottle fed my first one, and it was so much work! With breastfeeding I feel so much closer to my second son and he is a much happier baby than my first. The biggest things that made breastfeeding easier was buying a good pump (definitely get a Medela, I have the pump in style original and it's awesome! It's kept my milk supply up even though I work 30+ hours a week) Also get a good nursing cover, at babycenterstore.com search nursing cover and you'll see the one I thought worked the best, the Bebe au Lait. I really feel comfortable nursing anywhere. It's harder at the beginning, but now that he's almost 8 months old, he'll only nurse for about 10-20 min at a time then he's off to play for a few hours. Also find a sling or wrap (the Moby wrap just looks complicated, but it's so comfortable!) and find good support with your local le leche group. I hope this helps!

Breastfeeding is a wonderful loving way to bond with your baby. I breastfed all three of mine. If you are going to breastfeed, then set your mind to it and do it. Stick with it for at least 6 weeks, and set your mind to it. You will have enough milk and there are so many options for feeding on the go. My nanny watches five children under the age of 6 and is breastfeeding her 4 week old. All children have a busy schedule. It can do done, but your mind has to be in the correct mindset. Your choice, but when you decide, stick to it. Thats my two cents worth, I hope it helps. I still get envious when I come home from work and see her nursing her little one. I loved that time with all of my children. Make it a special time.

C.,
You have quite a few responses to help you decide what is going to work for you and your baby. I am still breastfeeding my 9 1/2 month old. I could not imagine getting up in the middle of the night and trying to make a bottle, but worse making her wait for me to make it. I'm sure after time she would figure it out and so would I but I think that is how breastfeeding is. It is so rewarding to both you and your baby. It is a lot of work in the beginning and at times during the first year, but I am happy to say I am still nursing. My most favorite is that, amongst all the chaos of life I know I will have some time to sit and relax with my baby. This was especially important to me when she was anewborn because so many people want to hold her, etc. I would just disappear sometimes to be alone and look at her and hold her. What ever you decide to do C., it will be a lot of work. You just have to decide what you WANT to do and don't let anyone else tell you what you should be doing. Good luck and Congratuations!
C.

I breastfed my daughter and found it so much easier than heating up a bottle. When I switched her to formula at 9 months I found that making a bottle was just a pain in the butt. I wish I had breastfed her longer! If you do pump make sure to buy a double breast pump. You can freeze the milk too so that helps out a ton! good luck

C.,

Go for it. Breasfeeding is something that can be difficult when you have more than one child. I know, I have six. I would have to agree with others that it is nice not having to mess with formula and everything. I myself never had much luck with pumping but, I do advise to spend the extra $ on a machine if the one from the hospital doesn't work. Talk to your lactation specialist whenever you need to. My best advice is to try and maybe try to go to a support group. I went to one through the hospital. Each child is different when it comes to breastfeeding and so, is what is going on with your life when that baby comes. I personally really enjoyed breastfeeding. I was one of those that went and got the nursing shirt and everything since having a blanket around me wasn't always possible.

You can try a sling to help with things as well. I know of people who have made their own by going to MAYA.com or something like that. Maya is a brand name sling company. I just used one with my last child and it did help.

I wish you the best of luck with everything!

A.