Breastfeeding Problems

I do have to admit, I feel a lot of pressure from other women to breastfeed--and to breastfeed only. I don't understand why, if you choose to use formula, that you are made to feel like a porriah?

My sister-in-law has commented several times about my dd's frequent ear infections and how she's positive it's because she was formula-fed. I have yet to point out the fact that both of her children have severe allergies . . . its not like they are super-healthy. And once I took DD off of dairy, her ears cleared right up.

ANYWAYS, moving on, I have decided to do both bf and formula feeding. DH works a ton, it's not unusual for the kiddos to only see him on Sunday's. Most evenings and Saturdays it's just me and the kids. I felt like I was spending all of my time nursing and not having any time for DD.

I nurse when DD is away at preschool and one of the late night feedings. DD can help give DS a bottle around dinner time when she gets home. And DH can also participate with one of the night or morning feedings.

I feel like this has been the best for our family. Taking care of baby is more of a family endeavor where everyone can participate yet DS still gets the benefit and intimacy of BF.

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I do have to admit, I feel a lot of pressure from other women to breastfeed--and to breastfeed only. I don't understand why, if you choose to use formula, that you are made to feel like a porriah?

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You'll find this is the case as you move through parenthood, whether it's breastfeeding; whether you work or not, Let your kids watch TV, have cell phones..... The most important thing is for you and your hubby to be a team on these issues, and to be strong in your choices. If your friends in your mommie groups hassle you, just be strong. Maybe you can't tell them to get lost, but you sure can look people in the eye and say, "this is what's working for us, and I don't need to hear your opinion any more". Or something like that...;)

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Originally Posted by limewave

I do have to admit, I feel a lot of pressure from other women to breastfeed--and to breastfeed only. I don't understand why, if you choose to use formula, that you are made to feel like a porriah?

My sister-in-law has commented several times about my dd's frequent ear infections and how she's positive it's because she was formula-fed. I have yet to point out the fact that both of her children have severe allergies . . . its not like they are super-healthy. And once I took DD off of dairy, her ears cleared right up.

ANYWAYS, moving on, I have decided to do both bf and formula feeding. DH works a ton, it's not unusual for the kiddos to only see him on Sunday's. Most evenings and Saturdays it's just me and the kids. I felt like I was spending all of my time nursing and not having any time for DD.

I nurse when DD is away at preschool and one of the late night feedings. DD can help give DS a bottle around dinner time when she gets home. And DH can also participate with one of the night or morning feedings.

I feel like this has been the best for our family. Taking care of baby is more of a family endeavor where everyone can participate yet DS still gets the benefit and intimacy of BF.

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The best thing is what is BEST for your family! I did initally have some trouble with my first and due to severe constipation (which is strange for breastfed babies). Once on the bottle she didn't want the breast anymore. I am glad you are able to go back and forth. No matter what happens ..... just relax because that can interfere with your milk production.

tina

Oh yeah, it continues...
Like in, "Oh, did you know that _____ is married, has a law degree, and is now a judge in New York? And what's up with Josh and Scott?"

Said to me last summer as I was getting a pedicure, trying to relax and not be seen by the person who said this.

As mothers (especially of young children), we all receive much advice and we need to sift through it to find what will work.

This notion crystalized for me on a 110 degree day, where I had taken refuge on the patio of an unmemorable restaurant, to escape from a traffic jam. My 2-month-old was a sweaty screaming mess, and I'm not so sure I was doing much better, myself.

A homeless person, walking by, shot me the dirtiest look I've ever seen as she growled: THAT BABY NEEDS HER SOCKS!!


The moral of this story is: Trust your instincts, mom. Reject outrageous advice outright. Ponder the rest.

Enjoy your baby.
Soon, everything will be different.

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Enjoy your baby.
Soon, everything will be different.

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Best advice ever!

Karen

I know this thread is a bit old, but still wanted to add a tip I don't think I see spelled out specifically...

Try using your bike water bottles during this time to keep yourself hydrated.

I had several difficulties like some of which are posted in this thread. In the end, it worked out for me. I loved nursing my babies. So glad it did.

But... trying to figure out how to remember to drink enough MYSELF was hard in the stress of mom-hood. I would fill up "my own" bottles in the frig w/H2O ahead of time. Everytime I picked the kid up to the breast, I grabbed a bike water bottle outta the frig and made a point to keep sipping my own drink as much as the baby did.

Just a thought:).