I know this won't go over well but I need to get it off my chest

[mamasitax2]

Hubby and I are planning our third and final baby.  It has be thinking about all of the baby related things.  Among these I have been thinking a lot about bfing.  First some background.

When my now 5 year old ds was born I knew I was going to bf.  There wasn't any other option.  My Aunt Grandmother work for La Leche, I had researched it and knew all of the benefits of breast milk etc.  I was going to bf!  Well my milk never came in.  I couldn't even produce colostrom in the hospital.  It was a horrific experience!  He became a very happily formula fed baby.  Come round 2 I just assumed I would encounter the same problem and planned to formula feed (btw dr. Brown's bottles rock! ).  I never even tried to bf him.  My milk came in when he was about 3 days old, but he was happily on the bottle and I didn't try to switch him.

Now with the thought of planning baby number three it is something I have been thinking quite a bit about.  I don't want to go into it with any expectations as to whether I would be able to or not.  But beyond that I just don't think I would be comfortable breast feeding.  I know that it is a very unpopular thing to say but it's true.  I have no problem anyone elses decisions about how they choose to feed thier babies, but I do not think that I would be comfortable bfing.  For me it does not feel like a natural thing, it feels awkward and strange.  I am playing with the idea of pumping and then bottle feeding so that the baby would still be able to get the nutritional benefits of breast milk.  I am not concerned with the bonding aspect.  I had no problems bonding with my ff babies.

This whole journal ended up rather rambly and unorganized but I needed to get my thoughts out.  I feel somewhat guilty about my feelings on bfing but they are what they are, I can't change them.

[kclarsh]

Jun. 7, 2010 at 3:50 AM

There is no harm in trying and deciding you don't like it.  You may change your mind later during the pregnancy about bfing, after labor, and/or after trying to do it.

It is up to you, I would say go for it so you know you experienced it and then make the decision.

Pumping works too, there are some great groups on here about pumping/ep'ing.

Good luck

[raemommy]

Jun. 7, 2010 at 3:52 AM

I am a Dr.Brown momma also. I made the choice to not BF my DD because i didn't feel comfortable and yes i did give it a go and she had all the problems latching on so it never went well for the both of us. I don't care what other think is best I know what is best for my child and i made the right choice for my LO. I have to say I stay away from the judgemental momma that believe in the only way that anyone should feed there child is to BF. I don't go around tell people how to raise there children and if anyone has to say anything to me then they will hear an ear full from me with not hold back. What you choose to do and how you choose to raise your child/children is your choice so do what you feel is right. That's why it is your child.

[Lb128f]

Jun. 7, 2010 at 4:22 AM

You should do whatever works for you! It's all about YOU and YOUR baby...it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks!

[my.yikes]

Nov. 11, 2010 at 11:58 PM

I agree with all the previous comments and would like to add my own. My first child I didn't not know enough about breastfeeding , had innies and extremely engorged all the time so that was a flop. With my second, knew more but not enough to keep me from stressing and thus drying out. With my third I had in home support and a wonderful B.A.B.I.E.S. clinic to go to. Success! And with the final preganancy I was able to successfully nurse my TWINS for a year. That was hard but a worthwhile notch my belt.

With Each child you learn so much about yourself and what you can handle. :) Good Luck!!