Why would you choose to bottle feed?

[Sleeepdeprived]

I don’t mean to offend, I’m genuinely curious. I’ve recently had a baby and really tried hard to breastfeed but it just didn’t work for us (latch and supply issues, very unsettled baby, subsequent medication etc)

I really wish breastfeeding was successful for us, not only because it’s nutritionally superior for the baby, but there are also health benefits for the mum, and l if successful at breastfeeding it’s so much easier to latch baby on than to faff with making up formula and sterilising bottles etc.

So this isn’t directed at mums who tried to breastfeed and it didn’t work out so moved to formula, or mums who chose to combi feed because I understand the benefits of that. But for mums / parents who chose to bottle feed before even attempting to breastfeed - why?

Absolutely no judgment here - just curious.

There is always judgement in the question.. the fact that you are "curious" after giving us the background of trying and it not working out means that in some way you have made a judgement whether you mean to or not.

For me, 6 days of what felt like coerced induction, about 5 hrs sleep total in that time, followed by emergency c-section resulting in (undiagnosed for several years) ptsd meant that I struggled to even hold my dd, never mind wanting her to try to attach herself to me.

But quite frankly, it's enough for any mother to say "because I chose to bottle feed, the end" - asking the question means that the answers are open to judgment and they shouldn't be - it's a mother's choice and whatever choice they make is the right one for them and their baby.

I attempted breast feeding with all three of mine and I absolutely hated it !
I just couldn’t stand the smell of stale milk ,the hassle of latching on and I actually wanted the father involved in feeding and helping at night!
It worked for us and my children were happy,well adapted babies who stayed with Grandma occasionally overnight and loved their bottle feeds .
All adults now who are, healthy ,achieving and love their Mum …what more can any Mother expect 🤷‍♀️

In YOUR opinion. I breastfed my first for a week and I found it disgusting, it made me feel angry and sick. It wasn't beautiful or amazing. We were much happier bottle feeding.

Yep ☺️ I honestly find is strange that people can find it disgusting. It's the most beautiful and natural thing in the world.

Because I wanted to. Just like you wanted to breastfeed. Not all women get caught up in how their kid is fed, especially in this country where good quality formula is available. Two healthy bottle fed kids here. Both had colostrum because it's there, so I thought 'why not?' Nothing more than that.

I've many friends/family who have exclusively breastfed or bottle-fed. You cannot tell the difference, especially after they have stopped drinking from bottle/breast. Hardly worth the discussion nowadays imo.

I wanted my other half to help out with feeds and share responsibility of getting up with baby.

I smell a sock puppet

Ha funny you say that midnight!

You cannot ask this here OP!

For what it's worth, I don't understand why you wouldn't give it a go either. Best for baby and if it doesn't work for the mother then just stop! But it's Mumsnet and people are very defensive.

im currently having this dilemma. Like @Biscuits1011 I don’t like the idea! But have always wanted to do it.

i don’t fancy sterilising bottles etc and no convenience going out but the concept of bottle is preferable to me.

I might be wrong but I can’t see myself getting het up about it either way. Surely in this day and age it’s ridiculous to judge any woman for either! Who cares, fed and watered job done.

Just RTFT and really interested to read people's reasons. Totally fair enough. I hadn't thought about sensory issues and similar before.

Are you from the league of breastfeeding extremists pretending to hide behind the crap disguise of being a bottle feeder ? Sure Jan

It really makes some women feel traumatised the thought of breastfeeding, disgusted etc so don’t be so judgmental

The Mam bottles are really good, just pop them in the microwave, no need for a separate steriliser. They're good for colic too. Out and about is fine, you just take the little pre made bottles with you.

@Blocked really? I thought it needed a steriliser which was making me stressed!

No Mam do self sterilising ones. We used them amazing for our dcs

I find the idea repulsive. Especially the thought of an older baby breastfeeding, it just feels gross. Bottle feeding would be my choice although I don't intend to have my own children. I've raised my niece from 8 months old and never found bottles a faff.

I'm sorry but saying disgusted is going too far. Its not at all. Its the most natural thing in the world. Its beautiful

My babas going to be breastfeeding till he's 2

Good for you. I couldn't do it myself.

@NCcoziwannaNC so literally fill up with water, microwave then it’s sterilised ?

I love it. Best feeling in the world. Just love the experience of it. Knowing he's getting the nutrients from me

I've done a mix of both and it's not amazing and beautiful, as claimed by a pp. At least not for everyone! it's sore and uncomfortable and makes me feel queasy. My boobs never stopped leaking and were enormous, I was knackered, couldn't go anywhere or do anything without the baby. I got mastitis. Bf might be natural but's definitely not always easy!
Bottles are lovely - you can get a nights sleep, monitor how much your child is feeding, share feeding with baby's dad, not have to find somewhere private and nice to feed while out, not have leaky boobs.

Contrary to statements made by pp, the bond isn't greater or less according to how you feed a baby.

I don't buy for a minute that there's no judgement here!

Nope you take them apart and wash them as usual then put a bit of water in the bottom, pop in the teat and the ring and the lid goes on top. You can do 4 at a time in the microwave and they stay sterile for I think it's 48 hours. Better than a steriliser actually because once you've opened the steriliser and assembled the bottles they're not sterile anymore.

Its is amazing and beautiful. I was only sore at the begging so definitely worth the pain. I do get a nights sleep. Its not how they eat. It's down to the baby if they're going to be a good sleeper 😌 mines slept through the night since 10/11 weeks