Breastfeeding?

[Cjo99]

So I've been thinking about breastfeeding these past few weeks (we are 32+6) and I really don't like the thought of it...like I really just don't fancy doing it? Is that okay? I feel like my midwife etc will judge me for it and I don't really have a valid excuse apart from I really don't want to I might breastfeed for the first day, to give her that first bit of colostrum or "liquid gold" as they call it, but is that possible? Can I breastfeed for one day then go straight to formulae food? Or would I be better just starting with formula?? Any advice welcome

Do whatever you want to do, we formula fed and it was great. Our midwife advised formula as we had a big baby and my milk didn't come in quick enough. I didn't really enjoy trying to breastfeed, but some love it.

You WILL get lots of pressure from other mums and it will make you feel rubbish like you are failing as a mum. So you will have to be strong, other mums are the worst, my family, friends and midwives were great but other mums give an unbelievable amount of pressure to breastfeed even if it isn't right for you.

Yup you absolutely can just breastfeed colostrum to your baby. I don’t know if you can go straight to formula, although I’m sure someone else will know! It’s great you know how you feel about breastfeeding already. It’s not for everyone, and fed is best.

I've been exclusively breastfeeding for 3 months now and obviously I'm pro-breast. But I do think a fed baby and a happy mum is the most important thing!

Don't leave hospital without the midwives advice on how to stop your milk coming in, I have a hazey memory of the person beside me being told to wear a really tight bra. There was other advice too but I can't remember it!

Some people start to collect their colostrum before birth, so that might be an option for you.

Cjo99, it’s your body, your breasts and your choice. You don’t have to make your mind up now. In fact, if you are feeling a bit negative towards bf without really being able to pinpoint why, then a few weeks exploring why might help. On the other hand, putting it to the back of your mind but keeping your decision flexible might be right for you 😀. Give your baby plenty of skin to skin after birth (whatever you think you might do with feeding, s-to-s is important anyway). See what you feel like then. See what your baby does. Talk to the midwife 😀

Any breast milk is better than no breast milk. It contains anti-bodies and food for the good bacteria in your baby's stomach, to help your baby's gut be healthy.
Formula doesn't have this.

If you can feed even a little it's better than not at all.

Did you know breastfeeding also helps your womb contract in those early days?

(Also makes your baby's poos not smell, nobody told me that! And it helped me lose weight).

Are you having your baby in a hospital.
Some hospitals require you to take your own formula milk in if you aren't planning on breastfeeding. So do check beforehand. And take enough for a few days you don't know how long you'll be in there for.
I did boob from the start but when it started to go wrong on the second day, they helped me sort it out with formula top ups and didn't judge me at all. It was fine. And I ended up going back to boob anyway. But they were very nice to me which is what you want really.

It is absolutely fine to feed your baby your way.
If you want to breastfeed for that first day and then move to formula then do it. You will be supported.

Why not be open minded and plan for breast in hospital and formula at home? You can always change your mind and go formula from the off or go breast. Their is no wrong way to feed your baby (obvs between breast and formula)

Thats what i said when i was pregnant.
I was absolutely adamant. My daughter is coming up on 18 months and still breastfeeding . I think just give it a try in hospital and see how you feel, then switch to formula if need be. Or do mixed feeding, which is what I did. It doesn't need to be anyone's business but yours. Tbh i dont think you'll get much grief.

"You WILL get lots of pressure from other mums and it will make you feel rubbish like you are failing as a mum. So you will have to be strong, other mums are the worst,"

I only ever breastfed and could've written the above, literally word for word plus with additional judgement from one relative plus strangers.

The thing to be taken away from this is sadly you'll probably face at least some criticism however you feed your baby, so just do exactly whatever it is you want to do and learn to ignore people (or maybe have a few clever come backs for certain situations).

You're the mother and it really is your decision. Whatever you decide just enjoy your baby.

Thanks everyone, I feel a bit better nowI think I'm going to give it a try but not going to force anything, see how it goes! 5 weeks to go x