Have decided not to breastfeed - what happens at the hospital <apart from hostility from disapproving midwives>

[catsypug]

I've decided not to breastfeed DD2 when she's born in June for a variety of (well thought out) reasons.

I breastfed DD1 for 4 months, it seemed right at the time but I was exhausted, mastitis, pain......you all know! Anyway - I've had a terrible pregnancy this time, been very ill and am low energy, have no family support around us and I'm in sole charge of a 2.5 yr old - I need as much energy back as possible to cope with 2 of them alone...

Anyway....enough justification - Am I right in that they give you medication after birth to stop the milk flow? and would I need to take a tub of forumla into the hospital and bottles? - obviously I'll ask midwife next week too but just incase she thinks I'm Kerry Katona thought I'd get advice here first!

Thanks

when I was born in ahem 1970 shhhh my mum was given medication to make her milk disperse because i was in an incubator for a few days so I think it may have been something that was done years ago.

Catsy: Info is not provided for FF in ante-natal packs because there are significant health risks which are inherent to bottlefeeding. Any mother who wishes to bottlefeed is to be provided with 1 to 1 advice by her HCP in the place (prob. her kitchen) where preparation would normally take place. Preferably after the baby is here. It is not because anyone is anti-ff that it is done differently. (sorry for the unsympathetic tone of the post, I am in a hurry and just being factual.)

Catsy, at QC where I had my DD a year ago you'll find they are more helpful to you than to the BF mums (or so I found). When my DD had problems latching on in the middle of the night they were very unhelpful so you'll be fine, really you will.

speak to them in advance, cats. it's your decision, and if you've made your mind up and are smilingly determined i think you can probably head off any 'lectures'. (although if you were giving birth at the hosp i did then you'd have no problem as they looked sideways if you said you wanted to bf. )
good luck with the birth!

I gave birth in Leeds last year. They will no longer supply formula or bottles. You need to bring your own if you wish to FF. Worth checking with your mw.

hello and congratulations on your pregnancy.
when your baby is born, they won't give you an injection or any other drugs but your milk will come in all the same
try wearing a close fitting bra all the time, resist the temptation to express and you can take paracetemol for the pain.
have you considered giving colostrum even if you don't plan to bf later? i.e. feeding for the first few days only.
it can help your uterus shrink back down and help prevent jaundice in the short term, as well as being very good for the baby, and there is no down side if you choose to start giving formula after the first few days at all.
I would suggest you take in cartons of formula for ease if you are in hospital for any time, though with any luck you may be out pretty quickly.
I doubt you will encounter any opposition but if you do then don't feel you have to justify yourself. your baby and your choice.
best of luck for your birth