Hypothetical question - Breastfeeders, if formula was as good for your baby as breastmilk would you use it???

[Chequers]

Just wondered really, if they could come up with a formula with equal health benefits for the baby as breastmilk (unlikely I know) then would you use it?

Just wondered really how people feel about the other benefits of breastfeeding apart from for the baby's health - what do you get out of breastfeeding as an act in itself, if anything??

Not yet mentioned.
Because whenever I could not find out what was/is making dd cry, a breast feed always stops the crying. She has even turned down chocolate on one or two occasions.

Also when she is ill, it is the only thing that makes her happy and makes her mend rather quickly.

Good luck with it all Chequers! I found expressing (first thing when my boobs were HUGE!) gave me a little head-space knowing that I could miss a feed if necessary...

It does get easier. Most people (although not me lol!) find it easier after the first 6 weeks or so, even if they don't have the huge enjoyment that some people on this thread have described. You may get the buzz described after time, when you are less knackered.

Even though I didn't enjoy full time feeding, I was still sad when my babies weaned off me. I did miss it, but by then it wasn't such a huge part of my life. It can be overwhelming to begin with - give it some time and well done!

I wouldn't have given DD formula on a regular basis, even if it was identical, because I'm lazy and sterilising bottles is a complete faff. Much quicker and easier to unhook a bra and latch her on. Plus she was very greedy and would complain mightily even for the length of time that that took! And you don't have to calculate how long you're going to be out and how many bottles you need to take.

I'm not completely anti-formula though. I found expressing very difficult and so DD had the odd bottle of formula when she was babysat. It would have been nice to have formula available that was as good as breastmilk, but there you go.