why is it so important to breastfeed exclusively?

[feb]

i know breastmilk is fab, but why is there so much emphasis on exclusively breastfeeding rather than mix feeding?

NJB, I agree - all the things you describe - relief in giving a ff, worrying that bf means spending all day with the baby attached, finding ff easier, thinking that how the baby is fed doesn't matter all that much in the long term...all those are aspects of confidence in breastfeeding, I think.

I have more confidence in breastfeeding in that, had it worked for me, I was worry free about the quality of the food my baby was getting. Other aspects of bf - mainly in my case the time because I had other people to care for - meant it wasn't an issue of confidence but pure practicality. Like most mothers I weighed up the risks, did a lot of research and made an informed decision that suited my circumstances at the time, but I never felt ff undermined breastfeeding - it just saved me having to find a wet nurse!

feb - I think that it has been worth it for you and your DS2! How has it damaged your relationship with DH and DS1? Do they not understand how much time it can take to feed a newborn? That will change though as DS2 gets older. I don't know if you BF your DS1, but if you can keep going with DS2 then you will feel the benefits of being able to just latch him on and not have to deal with the washing up, sterilising etc. And if you happen to be out for longer then you've planned then there are no concerns about whether you have enough supplies with you.
Plus in terms of health benefits - your DS2 is now getting your custom-made antibodies, and will do for as long as you breastfeed.

But sometimes it can be a great help in bfing KNOWING that you can give a bottle if it all gets too much. Bottle top-ups kept me going. It might not be perfect, but it can't be the end of the world.

MrsTM - the washing takes about 5 mins and the sterilising takes 4 with the machine we have. The whole process takes 10 mins a day - plus the feeding itself of course. I have friends who could 'just latch' their babies on and get on with cooking, playing, chatting in the street - which I thought was amazing - etc but also lots who need a whole mound of cushions etc to get in position and do their feed. Even after several months - sometimes more so as the baby gets bigger. A lot stopped because it was getting in the way of relationships with other children if they weren't able to do it easily. DHs should be able to deal with it though! And take up some slack with the others when possible.

Sorry, I had to drop off yesterday but just to clarify my post re twins ... The midwife hadn't said she shouldn't bf (I think she was actually encouraging it) but rather that she would find it difficult to exclusively bf the twins. Perhaps this is (in most cases at least) more of a practical issue than a supply issue?

But thank you for all posters who replied on this - very reassuring to know that lots have done it and I will definitely pass that message on to my friend!

I wasn't making a generalised point - I was just answering the OP's question that asked whether the past 48 hours establishing BFing have been worth it. I think that they have.

Oh yes - I think it was worth it too - I agree. Only saying ff isn't that much of a hassle once you get the rhythm of it.

Ah, I see. I didn't FF until DD1 was 10 months and I still found it a hassle. Probably a mixture of lack of experience and a complete lack of organisation.