partially bf vs fully bf

[fernie3]

My first two children were formula fed. My third was partially forumla fed and paritally breastfed. I really enjoyed the breasefeeding with my third but because I was giving bottle within about 8 weeks I was getting very little milk and my daughter only really wanted bottles so we just switched to full time formula.

I am now (just!) pregnant with my 4th and would like to try exclusive breastfeeding. I didnt have any pain at all or problems with my daughter but obviously was only doing it about 4 or 5 times a day. How much different will it be to breastfeed totally? I have 3 children under 6 so have to consider that as well!. I know of a couple of people who have started off breastfeeding but gave up because of being awake constantly at night. My children have all woken up every 2 hours on bottle is that hugely different for breastfeeding babies?

thanks!

Hullo,

I ahve 3 DCs the eldest was 3.2 when the youngest was born. All have been exBF. I got around the tiredness by cosleeping. DD and I slept while she fed which made life a lot easier.
Also can you got your DH/DP on side as the first few weeks are easier if they help with the others lots.
Maybe ry and find a La Leche League (or any other BF support group) group near you and go before your baby is born as there should be Mums there with experience and advice
HTH

Hi Fernie,

I exbf both Ds's. I think the 1st 6 wks or so (depending as everyone is different) is the hardest in terms of night feeding, growth spurts etc. However, once that phase has passed I do think bf has to be easier as you don't have to faff around with bottles, sterilising etc. Also will save you money! In refence to sleep I've always put baby to bed in basket/cot nxt to my bed to begin with but as soon as they've woken for the 1st feed during the night I've fed them in bed whilst I've slept. They then feed on and off as they wish for the remainder of night whilst I continue to sleep As they get older I find that they are in cot for longer until they begin to sleep through. At some point I then find it easier to feed baby and put back in cot for e.g if they don't wake til 5;30 am.

Also some mum's learn to bf in a sling which makes doing things easier in the day. However I found if difficult (think my boobs were to big to make it easy??!!)

Goodluck