Breastfeeding Mums

[knightlight]

Has anyone else found themselves breastfeeding more in light of the Corona virus outbreak?

Was EBF until 7 months (now 10 months) but now we give formula in the day in between meals. I BF before bed, any night wakes and first thing in the morning.

I was trying to reduce bfing as I return to work soon and baby has started biting however I've found that in the day rather than make a bottle up sometimes I'll just BF. In my head I feel like I'm doing it to try and give baby some immunity and protection.

I know children are less likely to be adversely affected by the virus but something in my subconscious is willing me on to do it, am I the only one?

I'm ebf my 4 month old who is teething so can't say any increase is due to the virus. Breastfeeding releases feel good hormones in mother and baby so it's probably helping to alleviate any stress and anxiety you may be experiencing.
If your baby is picking up on any of the stress, the extra bonding will probably be helping her too

Maybe you just need the headspace of not having to make up the bottles. Much easier to just breastfeed!

Bf and expressing for ds2, little newbie almost 2weeks old. I think I’ve put more into it this time with milk powder being bloody gold dust when he was born. The stress of finding it in our town (two shops sell it) on lockdown would’ve been hellish. Never mind the chance of him being like ds1 and not taking the more common brands.

Suppose not having a constant stream of visitors helps too.

Me and my kids have symptoms and my 18m old is asking to feed lots in the day when she’s usually only morning and night. It may be because I’m available all the time and comfort when she feels rough, but it’s also comforting me to think she’s hopefully getting antibodies from me, as I started before her. I’ve expressed a bit in a cup for my 4yo too in case!!

Making bottles doesn't really take any time because I have a perfect prep which does it quickly but I do agree bf is still easier and quicker (and I love the bond!)

I'm definitely doing it from an antibody perspective more than anything else ...hoping something in that milky goodness gets passed on

I am still breastfeeding my toddler (21 months). He was poorly and has been a bit unsettled with the background of what is going on. He was very upset about not being able to go outside and kept shouting door!

He has wanted to feed a lot and I am there for him all the time so he can have more. Normally he doesn’t have milk at nursery.

My friend has had difficulty getting formula. Someone I know who works in Aldi has said that people without babies are buying it to put in their tea. This should not be allowed.

I'm breastfeeding my 2 year old, he seems to want it more than before - most likely because I'm working from home.

I was ready to give it up but definitely not for a while now, it's the only thing that calms/comforts him and I want it in my back pocket should he get ill.

Ironically - they're that saggy now, they could fit in my back pocket.

Surely unless you've already had coronavirus yourself, you won't have any antibodies to it to pass on?

@Elephantgrey that's so horrible for your friend I can't imagine being worried about where my baby's next feed comes from.

I have however heard that the people putting formula in tea and on cereal thing is just a myth and no one is really doing that...at least I hope so otherwise that should be a massive fine and a public shaming! I think it's probably down to worried parents stockpiling which isn't much better I suppose!

I feel very lucky, we don't get through formula very quickly and I know I can always fall back on bf full time if I really needed to.

Yes was planning to wean my 2 year old off the breast as he is 2 years and 2 months and I was dedicated to stick to WHO recommendations. Have a 5 months old too..

But I decided to continue just in case there’s mutations to this virus and my babies getting immunity from me.

Martyr

@Persipan I won't know because I haven't been tested 🤷🏼‍♀️

We've all had a cough but wouldn't know if it was mild symptoms or just a cough.

Not now as mine are big but I was starting to wean DS to coincide with a weekend away but he got chicken pox just after we got back so I ramped it back up again as a way to comfort and also for the immunity. I would 100% do the same if it was now!!

@1ForAllnAllFor1 agreed, continuing with the martyrdom

@jen8888 still super boobies

Well, even if it wasn't coronavirus then hopefully at least you're passing on antibodies against whatever it was, so there's that!

I had started to wean my toddler off breast milk but now I’ve stopped. I’m worried I won’t be able to get shop bought milk for him and if he gets poorly he’ll need the nutrition and antibodies. At this rate I might end up feeding for another year or more.

I have been feeding more too, my 15 month old has been practically stuck to my breast this past week!

I’m delaying weaning my toddler too. If I get it before her then I can pass on some antibodies.

So happy to be still breastfeeding my 20 month old and won't consider stopping until this is well and truly over!