Should I give breastfeeding another go?

[happytobemrsg]

I struggled to BF my DS. He would only latch on when I used nipple guards & unbeknown to me at the time I was suffering from severe PND. Under a lot of pressure from MIL I managed 3 weeks of combination feeding, then switched to just formula. It wasn’t a nice bonding experience.

I’m 18 weeks pregnant with DS2 & thinking about it again. DH works from home & is willing to do at least 50% of the night feeds so I was assuming I’d formula feed again. But maybe I should attempt BF again? Try to make it a positive experience this time?

If you want to, then I think giving it a try is worth it. Every baby and birth/recovery is different and you may have a totally different experience this time round.

You don't have to come to any hard and fast decision right now. See what happens on the day, and go from there. It also doesn't have to be all or nothing, you may be able to mix feed and breastfeed when it's convenient for you, with DH doing formula feeds when it suits.

I think it’s worth giving it a try. I struggled to bf my first (switched to formula at 10 weeks, also only managed with a nipple shield). My 2nd latched on straight away (no shield) and it’s been smooth sailing from the start. We’re still going at 14 months.

I am so, so glad I gave it another go, and comparing the two experiences, bf has been by far easier, not as much work, and I’ve probably gotten more sleep without having to faff around making bottles. My dh hasn’t helped with feeds, but actually I never needed him too. Where I really needed his help was doing bedtime, overnight and early mornings with our older one, so there wouldn’t have been an advantage to bottle feeding anyway.

Give it go with your new wee one. As pps have said it may be a completely different experience. Your DH can still help of you manage to express milk too. Once my dd was a little more settled I could express in the evening so DH could feed her in the morning so I could have a lie in. Keeps me sane.

There's nothing to be lost for giving it another shot. This time, make sure you get proper help for the latch (midwives can vary from amazingly helpful and qualified, to terrible, obstructive, clueless- you are often better at a BFing group or seeing a lactation consultant!) If latching is an issue, there is lots and lots that can be done (and the baby should also be checked for tongue tie.)Your little red book that your HV visitor gives you when the baby is born should contain details of your local BF support groups- most groups hold coffee mornings where you can drop in for free advice and a qualified counsellor will check your latch and feed you tea and cake whilst giving you some advice and support.

The key thing is to have all of these resources researched and at hand before you have your baby- because once the baby is here, it's too much of a faff to start from scratch with hunting for help!

Lots of resources here- www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-support/

It's completely up to you. At the end of the day a fed baby is the most important thing.
My ds wouldn't latch so I went straight to formula first time round after csection.
Second time round with My dd I was open minded but did want to try bf. She latched instantly after I was in recovery for cs. I gave her the occasional oz of formula while my milk was coming in as she was an incredibly hungry baby. It was painful for the first few days, (and we've both had a thrush as well now!!) but I am exclusively bf and shes now 8 weeks. It's hard as partner can't really do the nights but I am now starting to Express too so he can give her the occasional bottle.

There are pros and cons to both but whatever you are comfortable with. I will say I love both but bf is great at night as no faffing with bottles!!

Don't worry too much but if you want to give BF a go then do. Find where the local BF support groups are-often in Children's Centres (If you still have them) as you could always go along before baby arrives. Kellymom is a good website too. Lots of facts and useful info. In some areas the midwives can be good at providing info on support.
I BF and the first couple of months were exhausting but then it got easy especially night times as didn't have to do much.
Give it a go and if it doesn't work out formula is there but don't be bullied into stopping by MIL.