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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Breastfeeding vs formula

151 replies

Keyboard91 · 09/12/2019 08:48

I have a medical condition that means I will need to be on medication within 2 weeks of birth which will mean I cannot breastfeed from that point.

I always had the ‘I’m going to breastfeed’ dream and if it wasn’t for my disability, we’d be planning on BF from day 1. However, knowing that the longest I’ll be able to do it is 2 weeks, and that it may well be less than that, I’m now in two minds.

I’ve read a lot about how it takes time for it to establish etc and unfortunately I just won’t have that time (as in I will have less than 2 weeks). I’ve also read that unless you are actively feeding then expressing is very difficult and unproductive.

Has anyone got any advice? This is my first baby so it’s not something I have any experience of. I just want to do the best I can for him.

I’m also at high risk of a C-Section if that has any bearing?

I’m fully aware breast is best so please don’t hammer that in and make me feel any worse than I already do. And I am sure I can’t BF with the medication. It’s nasty stuff, caused at least 1 of my 2 MCs ... but it keeps me alive and able to walk so is a necessary evil.

Thank you in advance :)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

sauvignonblancplz · 09/12/2019 22:11

And the first thing that’s done is push formula.

Celebelly · 09/12/2019 22:19

The OP is unable to breastfeed so I suggest posters stick to advice that's actually useful in her situation or go make yet another breastfeeding v formula thread to shout at each other on.

sauvignonblancplz · 09/12/2019 22:22

@Celebelly
RTT- The OP wants to BF & may be able to do so for 2weeks. She wants to know if it’s worth it- ppl have guided her towards helpful information & encouraged that any amount of breast feeding no matter the amount will give her baby a great start.

Celebelly · 09/12/2019 22:36

I did read the thread and my earlier post actually contained useful information about colostrum harvesting and feeding for those first two weeks. But she is unable to breastfeed for longer than that so there's absolutely no value in discussing at length whether or not breast is best. She literally said she knows that but is looking for practical information on whether it's possible to breastfeed or not for those two weeks. So have a back.

sweettalkingwoman · 09/12/2019 22:44

If you always wanted to breastfeed, then do it for the short time you are able to. You don't need to worry about establishing your supply if you're only doing it for a few days/week or so. Gradually introduce formula if possible, and definitely check out La Leche League website and Kellymom website for a ton of helpful info (this will help when it comes to stopping breastfeeding and avoiding blockages/mastitis)

If breastfeeding is not working for you, don't stress, you don't need to continue.
If it works well and you enjoy it, yes it will be very upsetting to have to then stop. But take comfort in the fact you were able to try it, you did your best, and then move on.
You have nothing to lose
Good luck!

Ginger1982 · 09/12/2019 22:50

"ppl have guided her towards helpful information & encouraged that any amount of breast feeding no matter the amount will give her baby a great start."

And yet the entire thrust of your post @sauvignonblancplz seems to be that she could be wrong about her medication and should breastfeed longer whilst being negative about formula. If you had read her opening post you would have seen her say she didn't want breast is best forced upon her.

sauvignonblancplz · 10/12/2019 05:36

I think you’ll find most ppl encouraging bf have also stated that any amount is good & the better option ... there’s nothing wrong with this.
Further comments have been in response to the vitriol statements that “fed is best” & “there’s no difference really between formula & breast”.
Once again another Mumsnet thread where anyone who tries to encourage bf are flamed !!!

sauvignonblancplz · 10/12/2019 05:39

@Ginger1982 Yes the medical advice might be wrong , dependant on the up to date bf information the dr has.
It might be entirely accurate as well but if the OP really wants to bf as she stated it would pay well to double check.
Where exactly did I say she should bf longer than the two weeks?
And if comparing formula and bf ... bf is better. That’s a fact.

Stoople · 10/12/2019 06:02

Foxtrot Oscar @TwinkleStars15

OP, I would definitely recommend speaking to your midwife about harvesting colostrum. I had a traumatic birth, and knowing I had some ready to go just in case really helped. If you can the first few days are the most important, after that formula feeding is perfectly healthy, safe and doesn't hinder bonding with your baby etc. Please don't feel bad about it, you need your medication and your baby will be fed, loved and content either way . Personally if I had been recommended not to BF alongside the medication I would not take the risk.

Stoople · 10/12/2019 06:06

@sauvignonblancplz but the OP has come on here for advice as she is not able to BF for more than 2 weeks as she needs her medication. Do you really think you bleating on about how superior breastfeeding is helps? Recent research shows that the benefits are now minimal, so yes women should be supported sufficiently if they wish to, but if they don't want to or don't have the choice then please stop.

MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 06:09

“Fed is best” is so patronising. The OP asked a question and of course breastfeeding gives a better start, even 2 weeks is better than nothing. Even just the colostrum for the first week.

MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 06:10

Can you link to that recent research please Stoople, that is the first I have heard that benefits are minimal.

nativityhumbug · 10/12/2019 06:17

Could you speak to your local la leche group for advice?

Stoople · 10/12/2019 06:22

@MiniGuinness there is plenty, Google sibling studies which is the best way of eliminating social, cultural and economic factors which make some families more prepositioned to BF and can skew data. Avoid anything attached to a website with an agenda, and make sure the research if from a university has been accepted, also that the sources they cite are legitimate.

I am not saying that BF isn't better, and women should be supported in it if they want to, but being informed goes both ways. The benefits and understanding that some of them have been discredited.

Rainycloudyday · 10/12/2019 06:37

A load more dismissive comments saying of course breast is best...but a distinct lack of links to actual evidence. When it comes to feeding people are so quick to believe these throwaway statements and there is a distinct lack of evidence backed information or critical thinking. Odd, given what a hugely important topic it is to many people.

sauvignonblancplz · 10/12/2019 06:39

@Stoople
The OP has said it’s her dream... I am providing information .
The benefits are absolutely not minimal.
Not ’bleating’.
I would suggest the OP speaks up a La Leche league consultant & if any other questions about BF post in BFing. Much friendlier and open to lots of options .

MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 06:40

Can’t actually be arsed Stoople, because I could link you to millions of studies saying breast feeding is best. (You admit this) so what would be the point in me doing all the extra work? If you can’t show me then I am afraid I absolutely do not believe the benefits are minimal.

Stoople · 10/12/2019 06:43

Because there is zero point, you will say that what I have posted is biased. There is literally loads of studies backed by credible evidence, if you can't be arsed to type it into Google then that is up to you.

MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 06:46

But I am not the one spouting bullshit. The benefits are not minimal.

Pulpfiction1 · 10/12/2019 06:47

Hi. Why don't you harvest some milk pre birth. That will get your supply going. Freeze that. The feed baby for the 2 weeks. Then move to the frozen stuff, then formula.

Some breast is better than nothing as it will help build your babies immune system.

WellErrr · 10/12/2019 06:49

A load more dismissive comments saying of course breast is best...but a distinct lack of links to actual evidence

You missed my link then?

Stoople · 10/12/2019 06:52

It's up you what your opinion is @MiniGuinness, a brief summary of just one study:

The study did not show a significant difference between siblings within a family who were breastfed. This may be because genetic and environmental factors have more influence on these outcomes than breastfeeding at an individual level.

Ginger1982 · 10/12/2019 06:58

"Yes the medical advice might be wrong , dependant on the up to date bf information the dr has. It might be entirely accurate as well but if the OP really wants to bf as she stated it would pay well to double check.

Further comments have been in response to the vitriol statements that “fed is best” & “there’s no difference really between formula & breast”. Once again another Mumsnet thread where anyone who tries to encourage bf are flamed !!!"

Nothing wrong with encouraging breastfeeding so long as that's what the OP wants. It's patronising to assume she hasn't checked the medication issue out. And referring to 'fed is best' as a 'vitriol statement' smacks of someone trying to make her feel bad for her choices. She said she didn't want 'breast is best' hammered at her.

MiniGuinness · 10/12/2019 07:03

It isn’t only my opinion though is it Stoople, it is yours too.

Stoople · 10/12/2019 07:28

Not really, it's free which is good, but do I believe it's better for baby? Nah not really, perhaps absolutely marginally, but not if it is to the detriment of the mother, not at all.

@Ginger1982 exactly, but they can't help themselves or accept actual science.

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