Can’t decide how to feed baby - breast, bottle or both!

[Lunastar9]

Hi,

I’m due in August so I’m thinking more about how i want to feed my baby when he arrives.

I originally wanted to breastfeed however I have generalised anxiety disorder which is currently quite bad and am worried the lack of sleep will cause it to become unbearable for me. I’ve been having trouble sleeping during pregnancy (hence the post at 6.30 am - I’ve already been awake 3 hours 😖) and it has made my anxiety absolutely crippling already.

I have been considering combi feeding with breast milk and formula at the same time, but wondered if it’s possible to exclusively pump the breast milk as opposed to feeding from the boob so that it takes some of the pressure off me? Or would my supply dry up? This is all assuming I am able to breast feed in the first place.

I really don’t know what’s best, I mostly want to ensure the baby gets the colostrum when he’s first born as I’ve heard that it is good for their immune system so don’t know whether to try breastfeed and see how long I can manage, but I don’t want to feel like a failure if it doesn’t go well.

I’m a first time mum so really not got a clue, are there any classes I could look at online or anything that could help? Any experiences you’d like to share?

Would love to hear from everyone!

I would focus on the idea that the most important thing is that baby is fed - how you get there is so personal but you are never a failure if you do all you can to feed your baby.

I put myself under enormous pressure to breastfeed and whilst I got there in the end after getting loads of help I wish I had not been so stressed about the whole things. I was far more easy going with my second two.

If you manage to breastfeed even for a short time you have succeeded in giving your baby the right start.

I never could really pump much but all my boys got plenty of milk

In some ways it is easier to breastfeed at night than give a bottle. My husband used to be woken by the baby and watch me wake up, feed the baby, put him back then go back to sleep! He would still be wide awake!

My advice would be get as much support and help as you can - keep asking until you find the best person to help you and then do whatever works for your family.