Any other women grossed out by breastfeeding?

[Nonameslefttochose]

As in subject, I’m wondering if any other women are absolutely grossed out by breastfeeding? I’m very maternal, I love children (mine and everyone else’s!) I value children and family as the most important “things” in life. Yet the idea of breastfeeding makes me cringe. A baby sucking on a breast like some kind of animal :) despite of this I did try with my first son and lasted 4 days. My second baby is due next week and I’m going to try again even for the first few days as of course I know it’s so beneficial etc. I’m just wondering if anyone else out there have similar feelings with regards to BF?

@Rosesareyellow

I agree, but men also suck women's breasts when they're not lactating as a sexual act, which could also cause conflict if her nipples are stimulated.

@abcdeg Yes that’s true - I’ve never been particularly that kind of thing, but I’d say now having breastfed I’d be actively turned off by the idea of my partner trying that. That’s interesting to consider. So it makes sense that the opposite applies too - being turned on by it and therefore of course it’s not something you can comfortably associate with feeding a baby.

Yep. I couldn't do both at the same time, personally.

Of course there's a place for formula but people are just reacting to the childish EWW, breastmilk is from BOOBS, EWWW way the OP put it. By pointing out that formula is also made from breastmilk. In this case, breastmilk designed to fatten up calves, who if male, were slaughtered just after birth. I know which one is more EWWWW to me.

I don’t think that’s comparable or relevant to the conversation though - I don’t think anyone has said that they feel grossed out by breastmilk, it’s the act of breastfeeding. The make up of the milk has nothing to do with that.
Saying that feeding your child from a bottle (which breastfeeding mums who express do too) is ‘strange’ and that formula which many rely on out of necessity, including women who really wanted to breastfeed but struggled or couldn’t, not just convenience is completely unnecessary.

It made me feel weird too but I have no problem with others breastfeeding and I respect everyone’s view to breastfeed or not. I can’t get worked up about it either way and it surprises me when people are so passionate (or even mean) about how other people choose to feed their babies.

I have a friend who thinks it's totally disgusting. I think everyone is allowed their own opinion but I would probably not say it out loud 😂.

Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion.

Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion

Lol ok then

I used to. But got over it

@StellaCinnamon

Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion

Lol ok then

Have to say this was my experience too. Like … they looked milk drunk for real

@StellaCinnamon

Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion

Lol ok then

This honestly isn't a dig at you and your feeding choices. My experience was that my baby was very easily soothed. Literally everything is solved by whipping the breast out for comfort. Not to say FF baby's can't be content, but Bf is very convenient in this respect

Yes it totally grossed me out so I'm glad I never did it, but I did try. But i don't think it's a particularly normal view.

@SammyScrounge

Breast babies are very content little beings.Feeding them is like administering a sleeping potion.

Yeah whereas formula fed babies are awake 24/7 ridiculous comments like this help nobody.

My mother thought it was unnatural. Not sure how she coped with me breastfeeding one of mine for 2 years. I used to tell her it was cheapest - she understood money.

I think the sexualisation of breasts has a lot to answer for.

I think we're incredibly lucky that we even get the choice to feel like this.
In some parts of the world it's a given that you'll breastfeed due to poor hygiene standards..

I think it's also crazy to think there was a time that if you didn't breastfeed your child would likely not survive. Can't watch Call the Midwife anymore due to that episode of 'failure to thrive' where mum couldn't bf. Horrific.

I used to feel weird about bf and pregnancy for that matter (not the concept of it, that's amazing) but just my own body and breasts being used by another human. Since having DD I've realised the strength and awe of a woman's body and found being able to breastfeed just amazing! Still bf 13 m DD now.

Sad how our bodies have only been able to be seen as shameful or sexual for so long!

Saying that feeding your child from a bottle (which breastfeeding mums who express do too) is ‘strange’ and that formula which many rely on out of necessity, including women who really wanted to breastfeed but struggled or couldn’t, not just convenience is completely unnecessary.

But it's OK to refer the BFing as 'gross'?

And the reason babies get milk drunk is that BM has tryptophan in it. Same reason adults get sleepy after Xmas dinner.

@MrsTerryPratchett

Saying that feeding your child from a bottle (which breastfeeding mums who express do too) is ‘strange’ and that formula which many rely on out of necessity, including women who really wanted to breastfeed but struggled or couldn’t, not just convenience is completely unnecessary.

But it's OK to refer the BFing as 'gross'?

And the reason babies get milk drunk is that BM has tryptophan in it. Same reason adults get sleepy after Xmas dinner.

It's certainly okay to refer to feeling gross while personally doing it, yes.

Yet the idea of breastfeeding makes me cringe. A baby sucking on a breast like some kind of animal :)

Not 'my baby', 'a baby'. Not 'me breastfeeding', just 'breastfeeding'.

The idea of doing it absolutely repulsed me! Im not bothered by others feeding around me, but the thought of doing it myself makes me cringe.

I'm fairly sure a large minority % of women feel breastfeeding is inherently gross.

I'm not one of those who find it disgusting, but no value in pretending lots don't find it repulsive.

@MrsTerryPratchett

Yet the idea of breastfeeding makes me cringe. A baby sucking on a breast like some kind of animal :)

Not 'my baby', 'a baby'. Not 'me breastfeeding', just 'breastfeeding'.

I mean, that's not how I feel but it's just their opinion....

I was SO looking forward to breastfeeding - I'm not in the UK and there is a huge stigma against formula feeding in my circles. I actually don't know anyone who's formula fed.

I hated it. Haaaaated it. It made my skin crawl. I toughed it out for 6 months but I loathed every second. It was so painful I used to scream in pain every time DS latched on for weeks. I never got used to it. Hated my boobs leaking and feeling "soggy" all the time. Hated that I just felt like a pair of boobs and not a person. Hated that I didn't lose an ounce of weight and had to spend 6 months as a fat, leaky lump who smelled of sour milk. I had supply issues and had to pump and just used to cry and cry the whole time I felt so disgusting.

I gave up when we both got hand foot and mouth and it killed my milk supply stone dead. It was a relief.

I loved breastfeeding and it is so much easier than messing around with sterilising bottles

How did you manage to have sex😂

Dried milk manufacturers have been trying to replicate the sedative element in breast milk for years without success. Babies just drift into deep sleep when they've had their feed. Used to make me laugh.

I have two friends who were both repulsed by the thought of breastfeeding and had no intention of ever doing it.

They were fine with other people doing though,it was a very personal feeling.
You're not alone out there.

Tbh I'm amazed you're going to do it for a few days as you feel so strongly.I guess the benefit to your baby is the reason you're choosing to do it.

You can't help the way you feel and I think some posters are being at bit harsh.