A few worries..apprehensive about breastfeeding

[jen1604]

Pretty much as the title says..
I formula fed Ophelia and never had any problems at all with it but Im considering breastfeeding this time round..
Just a bit apprehensive because obviously I've never done it before and obviously breastfeeding is very different to just making up bottles.
I'm thinking about expressing as well so OH can be involved in feeding,is that going to make it all even more tricky trying to get a baby used to a bottle and a breast?!?
Also my OH doesnt want me to breastfeed this time round because he doesn't think its 'fair' to Ophelia because I bottle fed her.

 

[Jemima]

Hi. I don't have much advice on expressing as Poppy never took a bottle, which leads on onto my bit of advice. Although people advise not to introduce a bottle too early, may I suggest that if you are keen to get your LO used to a bottle, you don't leave it too late. I left it until 3 months and Poppy has never accepted one. Although it hasn't been a major problem for us as I love breastfeeding and love spending time with her, it would have been useful on occasions to let someone else feed her.

Not really sure why your OH would feel that way! I'm sure both your children will be equally well cared for and loved and that's the main thing.

Good luck with your pregnancy. x

 

[Shifter]

Hi. It's great that you want to give BFing a go! Don't worry about what is or is not fair for Ophelia, you made that decision at that time and now you feel differently, there is no harm or blame in that.

It's recommended that you don't introduce bottles or dummies in the first 4-6 weeks, so as to avoid nipple confusion. But, from my experience, I was encouraged to use nipple shields from the second day because of latch problems. We got rid of them at about 2 weeks and have used a bottle since 6 days and Jack has been absolutely fine so far, he takes my breast just fine. I worried that the shields would cause a problem as they are so alien from natural nipple shape etc.

You should still express regularly from early on though, it helps boost your supply. You can store it in the freezer until you are ready to introduce a bottle.

BFing is hard work at first, but it is so worth it and ultimately much simpler and more convenient than faffing around with sterilisers and warming formula!

 

[Mervs Mum]

Hi hun!

There is a great sticky at the top of the page which I recommend reading and if you read through the threads here, many of you questions are answered very frequently!

I'll just address your hubby's concern. He's says it's not fair to BF this one because you didnt BF Opheila......if you had smoked when you were pregnant with Opheila and had given up since would he say it's not fair that you dont smoke with this one???
It doesnt make any difference. I BF my first for 6 weeks and this one for 6 months and do I feel any different about them?? Do I care for either more or less??? No, of course not.

x

 

[ticky T]

I breastfeed both my children, 1st for 8 weeks 2nd for 8 months, I was so glad I did 2nd time round with two to look after I didnr have time to faff washing bottles sterilising and making feeds, He cryed he got milk and onto the next job lol
I am pregnant with my 3rd now and a friend of mine hands free breastfeeds using a moby wrap sling it looks great and very easy to use + discreet in public.

The are some T shirts on the net for sale for pro breastfeeding saying "To Lazy To Bottle Feed" Thats me why make work for yourself