People's comments on BF (Family)

[Lirpa11]

Hi

So we are coming up to DS being 2 months old and I am EBF. All is going well. However, I prefer to go out alone as I don't want to inconvenience people by me having to go off and feed DS, and I don't care for people's comments or opinions. So that's ok anyhow.

Well, some comments are so discouraging! For example, DS eats anywhere from an hour between feeds if he is hungry in the evening, to 2 hours if he is awake or has a nap, or 4 hours if he has a longer nap.

Some comments I got early on include:
' Isn't he getting enough?' 'Maybe you should get him a bottle.' 'why does he need to eat so often.' ' you need to feed him AGAIN?'

I explained, yes he gets plenty as he put on 2 lbs in a month and no we are choosing to BF.

I have also been told of the benefits of cereal... Am I missing something here? Why does he need cereal? This may just be me not knowing any better.

This weekend we are going on a short family holiday. about 2-3 hour drive away. Someone asked if they could follow us up and i said yea ok, but I may need to stop and feed DS. I then got, 'Well if you feed him real good before you leave, you shouldn't have to stop.' I said yes true, but I cant force him to eat if he is not hungry...


ARGHHHH

Do they eat less? I think he is eating less often now. I want to at least make it to 6 months but with comments it is going to be hard. Any tips? Any experiences you can share? Thanks!

 

[SparklesHeart]

Ignore everyone! It sounds to me like youre doing an excellent job breastfeeding! I think your family just don't understand that its done on demand. My children have all been the same as your little one. Sometimes you get a few hours between feeds, other times 20 minutes! Things will become regular in time. Can you ignore/brush off their comments? Or perhaps educate them on breastmilk being digested quicker than formula etc? If you want to get to 6 months then go for it, don't let anyone but yourself decide how you should feed your baby.

Edit, and no they don't need cereal!!

 

[noon_child]

pP is right. You sound like you are doing the best job and your baby is thriving on how you are responding to his needs. Only you and LO know what you need to do to make your bf relationship work. No one else is part of this and they can't know what you should or shouldn't do for the best. No he doesn't need cereal, in fact it would be bad for him. Breastmilk has been designed to be the best and only food your baby needs.

 

[londonangel]

I know it's hard but try to ignore them. My youngest only ever went an hour or two between feeds when younger. I've got her down to four feeds a day now but only because she eats so much solid food.

You are doing a great job so don't let ignorant comments put you off. Babies often feed frequently at such a young age. Your baby definitely does not need cereal at this age. After four months it is your decision whether to start weaning. I started giving cereal at five months against advice of Health Visitor because my daughter's weight was dropping and it was that or formula.

Sounds like your baby is doing great 😀

 

[londonangel]

Oh and if it is over two hours drive to your holiday you will need to stop to get LO out. Of the car seat as it is recommended they spend no more than two hours in one. May be worth stopping after an hour and a half and seeing if he needs feeding at same time.

I found it harder this time round as I often had to entertain four-year-old and feed G at same time but even my four-year-old understood that her sister needed to be fed when hungry and that it wouldn't always suit the schedule!

 

[staralfur]

My mil was similar. I just stuck with my guns and she gave up after a while. It sounds like you're doing a great job of feeding on demand, which ultimately is what's best for your baby! Anyone who suggests you give a 2 month old cereal is nowhere near up to date on recommendations and you shouldn't be taking their advice on this particular subject.

 

[TTC First]

I agree with others, there is nothing wrong with what you are doing. Thats what "on demand" is, feeding when lo is hungry. I do feed my lo before going anywhere in hopes she will last while we are out. I also see patterns with her feeding. She feeds frequently when she wakes up (after sleeping several hours) then goes longer between feedings.

People think if you give your lo cereal it will fill them up. The problem is you can not or should not give a 2 month old cereal.

If you and your doctor are happy with lo's growth then your lo is getting enough milk. There is no reason you can't continue to BF for many months to come.

 

[misspriss]

Just ignore them! I know it's hard and it seems endless and hard now, but soon (my DD is 5 months) they will be happy to eat less often, and eat quicker, and be able to have a quick bite when out and then a long meal when home, and it will be soooo much easier.

I am still nursing DS at 2.5! And of course DD at 5 months.

 

[mum140381]

i agree with all above xx

 

[Ajos]

Hiya, I'm from a family of breastfeeders but no-one on my oh's family have (both his brother, parents and brother's gf's parents). I think they find it hard to understand because they've given a bottle and their baby's been content for 3 hrs. I find it a bit frustrating when I'm trying to persevere and people seem to be undermining us, especially when I know breastfeeding is best for baby and me. I also don't want to bash formula feeding or even explain bottle fed babies go longer between feeds as their tummies take longer to digest artificial milk. It also means everyone's a bit squeamish when it comes to using your breasts to feed your baby, especially oh's dad who gets embarrassed even though I'm subtle with it. I suppose it's natural for family to be concerned for baby as they care so much and I'm sure I'll be getting involved with my grandchildren, lol.

p.s yes, I'd stop and feed baby if it's a long journey. I'd feel anxious them travelling too long in one position, although I know our babies have always travelled really well and have been settled by the movement. It also means you won't get too full/uncomfortable and will feel more relaxed about the journey and not rushing to feed when you get there/baby being hungry or unsettled on arrival

 

[TTC First]

Now that Ajos mentions people that dont BF....I was a foster parent for years before my first. Formula is amazing in one way. I could very quickly get the babies on a routine for feeding. I was able to go out and not even have a bottle because it was so predictable. Feeding on demand was a big no from me. Now I have my first and I am BF. Sooo sooo different. Routine is out the window!

I really see BF and FF totally different.

 

[Lirpa11]

Thanks everyone. The trip went well and was actually good as I got used to feeding around people and they didn't mind.

Now DS is 10 weeks old and my grandparents asked how long I would be nursing him. I said at least six months, or hopefully till he's a year old... Oh goodness the shock on their faces!!!

Why is it such a big deal to people! They then told me about their aunt and sister blah blah who had to stop around where I was now as baby bit her and bit her... I'm sorry but I'm not their aunt and sister and everyone else. And my breasts don't affect them and their lives and their routine or their dinner. I'm so over all this judgement from people.

*face palm*

Regardless, we re trekking on with exclusive breastfeeding! If people have their opinions I'll let them
Know I'll stay away until he is older so I don't have to hear their opinion.

 

[Mrsb3]

My dd is 16 months and I'm still nursing. I just tell people what they want to hear, I mean how the hell do they know if I'm breastfeeding or not? I don't feed her in public or through the day it's just morning and all night long when no one is there so I don't think it's got anything to do with other people, it's not like I'm going round to their house and lobbing my boob out in front of them while my toddler runs up to me then I might understand there need to comment.