** REALLY need some Advice. What would you do?**

[mclendonj21]

Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and have since had a double mastectomy. My DH and I decided we wanted to try for a baby and after chlomid and an IUI we have finally made one!! I grew up always knowing I'd breast feed, but obviously life happens and I can't. So then I assumed that I would have to use formula BUT then my sister told me you can buy breast milk. At first thought, I was like "eww!" However, I don't want my baby to miss out on all the good stuff in BM. I'm at a cross roads..... WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

 

[Ktothema]

I'd have to seriously look at where it was sold, safety protocols, etc before I'd even consider it. Essentially if it wasn't coming from a drs or hospital run service I wouldn't touch it. But that's just my opinion.

If you were thinking of it id just say be open to combined feeding. You don't know how hungry your baby may be so there could be times you run out of donor milk possibly, and I imagine its not as easy to source as formula.

Sorry to hear about the cancer but very pleased to hear about the baby.

 

[JMB1992]

I personally wouldnt because forumla is just as good. Just without some benifits BM contains. BUT its totally up to you, do what you feel is best x

 

[rory83coyotes]

It depends. I know in the US there are some breastmilk sharing sites. Face book has human milk for human babies and there is eats for feets I think its called. But I think that if you used formula your baby would be just as healthy as a BF baby.

 

[MindUtopia]

Congrats on your pregnancy! If I was in your position where I couldn't breastfeed at all and you can afford to purchase milk from a reputable milk bank, then yes, I'd definitely look into it, even if it's just for a few weeks or months rather than the recommended 6-12 months. Realistically, breast milk is the best thing for babies. Yes, I feed my daughter mostly formula now (we did exclusively breastfeed for 8 weeks but I had a recurring breast infection which made it difficult to keep up, so now I mixed feed). But I'm under no illusion that it's better and if I could give her 100% breast milk I definitely would (I have thought about using a milk bank, but realistically it's not financially possible for us). There are very reputable breast milk banks that provide safe, quality milk that's been well stored and safely shipped. It's a little pricey, but I certainly think it would be worth it even if you only did it for a few weeks or couple months. I know some people also arrange milk sharing informally, but it's up to you if you feel safe with this. Breast milk can transmit infections, so it's best to go with a reputable service or get it from someone you know and trust.

 

[xLaura]

First of all congrats on your pregnancy. I think this is a subject that is totally different for everyone therefore I personally think its down to you and your OH to decide regardless what others think. For me I wouldn't simply because if I was breast feeding myself I would be conscious of what I was putting in my body, however if the milk came from someone does how do you know for certain they are getting a healthy diet? Or not doing things they shouldn't be? Formula milk is perfectly enough for a babies growth therefore I don't see a problem with giving my man formula.
But like I said its a decision only you can make, hope it all works out for you hun xxx

 

[melfy77]

If you have access to a milk bank, I'd consider it, but otherwise no. Formula is totally fine (I FF myself with some frozen BM I pumped weeks ago). And depending on the cost (should you decide to get some BM), combi-feed might be a little cheaper, and you'd still get the benefits of BM (that's how I see it anyway). I am a FF baby and turned just fine. No allergies, no diabetes, no auto-immune diseases, not fat (i was even underweight before having DD, I decided to keep the extra 3 pounds I still have from my pregnancy, since I still fit in all my clothes).

And of course...Congrats on your pregnancy