Should we buy bottles if we intend to BF?

[Purplehippo]

I have bought 4 even though I'm going to bf. been told that sometimes you want to give them water too ? I'm also going to buy a tin of formula in case there is any problems. I think it's just being prepared for all eventualitys

 

[Dragonfly]

I think only you can decide whether having formula around the place will make you feel safe or more likely to give up when you may regret it later.
I have a couple of bottles and will be buying a couple of cartons of ready-to-feed formula. I am also 100% committed to making breast feeding work, whether I have to supplement initially or not. I went through two weeks of hell establishing breastfeeding with baby 1. She definitely did not have a relaxed mother in those two weeks. But you know what? We got 13 months of happy, easy, stress free breast feeding as a reward and there is no doubt in my mind that I did what was best for my baby and it was worth sticking out the initial difficulties. So if we have to go through the same this time, we will. Except this time I'll know that it'll work out in the end. So I totally see CatherineK's point. Having someone to tell me to trust myself would have helped so much last time.

I get the 'stick with it' points too.

I full intend to BF and I don't think I'll 'cave in' just because I have bottles in the house. If and when I choose to switch to formula, which as I only plan to BF for a short time will happen eventually, it will be my decision based on what is best for us as a family.

However my point is that every woman and baby are different and if either are really struggling and the mum chooses to go down the formula route then she shouldn't be made to feel in some way inferior because she didn't stick is out or trust herself.

I'm sorry that my opinion differs from others, but some of the posts on this thread talking about sobbing, begging partners for formula, continuing BF'ing through severe pain etc just sound barbaric. I've gone through 9 months of pregnancy and then labour. I plan to enjoy those precious first few weeks with my baby not spend them agonising over making BF'ing work.

It's not barbaric, it's just a reality. Labour isn't the last painful thing - nipples will hurt, you will get contractions after birth due to uterus contracting when breastfeeding. It's just par for the course. It's a normal part of birth and feeding, one that women don't talk about much and they are shocked when it happens. It's like labour pain, it's natural. If you can get through it, the end is rewarding. These things happen to nearly all postpartum women, it's not like a bottle is going to fix it either.

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

You think breastfeeding woman who have had problems just carry on to wave a badge in your face? who actually does that? no one. Its not about you or any one just a mum and a baby, a mum trying her hardest to breastfeed. You dont factor at all random person on the internet. I worked through all my problems, bleeding nipples and didnt do it to spite any one I done it for my children and we solved the problems.

 

[Smudge101]

I started this thread because I was looking for opinions on whether it was a sensible idea to purchase bottles should breast feeding not be an option for me as well as bottle brands etc.

I absolutely didn't intend for it to become a debate about bf vs ff - I've already made a conscious decision to give bf my best shot.

For that reason, I'm going to ask admin to close it.

I'm sorry for that - I'm in the same boat as you, first time mum hoping to BF. I am in no way an advocate for formula only but I don't rule it out that's all.

Good luck with whatever you decide buying bottles wise x

 

[pinkmonki]

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

Wow. I won't speak for all women, but I'm pretty damn certain that there isn't a single one who has breastfed for the sheer pleasure if being able to rub it in the face of those that don't!

Most women go through the pain of learning to breastfeed, (and yes, pain is apt as split nipples, bleeding nipples, engorgement, mastitis & thrush are all fairly common issues that most have worked through) not to taunt women that don't, or because they want a medal, but because it's the absolute best, in health terms, for their babies. That's all. It's that simple.

Not only am i a qualified breastfeeding councillor, I've breastfed my children from baby hood into toddler hood, it's been completely awful at times, utterly wonderful at others. Right now I'm still feeding my toddler whilst pregnant and it's bloody hateful. Do I continue because I like it? Hell no! It sucks! I continue because my daughter has NEVER been ill. Not once. Nor was my son until he weaned.

If people choose to bottle feed, it's not something that's an issue to anyone but them. The truth is, having the equipment to bottle feed can and often does tempt people into formula feeding, because exhausted mothers see it as a way to have a break. If you're truly committed to breastfeeding, it really is better not to buy it all beforehand. However, no one is going to abuse you for choosing to do as you want to do. It's simply offering the wisdom of women who've been there, not flinging their breastfeeding prowess in your face.

These threads always go the same way. It's such a shame that valuable information, wisdom and advice gets lost amongst the vitriol.

You say that it's not intended to rub it in the face of Those who choose not to, but how else is a comment such as 'I've breastfed until toddlerhood and my child has never been Ill' supposed to be interpreted by a first time mum who is struggling and reaches for the bottle?

As a reason for continuing despite difficulties? Because that's what it is.

I spend all of my spare time helping women to breastfeed, or indeed to turn to formula if that's what is best for them. At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Forgive me for saying, but you appear to be very defensive and taking it all as a personal slight when as you say, you haven't tried to breastfeed yet, how do you know you won't love it, thrive on it, and spend time trying to 'help' advice ladies on a forum in the future?

 

[pinkmonki]

I have bought 4 even though I'm going to bf. been told that sometimes you want to give them water too ? I'm also going to buy a tin of formula in case there is any problems. I think it's just being prepared for all eventualitys

If you're breastfeeding exclusively, babies don't need water

 

[Mrsmac02]

Not at all smudge! I know bf v ff is an emotive subject and that people generally have strong views, just didn't intend for the thread to turn into that kind of discussion.

Good luck with the bfing! xx

 

[aliss]

The other reason I didn't have formula as temptation was because my 1st had severe formula intolerance. Go to the formula section here, you'll see that lots of us had problems with it. Lots of us regretted the jump to formula, it was easier the first few days but as time goes on, it can be a lot more work. If your baby has an intolerance, feeding can be a nightmare. It's just one of those things to think about ~ it's not so simple as "bf doesn't work, let's use formula instead". Sometimes you jump out of the pan and into the fire... as I did. So, that was my reason.

 

[welshsarah]

Just wondering what your thoughts are on this...

I hope to be able to breast feed but am totally realistic and know that for whatever reason, some people can't/don't when baby arrives.

Should I buy a few bottles, a steriliser and a couple of cartons of newborn milk just in case?

If so, can anyone suggest brands/packs or give any advice on bottle sizes and teets? I have literally no clue! Xx

I have just incase!

I would definetly get a steriliser (cold water ones are not expensive because of the breast pump if you want to express) x

 

[CordeliaJ]

At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Not to rock the boat, but it depends what length you are talking about. There is no doubt there are great health benefits for breastfeeding the recommended amount of time, but there are very mixed views and studies regarding breastfeeding into toddler-hood. Don't get me wrong I think everyone should do what they feel is best for them and their children, but you can't say point blank that long-term breast feeding is better, as there are no definitive results on that. What may work for one child may not work for another, and without going into detail I have seen disastrous results with my aunt breastfeeding her toddler.

 

[Smudge101]

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

Wow. I won't speak for all women, but I'm pretty damn certain that there isn't a single one who has breastfed for the sheer pleasure if being able to rub it in the face of those that don't!

Most women go through the pain of learning to breastfeed, (and yes, pain is apt as split nipples, bleeding nipples, engorgement, mastitis & thrush are all fairly common issues that most have worked through) not to taunt women that don't, or because they want a medal, but because it's the absolute best, in health terms, for their babies. That's all. It's that simple.

Not only am i a qualified breastfeeding councillor, I've breastfed my children from baby hood into toddler hood, it's been completely awful at times, utterly wonderful at others. Right now I'm still feeding my toddler whilst pregnant and it's bloody hateful. Do I continue because I like it? Hell no! It sucks! I continue because my daughter has NEVER been ill. Not once. Nor was my son until he weaned.

If people choose to bottle feed, it's not something that's an issue to anyone but them. The truth is, having the equipment to bottle feed can and often does tempt people into formula feeding, because exhausted mothers see it as a way to have a break. If you're truly committed to breastfeeding, it really is better not to buy it all beforehand. However, no one is going to abuse you for choosing to do as you want to do. It's simply offering the wisdom of women who've been there, not flinging their breastfeeding prowess in your face.

These threads always go the same way. It's such a shame that valuable information, wisdom and advice gets lost amongst the vitriol.

You say that it's not intended to rub it in the face of Those who choose not to, but how else is a comment such as 'I've breastfed until toddlerhood and my child has never been Ill' supposed to be interpreted by a first time mum who is struggling and reaches for the bottle?

As a reason for continuing despite difficulties? Because that's what it is.

I spend all of my spare time helping women to breastfeed, or indeed to turn to formula if that's what is best for them. At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Forgive me for saying, but you appear to be very defensive and taking it all as a personal slight when as you say, you haven't tried to breastfeed yet, how do you know you won't love it, thrive on it, and spend time trying to 'help' advice ladies on a forum in the future?

You clearly haven't read all my posts. I am a first time mum, I do plan on BF'ing as I've stated several times. However I have bought bottles, mainly because they were in offer and I wanted to get them before I started on SMP. What irks me is the comments that then start about how I'll give in too easily etc.

As someone has just said I'm a 'random Internet person' no one knows me or whether I will give up easily or not. I just feel that some of the comments from those who have clearly persevered at BF'ing would add more pressure to a new mum who is really struggling.

 

[LoraLoo]

I think only you can decide whether having formula around the place will make you feel safe or more likely to give up when you may regret it later.
I have a couple of bottles and will be buying a couple of cartons of ready-to-feed formula. I am also 100% committed to making breast feeding work, whether I have to supplement initially or not. I went through two weeks of hell establishing breastfeeding with baby 1. She definitely did not have a relaxed mother in those two weeks. But you know what? We got 13 months of happy, easy, stress free breast feeding as a reward and there is no doubt in my mind that I did what was best for my baby and it was worth sticking out the initial difficulties. So if we have to go through the same this time, we will. Except this time I'll know that it'll work out in the end. So I totally see CatherineK's point. Having someone to tell me to trust myself would have helped so much last time.

I get the 'stick with it' points too.

I full intend to BF and I don't think I'll 'cave in' just because I have bottles in the house. If and when I choose to switch to formula, which as I only plan to BF for a short time will happen eventually, it will be my decision based on what is best for us as a family.

However my point is that every woman and baby are different and if either are really struggling and the mum chooses to go down the formula route then she shouldn't be made to feel in some way inferior because she didn't stick is out or trust herself.

I'm sorry that my opinion differs from others, but some of the posts on this thread talking about sobbing, begging partners for formula, continuing BF'ing through severe pain etc just sound barbaric. I've gone through 9 months of pregnancy and then labour. I plan to enjoy those precious first few weeks with my baby not spend them agonising over making BF'ing work.

It's not barbaric, it's just a reality. Labour isn't the last painful thing - nipples will hurt, you will get contractions after birth due to uterus contracting when breastfeeding. It's just par for the course. It's a normal part of birth and feeding, one that women don't talk about much and they are shocked when it happens. It's like labour pain, it's natural. If you can get through it, the end is rewarding. These things happen to nearly all postpartum women, it's not like a bottle is going to fix it either.

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

Because she had a couple of days when she didnt latch on properly. Breastfeeding isnt easy- nobody said it was, but it was a week of pain, i fed through the pain and continued to breastfeed her until she was 26 months old. That was absolutely the right decision for me and my baby and i will absolutely go through that short term pain again if it happened.

 

[LockandKey]

oh right, forgot to add in my last post, I personally always washed the bottles by hand and plopped them on a drying rack (have a really neat looking one called boon grass drying rack, it looks just like our yard grass, and feeds the naturalist in me ) there are also microwavable sterilizer bags you can buy that I've mostly used for my pump parts, but you can use them for bottles too. They are pretty durable plastic and don't collapse or fall apart after use. I was able to use one bag multiple times, and they are relatively cheap as well. The brand I had was Munchkin, and was pretty pleased with them.

As for bottle sizes, usually smaller babies have smaller bottles, I'm not sure the exact sizes as I only rarely used a bottle, but I think 0-3 month old babies will only have an ounce or 2 of milk or formula a feeding, and the smaller, 5 oz bottles will keep too much air from getting swallowed when they feed. Too much air may cause gas for baby. It's been so long I've forgotten a lot, but hope you find this somewhat helpful.

 

[welshsarah]

At the end of the day, we all want whats best for our children whether we breast feed or formula feed! No one is superior to the other for how they choose to feed their children. We all work hard, we do the best We shouldnt let it get personal. OP was just asking a question, some people will get bottles just in case, others wont. Its down to personal opinion xxx

 

[pinkmonki]

At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Not to rock the boat, but it depends what length you are talking about. There is no doubt there are great health benefits for breastfeeding the recommended amount of time, but there are very mixed views and studies regarding breastfeeding into toddler-hood. Don't get me wrong I think everyone should do what they feel is best for them and their children, but you can't say point blank that long-term breast feeding is better, as there are no definitive results on that. What may work for one child may not work for another, and without going into detail I have seen disastrous results with my aunt breastfeeding her toddler.

There's quite a few studies but they can be relatively unreliable as so few women do breastfeed for longer. However, the world health organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and mixed feeding (breast and solids) until age two.

I, however, used my own experience as a point of reference for being able to advise, not as a 'this is what should be done' point. Forgive me for not making that clear

 

[CordeliaJ]

There's quite a few studies but they can be relatively unreliable as so few women do breastfeed for longer. However, the world health organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and mixed feeding (breast and solids) until age two.

I, however, used my own experience as a point of reference for being able to advise, not as a 'this is what should be done' point. Forgive me for not making that clear

Ah ok I understand. Yeah I do find it unusual for people not to start on solids after 6 months, even if they want to continue to breast feed as well. All the books I've read say you must start on solids otherwise they will develop food issues. About the long-term breastfeeding, I have read some studies but what I mean is they all vary so much in opinions, there doesn't seem to be a right answer to that yet. Perhaps there isn't one anyway!

 

[pinkmonki]

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

Wow. I won't speak for all women, but I'm pretty damn certain that there isn't a single one who has breastfed for the sheer pleasure if being able to rub it in the face of those that don't!

Most women go through the pain of learning to breastfeed, (and yes, pain is apt as split nipples, bleeding nipples, engorgement, mastitis & thrush are all fairly common issues that most have worked through) not to taunt women that don't, or because they want a medal, but because it's the absolute best, in health terms, for their babies. That's all. It's that simple.

Not only am i a qualified breastfeeding councillor, I've breastfed my children from baby hood into toddler hood, it's been completely awful at times, utterly wonderful at others. Right now I'm still feeding my toddler whilst pregnant and it's bloody hateful. Do I continue because I like it? Hell no! It sucks! I continue because my daughter has NEVER been ill. Not once. Nor was my son until he weaned.

If people choose to bottle feed, it's not something that's an issue to anyone but them. The truth is, having the equipment to bottle feed can and often does tempt people into formula feeding, because exhausted mothers see it as a way to have a break. If you're truly committed to breastfeeding, it really is better not to buy it all beforehand. However, no one is going to abuse you for choosing to do as you want to do. It's simply offering the wisdom of women who've been there, not flinging their breastfeeding prowess in your face.

These threads always go the same way. It's such a shame that valuable information, wisdom and advice gets lost amongst the vitriol.

You say that it's not intended to rub it in the face of Those who choose not to, but how else is a comment such as 'I've breastfed until toddlerhood and my child has never been Ill' supposed to be interpreted by a first time mum who is struggling and reaches for the bottle?

As a reason for continuing despite difficulties? Because that's what it is.

I spend all of my spare time helping women to breastfeed, or indeed to turn to formula if that's what is best for them. At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Forgive me for saying, but you appear to be very defensive and taking it all as a personal slight when as you say, you haven't tried to breastfeed yet, how do you know you won't love it, thrive on it, and spend time trying to 'help' advice ladies on a forum in the future?

You clearly haven't read all my posts. I am a first time mum, I do plan on BF'ing as I've stated several times. However I have bought bottles, mainly because they were in offer and I wanted to get them before I started on SMP. What irks me is the comments that then start about how I'll give in too easily etc.

As someone has just said I'm a 'random Internet person' no one knows me or whether I will give up easily or not. I just feel that some of the comments from those who have clearly persevered at BF'ing would add more pressure to a new mum who is really struggling.

I appreciate that you feel the comments may add more pressure, but I think they were meant in the best if interests to pre-warn of what 'could' happen, not what will happen if that makes sense?

For instance, I can guarantee during a cluster feeding episode with my youngest, I was so bloody exhausted, drained and thoroughly down hearted that I would have given her a bottle without a second thought had one been available to me at the time.
Would that have been wrong? No, of course not!
But I'd have hated myself for it the next day. Because I've been there before, because I help women with stuff like this every day and have for years. Because it wouldn't have been the right choice for me.

The advise you're being given isn't to disillusion or belittle you, it's honestly to help you to see that you might feel very differently when you're in the situation where it counts. Only you can know what's best for you, but whilst only you can know what's best for you right at the point where you need to make the choice, hormones, exhaustion and utter dejection can make you opt for something you might not when thinking more rationally.

 

[pinkmonki]

There's quite a few studies but they can be relatively unreliable as so few women do breastfeed for longer. However, the world health organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and mixed feeding (breast and solids) until age two.

I, however, used my own experience as a point of reference for being able to advise, not as a 'this is what should be done' point. Forgive me for not making that clear

Ah ok I understand. Yeah I do find it unusual for people not to start on solids after 6 months, even if they want to continue to breast feed as well. All the books I've read say you must start on solids otherwise they will develop food issues. About the long-term breastfeeding, I have read some studies but what I mean is they all vary so much in opinions, there doesn't seem to be a right answer to that yet. Perhaps there isn't one anyway!

Sadly most studies are too varied on most things to do with raising children.

Most patents start to introduce solids at six months, but it totally depends on the baby and the method if weaning as to how you go about it. That's a whole other heated discussion! Haha!

Personally I follow baby led weaning so I introduce solids at six months but to be honest they eat very little until later down the line

 

[Dragonfly]

I'm sorry but one poster said that her nipples split open and every time she fed was like been cut with shards of glass - how is that normal?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, you have yours and I have mine. I guess I'm just more concerned about been a happy and relaxed mum to my baby, than rigidly sticking to something that isn't working just so I have a badge honour to wave in the face of new mums who are questioning whether to BF or not.

Wow. I won't speak for all women, but I'm pretty damn certain that there isn't a single one who has breastfed for the sheer pleasure if being able to rub it in the face of those that don't!

Most women go through the pain of learning to breastfeed, (and yes, pain is apt as split nipples, bleeding nipples, engorgement, mastitis & thrush are all fairly common issues that most have worked through) not to taunt women that don't, or because they want a medal, but because it's the absolute best, in health terms, for their babies. That's all. It's that simple.

Not only am i a qualified breastfeeding councillor, I've breastfed my children from baby hood into toddler hood, it's been completely awful at times, utterly wonderful at others. Right now I'm still feeding my toddler whilst pregnant and it's bloody hateful. Do I continue because I like it? Hell no! It sucks! I continue because my daughter has NEVER been ill. Not once. Nor was my son until he weaned.

If people choose to bottle feed, it's not something that's an issue to anyone but them. The truth is, having the equipment to bottle feed can and often does tempt people into formula feeding, because exhausted mothers see it as a way to have a break. If you're truly committed to breastfeeding, it really is better not to buy it all beforehand. However, no one is going to abuse you for choosing to do as you want to do. It's simply offering the wisdom of women who've been there, not flinging their breastfeeding prowess in your face.

These threads always go the same way. It's such a shame that valuable information, wisdom and advice gets lost amongst the vitriol.

You say that it's not intended to rub it in the face of Those who choose not to, but how else is a comment such as 'I've breastfed until toddlerhood and my child has never been Ill' supposed to be interpreted by a first time mum who is struggling and reaches for the bottle?

As a reason for continuing despite difficulties? Because that's what it is.

I spend all of my spare time helping women to breastfeed, or indeed to turn to formula if that's what is best for them. At no point do I ever judge another woman for the choices she makes for her children. However, I won't pretend there aren't valid reasons for persevering. That would be dishonest.

Forgive me for saying, but you appear to be very defensive and taking it all as a personal slight when as you say, you haven't tried to breastfeed yet, how do you know you won't love it, thrive on it, and spend time trying to 'help' advice ladies on a forum in the future?

You clearly haven't read all my posts. I am a first time mum, I do plan on BF'ing as I've stated several times. However I have bought bottles, mainly because they were in offer and I wanted to get them before I started on SMP. What irks me is the comments that then start about how I'll give in too easily etc.

As someone has just said I'm a 'random Internet person' no one knows me or whether I will give up easily or not. I just feel that some of the comments from those who have clearly persevered at BF'ing would add more pressure to a new mum who is really struggling.

you should take your own advice there and not assume bf mums wave it in faces of formula feeding mums, you yourself could be talking about yourself after your baby then and I am sure you will find you only do it for your baby not for any one else.

sometimes I think breastfeeding mums are really hammered in here with defensive mums. Cant offer any advice without offending and a row breaking out. Such a sad way to be when its for your kids at the end of it all

 

[aliss]

Talking about things like split nipples or glass shards or cluster feeding at days 7-10 though is how women learn what problems may happen and what to do about it. If we don't talk about those things, then women who want to breastfeed will not know what to do when it happens. Sometimes the solution is actually quite simple but that sage advice is not passed down.

I look at it this way - comparatively - if a woman wants a natural birth, then she should know that when she hits transition (post 10cm but before pushing), she will get a fight or flight instinct and that can impair labour. If she knows this, she can brace for it, and educate her way through it. Telling her to just go get an epidural might be fine for some, but maybe she would rather use the knowledge to achieve her end goal. At the end of the day, a birth is a birth, but that doesn't mean you should just give up on your end goal if you had valid reasons for doing so.

 

[CatherineK]

Talking about things like split nipples or glass shards or cluster feeding at days 7-10 though is how women learn what problems may happen and what to do about it. If we don't talk about those things, then women who want to breastfeed will not know what to do when it happens. Sometimes the solution is actually quite simple but that sage advice is not passed down.

I look at it this way - comparatively - if a woman wants a natural birth, then she should know that when she hits transition (post 10cm but before pushing), she will get a fight or flight instinct and that can impair labour. If she knows this, she can brace for it, and educate her way through it. Telling her to just go get an epidural might be fine for some, but maybe she would rather use the knowledge to achieve her end goal. At the end of the day, a birth is a birth, but that doesn't mean you should just give up on your end goal if you had valid reasons for doing so.

Yes! WSS!