Should we buy bottles if we intend to BF?

[staralfur]

I don't think anyone is saying you can't switch if you want to. I think the "don't buy bottles" advice is mostly intended for those who have their hearts set on breastfeeding.

I panicked when my LO was 4 days old, it was midnight and she would not stop feeding. I knew nothing about clusterfeeding and thought she must need more than what I could produce for her. So we drove to the store and picked up what we needed to supplement. Took like 30 minutes. As someone else said, your baby isn't going to starve in the time it takes you to go to the store if for whatever reason you can't get your baby to feed. I wouldn't really class that as being irresponsible.

 

[aliss]

totally agree with you Smudge101. ppl are too quick to batter you if you are not sure what you intend to do. I want to try and breastfeed, but there is no harm in being prepared if for some reason you end up not. its not really responsible not having a back up plan if your baby does not take to the boob??xx due 13/07/13 with a girl xx

The problem here is that whenever women try and correct misinformation about breastfeeding, it is often taken as a slight against formula feeding.

For example, you say "it's not really responsible to not have a back up plan" ~ but do you realize that bottles don't have to be the first order of backup?

A woman can hand express and use a syringe/cup to feed the newborn instead of putting them right on a bottle (if they choose). This is what most pro-breastfeeding midwives do, because it avoids some of the problems that can occur when you introduce formula or bottles too early (some take to it just fine - others will continue to reject the boob).

How many women actually know this? I don't think a lot of them do. I certainly didn't know when I was faced with a baby that was unable to breastfeed. How can we inform other women of this valuable advice without offense

 

[babyhopes2010]

totally agree with you Smudge101. ppl are too quick to batter you if you are not sure what you intend to do. I want to try and breastfeed, but there is no harm in being prepared if for some reason you end up not. its not really responsible not having a back up plan if your baby does not take to the boob??xx due 13/07/13 with a girl xx

The problem here is that whenever women try and correct misinformation about breastfeeding, it is often taken as a slight against formula feeding.

For example, you say "it's not really responsible to not have a back up plan" ~ but do you realize that bottles don't have to be the first order of backup?

A woman can hand express and use a syringe/cup to feed the newborn instead of putting them right on a bottle (if they choose). This is what most pro-breastfeeding midwives do, because it avoids some of the problems that can occur when you introduce formula or bottles too early (some take to it just fine - others will continue to reject the boob).

How many women actually know this? I don't think a lot of them do. I certainly didn't know when I was faced with a baby that was unable to breastfeed. How can we inform other women of this valuable advice without offense

i think if as a women u feel u failed to breastfeed which should be the most natural thing to do then most women will look for negative opinions about them not bf as theres soo many out there

will be bringing a syringe and a breast pump to hospital just incase

 

[Bud123love]

It is irresponsible to assume that you are going to breastfeed and not have other precautions set in place! Like i said i would like to breast feed, but im not oblivious and naive to understand that for some women it just isnt an option! If you have had a hard labour and you are not up to it, surely it is responsible to feed your baby, rather than worry that you will get frowned upon by not breastfeeding! Many babies, more than most are bottle fed these days and they are absolutely fine! Surely it is better for your baby that they have a rested, upbeat mum to look after them, rather than being miserable, tired and sore as that is t going to help anyone when you have just given birth, especially your new baby! There are alot of women that want to bf, but simply cannot, as the baby does not latch on and have tried expressing, but simply culd not express enough to meet their babies demands! There are alot of things that culd happen during child birth that could jeopardise this, not everyone has a smooth labour! My friend wanted so much to breast feed, but her milk did not come in time so therefore culdnt! She was prepared for this, and now has a healthy baby that is formula fed! Sorry for the rant, but i just feel so strongly that there is alot of pressure on new mums to bf, when it is not the be all and end all! Do you not want what is best for you baby, i have heard said before, and that is not right or true, formula is not a back up option, it is and equal option to bf! It will not harm your baby to be formula fed, shuld you wish to do so!

 

[staralfur]

Who is saying don't give formula if you can't breastfeed? I thought I read the whole thread but apparently I'm missing something....

 

[Bud123love]

No one is saying dont give formula, i was purely just expressing my opinion on the whole matter! As like i sed, i think there is alot of pressure on new mums to breastfeed! Also saying that the responsible thing to do is to be prepared incase you cannot bf!

 

[babyhopes2010]

I think what some ladies are trying to say is that there are other ways to feed that if LO isnt latching. Once i put formula in my daughters mouth i tried and tried to bf but there was no way back. Granted shes v healthy, i just wish i was more confident in my descion to ff.

i guess its cos i wanted to bf that much i kinda made myself my worst critic.

this time i will try harder to bf

 

[sue_88]

Bud123love - I do understand what you're saying about being prepared. I personally couldn't be more prepared with 'physical' items for my daughter.

But I also think its essential for any new mum to be emotionally prepared for the bumps in the road that come with breastfeeding.

I personally will be asking myself questions, my baby won't latch, how do I give her my milk? Do I have enough support & guidance from my LC even though faced with possible issues like jaundice & weight gain (normal)?

Determined to breastfeed really won't be hindered by the presence of bottles and formula, it'll be hinder by not being both physically & mentally prepared.

 

[Mrsmac02]

Can an admin please close this thread? Out of 105 comments I think I've read about 10 that actually answer my original question.

 

[Bud123love]

Mrsmac02- yes i would take bottles and a ready made formula to hospital just incase for any reason you do not breastfeed! That is what i will be doing and think that is the most reaponsible thing to do!! Sorry that that thread got abit opinionated! Good luck! X

 

[Mrsmac02]

Thank you. I know bf v ff is a subject that everyone feels strongly about.

Do you know how to contact admin/moderators?

 

[Bud123love]

Oh and i bought the tommie tippee starter kit that includes everything youll need to bottle feed! Even if i do breastfeed, i do not intend to do it long term, so will still need all the bits! I have bought a ready made bottle of sma formula to take to the hospital along with a couple of bottles, just incase! Xx

 

[Bud123love]

Sorry, do not know how to contact admin! X

 

[shanny]

Mrs Mac you can Private message wobbles by going through the admin page on the home page - goo d luck!!

 

[babyhopes2010]

iv asked for it to close.

 

[amjon]

Thank you. I know bf v ff is a subject that everyone feels strongly about.

Do you know how to contact admin/moderators?

Maybe click report post and put a note in there. They should look at it then.

 

[babyhopes2010]

i just clicked report and that goes thru to admin

 

[Tasha]

Thread locked at request of the OP