My experience with BFing Matt did not go well. C-section, long separation after birth and zero help from the lactation consultant. Don't get me started about how he got stuck in the frame of my hospital bed! I was crushed, but we moved on and he did well after swtiching to formula. I didn't BF Lauren- one of the meds that I have to take was deemed not safe for nursing. Although I got ripped a new one on another site for that, because according to that member's information, it really was safe.

I do believe that breast is best, but I refuse to feel guilty anymore.

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Maria
Mom to Matthew (11) and Lauren (6)
Wife to Rob (9/3/93)

Didn't Even Give breastfeeding a thought with My First -
I was so young and Clueless - and Noone really Recommended it Everyone I Knew older and Young... None Breastfed.

#2 -
I Breastfed For over 2 years! Nursing Came naturally - Not a single problem.

# 3 -

again She LOOOOOOVED to Nurse - Did so For almost 3 years -


# 4 -
No way NO how was I Being tied Down again!!
Bottle Fed him from Day 1

I have not breastfeed either of my kids. Yes, there were people who made me feel guilty for it and they did not know why I did not breastfeed. I tried so hard with #1 and all I did was get frustrated. My body just did not produce enough milk to feed him. I did not even try with #2 and hardly notice my milk come in or dry up. The nurses asked, but did not push it with her. I just said, give her a bottle. It was just not meant to be with my kiddos. Plus, it DID hurt and I did not enjoy it while I was trying.

I attempted to BF both of my girls. I was certain it would go better the second time but it didn't.

The first time, I was successful for about a month and then I didn't have enough milk. My baby was screaming. The lactation consultant said she was just a needy baby and I should carry her around with me in the sling. She still screamed! She told me not to worry that the baby was getting plenty. She was wrong. I gave her a bottle and she guzzled and passed out because she was finally content. No more screaming. After she had the bottle she didn't want the breast. I started pumping and giving her whatever I could pump plus formula. Half her bottles were formula and the other half were breastmilk. I did that for 6 months. I didn't have time to do anything else besides pump, take care of her and get some housework done.

For my 2nd, the story was the same except for I tried EVERYTHING. Fenugreek, pumping after feeding, blah blah blah. The pediatrician said she had colic. It was magic that the colic disappeared when she started getting full from a bottle. I started giving her formula at 6 weeks. I couldn't do the pumping with a 2 year old running around.

If you don't want to do it or can't do it. That is your business. The pediatrician made me feel horrible but they sure as heck weren't helping me when I was trying to nurse.

I did my best. I had a nurse come out a few times, my doula came over, talked to the la leche league people- nothing helped. My baby wanted to latch on but we could just never get it to work. So I was up for about 20 hours each day trying, she'd fall asleep and wake up right away. At first she gained 2 lbs but then dropped 5. My doctor and I thought it would be best to use formula then. I tried it as supplemental but in the end just switched over. I'd rather my baby be full with a bottle then starving with my good intentions. I really wanted the health benefits for her but it is months later- she's had one cold, no ear infections (knock on wood), and is doing great developmentally. I still believe in breast feeding but it's not always the best option. Plus, this has allowed my bf to help feed her when I get stressed.