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I have been breastfeeding my baby for about eight months now, and I think it's time to stop. I am going back to work now, and I just can't fit it into my schedule. I know it's supposed to be good for the baby and all, but how bad can the bottle really be? Isn't formula really advanced these days? Anyways, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna give it up, but I just wanted to hear from some people who still breastfeed. Any benefits? ↓
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| Name: Rena | Date: Jun 22nd, 2005 12:33 PM |
neena,
You can work full-time and maintain breastfeeding. I've done it. I work full-time and pump three times a day. If your schedule doesn't allow that, there are pumps out there (Whisper Wear) that you can wear under your clothing and walk around while pumping if you have to. If you get an hour break, see if you can divide it up into two separate half hour breaks so you can go pump. A lot of people think formula is an alternative to breastmilk, when that couldn't be further from the truth. It's not even a fifth or sixth alternative. My suggestion is to do some research on the benefits of breastfeeding and a comparison of breastmilk to formula. I think you'll be surprised. However remember to get objective information. Don't read articles produced from baby formula companies, because they are going to try to steer you toward buying their product so they can make money off you. They are not interested in the best thing for you and your baby, only how to make money off of you. Did you know that all formula companies are required to put a statement on their containers and advertising saying breastmilk is best for your baby and is better than formula. It's the law. You can see them flash it on the bottom of the screen in small print during commercials and it's on the formula cans as well. The best book I ever read was called "Breastfeeding Basics: So That's What They're For! -- Janet Tamaro --10/9/2003" It give information on how formula is produced, what it's composed of, and how it digests (or should I say how it really doesn't digest) in your baby's system. Give it a shot. What could it hurt. If you read it and still decide to go to formula, at least you know you made an informed decision and have weighed all the pros and cons. ↑ |
| Name: Tia | Date: Jul 1st, 2005 5:40 AM |
| Try pumping your milk. I built up a supply and froze it. My son is autistic and there known for weak immune systems. He hardly gets sick and he has never had an ear infection. Give your baby breastmilk as long as you can it really does build up there immunities. ↑ |
| Name: Sacha | Date: Jul 11th, 2005 11:08 AM |
| I am a big advocate of breastfeeding, I also was a mom that was not able to breastfeed for longer than a week. My daughter had so many complications when she was born that the bottle ended up being better for us. I am pregnant with my second and plan on trying again. I agree that breast is best, however you should not feel that you're a "failed" Mother if you decide to stop. Your lucky for getting the opportunity to breastfeed for so long! Any amount of breastfeeding that you can continue to do is wonderful. You can try doing half in half, bottle and breast. Some babies find it confusing and others don't. The best benefit to a bottle is that your not the only food source anymore. Anyone can feed your child and it is especially great for the Dad's.. they finally get to share in the bonding of feeding time. :) Good luck with your new job! P.S. My daughter has only been sick once and she was bottle fed since she was 2 weeks old. ↑ |
| Name: acroquack | Date: Jul 13th, 2005 11:31 PM |
| hey, you've come this far. why give now? did you know that legally, your company HAS to provide you with a place to pump and time to do it. check out your company's employee handbook. also, don't give in to the formula companies. they are only in it for the money. God/nature (whatever your beliefs) intended for your baby to have the best formula...yours. why do you think the increase in allergies, adhd, etc. in bottle babies. the good stuff just can't be duplicated. hang in there. you think going back to work and pumping is hard. i am an airline pilot. talk about having haul around your supplies & cooler. if i can fit it into my schedule...sometimes being in 6 different cities in one day....you can do it. good luck. sherry ↑ |
| Name: Leila | Date: Jul 19th, 2005 7:24 AM |
| neena..i breastfed my first child til she was 10 months and am currently breastfeeding my 9 week old son, i was fortunate enough not to have to go to work with my first child which is why i breasfed for so long but will be giving up sooner with my son, breast is better for baby, but you have breastfed for 8 months which means you have already given your child the best start in life and its also a personal choice, if your ready to give up then do so, you could aways pump and freeze your milk but if you feel ready in yourself to stop breastfeeding then dont let anyone make you feel bad about this or make you feel your letting your baby down you do what you feel is best. Good luck with what ever you choose to do xx ↑ |
| Name: joyce | Date: Jul 19th, 2005 8:59 AM |
| Neena, Try talking with your doctor. Maybe he or she will have some ideas on how to make the process easier for you. ↑ |
| Name: HSH | Date: Jul 19th, 2005 12:31 PM |
| Eight months is really something to be proud of. All these replies telling you to go ahead and pump when you yourself have said it doesn't fit into your schedule are insensitive. As if you don't have enough pressure and guilt already! My daughter was both bottle- and breast-fed. She could not latch on so I had to pump, and we supplemented w/ formula. She has been VERY healthy (2 1/2 years old now), and is very smart. BFing is nice and great, but not the definition of a good mother. Will your baby be going to a day care center? ↑ |
| Name: Carol | Date: Jul 23rd, 2005 9:35 PM |
You know, you can return to work, not pump, but still breastfeed your child. You would simply need to wean the feedings your baby will be getting when you are away, and then, the baby can have formula for those feedings. Breastfeeding is supply and demand, so if you stop feeding your baby during those times, there will be no demand, and your body will not make milk during those times.
Either way, I think it is recommended to wean one feeding at a time (1 per week), so that you it will be easier on you. Weaning is very painful. I weaned my first son from one dinner time feeding when he was younger (plus pumping twice a day). I was in so much pain. So, take it slow.
But, if you continue to breastfeed in the morning and night, you can continue to give your baby all the benefits of breastfeeding, including immunities to some illnesses, without the added stress of pumping. Plus, you will continue that wonderful bond, and share that feeling of closeness with your baby after missing them all day.
Either way, rest assured that you have already given your child such a wonderful gift by choosing to breastfeed in the first place. ↑ |
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