I am having my seocnd baby in 2 weeks and I have decided not to breasfeed. I tried it with my first son and I hated every minute of it. He has not cooperative and it hurt. I was supplimenting formula (because he was so jaundis), pumping, and trying to nurse at the same time. I was angry with my husband because I was the only one who could get up in the middle of the night and feed him (not like that was my husbands fault). I felt tied down and mad because after 9 months of pregnancy, I still had to watch what I ate and drank. It was just miserable. After about 2 weeks, I gave it up and felt liberated. Wes took formula only from then on and has been a super healthy child. So, this time, I after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I am not even going to mess with it. I am sure I will get some slack from some people and maybe even the nurses at the hospital, but I don't care. It just isn't for me. I am not arguing that breastmilk is better, I am sure it is, but formula isn't so bad either.

No slack here...you have to do what is best for you and your baby. I was lucky to have had babies that took to nursing from day one, but I know taht many have so much trouble that it clouds the wonderful experience it could be. I'd rather see you happy to spend time with you baby at feedings than regret every minute of it--babies can pick up quickly on our emotions. You are an will continue to be an awesome mom--breastfeeding or not :-D

2 more weeks!!! Yikes!! Hopefully no one gives you any lip, but if they do, I hope it's easy to ignore. What's important is that you'll be bonding, without bleeding ;), with your newborn in... 2 weeks! I'm excited for you. :D

I am having my seocnd baby in 2 weeks and I have decided not to breasfeed. I tried it with my first son and I hated every minute of it. He has not cooperative and it hurt. I was supplimenting formula (because he was so jaundis), pumping, and trying to nurse at the same time. I was angry with my husband because I was the only one who could get up in the middle of the night and feed him (not like that was my husbands fault). I felt tied down and mad because after 9 months of pregnancy, I still had to watch what I ate and drank. It was just miserable. After about 2 weeks, I gave it up and felt liberated. Wes took formula only from then on and has been a super healthy child. So, this time, I after much thought, I have come to the conclusion that I am not even going to mess with it. I am sure I will get some slack from some people and maybe even the nurses at the hospital, but I don't care. It just isn't for me. I am not arguing that breastmilk is better, I am sure it is, but formula isn't so bad either.

I did the same thing!! Also I was only able to b'fed Gracie for six months because I ran out of breastmilk and was having to supplement formula anyway. The dealbreaker for me on my second child was what my husband said. He felt very left out and neglected and I think our relationship suffered while I was breastfeeding Gracie. With Jon, we were able to feed him together and he played a big part. Our relationship was a lot closer the second time around.

You just have to do what is best for you and don't worry about what others think. [hug] [loveyou]

I tried breastfeeding with my first DS and after two weeks of help with lactation consultants and the Dr's...gave up! I couldn't stand it! I also couldn't produce milk and besides that...I HATED every moment of it! Both of mine have been formula fed after the first week of supplementing formula and breastmilk and have been healthy as horses and it's been so nice for hubby to feed and bond too! It was a big help to me too, not having to do all the feedings myself, especially at night!
You have to do what is best for YOU and YOUR family...even though we take a lot of flack for it from people looking in from the outside who desire a different path....Good luck!

Just do what works for you and enjoy your new baby! :) I couldn't BF DS because he wouldn't latch on so I pump and feed him, have for a month now but thats what works for US. Believe it or not we catch flack for doing this from certain people. My point is, don't feel guilty, do what works so that you can focus on being a mommy and not spend time dreading that next feeding!

I don't blame you! I hated it at first too and said to myself..."I understand why so many women give up on breastfeeding, cause this is SO hard!" My sister formula fed all 3 of her kids and they were all very healthy children...plus I was formula fed in the 70's and I'm pretty healthy!---I bet the formula is even better these days than it was back then! :)

Julie, it sounds like you are sort of expecting flack from people for your decision. Whether people agree or disagree, support your decision or don't support your decision doesn't matter. It's kind of like these types of decisions have to be "let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay" (Ja. 5:12). This is what you have decided for your own reasons and you don't need anyone's approval and you don't have to give anyone your reasons. :)

What's important is that you are a good wife and mother. So do what is BEST for YOU! BF is not for everyone, and if being on formula makes you a better wife and mommy then do it. and don't feel guilty for a second.

Like the others said, do what is best for you. I also tried breastfeeding, I went into it not sure how it would go. I eventually gave up after 2 weeks and my dh then got to bottlefeed, which he really loved, I got to sleep more through the night, my incision (I had a section) healed and like you, I didn't feel so tied down. It was like a big dark cloud lifted when I finally made that decision. Don't worry about what others will say.

Julie, it sounds like you are sort of expecting flack from people for your decision.

Aww I wouldn't say that. Maybe she just needed to vent...get it off her chest. I remember feeling the exact same way Julie is feeling now...being a mama is hard work.

I think you are making the right decision my friend! What is best for you and your family is what is best for the baby too. HUGS and I can't wait to see pics of that baby! :-D

I had decided that I wanted to breastfeed and not give bottles at all, and I remember, to this day, someone telling me that I would need a break and should use bottles and offering to buy me some bottles! LOL.

No matter what feeding choice you make, someone will have some negative input on it.

Thanks ladies, it is nice to hear I am not a bad mom! Yeah, I think it will help Jake and I's intimacy if I don't breastfeed too. He was kinda grossed out when touching them after the baby did.

I think you will be a great mom whatever you decide. Really, in light of all the influence you will have on your child, breast vs. formula is one of the more minor decisions, I believe. hope these last couple weeks go fast for you!

I tell ya, if I had a little mid-life "surprise" pregnancy right now, there's no way I could do breastfeeding again. I breastfed both my kids (13 mos for one - while I was working (!) and 14 mos for the other), but I could not do it again unless I was on a deserted island or something. [verycool]

You're right - it is hard! I don't care what the nurses, lactation consultants, and books say; it hurts those first few weeks (it took me about 4-6 weeks to not see stars every time one of my kids latched on. I had lanolin and tylenol in easy reach lol!) Seriously, you feel like a milk cow 24/7. It's not for everyone. Yes, breast milk is better than formula, but fortunately we live in an age where mothers have a choice and their babies are fine either way. Don't feel bad or guilty for making a choice that makes you a better mom!

You do what you need to do and that's right for you. It doesn't matter what other people say or think, this isn't their baby.

As Ruth said:


No matter what feeding choice you make, someone will have some negative input on it.

No matter what you decision for your baby, somebody will be negative about it. Everyone has to give their 2 cents.