Which Nipple Do You Use? Breastfeeding vs. Bottle-feeding
Over at Parent Center Kristina Sauerwein wrote an interesting blog post titled “The booby battles: Breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding.” In the blog post she shares her own story and describes the feelings of moms on both sides of the fence. She discusses some of the judgments that are passed between moms and asks the readers for their reasons behind choosing breast or bottle.
I decided to breastfeed Ace, because I thought it would be best for her and it would save us money. I went to a breastfeeding class and learned so much that I became a breastfeeding zealot. It wasn’t easy for Ace and I to learn. I wrote about my struggle and lessons learned in this article. I have been breastfeeding for almost nine months now and love it. I hate doing dishes, so it works for me.
I am a breastfeeding mom who has struggled with passing judgment and feeling superior. I have had to make a conscious effort to realize that everyone’s situation is different. The breast or bottle decision is a family choice. I know one mom that only pumps to feed her baby. For that family, it works.
If a friend asks for my encouragement in breastfeeding, I give it honestly and freely. However, I have had to learn to keep my mouth shut if my opinion or support is not requested. Ultimately, I have come to the conclusion that no matter how a baby is fed they are healthy and going to grow into amazing kids.
I would love hear your story. Why did you decide to breast or bottle feed? Are you happy with your decision? Have you felt judged or supported with your choice?
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This is a great article! I know you worked very hard to achieve the breastfeeding relationship you now have with her.
My breastfeeding experiences (I have 2 kids) were very different than yours. With my daughter I pumped for three months because she wasn’t able to eat at all due to a very serious heart defect. She got my milk through her feeding tube until I dried up and she had her open heart surgery at three months. I was always sad I didn’t get the bonding experience of breastfeeding her. I am very proud of myself for pumping for as long as I did though!
With my son, I breastfed him for about a month or so. He was a horrible nurser! HORRIBLE!! I went to the lactation center several times and we weighed him to see how much he was getting and he wasn’t getting very much because he wouldn’t stay on for more than 5 minutes. EVER! So, one time (he was three weeks old) while at the lactation center trying to make it work, the lactation consultant commented on his cold and suggested I take him to the doctor. I did and he had RSV and we spent 10 days in the hospital on oxygen. We were very scared for him and that did not help my breastfeeding. We needed to give him formula supplements and I just ended up quitting when he was about 5 weeks old. It was such a horrible experience. I am still very sad and a little bitter that I wasn’t able to have a good breastfeeding experience with my kids and it’s at no fault of my own. I could have stuck with it with Connor, but the worry of not knowing how much he was getting was way too much in combination with all the other fears I was having about his health.
When we have another baby, I will be giving it a big time attempt and pray that I will have a good experience this time. I really respect people who breastfeed, but I do wish more people were understanding that breastfeeding isn’t always a possibility and that’s ok. I know people who have chosen not to breastfeed and that’s ok in my opinion as well. I think parenting is all about knowing what is best for your family and your child and yourself. Mothers carry so much guilt around every day by nature, and I think we need to unite together as moms and not add to any pressure or guilt other moms are already dealing with by judging the decisions they have made for their family.
My experience with breastfeeding was a little discouraging. I had been so determined to breastfeed and went in knowing nothing. The day I came home from the hospital my mom was pretty much horrified that I had decided to nurse Jackson. I had ended up staying at her house for a week with no support and no encouragement. At the time, I didn’t know to ask for help or who to go to. I figured that when you pumped for an hour and half , and only got 1 ounce out, that I was doomed. Jackson then had not had a bowl movement since he had been in the hospital and the doctor had me give him formula. Again….my lack of knowledge. So, I gave up around 3 weeks. It was a very discouraging thing for me. I still struggle with feeling guitly about it, but I also know that Jackson is as healthy and smart as his cousin Carson who is only a day apart. Carson was breastfeed until 5 months.
I am determined to get help in every way with our next baby. I think that it makes me more understanding now to other mothers who battle with this. I have seen it happen first hand .:)
My reason for breast-feeding was similar to yours, Amanda — I hate doing dishes, and since we had suddenly gone down to one income, I wanted to save money. However, it turned out to be a wonderful experience for both me and Julian (after the first two weeks, which I admit were a struggle). He was breastfed until about 9 months — he just lost interest around that time. When we had baby #2, it was actually a lot easier, because I knew what to expect. She’s 4 months old now and doing great!
One of my best friends really struggled with nursing; she had some breast surgery before she got married, so it made it super difficult for her to nurse b/c her body just didn’t produce enough milk (and her son was a BIG eater!). She was able to nurse her second child, but only for a couple of months. I know she loves her kids as much as I love mine and is a great mom to them!
Breastfeeding and/or bottle-feeding is not a measurement tool for “how much I love my child.” It is one of many bonding experiences we can share with our children throughout their lives. Some parents prefer bottle-feeding because it gives the husband a chance to be involved with that part of an infant’s life. I usually end up pumping a bottle once a day when my mother-in-law is around because I know how much she loves feeding the baby
I had a reduction mammaplasty in college and my doctor warned me I might not be able to breastfeed. My husband has gotten this in his head as “for sure” and is rather excited about being able to share feeding responsibilites…since I’ll probably be going back to work after the baby is born (unless a financial miracle occurs), I’m okay with this decision. I’ll talk more with my OB, but since the surgery was 10 years ago, I don’t know if technology was “up” enough to save my breastfeeding abilities…
Thanks ladies for sharing your experiences! I always learn so much from you. No matter how our babies are fed, they are fed!