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Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Am I a bad mommy if I don’t breastfeed? How will it affect my baby?

Re: Am I a bad mommy if I don’t breastfeed? How will it affect my baby?

Of course you’re not a bad mommy… but do give nursing a chance. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends breastfeeding for the first year, and exclusively for the first six months. A mother's milk contains the ideal nutrients, enzymes and antibodies for baby. Breastfed babies are less likely to have diarrhea, ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, stomach bugs and colds. Plus, nursing decreases future risk of obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer. And, it's a great way to bond with baby. Need more? Studies link breastfeeding to higher IQs.

There are perks for you, too. Six months of formula will set you back about $500… breastmilk, not a penny. It’s always available, requires no preparation, and comes out at the perfect temperature. Worried about losing the pregnancy pounds? Yep, breastfeeding will help. It’s also been linked to decreased breast and uterine cancer and osteoporosis rates, helps you heal more quickly down below, and works (not perfectly!) as birth control. At the hospital, a lactation consultant can help you get comfortable with the nursing process. Your local La Leche League also offers support.

That said, if breastfeeding just won't work for you, skip the guilt trip. As long as you take good care of baby, the best fuel you can feed her is love.

Paula Kashtan | May 08 , 2009 12:15 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding Benefits?

I am very grateful to be able to breastfeed my son- but it hasn't been easy. He had several anatomical features which made it difficult for him to latch properly, and I did too. Then he developed a sucking abnormality and he began chomping out milk instead of sucking- very inefficient for him and painful for me. Everyone around us said "bottle feed" and acted like I was a bad mom for continuing to breastfeed. The rediculous part is that a baby who can't suck can't take a bottle (chomping milk from a breast is more effective than chomping from a bottle), nor did he want to! It was in fact his incredible desire to nurse and the insticts to do so which ultimately helped him overcome his inability to suck. Now he nurses great and is growing faster than any weed I've ever seen. If breastfeeding doesn't work out well in the beginning YOU CAN STILL DO IT and there is lots of great help out there besides your hospital's lactation consultant (often not enough help). We found a lactation clinic which made all the difference in the world to us.

mary_jane | January 16 , 2008 10:04 AM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

As long as you are caring for your child the best you can, no, it won't make you a bad mommy. I, personally, would say definitely breast-feed though... it's so much healthier for your child and gives them more than any manufactured formula ever could. I'm a firm believer that nature, God, your Creator, whatever you want to call it knew what they were doing when they made us like all other mammals to take care of our young. I wouldn't trade it (even the hard parts) for anything as the bonding time with DS is amazing! I encourage you to at least try to breast-feed for one month before nixing it though... that's how long it usually takes to get the hang of it.

cherokee6 | August 09 , 2008 12:56 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

Just to point out...by the time I was done buying a good breast pump-used on ebay-, nursing bras, breast pads, lanolin, nursing tank, a boppy I added it up (and this is without any nursing shirts for nursing in public more easily/discreetly) we spent $300 and time running from store to store just looking for nursing bras! On the other hand, I have almost 6 months worth of formula--that has been either free or purchased for less than $1.00 a can! And, you can buy Kmart or Target or Walmart brand formula for less than half the cost of Enfamil/Similac! So the arguement that it is cheaper--not always so.

mommy42115 | August 20 , 2008 11:06 AM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

nursing tanks, pumps, boppies and other things are not always necessary... so pricing for those things although nice- not necessary.. i bought two regular pillows for nursing instead of a boppy - boppy 35 bucks at target, regular pillows which i can use after i'm done nursing 5 bucks apiece... it just depends on what you want to do, even though babies can build up a healthier immune system when breastfed for at least 6 months... its personal preference, do what works for you!

hayley.sean | January 08 , 2009 7:37 PM

Breastmilk in a bottle?

I am breastfeeding and giving my baby (pumped) breastmilk from a bottle. Is anyone else doing this? I worry that it isn't the same, but my baby wasn't getting enough to eat at the breast so we had to attach a bottle as well.

etristan | January 21 , 2009 1:16 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

I am pumping my milk to feed my baby (who is now 2 months old). I alternate between my milk and formula so I can store away enough milk in the freezer for when we are out visiting or she is at her babysitter's house. I'm told formula is a bit more concentrated and I usually feed her formula before bedtime. It's hard to know how much they get when they breastfeed. Seeing a quantity for me is much easier to know how much I should prepare for her in advance when we are not home.

| January 29 , 2009 12:58 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

what everyone is forgetting to tell you is that breastfeeding extremely hurts. so you are going to need dedication and patience to do it. i've been bf for 10 days now and the nipples are falling apart! but i'm still doing it...

deelite2333 | May 01 , 2009 11:42 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

I am currently breastfeeding as well and my little one is almost 10 weeks old. I will be going back to work in 3 weeks and am worrying that I won't be able to keep up with the supply and demand. I sometimes feel the pressure to continue to breast feed even though I feel sometimes I'm always doing it. I wish DH would realize that sometimes it would be easier if we switched to solely giving the little one formula.

mhouston | May 11 , 2009 10:38 PM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

deelite2333, I don't know if you're still having problems with nursing, but get to a lactation consultant ASAP- it's probably not supposed to hurt as much as you say. The baby may be latched on badly, you may have an infection or other problems, but anything more than slight discomfort should be discussed with a lactation pro.To the topic: formula feeding moms are not inferior or selfish- but nursing rocks, and should be given a try whenever feasible.

Fashion Mujahid | June 28 , 2009 10:49 AM

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

My daughter is about 6 weeks old now, and although I set it in my mind that she would be breast-fed, it hasn't always been easy. Yes, it hurts....but it shouldn't be unbareable. My daughter was born about 3 weeks early, and lost well over 10% of her birth weight before we left the hospital. Her doctor was concerned at her 2 week visit that she hadn't gained enough back. It took us 4 weeks to regain her weight, several doctors visits, and lactation visits to be sure she was getting enough.....but she's finally on the right track. I say the breast is the best, but if for some reason you can't breast feed, don't beat yourself up over it.

tya_1982 | July 04 , 2009 9:17 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

My little sweet boy is almost 4 months old and I guess I've been lucky. No sore breasts. I think that depends on making sure he latches on right. Lactation books or specialists from the hospital helped me learn the right way to keep him latched. As far as going back to work. I've been back for 4 weeks now and keeping up with pumping is the answer of production. I pump every 2-3 hours. It is very challenging to go on breaks and eat and pump at the same time, but if you keep pumping you'll keep producing and yes, it's beneficial for baby's health and cheaper (only pay for the breast milk bags). One key to production also is drink plenty of water and eat well. Hope this helps. And keep asking questions to other mom's who have gone thru it.

llmocb | February 22 , 2010 10:45 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

My son is 13 days old and i've been BF, i've had the sore nipples and found the perfect product....Medela's SoftShells for sore nipples, they're available at Target/BRUs and other places online...a bit pricey at $14 or so, but soooooOOo Worth it, they're provide a shield from anything rubbing against them when you're not BF. I didn't think I would have been able to go more than a week without these! Icing after BF also helps alot!

denawong | March 26 , 2010 8:29 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

My daughter Precious Jewel is 11 weeks now. I've been breastfeeding since day 1. I want to put her on the bottle but am attached. I love breastfeeding! I mustve been lucky to because I only had to use the lil bottle of lanoil the hospital sends home with you and my nipples have been fine since. I love it because its so much easier and the formula smells bad! I think its going to be hard getting her on the bottle if i decide to. How long does the transition take?

whatchagot1 | June 17 , 2010 4:14 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I've been giving my baby girl breast milk for over 9 months now. I made the commitiment to my baby. It hasn't been easy at times, but I look at her and it keeps me going strong. She's been so healthy since birth and I really believe it's because of the breast milk! I went back to work in May 2010 and I pumo all my milk now to feed her daily. I pump onmy lunch break. It's been a challenge, but well worth it!

Krmorris | November 27 , 2010 6:38 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I have been bf for 10 weeks and I have only lost 10 of the 35 lbs that I gained during pregnancy. I have been eating healthy and I am back exercising 5 times a week. Why are the pounds not melting off with bf???

maryblue123 | December 01 , 2010 11:20 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

maryblue, I've found that the first chunk of weight comes off rather easily, and the rest is a little bit slower. I lost half my pregnancy weight right away, and at 6 weeks postpartum I have definitely noticed a decline. weight loss hasn't stopped altogether, but it is a much slower process right now.

MJoy82 | December 15 , 2010 12:22 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

obviously this was posted over a year ago but for anyone out there feeling that they might not be able to continue breast feeding here is a good website for you to read: www.kellymom.com. And it sucks at first! Believe me it does get easier. I've been breastfeeding for 10 weeks now and I am so glad I stuck with it. There is a small cost at first especially if you are pumping too, but formula is more expensive then breast milk in the long run. I feel like women are not given enough encouragement to continue breastfeeding. It is a badge of honor to feed your child from you body, a blessing and a beautiful act of nature. For all those women out there that can breastfeed their babies but are feeling discouraged, don't give up! You will be glad you stuck with it. I have never met a mom out there who has said, I breastfed my baby and I wish I would have formula fed, but I have met plenty of woman who have said that they wish that they could have or would have tried to breastfeed.

EricaAnn9 | December 15 , 2010 4:40 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I am 17 year old mother and I've been breastfeeding for almost 3 months now. I believe if someone as young as me can do it this long, then anyone can. I also go to school so my baby get both formula and breast milk. Although I would rather have strictly breast milk, I hope to make it to the 6 month mark. My baby is very happy and healthy! :)

smileykakes | March 11 , 2011 11:34 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

My daughter (now 1 month old) was breastfed for the first few days. Then we realize that she wasn't getting enough so I pumped and fed her from the bottle alternating with the formula. After 2 week, I gave up breastfeeding altogether because I wasn't producing enough to even really alternate (producing about 1oz per each breast every 4 hours). My DH feels that we should still give her what I can produce even if it's that little but my mother feels considering how little I am producing, it might be more of an inconvenience. Although formula is definitely more convenient for me, I feel like a bad mother for not doing what I can.

edwardlinda | March 21 , 2011 7:07 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I have had nothing but problems breastfeeding. I felt so upset that I did not want to do it and that made me feel like I am an unfit mother! Then my brother-in-law's girlfriend told me she was not into it either and that made me feel better and I'm glad I had someone to just tell me that its okay to feel that way, but I stuck with it. The first 3 weeks of my baby's life i had to pump because she would not breastfeed. At first my supply was low and i had to give her formula to make up what i couldn't pump but I just stuck with it and by a week and a half I was pumping more then enough for feedings. Then she finally latched and we breastfed for a month. I though things where good but then got clogged ducts and got and infection in my breast and had to take antibiotics. The doctor had me pumping out all the milk from my breast after each feeding. That was a nightmare! I felt like I was either attached to a pump or nursing! So that cleared up and now I have to start planning to go back to work and I probably won't be about to pump at work (I work 5 1/2 hour with an hour round trip drive) and so I will go 6 hours without feeding or pumping! I just don't know what to do! I want to breastfeed so bad! Even with all the problems I've had it is still so amazing and the closeness I personally feel with my daughter I really don't want to stop and sometimes I just want to stop. Its like a roller coaster ride and all my family tells me is to just put her in formula. Anyone have any suggestions?

glenalynn | March 31 , 2011 11:26 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

No you aren't a bad mommy if you breastfeed, however breastmilk is the better option! I love bf my daughter (10 weeks) and enjoy every minute of it!! If you don't want to bf there is always the pump, which is conveient (full time student)! I will say that bottle is easier in public because you don't have to get situated with nursing covers, but that's why I pump! Reasons why I bf is because formula is a trial and error type thing.... I know babies who have had to change formula 5 times and have GI problems, constipation, spitting up etc. My brother even stopped breathing in his sleep because of formula! And its easy to pop your breast out in the middle of the night instead of waking up to fix a bottle and having to warm it.... l mean perfect temp and everything from bf and it's right there!!! Like my mother says: EVERY OTHER MAMMAL DOES IT, WHY DO WE HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM DOING IT OR WHY CAN'T WE DO IT... Just think about the old days before the invention of formula! So at least do it for 2 months!!

amirah0926 | April 10 , 2011 11:22 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

My first time being a mommy I had a hard time breastfeeding and I cried at the middle of the night when I was tired, grumpy, and a hungry baby who was also fustrated because they didnt no how to suck and i didnt no how to get her to suck. I started using a pump instead and gave it to her in a bottle and even though some nurses say try not to give baby bottle or pacifier so they can breastfeed, the bottle (for my baby, they are all different) actually taught her to suck without me hurting!! after a week i tried again and my nipples had healed and the baby had learned so we latched and we continued for one full year. If it wasnt for dedication i probably wouldnt have done it. I also see a lot of mothers give excusing for not breastfeeding but i know deep down they use excuses just to make themselves feel better that they quit trying. never give up unless you doctor specifically says you can not do it for your own health, which is very rare.

missdaisie04 | April 22 , 2011 10:36 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Maybe I'm just lucky but breastfeeding has been soooo easy and enjoyable. Not only do I get to spend quality time with my baby before I go back to work (she's currently 2 months) but it's healthy for her. I'm pumping to freeze and feeding day and night. She's already sleeping 7-8 hours throughout the night and is extremely healthy and has gained plenty of weight for her age. There has been absolutely NO PAIN because she learned to latch on correctly from day one. If I want to drink which I do at least once a week I test the milk with the Milkscreen tests so I'm comfortable and we are all good. I highly recommend breastfeeding and can't believe that if anyone has the choice they choose not too!!!!

mikalala | May 16 , 2011 12:48 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I have been BF for 10 weeks now, n im worried that my baby get sick with my milk, because i eat everything.Lot of person told me that I have to watch out what i eat .do some one knows something about that, please let me know TY.

daniel0308 | May 19 , 2011 2:48 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I was dead set on breastfeeding before the baby came, and she latched on right away. But due to my c-section the milk came in late and the baby did a lot of vigorous sucking for not much reward. The first few weeks were hellish. I was so upset because everything I read just said it shouldn't hurt but I was having excruciating pain. I was even beginning to dread feeding times. I did change my latch slightly, but I believe that for some people it just HURTS in the beginning. I finally gave up the PRESSURE I put on myself and started to supplement with formula and once I stopped putting pressure on myself, I was able to deal with it more. Now I am breastfeeding almost exclusively at nine weeks. I give my daughter formula at night before bed and in case of emergency when out and about or if I have to leave and have nothing pumped. It is working very well for us. I haven't read much about supplementing with formula, most literature says all or nothing. But my daughter has no problem going from breast to bottle and back. The most important thing to remember is to do what works for you and your family. There is no right and wrong. (Well, I shouldn't say that... some things are wrong but formula feeding isn't one of them!) Just do what works for you and let go of the guilt and enjoy your baby!!

lbasile22 | June 11 , 2011 12:26 AM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

gross. who gives their baby "walmart" brand formula. ewe.

bridepink | July 26 , 2011 9:39 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I tried breastfeeding for 1 week and my milk was not coming in. I decided, along with my doctor's help, it was best to go to formula/bottle feeding. My son, who is now 20 months old, is a healthy, smart, happy, and energetic little boy. I know there are advantages to breastfeeding but formula is made as close to breastmilk as possible and formula feeding your baby is a healthy alternative. I believe a child's IQ depends on multiple factors such as environment, bonding with parents, bring read to, played with, etc...not whether or not you breastfeed. My child sat up at 5 months, crawled at 6, cruised and climbed at 7 months and walked at 10 months. He is a very smart little boy and I don't believe he has been hindered in development b/c he was not breastfed. The truth is, you have to do what is best for you and your little one. If mommy is happy, baby is happy! Sometimes moms believe so strongly in breastfeeding that they spend weeks/months trying to make it work and skip out on the happy experience of those first weeks/months with your child. Whether you choose breastfeeding or formula, people are going to have their opinions. Just remember, it is YOUR decision and you are nourishing your baby either way. I know kids who were solely breastfed and have been sick many more times than my son who was formula fed. IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE CHILD AND ENVIRONMENT. Good luck!

missynicole26 | August 02 , 2011 8:36 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Im not sure how to post my own ? so im leaving it on this post. I stopped pumping for about 2 weeks. Now im trying to get my milk in again and it's just a few drops at a time. How long should it take to get at least a few ounces out of every pumping session? Has my milk dried up? What can i do to increase the supply?

samduley | August 29 , 2011 3:09 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I breast feed and mix with formula. My milk supply isn't always enough, so I'll give a couple ounces of formula after a feeding. At first I felt bad and beat myself up over it, but then I finally told myself "As long as she's happy and healthy, it shouldn't matter how she eats." I'm happy that she gets breastmilk from me AT ALL, regardless if I provide enough during a particular feeding. I will continue doing what I do for as long as I can, cherish my ability to have bonding time with my child, and maybe soon I won't ever have to supplement with formula after a feeding.

AniRu718 | September 02 , 2011 6:19 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

You baby will definitely benefit from breast feeding. Your baby will be fine without it. Research just shows that it will benefit but nothing bad if you do not. Cosmetic Surgery Toronto

jb4522jb | November 13 , 2011 9:47 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

I also breast feed and pump milk and give it to my 2month old daughter its a lil painful (not like super unbarible pain) and I loose sleep but it keeps my mind at ease when I knw im giving her the beat there is and knowing that it wont b recalled off the shelfs. Plus I save lotz of money n im loosing weight faster and not geting my period for a long time what more can a girl ask for?

Yasmin1988 | January 13 , 2012 4:48 PM

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Is is possible that children that are breastfed have a higher IQ than children that are fed baby formula? Is this some sort of unsupported statement by radical breastfeeding supporters? Has our support of breastfeeding outstripped the facts? Some studies show an increase in intelligence for each additional month the child was breastfed, but I don't think that's scientific proof.

kci15 | January 29 , 2012 3:22 AM

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you asked...

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Re: Am I a bad mommy if I don’t breastfeed? How will it affect my baby?

re: Q: Breastfeeding Benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

Breastmilk in a bottle?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

re: Q: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

Q&A: Breastfeeding benefits?

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