To breastfeed or not?

i chose to do formula for a few reasons. 1.) i was already nervous to be a first time mom & all the new things that come with it. breast feeding is one less thing i wanted to worry about. 2.) time IS money. so for my own sanity, i knew all the time i spent breast feeding would equal to what i spent on formula, if not more. HOWEVER, before what i said has you thinking that i completely wrote off breast feeding forever, i 100% plan on trying to breastfeed with my second when we get around to having another. i do wish i had that special time that breast feeding moms have with their baby, even though i still have an incredible bond with my baby. i even looked into relactation a few months ago but i seemed to be too far removed from lactation at the point i learned about it to make it worth trying. there are incredible benefits to breastfeeding, no doubt. but formula was created for a reason & you should never doubt your decision no matter what you choose to do 🫶🏻

I struggle with my mental health too so I shared some of these concerns but to be honest it was much easier than I thought in many ways. I think breastfeeding requires a little bit of education beforehand but if you’re able to do that, it takes so much off the worries you would otherwise encounter. I highly recommend reading the positive breastfeeding book, it was such a down to earth account of breastfeeding from day one. Also it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, we combi fed so that also took pressure off when I needed to leave baby with dad

I knew I wanted to breastfeed, 1. Cheaper 2. To bond 3. It’s the best thing for your baby! (No disrespect at all to people who choose formula!) I’ve been on antidepressants for nearly 5 years, my HV checked in regularly and made sure I had support around me. The first few weeks breastfeeding were HARD, it feels like it’s never ending and it was painful, emotions are all over the place but I didn’t give up. It feels so natural now and I’m so glad and proud of myself that I stuck with it. I would suggest you give it a go and if you decide it’s not you for that’s 100% okay. Your health and well-being is just as important as your baby’s. Almost 6 months in and don’t plan to stop 🤍

Try and of it doesn't work out you can express. Still saving you lots of money x

@Janine what good advice! I second how hard it is in the beginning and I know how I struggled. I get a little sad that I know that our special "thing" will soon come to an end but I can say that I gave it a good shot!