Breast or bottle???

Breast is best but I would suggest introducing a bottle of pumped milk early so the baby can do both. I did that with my first and not with my second and I really am regretting not doing with my second

If you’re willing to, try to BF first and then switch if needed

I tried breastfeeding with my first and lasted less than 5 hours couldn’t do it, but this time I’m combination feeding breast and formula that way my husband can help as well x

Try breast and expressing, you can always swap if you don’t get on with it but it’s harder to go back to boob if you haven’t tried if that makes sense

I have been breastfeeding and introduced a bottle around 7 weeks slowly sothat we could ensure he takes a bottle because if u leave it too Iate baby may refuse. If you can breastfeed then 10000% do it the benefits for the baby and you are so many! Its a supply and demand so that will ensure u naturally continue producing milk. When i gave birth i asked the midwife pretty much immediately to latch him on dont leave it too late or be pushed by midwives to bottle feed. 3 days after birth i was having soo much pain on one of my nipples so painful i could hvae given up and people do very easily, highly recommend u speak to a lactation consultant and also do lile a free lactation course online before u give birth great info! The lactation consultant helped me so much! I started pumping around 5/6 weeks to build up my milk supply in the freezer, which iregret leaving it that late as u have most milk the first 4 weeks. When i feed my little one i pump on the other side (around 2 - 3 times early hours in the morning

I bottle fed my first 2 and had a baby 5 weeks ago and I’m breastfeeding it’s the best decision I’ve ever made it’s so much easier than bottle feeding the only down side I think is that no one else can feed baby unless you express x

no, fed is best

So I am EBF my second now....I had a love hate relationship with my first breastfeeding journey and little one took a bottle early once off so didn't try for a while as I didn't need to...she refused and partially this is why I didn't like it sometimes as I felt touched out at times...but definitely I overall loved it more than those times.

Second time around I was going to introduce a bottle. I have huge milk supply second time around and my boy is not as stuck to me and once milk was established he's not needing as frequent feeds as my little one so it's a much better experience and tbh I don't really want to give a bottle now.

You can always use a syringe until they learn to use either an open cup or sippy cup so I wouldn't get caught up on that!

Breastfeeding soooo much easier once established as no bottles to sterilize and make IMO.

Also it's so good for teething, sickness and leaps or growth spurts. I'm still feeding my almost 2 year old once and gonna wean soon. She's only got foot and mouth....

FED is best. Bf is a lot both physically and mentally. I combo feed it’s only been 7 weeks and it’s draining

Great 1,000,000 x better, and science proves this. Breast feeding is NOT easy. Both my journeys 2 years 1 month for my son and almost 2.5 for my daughter were unbelievably hard, but I knew I was doing what was best for them. Nurse on demand not on a schedule, no always but a lot of the time a schedule can cause failure to thrive, and low milk supply. I would also encourage you to look into shots. There are many medical doctors that are against them, but it’s not something they want getting out. You can alway vaccinate you can never un-vaccinate .

....once and 2 sniffles that were mild! It's more than just feeding..it's comfort and reassurance.

If you do plan to do it I recommend going to breastfeeding groups pregnant to ask loads of questions of what's normal and buy " the womanly art of breastfeeding" it's got sooo much information I still reference it now. I was clueless about breastfeeding but with support groups.... even online ones it's great to troubleshoot any issues or questions you have!

At the end of the day whatever you choose is best. Combi feeding could be a choice too. The first 2wks are hard and 6wks are about building supply... after this it tends to be quite easy xx

@h fed is mandatory, not best.

I picked breastfeeding because I could and boy did it make the lazy girl in my proud.

First, breastfeeding is NOT lazy work. It physically, emotionally and overall hard and exhausting. But, one thing I don’t have to do is wash bottles. I don’t have to sterilize bottles. I never slept with a shirt on. My kids would cry, I would roll over and within second my baby was happy. I didn’t have to scramble and make a bottle at 3:30am. Plus, formula is EXPENSIVE, at least in my opinion. So I saved us so much money.

Also, going out and not having to pack enough formula and water for god knows how many feeds....yah I didn’t have to think about that.

Lots of pros and cons but I found a lot more pros when it came to breastfeeding over formula feeding for my children.

“Fed is best” is such a ridiculous statement 😂🤣.

Anyway, it has been scientifically proven that breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants during the first year of their life. However, breastfeeding is not always an option for all women. As such, formula feeding is a suitable alternative.

The nutrients in breast milk are also better absorbed and utilised by your baby’s body.

Scientifically, yes, breast milk is better for your baby. But please, please don’t feel like you’ve failed if you can’t do it. I couldn’t do it with my son; I lasted a week and switched to formula. He’s a happy healthy nearly six year old now. My son fed every few hours on Cow and Gate until he was about 6 months and then started dropping bottles when we did BLW. But this time, I’m heading into my journey hopefully more well informed as I’m going to do online courses rather than letting an NHS nurse manhandle my boob into my sons mouth 😂
I would do your research on what works for you, because whatever works for you is the right path. I caused myself so much mental health issues because of the guilt I felt with not being able to breastfeed and it contributed to my PND. How you feed your baby is your decision and please don’t let anyone give you any crap for the decision you come to - go online and you’ll find plenty of pros and cons to both sides of the argument

It’s best to do your research and do what’s best for you and what would fit into your life.
I breastfed from birth and still breastfeeding my toddler whilst pregnant.
Whatever you choose, you’ll still have a happy & healthy baby :)

You need to do what's best for you, if that's bottle feeding, combi feeding or breastfeeding as long as baby is getting fed and is growing and developing it doesn't matter how baby is fed please don't put pressure on yourself to do one way or another

Fed is best; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I would encourage you to try nursing, but if it doesn’t work out, don’t be ashamed of giving your baby formula.

I tried breastfeeding with my first but he was intolerant to breastmilk so in our situation he was formula fed, and I had to come to terms with as long as he’s fed and thriving it shouldn’t matter. I did get a lot of negative comments from other people over the fact he couldn’t handle breastfeeding but do plan on trying to breastfeed my second one. Every woman and baby are different I wish you the best of luck with however you end up feeding your little.

The statement is ridiculous because it suggests that there are other suitable alternatives to being fed. That’s why it makes no sense. Babies MUST be fed.

The statement “breast is best” is simply a statement of fact that acknowledges there are other alternatives available. Just like “McDonald’s is junk food” 😂 … I still give my children McDs, however it doesn’t take a genius to work out that it is NOT the best option available.

I didn’t know that about the NHS. That is also ridiculous!!!!

The judgement of parents for choosing to breastfeed or formula feed is completely unnecessary - but we know people will judge anyway.

However, facts don’t change regardless of our feelings.

it is actually not a ridiculous statement '🤣'

🤦🏾‍♀️ … What is an alternative to a baby being fed?

Just a question for people who have previously breast fed - how often are you feeding baby?

I really want to breast feed if I can, but I’m now hearing that breast fed babies feed a lot more than formula fed. I will still breast feed regardless (if I can) but I feel like it’s putting all the onus on me to feed when I’d like some help from my partner. I’m planning on expressing so we can both feed but I’m worried I don’t have chance as I’m feeding all the time! Xx

Saying breast is best is completely old fashioned and quite an uneducated statement. As long as the baby is FED with formula/breast milk, then why say it...

a baby not being fed…

While I don’t know your background or education you’d be surprised to know that some parents don’t feed their infants.
Or some will not even offer infant formula or breast milk…but just give water and oatmeal to “keep tummy full”

While feeding an infant is trivial and obvious to you, you would be shocked that’s this isn’t sooooo obvious to others.

So fed is best is not a silly response. Any IBCLC's would say “fed is best” because this is a fact mama.

https://fedisbest.org/

fed is best is also for parents who can’t breastfeed. Beyond the fact that some don’t make enough milk, so mother take medication that is obviously not good for the baby. Think about those that take lithium for schizophrenia. Any doctor would tell the mom “do not breastfeed while on medication”. Because lithium is very very potent. So fed is best because the mom shouldn’t compromised her mental health and obstinate from taking her prescriptions. So she will need to provide formula for that child. A doctor would tell this mother that a fed baby is a happy baby. They will not be mad at you in 15 years become you didn’t breastfeed them.

Fed is best.
Please stop trying to make people feel like shit. Yes, science says breast milk is better than formula. Everyone know this. But formula isn’t far behind in benefits. So moms shouldn’t be scared of worried because FED IS BEST

I used the McDonalds example to highlight the fact that there are levels when it comes to nutrition - not a comparison to formula. Also to demonstrate that there is no judgement because I give my own children junk food occasionally while being fully aware it’s not the best. Hope that makes sense.

Awwww poor baby 🥰 … Glad you were able to get it sorted in the end.

In the early days, it can often feel like baby is ALWAYS on the breast 😩😩😩 … Cluster feeding can feel like torture… especially through the night when you DESPERATELY want to sleep 😂.

After that, I just fed my children on demand. Forgive me, my ‘baby’ is almost 10 so I can’t remember exactly how often but I did find time to pump as well.

Awww… Wishing him (and you) all the best ❤️

I’m not in need of any resources. There is nothing I need to be convinced of either. In my original comment, I acknowledged that breastfeeding is not an available option for all mothers. In those instances, of course, formula feeding is their best option.

I am not attempting to make anyone feel like shit 😵‍💫.

When emotion is removed and logic is employed, it’s a very simple conversation.

@charlotte you responsively feed, which means you learn your baby’s feeding cues and feed when they ask for it. You should for as long as they want whenever they want, so it shouldn't be a set schedule. Once your breastfeeding is established, you could offer breastmilk via bottle too so your partner can help x

There’s definitely pros and cons to either I breast first time around. There’s a lot of feeding in the beginning but they settle into a routine as they get older. I did a bit of combi towards the end and I wasn’t sure what I’d do this time and I think I’ll try to breast feed but introduce 1 bottle of formula before bed sooner so my partner can get involved and it takes the pressure of me.

I personally didn’t get on with expressing it was double the work and not for me.

For me I was glad I could breast feed so baby gets anti bodies and saved me a fortune but I’m not against formula either and went to just formula toward the end (about 9 months onwards) - I think I got the best of both worlds.

But do what feels right for you x

Personal experience, I breastfed my daughter until she was 18 months. The first 6 weeks were tricky with cluster feeding, but then it became much easier and very convenient. No sterilising, feed on the go and also free! But you need a good support system for sure as it can be difficult to start with. Xx

…girl. Goodbye

😂😂😂 ✌🏾

This is my 5th baby and I think I'm going to bottle feed them this time round.. I breastfeed my eldest now 17 years old for 8wks but he was very sicky baby so he was put on to special formula.
My second now 14 years old I fed him for 17 months, 3rd now 11 years fed til 18 months..and 4th 1st daughter I fed til she was 3 years old she will be 4 in January..
I found it a very lovely bonding experience but also felt very drained & trapped as no one else could feed them or help out etc as they wouldn't take a bottle..
So this time round I'm planning on formula feeding so not restricted & I'm on medication now not sure you can feed on it..

I breastfed my eldest for 5months, I breastfed my youngest for 1year. I plan on breastfeeding this one for 6months.
I expressed with both as well so their dad could be involved with feeds (single parent) I did have a plentiful supply though, I'd recommend having formula just incase you can't produce enough or have difficulty latching or just find it uncomfortable and not for you.

The benefits of breastfeeding are alot and certainly worth trying atleast.

My first spent a stint in hospital so we formula fed. I liked that because I could see exactly what he was getting and it was more appropriate for the situation. Took a lot of the anxiety away.

My 2nd I'm planning to exclusively pump so I can still provide breast milk but remove the level of anxiety I had about breast feeding before bu knowing how much they are having

I did find my little one got sick a lot early on last time which when he wasn't getting the immunities in breast milk (as all the drs liked to tell me) was to be expected. So I want to try that this time but in a way that suits me.

Quite frankly though if I formula or breast feed I don't care. FED IS BEST regardless of how they feed.

You do what's right for you if that's direct from breast. Bottle with breast milk or formula or a mix of both x

I found the first two weeks on my first intense and up until week 6. I nearly gave up week 5. That day I just about was able to feed and hydrate myself. I was exhausted.....baby was fussy. I didn't shower, get dressed or brush my teeth....but I went to an online support group it was all soo normal.

Read loads and research especially about those first 6 wks . Next week I am still feeding my girl and will be 2 years.... we're down to one feed and I'm also feeding my newborn whose almost 10wks old. It's way more easier this time around hugely due to expectations (first night was horrendous though but my midwife really supported me and i was so grateful for that!)

Get support...online or groups if you can. Educate yourself on what's normal behaviour (don't underestimate that) prepare for postpartum....save money to buy freezer meals or pre make some if U can. Get some help whether family or paid if you can or work it out with your partner. Let the house work go and get partner to pull their weight..

babies cluster feed a lot in those first 2 weeks especially but up until 6wks.

Prepare to settle in front of some nice tv series or films and get comfy and hydrate.

If you can colostrum harvest (YouTube or google it) that would be amazing and may help with your supply. Plenty of skin to skin in that first hour and if you can.
IMO....having a natural birth and preparing for that as much as possible will help in a great start to breastfeeding as it means you hopefully won't need to be taken away from baby or vice versa (less interventions needed if no medications *mostly*) but if it happens you'll have your colostrum as a back up. The golden hour is important if you're able to have it.

Babies will cluster feed to build supply so it could be every 30mins to every 1hr or some babies then feed every 3-4hrs. Look for signs of rooting & get familiar.
They go through phases of this throughout their 1st yr.

My 1st fed 1-3hrly & my little man is a 3-5hrly baby....my supply is great! Best of luck x

Im hoping to try breastfeeding but will definitely express and combi feed if im able to. If not, the formula is perfectly fine.

Im not going to put pressure on myself, and I absolutely 1000000% do not want to EBF, I just know ill struggle with having to be the only person responsible for feeding her. I need to have some freedom and time away from my baby

I’m hoping to breastfeed again I’m still bf my toddler, I find it so much easier not have to make wash and sterilise bottles 😅

hi I’m still breastfeeding my toddler she’s two this month, I bought a wearable pump so o didn’t have to find time to pump on top of feeding and it was a lifesaver!! It ment my husband could feed little one too. I don’t think what milk they have changes how much they feed some babies are just hungry a friend of mine used formula and her little one fed on the hour round the clock for the first 6month where as my little o e did every 3 hours on breast milk xxxx

I’ve breastfed my son for the last 9.5 months and will continue to do so. I also plan on breastfeeding the next baby. I like the convenience of it especially at night. Also it’s great for comfort. If he’s upset I give him boob and he calms down. I also don’t want to buy formula if I don’t have to.

The downside is I can’t leave for more than 4 hours now. Up until he was 6 months I was lucky to be able to leave for an hour or two. There are pros and cons to both and neither is a bad choice but I would say if you’re willing to try breastfeeding do it but be open to the possibility of bottle feeding too.

(Also added bonus breastfeeding and being pregnant means I can eat anything and not gain weight 😂) x

I'm planning on breastfeeding. The benefits are great for mum and baby, plus the added bonus of it being free and less hassle than having to constantly make/wash/sterilise bottles. Once breastfeeding is established, I'll try expressing so my partner can also feed.
Getting the right support is important, and if you want to BF, it's key to understand that it's "supply and demand" to build your supply. The more you feed baby, the more you should produce. Skin to skin is also really important, especially in the hour post birth. If your baby is weeing/pooing and gaining weight, then you will know that they are getting enough. Your midwife should be able to support, and the hospital should also have workshops and/or BF supporters postpartum. There are usually local groups that provide support too. Even if you are not planning to BF, you can harvest colostrum from 37 weeks onwards, which is really beneficial (often called "liquid gold"). The syringes can be frozen, and then you can take with you when you give birth.

Thank you for all the great advice everyone 💕 I am planning on trying to harvest colostrum soon but I’ve had no signs of even leaking yet so a bit concerned.
can I please ask which pump you bought? I’ve been looking but the reviews have been quite hit and miss for most of the ones I have looked at x

@charlotte don't worry if you aren't leaking, and try not to feel any pressure with getting it straight away. It can take a bit of practice to hand express the colostrum. At my trust, we give out packs, which include syringe kits and instructions with pictures. It can help to have a hot shower/place warm flannel on your chest and massage your breasts before attempting to collect. It can take a few tries, so don't worry if you can't get any the 1st time - you can try again later. X

hand express you may not get anything for the first few days. Apparently 10 mins at a time is sufficient...it took me a while to get a drop ....I never leaked. Collect in a syringe and keep in fridge over 24hrs. Then freeze. If I did it again....I'd just hand express until I start to get a few more drops then collect. Pumping would hurt at this stage until your milk comes in.

Not recommended to pump for first 6 wks ...baby will help regulate supply.
If you pump you put yourself at risk of oversupply or mastitis and more issues which may negatively affect your journey. Wait until 6wks unless HCP recommends otherwise. There's so much to learn but you will bit by bit xx

I’m a breastfeeding peer supporter in my postnatal unit. Im also 20 weeks pregnant and breastfeeding my 2 year old too. The reason “fed is best” isn’t a statement that is supported is for the reason the statement was formed rather than the words behind it. A doctor who failed to notice signs of dehydration in her newborn after she was not creating a sufficient latch breastfeeding then dealt with a lot of medical issues with newborn due to this. She struggled to deal with the trauma and guilt and created a campaign which pushed formula which ultimately created backlash for breastfeeding mothers and fear mongering for those planning to bf.

Breastmilk is the best source of nutrients for a baby not just as a baby but right until they wean which is naturally anywhere between age 2-7. Of course a lot of mothers will wean when the time is right but the point is you cannot challenge the nutritional value. Breastfeeding lowers the risk of development of breast cancer and other illnesses in