Importance of Breast Feeding?

I’d say that’s your decision and medical professionals shouldn’t feel any kind of way about it 🙄 if it was me I’d personally try the breast first because pumping and bottle feeding is such work!

Any way your baby is fed is best! A lot of people seem to think that breast feeding is superior, but your baby getting fed is the most important thing, regardless of what that method of feeding ends up being

For your ease and lower stress it would be worth getting to a point you can breastfeed too. Pump and bottle is fine but a lot of hassle, they probably just wanted to support you and get you do see a lactation consultant to help with the latch as it’s often resolvable. I pumped and bottle fed mostly for 4-8 weeks but got a lot of help in that time and had my baby’s tongue tie released too and by 8/9 weeks I was exclusively breast feeding and it was so much easier. It’s a learning curve for baby and you in the early days.
Obviously if you prefer pump and bottle then there’s nothing really wrong with that.

My boy wouldn't latch too and he ended up hospitalised with jaundice when he didn't feed enough then wouldn't wake up to feed because he had so little energy.
So i pumped exclusively for 3 months then combined with formula till 6 months then went to just formula. My boy is absolutely thriving now.
Basically, yes there are benefits, but it's only best if it works for you. It wasn't best for my son, and that's OK, he is doing great.
Sounds like you're doing what your son needs.

I had to use nipple shields to get my babies to latch, but was less hassle than pumping.
Do whatever suits you & your baby. Mumma instincts are always right x

Crumbs alive - this is just not ok. You are feeding your baby in a way that works for you. My milk didn’t come in and so I exclusively formula feed. I’m sorry you got judgement from people who should know better. If you want to BF then go for it but if you and baby are thriving then that’s amazing too. For what it’s worth, you’re doing a great job! Ps. All the BS about bonding with baby is complete trash. I couldn’t be more bonded to my little girl and vice versa and have never breastfed (skin to skin obviously important). It also means your partner can help with feeds which I’ve loved to watch as they have a very special bond too now.

Same as what Charlie said, it could be that they’re wondering if there’s an issue that’s forcing you to pump (like latch issue) and they want to help with that as pumping is an enormous effort compared to directly feeding!
They’re also probably aware of the big supply drop that will happen as your supply regulates, as while the oversupply at the start is great, it may not last if you don’t keep up with regular enough pumping x

The first week of breastfeeding is the most difficult especially for a new mum. If you really want to bf I’ll suggest to keep at it as their sucking reflex is stronger than the pumping (this will help keep the milk consistent). I had on and off pain for the first month but found my way around and we’re almost 8 months in and no pain since

For the latching as a ftm myself I found that the method of latching taught in the hospital just made i and my baby frustrated i.e bringing baby to breast. I learned to take my boob to her in a safe way… where I’m not slouching and over time she learned to latch properly

I expressed breast milk and bottle fed both my babies from about a month with my first and day one for a year with my second. My first couldn't latch properly and I thought see was drinking but wasn't this way I could see exactly how much she was drinking. If it works for you both then thats what you do.

They could be concerned that your supply won't fully 'come in" and stay if you're pumping, mine didn't and I couldn't breastfeed. Always worth speaking to someone and seeing if your baby is maybe tongue tied?
But whatever path you take is amazing and the best for you and your baby

Firstly don’t feel bad for feeding your baby in a way that you feel is the best for both you and the baby. But maybe consider seeing a lactation specialist as breastfeeding is easier than pumping in the long run. But it’s definitely a learning curve

My biggest learn first time round was how exhausting pumping was. I did a combo of breast and pumping as I thought this allowed my husband to help with feeds and at the time I didn't realise that meant I also have to pump when he gives the bottle to keep my supply up and it all became so much work. Then about 6 months in I stopped pumping and exclusively breastfed and it was a million times better. The night feeds were so quick and baby had gotten very efficient at eating by then. So maybe juat try breastfeeding first and keep that as an option as your baby might get better but if you give too many bottles it will become babies preference as they don't need to work so hard.