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Category: Postpartum

Asked by Jessica0319

Q: Did anyone have friends/family members discourage you from breastfeeding?

I am pregnant for a 3rd time, with my first I breast fed for 3 months, the entire time I had some family on my bf's side say things like "he's not getting enough" or "he's too small, probably because you're breastfeeding" and my personal favorite "you should give him a bottle of formula too". Why in the world would I give my EBF baby a formula bottle?? And I wish these people could have came to my son's appt's and known that he was perfectly healthy and gaining weight as he should be. Like he was in the 90th percentile. He might have seemed small but he was VERY long, born at 48cm. He was born early as well, so I think for being only 5lbs at birth and catching up in the weight department that it was even better to be breastfeeding obviously. I actually stopped breastfeeding though because this was so stressful. Why can't people keep their thoughts and comments to themselves? I thought I was doing a good thing by breast feeding my son, but people can make i

This question was asked Jul. 15, 2014 12:13am
Category: Postpartum

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Answers (7)

Answered by estone - Jul. 15, 2014 9:24pm

Why would our bodies produce milk if it wasn't meant for baby. So many people are overweight and people expect babies to be full of rolls and chub. It is sad that that has become the "norm." Everyone tells me that my kids are so small. All babies grow at different rates anyways. Try to not let it get to you. People say stupid things because they have no clue.

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Answered by lyssa7872 - Jul. 15, 2014 3:35pm

My son refused to breast feed, so I pumped for almost two months, and I always got looks too when I pulled out a bottle. There just is NO winning with some people, like the other ladies mentioned. So keep doing it how you want and as long as you and baby are both happy, screw what everyone else thinks ;)

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Answered by Jessica0319 - Jul. 15, 2014 1:18am

Thanks for your opinions, I'm happy other ladies agree, I was having no trouble with breast feeding and can produce enough milk for my baby so I do think it would be great to continue longer than 2 months this time, I might try pumping and bottle feed sometimes as well but I know that doesn't work for all breast fed babies. My son only took a breast until 2 months when I switched to formula. I just really don't enjoy people saying things about how my baby is not getting enough, it just makes you feel so horrible. My doctor also encourages it and says it is best and we have a lactation consultant and I might just talk to her this time for advice on how to deal with things like that. Thanks for everyone's encouragement! :)

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Answered by Jessica0319 - Jul. 15, 2014 1:12am

I know that it is good and healthy to breast feed, and I have formula fed my baby as well. But for someone to say your baby is not getting enough nutrients or eating enough or whatever they meant is not right. They have no idea. He was growing properly and gaining weight as he should have been. I am planning to breast feed my new baby and I just hope I don't hear the same things. And I know some people get judged on how the choose to formula feed, but some people just can't breast feed, I think everyone should give it a try but if it doesn't work out, formula feeding can also give them the nutrients they need to grow as well. I don't judge people on how they feed their baby and I really didn't enjoy feeling discouraged trying to breast feed only when it's challenging enough, was just looking on opinions or if people have gone through this and what they did to help them ignore it. I'm really hoping it doesn't happen again this time.

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Answered by MDD2011 - Jul. 15, 2014 12:55am

I haven't gone through that as I'm pregnant right now with my first, but I'm sorry you went through that!! There are so many studies out there that say breastfeeding is the best option, but that formula on the market now is great if someone is unable to or chooses not to breastfeed. If you're able to and want to, I think breastfeeding is the best option for your baby and would strongly recommend you continue! You have to do what is best for you and your baby, and people are going to judge and say things no matter what you do. There are often breastfeeding support groups at the hospital for free, so maybe going to one of those will help you have a good, solid support system to help you breastfeed. Good luck and hopefully they will respect your choice of feeding your baby!!

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Answered by eag923 - Jul. 15, 2014 12:54am

People will judge you no matter how you feed your baby. I have never been able to successfully bf. I can pump all day, nurse all day, go to lactation specialists, etc etc etc, but I never produce any milk. So, I formula feed. I know I get judged when I pull out the bottle, but someone would be judging me if I was pulling out a boob. If your happy with your decision & baby is happy & thriving, bf to your hearts content.

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Answered by sillychemist - Jul. 15, 2014 12:26am

You should do what you feel is best . . . especially when there is so much research that backs you up. Don't let anyone bully you in to doing something different. I hate it for you that you have to deal with this. Be strong, and stick to your decision. It's a great one!

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