To feed or Not to feed (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: kelemerson

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	05/06/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy, discrete, get cuddle overload

Disadvantages: none

To feed or not to feed? Thats a question posed to so many new mum's nowadays, and is always up for debate.

Personally I am pro-breastfeeding, but appreciate the reasons why alot of women don't go down this road, however, in todays society it does get increasing difficult to maintain it.

From experience I breastfed my 1st child for about 6 months, being a 1st time mum, everyone kept telling me breast was best, I just felt that breast would be easier (who really wants more jobs to do with sterilising bottles), but was slightly convinced with the arguement for less allergies etc (I suppose I should add that my child now does have ezcema - does this blow some of the arguement out of the window?). I was however, amazed at the lack of support given, every midwife on the ward kept asking me if I wanted a bottle for my daughter, eventually though after hours of insisting I was going to give it a good shot myself, I finally found a student who gave me every ounce of support needed (thank god). After leaving hospital, I was met by many a remark 'oohh, your feeding her yourself?' (accompanied by the obligatory raised eyebrow) but perservered and must admit, enjoyed the whole experience without too much trouble.

Now onto baby number 2 (currently 4 months old, and had 5 feeds in the last 2 hours), yes I am still breastfeeding but have some different observations including:

* Why do grown men have to do a double take (and linger a little too long) - you are not going to see anything (and surely if boobs are your thing a copy of The Sun should suffice).
* Why do people that know me still give me raised eyebrow? and make me feel like I deserve a pat on the back - I am only doing what nature intended!
* Why after 4 feeds during the night, is my partners 1st words that he had a lousy night sleep (when I listened to him snoring throughout)

In honesty, breastfeeding the 2nd is easier (you know what to do - even if baby doesn't), but hard work when you have another child trying to get your attention (and there are only so many books you can read during a feeding session). This added to the fact that darling bundle number 2 wont combine feed like the 1st, I am tied to wherever she is (social life out the window - but DooYoo helps), I sometimes question did I make the right choice this time???

As I ponder this thought, a smile crosses my face, yes it creates less jobs during the day, gives me great opportunities for cuddles (you never get a look in when visitors are about), and I do still think there may be some arguement on the allergies front (will update this if it changes), but the biggest pleasure I get is seeing the look of horror on the old man's face when he thinks I am going to lop by breasts out somewhere inappropiate. Would I give it all up for the bottle? - HELL NO!

Summary: You never know unless you give it a try!