The breast start (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: dibuzz

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	24/07/01 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: always ready and warm, free, just right for baby

Disadvantages: some people can't do it, no-one else can feed baby, can be a bit messy when he first sleeps through

I have breastfed all 4 of my children for varying lengths of time and for the most part really enjoyed it.

My first son took to it really well but as I was very shy I wouldn't feed him in front of anyone other than my husband, mum and one of my friends. This meant I had to go upstairs when we had visitors or express milk into a bottle for outings. Luckily I could fill an 8oz bottle in a few minutes but I know some people find it difficult. You can feel very alone sat in a room away from all the fun.

My second son had a completely different shaped mouth and always hurt me. He was also a very difficult baby, never sleeping for more than 10 minutes, and I really couldn't cope. I had to stop breastfeeding after 6 weeks. He was no better on formula milk but I wasn't as tired so it seemed the right thing to do.

My daughter and son both decided they didn't want to entertain a bottle but I was a lot more confident by then and would feed them almost anywhere.

Most of the time no-one even knew they were feeding until they burped at the end, as you can't see anything if you wear loose tops and if you are self conscious a shawl will completely hide everything.

I once had a 10 minute conversation with a workman while feeding my daughter and he never noticed until one of his mates said something. I have never seen anybody move so fast. He couldn't stop apologising and was teased for ages.

Aside from my own experiences i do feel that breastfeeding is the best way as the milk is just right for the baby and is always available at the right temperature - no heating bottles in the middle of the night by which time baby is wide awake. I also found that my bottle fed son was more sickly as a baby.

Another good point is the fact that you are using up more calories and get back to normal quicker. You must eat healthily though as what you eat affects your baby.

When my youngest was 2 he stopped
feeding ( I always waited until they were ready and he was the oldest to still be fed) and I felt so hurt and rejected when he finally didn't want me. It wasn't as bad with the others as I knew there would be another one along soon!

I think there is nothing nicer than to be cuddled up with your baby, giving him everything he needs but some people can't breast feed for all sorts of reasons which I think is sad but they shouldn't feel guilty about it. I would say though, if you do have to bottle feed, please hold your baby close and don't just stick him in a bouncy chair while you do something else. I know it is tempting but these times don't last long - believe me they grow up far too quickly.

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