Is breastfeeding as bad as some people say it is?

Question

I'm thinking about breastfeeding but I'm hearing so many stories and I don't know what to believe.

Answer 1

It was very painful for me. But I would do it again....and did. Once you get the hang of it, its not bad at all and actually really soothing.

Answer 2

I haven't heard anyone say breastfeeding is bad.

Breastfeeding is best for baby nutritionally.

You do have to work at it, it's a learned process for both of you.  But after the first week, you'll both be champs.  See if there's a lactation class at your local hospital and ask for a lactation consult in the hospital to get a real 'hands on' lesson.   I took a class beforehand and it was $10.  Consults in the hospital were free.

Other aspect of 'work' is eating enough to keep up milk supply which will change several times as your baby grows.  Eating enough is cheaper than formula and you don't have to worry about cleaning bottles or over feeding baby.   You can't over feed a breast fed baby.

Contact La Leche League international (www.llli.org) and look for someone nearby to help you, at least by telephone if not going to one of their meetings.  The lactation consultant at my hospital was fabulous and making appointments to see her were free.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Some of my family members say it can be uncomfortable at the beggening and far on, but I;m not sure

Answer 4

No, breastfeeding is GOOD for the child. It transfers many of the mother's defenses to the child. It is one of the most complex food substances in existence, and the formula people wish they could make something as healthy.

Additionally, then you don't have to wash bottles, make bottles, etc. Just lay the baby there, and voila! the child is getting good food.

If you want help or information, look for your local La Leche League, or someone at the hospital that is a lactation consultant. They will help you a whole lot.

Answer 5

I don't see why it would be bad for you... it is basically the most natural that it ever gets...

Why else do women have b*****s? That's their bodily function

Answer 6

I heard it hurts a little, but I think its good for the baby.  

Answer 7

How is it bad? People have been doing it for thousands and thousands of years.

Answer 8

Who would say that?! t is only bad if you're on (dangerous) medication or if for some reason you and/or the baby cannot manage doing it, but then you can get help to teach you and the baby how to do it properly.

In Europe it is considered the best you can do for your baby: it helps to prevent allergies and is psychologically good for the baby and it is good for you as well. Lowers your risk at certain types of cancer I heard.

Answer 9

do you smoke? drink? has then been any history in ur family of breast feeding?

was you breast feed?  if the answers to thses questions are posstive? then there is not need to fear. lopions are like( pardon the frech) a******s? we all have one.

  so if ur diet is good, and  there wear not inifects of it in ur family history then all should be well.

ask ur mum, gran, or sister if u hv? ask others u know who have children. or even the lady walking down the street with a new born child

You will find there always ready to be helpful. and who knows you may make a new friend. Cheers

Answer 10

Breastfeeding not only will it boost your baby's immune system, but is also makes the bond between mother and baby stronger.  

Answer 11

People that can't or don't want to are just saying it is bad.  You as a mother will know that it is right.  My son was born with a rare disease and the doctor said if he was not breastfed he wouldn't have lived as long as he did.  There is also an article that came out about a year ago that said that now days it is hazardous to NOT breastfeed because there are so many antibodies and nutrients that they are not able to mimic!  Good luck!  

Answer 12

It is bad if you dont know what you are doing.

I recomend joining a class somewhere weather its at the hospital or community center. I wish I did and I plan on it next time around.

Answer 13

I think that depends on each mother and baby. Breast milk is the best nourishment for a baby (and cheapest!) but not all mothers have an easy time with it. I plan on pumping, so the baby still gets my milk, but I have the convenience of bottle feeding.

Answer 14

you should definitely try it! it can be hard work in the first few days to a week but once you and your baby get the hang of it, its soooo easy and sooo convenient and well it offers superior nutrition and protection to your little one and you don't have to wash bottles etc

Answer 15

It isn't that bad.  It can be painful until you find the right latch on and everything but other than that I found it to be a wonderful experience.  It can be buggy to have to find a place to nurse if you are out and about and don't like to nurse in public view but you find ways around that too.  I plan to breastfeed this time around just like I did last time because I hate having to use smelly formula and fix the bottles and all that.  

Answer 16

You need to do your own research then. Everyone has their own opinions about everything. They only way you are going to make the right decision is if you educate yourself.

By the way breast feeding is the best thing in the world :)

It is so good for infants that while you are doing your research you will run over a bunch of websites that talk about bovine colostrum being used for older population.  

Answer 17

No i was and i am healthy and smart as a ox. Smart as a fox

Answer 18

I'm 34, had a baby 2 years ago, and breastfed my daughter for 20 months... the first 5 months were "exclusive" (no formula, no water, etc.) and the rest of the time was "on demand" (whenever she wanted to) along with her eating real food.  I think I breastfed too long for my body, as I lost alot of weight (next child, god willing, will be maybe 12-15 months tops).  I didn't think anything was bad at all... there were minor inconveniences like leaking (but if you wear a slightly lined bra, it's no big deal), as well as you had to be available for the baby - like you could only leave the baby with someone for no more than 2 hrs tops - unless you pumped your milk ahead of time and let the baby drink from a bottle.  I never had problems - no hard lumps or infections or soreness or anything.  The best thing I'd recommend is to at least give it a try during the hospital and see if you are ok with it.  I'd highly recommend seeing a lactation consultant or join a "la leche league" in your area ahead of time so they can explain how it all works (you'd think it would be easy and natural - noooooo, there are tricks to helping the baby drink properly).  The other thing is to ask for a breastpump while in the hospital - then the bill for the pump usually will be paid for by your insurance carrier.  On the plus side, it's really really good for the baby to nurse - it's good for you (you lose weight very quickly plus it's supposed to reduce breast cancer risks by like 90% or so)... it's much much cheaper than buying formula.  Almost no baby is "allergic" to breastmilk like they are with formula.  Mine hardly ever spit up or had any kind of ear infections or anything negative.  I would at least try it, and if you don't like it, there's always formula.  But give yourself at least one week of breastfeeding before you make any decisions (it's not easy the first 3 days or so).  Best wishes and congrats on the pregnancy !

Answer 19

of course its not bad! its the most beautiful thing ever, and its the best thing you can give your baby, Dont get me wrong alot of women have difficulties and most of them can be overcome with patience, perservence and time, and it can hurt for some women in the beginning but the benefits much out weigh the problems, you arnt going to know how your going to go until you give it a try, then see how you go, who knows you just might be a pro, feel free to email me when you start I am about to start my training for the Australian Breastfeeding association

Answer 20

I LOVE breast feeding my daughter!  It's a special time only her and I can share.  It makes me feel so bonded to her and I know she needs me.  I love to think that every little tiny part of her is made up of me (except for one teeny tiny sperm donated by her jerk of a father, LOL).  There is nothing better than to lay down with her and have her look up at me with those big sweet eyes.  She looks like she's saying thanks mommy, I love you!  And I know I'm giving her the best start in life too!  It's a priceless gift only I can give her and she'll never even know it... but I will!  

It's true it may hurt in the beginning.  But then again, anything great and worth having usually comes with a struggle.  Do this for your little angel.  You will never regret the decision!  Good luck and congrats on your little miracle!

Answer 21

I HAVE NEVER HEARD THAT BREASTFEEDING IS BAD. IT IS THE BEST  WAY TO FEED YOUR BABY!!!........BACK IN THE OLDEN DAY'S THAT WAS THE ONLY WAY, AND NOTHING HAPPENED TO ANYONE. IT IS NATURES WAY.....FOR A WOMAN TO BREAST FEED HER BABY!!! IF YOU CAN DO IT, GO FOR IT, YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING! AND IF YOU CANT DONT BE HARD ON YOURSELF, FORMULAS ARE GREAT THESE DAYS AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR BABY IF HE/SHE IS BREAST FED!!  

Answer 22

Breast feeding is great for your child. It does take some effort at first. The baby instinctually knows what to do. I had to make sure that I drank enough water and didn't eat foods that would give the baby gas. (homemade split pea soup) It is wonderful to bond with your child that way. I couldn't get the hang of it at first because I was so nervous, but I kept giving the baby the breast and together we got it. I thought it was worth the effort. The best part is that you can eat as much as you want, no matter how rich or caloric. I lost all but 7 lbs. of my baby weight just by breast feeding. Check out La Leche League

Answer 23

Do it.....i was breast fead and have been sick only like 5 times in my 15 years of living...it kicks asss for building an imune system and leads to really healthy kids

Answer 24

Breastfeeding is the best way to go! It's what nature made to nourish the baby and it's the best food available.

Answer 25

believe everything.

Breast feeding is different for everyone. not all babies get it and not all moms understand either. I had a lot of trouble with my first son. He was a baby that did not get. We worked with a lactation consultant and nothing worked he didn't like it so my milk started to dry up and had no chose but to stop. I felt like a failure and a horrible mommy for this. Which lead to PPD really bad. now I don't feel so bad about it.

This time around is still just as hard. I have had everything from clogged milk ducts to being told I have a low milk supply. But my son know what he is doing this time around. All in all I would do it over again in a second.

Yes it might hurt and you will not get much sleep but it is wroth it. The joy you get from breast feeding out weights any of the bad.  

Answer 26

Some of these answers are horrible!

Breast feeding is easy and natural, and while formula is a good subsitute, it IS NOT as good for the baby. Breast feeding is the easiest form of feeding a baby and once you have an established latch and supply its very easy!!!!

You have to do what is right for you and your lifestyle, but I suggest giving it a shot, and if it isn't working out for you as you planned then re-evaluate the situation. You can always switch to formula, but it's VERY difficult to switch back to the breast!

Therefore take advantage of the free, non staining, bottleless form of feeding if you can!!  

Answer 27

No it's not that bad. Everyone has a difference of opinion. It all depends on your genetics. I had problems with breast feeding but my son received a lot of benefits for the limited amount of time that he received it. Formula may be the right option for some people but it's not for everyone. Do whats best for your child. You make the choices for a voice that can't speak. If the inconvenience is some sore nipples and a few weeks of discomfort I would have done it for both of my boys. Only one of my boys was breastfed and the difference is night and day. Good luck

Answer 28

It takes practice, patience, and guidance. Make sure you utilize all the resources at hand, ie the medical staff at the hospital, the Le Leche League, etc... remember, it's the most beneficial for your baby and for you. Educate yourself about it, but most importantly, talk to moms that are/have breastfed their babies. Once you get the hang of it, it's wonderful. I hope you have a great experience! Congratulations!

Answer 29

Yeah its bad.  Formula is just as good, don't believe the lies.

Answer 30

breast feeding is not bad at all, depends if you can do it as some mothers can do it others cant as they have not got enough milk to feed the baby. To me its the most beautiful thing you could do to the baby as its very personal and its always on tap as they call it. if you what more on it and want to contact me, email me and i will tell you more .  

Answer 31

I do not know who told you that. Breastfeeding is the best for your

child.  Honestly. Ask your doctor.

If you can, certainly do so. If you do not have enough milk for the baby,

then get some formula to go with it.

Do not believe breastfeeding is NOT good for your baby.