Should I bottlefeed or breastfeed?

Question

I'm a first time mom at 24 weeks pregnant and I'm having so much trouble with this issue. My husband and I had discussed the benefits of breastfeeding and the benefits of bottlefeeding and we both agreed the best for our situation is to bottle feed. My mom bottle feed all her kids and so have my sisters so i have never even had the desire to. But i get alot of pressure from the public to breastfeed.But i feel like my husband can bond so much more with his son if he could just grab a bottle when I'm working and feed him. What should i do? My gut says to bottle feed and everyone else says to breastfeed. HELP.

Answer 1

Breast is better for baby. Your hubby can change, bathe, read a story, help with the sling or stroller and so many other things.

Answer 2

Your baby will be totally fine either way.  Do what is best for YOU!  Yes, breast feeding does have some advantages, but only if it works for you (and your family).  You can always do both, by nursing along with bottle feeding, or pumping.  I struggled with this myself, and ended up bottle feeding.  Good luck.

Answer 3

Why not pump? Then the baby gets all the benefits of breast milk, plus your husband will be able to feed and bond with the baby. Its a really good option to look into since there are so many wonderful benefits of breast milk for your baby. Good luck.

Answer 4

If you're worrying about your husband bonding, he can bond in so many other ways!  And you don't have to just pick one or the other.  Breastfeed and pump.  Breast milk is the best thing for the baby, and it's freeeeee!  It's also so easy (once you and the baby get the hang of it).  In the middle of the night, you don't have to mix a bottle.  If you're out and about, and the baby is hungry, you don't have to worry about if you have enough formula.  If you're baby ends up having milk or soy allergies (my son did!), you don't have to worry about spending a lot on special formula -- you can tailor the milk (depending on what you eat) to fit your baby's needs.  When your baby is sick, your milk even changes so they get exactly what they need.  It's amazing really.  You can pump and your husband can give your baby a bottle.  

Your husband can be the one to change the diapers, rock with the baby, comfort the baby, etc.  Feeding isn't the only way to bond.

Hey, congratulations to you by-the-way!  Whatever you choose will be the perfect solution for your family.  

Answer 5

I'm more biased towards breastfeeding, but I have had four children, and two of them were bottle fed.

The wonderful thing about breastfeeding, is the ease of use!!  If you're working, pumping only takes a few minutes, and you can also supplement with formula.  The first 6 weeks are the best time to breastfeed exclusively (while you're recovering), because it gives the baby much needed antibodies and vitamins.

Your husband can bond with the baby also even if you breastfeed.  By getting the baby up and changing him/her before he brings him/her to you to feed, by pumped bottles you froze, or by supplement bottles with formula.

I just loved how easy it was to just open my shirt, and feed my baby..no matter where we where!  I remember having to fumble with powdered formula and hot water..ahhh..that was a mess!

As for formula feeding, my son grew up quite healthy and smart, and he was bottle fed exclusively.  I do wish I had breastfed him though, even for a little while.  The bonding is so fierce when you breastfeed, it's almost scary (of course this is from my perspective..everyone is different!)

No matter what you choose, you're doing the right thing for your baby.  A lot of women try and shove breastfeeding down your throat...I'm not one of them.  I am 100% supportive of if, and have done it, but I do not despise bottle feeding.

Sorry, this ended up being a lot longer than I had expected.

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 6

Breastfeed!

He can still give the baby a bottle!

Just because all your family chose to bottle feed, doesn't mean you have to. Think outside the box!

Answer 7

Then bottle feed. It's not about what the public says, it's about what you and your husband agree on. Sure breast feeding is great for your child, but there are plenty of babies out there who are bottle fed and are doing just fine.  

Answer 8

This is a very sensitive and an on going question on here. You are going to get alot of info and suggestions from both sides.

The best thing for YOU to do , is do what you feel is best for YOUR family. Don't let ANYONE, especially on here pressure you into doing something your are not comfortable with.

There is no wrong way when it comes to caring for your child. As long as the child is happy, loved, cared for in any way possible. That's what counts. If you Breastfeed or Bottle feed, that is all up to you. You can breastfeed and pump into bottles for your husband to take part in the feedings. But that is all up to YOU.

This is a subject that causes alot of debates on here. So be ready for all the answers you will get.

Good Luck & Congrats on your new bundle of Happiness.  

Answer 9

I am only 15 weeks along but I am having this issue right now too. I want to bottlefeed but since I am having twins and I know it will be tough to provide enough milk for two babies.  I know twins are normally early, I have everyone telling me that I should breastfeed.  I had so much success with bottlefeeding my 17-month old that I am worried about trying to breastfeed my twins.  I am debating the issue of pumping exclusively so the breast milk can put in a bottle for my husband and other to help with feedings.  Another thing is weighing on my mind is the cost of formula for two babies versus one and that I will not be returning to work after the babies are born because I can not adjust to paying over $1300/month for daycare.  

I know every situation is different but you have to be okay with whatever decision you make.  Your baby will be perfectly fine no matter what decision you make.  I have a friend who breastfed and I bottlefed.  Well, our little ones are progressing the same and has been sick around the same number of times.  I know there are benefits of breastfeeding, but I know the advances in formula are amazing.  

Answer 10

i am pro breastfeeding but only if it leads to a happy mum and baby. Dont so it if you really dont want to. It can lead to mental health issues and resentment.

this is your child and your body and you make the decisions

Answer 11

Don't fall pressure to what the public says. While breastfeeding is the optimal and most heathy choice for a baby, you need to do what you feel is best for you and best for your husband and your child.

Alternatively, if it's not too much of a hassle for you, you could pump your breast milk some of the time and let your husband feed your son, and the other half of the time, breastfeed. This way your husband can get that bonding in and your son still gets the healthy benefits of breastfeeding.

Ultimately, it is up to you. Do what you feel is best for your family.