Should I breast or bottle feed?

Question

I'm going back to work after 3 months and work 12 hour shifts so it will be difficult to express so much milk. I know breast is best but I'm torn between what I feel is best for my baby and what is best for my family as a whole. Any ideas?

Answer 1

This is a personal decision that only you can make.Only you know what is best for your family.Either decision is perfectly fine.

Answer 2

If you feel it will be too overwhelming, then no, don't pump. Your baby already got the most beneficial part of your milk in the early days. Your baby will be fine, but stressing yourself out and bringing all that into the house to keep breastfeeding, will negatively affect everyone in the house and could do more damage to the babies health than formula. Besides, take into consideration how your changing activities (daily stresses of working) and possible new on the go diet  could change the quality of your breast milk anyway. Do your thing mommy, your baby will be fine.

Answer 3

i think you should atleast give pumping a try, the lactation consultant i went to suggested atleast doing it for 30 days before giving up on pumping at work.

i too will be going back to work after 3 months and i work 12 hour shift work as well but i am going to try my very best to pump at work.

i think i should be able to breastfeed the baby before he/she goes to daycare at 6am then pump around 9, 12 and 3 then breastfeed again as soon as i pick the baby  up.

i am investing in a very high quality pump because i want the best chance to have a successful pumping experience and after talking to my lactation consultant it seems like the medela freestyle will be the best for me because it is the closest to hospital grade that is available for home purchase and it is a hands free dual pump that doesn't weigh too much.

good luck with whatever you decide but  

Answer 4

I believe ultimately it is YOUR choice, nobody else's. I understand you are looking for opinions since this is that kind of site but don't let people rock you when they bash you for even thinking of bottle feeding. I bottle feed. There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding. If you cannot express all of the milk needed, then you can supplement. It's fine.

Answer 5

You can try pumping and bottle feeding the pumped milk.  Or you can formula feed during the day and breastfeed directly when you get home.  Even if baby is sleeping you can do dream feeds and still get the bonding time, and still have the benefits of breastmilk going to your child.

Ultimately it is your decision, and if you make it with the best interests of your child in mind, it will be the best decision.

Answer 6

Breast feeding is best for your baby.  If you can't do it, at least do it for the first few months.

Answer 7

brreastfeed as much as you can and pump some out for when your not there, have formula incase the person taking care of the baby runs out.

breastfeeding id better for the baby:

it provides all the nutrients your baby needs

it has hundreds of antibodies, enzymes and other factors that will protect your baby from infection and diseases

its free

but all in all its your choice

Answer 8

It is your decision and don't let anybody try to tell you what you should do.  I went back and forth on this while I was pregnant and ultimately decided that bottle feeding would work better for our family.  Do what feels right to you.  Your baby will be fine either way! : )

Answer 9

breast feed, pump as much as you can throughout the day.. I am the biggest advocate for breastfeeding and find formula just a convience food..

now if you find that your milk is diminishing from pumping to much, drink lots of water, you can drink mothers milk tea, and your body will adjust.. just pump pump pump, and then when you get home breastfeed for as much ans as long as the baby would like.

Answer 10

How you feed your baby is up to you.  

Answer 11

It's up to you but think about the pros and cons of both. Breast feeding is best for your baby, everyone knows that but I chose to fomula feed my two because i felt it was better for my family as a whole.