Should I Try Breastfeeding Again? Seeking Moms' Experiences

Breastfeeding is hard work but so rewarding for both you and your baby. It's definitely worth giving it a shot! Learning what's normal is also really helpful. 😀

I pump and feed my baby girl. My breast milk came in super late for some reason, and during the first week I had to supplement with formula, so then she of course wouldn’t take the breast. So I started pumping and giving her breast milk from a bottle - this way she gets the nutrients from breast milk, and I get a certain level of independence 🙂

Can’t hurt to try! I tried both times and wasn’t a fan and neither were my babies. So I pumped and offered formula. If any part of you wants to try, just give it a shot. If you don’t like it, you can stop at any time.

Try what works for you

For me I put the baby to breast right away not 10 mins after birth and they start drinking 🤷🏾‍♀️

I have been breastfeeding for 2.5 years straight. I had one baby that refused pumped milk in bottles and one baby that takes pumped bottles like a champ. Both babies required nipple shields for the first month, which was incredibly trying. I have had ups and downs with my supply, but always come out on the other side. I have had thrush, clogged ducts, engorgement, and survived numerous nursing strikes and cluster feeding. It takes patience and determination. I wouldn't trade that bond for the world. I also agree that fed is best though.

Here’s the way I look at it, and I’ve breastfed all 3 of my babies and I have also bottle fed all 3 babies... formula fed is fine. You can let other people feed your baby and it gives you more freedom. It’s pretty easy to mix up a bottle while out in public, too. In a few months they can hold their bottle on their own. So if you like freedom that’s a good route to choose.

Breastfeeding is very challenging. You can’t really move around a lot when you’re feeding the baby. Your nipples get sore at times and you can easily get engorged. My baby has bit me several times, too. I’m 2 years in with my 3rd. Out in public it’s harder to be modest (if you’re private like I am) but you eventually get used to it and wear 2 shirts instead of one.

BUT breastfeeding has so many benefits for you and baby. It burns calories. It can keep you off your period for a good while (possible). It helps you reduce your risks of breast and ovarian cancer. You also pass antibodies to your baby and it helps him or her fight off infections, viruses and bacteria. Including ear infections.

Your own breast milk is golden. It can help soothe diaper rash by giving your baby a milk bath. It can soothe cracked nipples. It lowers the risk of your baby getting asthma or respiratory illnesses. And you create an amazing bond with your child like no other. Don’t forget, there’s no prep or bottle cleaning when breastfeeding! 😁

I have done both. I can see advantages to both. But for me breastfeeding was the way to go because even then I can pump and give myself freedom when needed.

Either way your baby will be beautiful and happy because of your love. ❤️

I don't have experience with bottle feeding but I'm a week into BFing my first baby and I lovee it. Yes my nipples hurt the first few days and it takes some getting used to but they look sooo cute doing it lol and it's so much easier than having to get a bottle ready especially when you're not sure if thats what they want or not but you have to go through making it anyway

I think your baby will lead you to your desition in the end for me my baby was big so I did both when she was born until my milk came in and then I stuck to breastfeeding it was hard in the beginning it hurt alot but the pain went away and it's easier for me because I dont have to get up in the middle of the night worm water put milk in it shake it wait to cool down while I'm sleepy still and tired that's to me harder I stead of just taking my boob out and giving her worm ready fresh milk lol

I agree with the previous comments! ^^^^ not a bad thing to formula feed but breast or pumping is always worth giving a shot as all babies and pregnancies are different :)

I had trouble building a supply for my first after my milk didnt come in until day 4, I tried really hard for 6 weeks but couldnt ever get more than a total of 2-3oz. I've done a ton of research and prepped really hard and I'm going to give it as best of a shot I can yet I have formula on deck in case it doesnt work out again! :) good luck to you!

You can always start breastfeeding and stop if you choose, you cannot start formula feeding and then choose to breastfeed. If you're torn, try it first. Educate yourself in it and give it a go.