There are 40 story posted.
Story told by Cenelle C.
From
Ohio She has
2 children Her children are
3 and 5 years old
It was a struggle deciding whether to bottle-feed or breast-feed because, although I had heard of all the benefits of breastfeeding, I was fearful of the results. Some of my girlfriends had told me they tried to breastfeed and due to swelling, pain or clogged ducts that they “just could not do it.” On the other hand I had one family member who believed it was the absolutely best way to feed the baby for proper development. Then I had a friend who spoke to me about what she did. She breast feed for the first 6-8 weeks (before returning to work) and then weaned the baby into bottle feeding. She felt as though this method helped build the babies immune system right at the beginning of infancy. After hearing various testimonials and doing my own research on breast-feeding and bottle-feeding I decided to breast-feed as long as I could prior to returning to work. Breast-feeding involves more than just a feeding. It is an emotional and physical bond that a mother experiences through the process with the realization that you are providing the best nutrition possible for the baby. I breast feed for the first 10 months and then supplemented with bottle-feeding with my first child; and for the first 6 months with my second child and then bottle fed. However, formula was my secondary option and my boys did not have any trouble drinking formula. We used an advanced formula which contained “comfort proteins”. After researching formula, I felt that the babies were still getting good nutrition which is important for proper growth and development.
Story told by Betsy
From
Georgia She has
1 child Her child is
10 months years old
I knew that I'd breastfeed before my son was born. I'm cheap. And, honestly, that was my biggest motivator. I saw my friends scrambling for coupons, hoping to qualify for WIC, and worrying aout using the last bit of powder, all in an attempt to save money. I wanted an easier experience around feeding my baby.
So, there you go. I started breastfeeding in the hospital. My son got a bottle of formula in the middle of the night on nights 3 and 4, before my milk came in. Since then, he's refused any formula I've tried. BUt, to be honest, I've only tried like 3 times. We are still breastfeeding.
People (including my pediatrician) look at me like I have 3 heads when they hear I'm still breastfeeding at 10 months. But, to me, honestly, it was just a no-brainer decision. I'd read that babies needed breastmilk or formula for a year. He isn't a year old yet, so I haven't even considered weaning.
Story told by W.H. (Bill) Coleman
From
North Carolina She has
One children Her children are
45 years old
I am certain that the info. posted above is quite unusual. Obviously, as a male, I am NOT a mother. In fact I never knew a mother inasmuch as my birthmother died in childbirth when my twin sister and I were born prematureily. To further complcate the matter I was allergic to most available milks and as a result was raised on goat;s milk. Further I am convinced that while both parents should have opinions as to what their newborns should receive as nutrition I am also convinced that the "bottom line" answer should come from a physician in order to avoid complications that the parents might be unaware of.
Story told by Meaghan Hoffman
From
Pennsylvania She has
1 child Her child is
1 year old years old
Before my son was born I was unsure of how I was going to feed him. We attempted breast feeding early on, but found many difficulties along the way. I knew I would be going back to college in a few weeks after his birth and decided to bottle feed him all of the time instead of inbetween breast feedings. This was the best choice for both of us. I was able to leave him at family members' houses while I went to class and not have to worry about his nutritional needs. He has grown well and is truly the poster child for a healthy, bottle-fed baby.
Story told by Liz
From
Pennsylvania She has
2 children Her children are
6 & 4 years old
Prior to becoming pregnant, I had always assumed that I would formula feed my children. Of course, while pregnant with my oldest, I became more educated about the benefits of breastfeeding and decided to give it a try. With my oldest, it was a very rough start breastfeeding - my milk came in very slowly and my daughter had difficulties latching on. After several days of effort, help from the visiting nurse and a super-duper industrial pump it clicked. I must say though, it was very comforting to me during this stressful time to have the information in the package I received in the hospital from a formula manufacturer.
After about 7 months of breastfeeding, I felt as though my daughter was weaning herself and was not getting all she needed from breastfeeding - it was certainly a gut-feeling and personal choice that was not made lightly.
With my second daughter, there were really no issues with breastfeeding and we switched to formula around 8 months.
I feel strongly that each mom needs to have ALL the information available to her so she can make an educated choice as to what will work best for her child and situation.
