Am i a bad mother if i decide to stop breastfeeding an start bottle feeding?
ByIve been mostly breastfeeding but realized that ive been giving him more formula then breastmilk each day. 1. I get so worried that he is not eating enough when i breastfeed. 2. he falls asleep during breasrfeeding. 3. I fall asleep during the middle of the night feedings.
He is only 2 weeks old and i know “breast is best,” but bottle feeding is so much easier and i can actually tell how much he is eating.
Related posts:
- What is the difference between breastfeeding and bottle feeding with breast milk?
- cosleeping, weaning from breastfeeding, and 11pm wakings?
- How do i teach my breastfeeding son to take a bottle?
- should I stop formula and only breastfeed if I use fuengreek herb for my newborn?
- How can I get my baby to keep breastfeeding even though he has been spoiled with a bottle?
33 Comments
April 9th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I think formular feeding is always a bad idea. There are no benefits to it. Breast is best.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
No it doesn’t make you a bad mom. It’s your decision.
April 9th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
You need to do what you feel is right for your baby. There is nothing wrong with bottle feeding with formula. Good luck to you!
April 9th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
you should start bottle only if your baby is spitting up way to often and if he isn;t spitting up while you are breastfeeding than don’t start bottle untill your baby is at least 2-3 months old
April 10th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Stick to it, you haven’t given yourself time to get adjusted. It took me a month and 1/2 to get the hang of it. And don’t worry your baby is getting enough. Just breastfeed (not formula) for two days and Court wet and dry diapers. That will tell you that he’s getting enough!
April 10th, 2010 at 1:09 am
If you just remember to cuddle him a lot the formula feeding is just fine. If he is already taking more formula than breast milk I don’t see where it matters.
April 10th, 2010 at 1:39 am
absolutely not. There are lots of women who can’t breast feed their children and bottle feed them. They still have the same bond with their kids. it is just their nipples don’t hurt as much. It is true that formula is not quite the same as breastmilk but both work well. or get a pump.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:13 am
There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with bottle feeding. You’re gonna get a lot of flack on this but if it’s easier for you and YOU are more comfortable with having your baby drink formula or breast milk in a bottle go for it. You are the mom no one else on here is. If you like knowing exactly how much he eats and you want to know that and want something a little easier with a baby then go for it. THERES NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT!!! don’t let anyone tell you differently!
April 10th, 2010 at 2:48 am
No, you are in no way a bad mother! If you are worried about him not eating enough, and you are falling asleep… You could always pump. That way, your body still gets the effect of breastfeeding, and he will still gets the nutrients, but it is easier on you! And if you don’t want to pump, it is ok to switch to formula! It is not bad for your baby! And you are not a bad mother!
http://www.babycenter.com is an awesome place to read and learn about all things concerning baby! Check it out! It really helps me!
April 10th, 2010 at 3:40 am
This is a touch subject. Ppl who bf are very opinionated. I do believe in bf but I also believe that you need to make decisions that will make you the best mom. The more you nurse the more you will make. If he falls asleep during the feeding wake him up by repositioning him. I would also fall asleep during night feedings its ok they will keep nursing. My husbands job was to put the baby back when he was done. He is a very light sleeper.
April 10th, 2010 at 4:32 am
He is getting plenty. Don’t stop breastfeeding. Don’t give him formula because you dont think he’s getting enough, he’s getting plenty.
April 10th, 2010 at 4:40 am
What you feed your baby does not dictate whether or not you’re a bad mother! I’m going to get a lot of ‘thumbs down’ for this, but I want you to know that it is YOUR choice…he is YOUR child.
Since you’re still producing milk, you could always pump if breastfeeding isn’t working for you. I pumped for my daughter (though, it IS a ton of work compared to just mixing some formula).
Formula isn’t poison. I was formula fed and I am as healthy as can be. My daughter was breastfed until 3 months and is as healthy as can be.
You seem like a good mom, since you have so much concern. Just trust your instincts, hun…and do what works for you.
April 10th, 2010 at 4:51 am
bottle feeding mums are just as good as breast feeders. im a formula feeding mum and im a damn good mum. i dote in my daughter. i started breast feeding but she wouldnt latch on properly and her blood sugar dropped so i had no choice.
never ever let anyone critisise you for giving up breast feeding. its your choice its your body.
April 10th, 2010 at 5:05 am
no you wont be a bad mom, i stoped breastfeeding just before 2 months i just couldnt stand milk commin out of my nipples and being scard that i leaked through my shirt even if i had one of those pads on..and it was a big inconvenice for me..my son is perfectly healthy hes not overwight hes doing just fine as a baby that was breastfed..he’s going on 9 months now
April 10th, 2010 at 5:36 am
I used to fall asleep during night feedings too! I pump a bottle once a day for my daughter, and then I know what she eats on average. As long as she pees and poos enough, you know its going in. Don’t feel guilty if you choose to formula feed either, babies still thrive on it.
April 10th, 2010 at 5:42 am
I agree that breast milk is best for babies but you have to do what’s comfortable for YOU and YOUR baby. I strongly believe in mother’s intuition. It does NOT make you a bad mother if you choose to formula feed. With my first child I supplemented with formula but I think he did actually get more formula than breast milk. I’m now breastfeeding my 2nd child and she is 20 months. What I’m trying to say is that all kids are different. As far as if your son is getting enough to eat, it is hard to determine exactly how much they’re getting when you’re breastfeeding. I think as long as he’s gaining weight then he’s probably getting enough.
I personally think you should give it a couple more weeks because to me 2 weeks is so soon to give up and I don’t want you to wish you would have stuck it out longer. However, if you wish to stop, I don’t think you should feel bad about it. There are plenty of healthy formula fed babies. If you REALLY want to continue to breastfeed, you might check out your local La Leche League for some advice. Good luck.
April 10th, 2010 at 5:46 am
No it won’t make you a bad mom. You do what you think is best for your son.
You will probably get alot of replies saying not to feed him formula, but don’t let them make you feel bad about your choice.
I pumped and bottled fed my daughter for he first two weeks because she always fell asleep and couldn’t latch. So i pumped and probably would have went longer then 2 weeks, but i had dried up and couldn’t anymore.
Yes, breast milk has alot more benefits, but formula is just as good.
April 10th, 2010 at 6:20 am
Try pumping and giving him a bottle that way you still know how much he’s getting. If thats your main concern. Your body will produce enough milk for you child.
By feeding him the formula your making it to where you body isn’t going to produce as much milk as he needs.
Breast feeding is best for your baby. Talk to your child’s doctor about what is best for you and baby.
April 10th, 2010 at 6:55 am
Having been a breastfeeding mother for almost two years total( 2 kids) here is my advice.
Pick one or the other and stick with it. Breastfeeding is best for your baby in a lot of ways, but formula will meet all of your baby’s nutritional needs as well. Breastfeeding is a tough decision in the beginning. I wanted to give up both times. I worried a lot about whether I was producing enough. If your son is falling asleep at the breast, then he is getting enough to eat. A hungry baby wouldn’t fall asleep. If you are still worried about your production, get a pump and pump your milk one time. See how much comes out. You would be surprised at how much is in there. Your breasts don’t have to feel tight and full for there to be adequate milk in them.
April 10th, 2010 at 7:50 am
I disagree with the last answer. I absolutley do not believe you are a “bad mother” if you bottle feed. They say that breastfeeding reduces the risk of such diseases as diabetes, obesity, etc. If you think about it, 50 or 60 years ago, the majority of babies were breastfed, and we still find more and more people being diagnosed with these diseases. I believe it’s more a matter of how well people take care of themselves. Benefits of bottle feeding: You know exactly how much your baby is getting… you can do it in public anytime, anywhere… your other family members can help feed the baby sometimes. I am all for those who want to breastfeed, but I think you should be able to bottle feed your baby without being critisized.
April 10th, 2010 at 8:21 am
You should try pumping breast milk into bottles if you want to know how much baby is drinking. He must be contented if he falls asleep during feeding. Normal to think about these issues with newborns. Good Luck!
April 10th, 2010 at 8:36 am
NO..Geeze…Mothers who bottle feed aren’t “Bad Mothers”
April 10th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Don’t do that to your child because it is just flat out horrible.
April 10th, 2010 at 9:21 am
No of course you wouldn’t be a bad mother! Your taking care of your baby, and making sure he is getting his food etc. That sounds like you love him a lot. Breast is best, but now days they make formula that is so close to breast milk – not the same of course, but containing a lot of those vital vitamins etc that the baby should get. If you are unable to breast feed, I think it’s perfectly ok to give a bottle, we don’t suppliment with formula, but I have been pumping since my baby was about 2 weeks old and freezing the milk, I went back to work this week so she gets a bottle while I’m gone (of breastmilk) and then whenever I’m with her she gets the boob! Have you considered pumping? It doesn’t take long before you get quite a stock in the freezer, and I ususally only pump about 5 minutes or so at a time. You could pump and breastfeed your baby throughout the day and give him the breastmilk through bottles at night, or pump when he eats etc? If your not interested in pumping use formula, I was just trying to think of all your options
This is my first baby so I have been talking to my pediatrition all the time about all this stuff! I don’t want to be a bad mom either! Hope i helped some,
Good luck to you & CONGRATS on your new baby!!!
Toni Lynne =)
April 10th, 2010 at 10:03 am
even a little breastmilk is good. if your baby ever gets sick, or gets a scratch or cut, or an earache, having a little of your milk can be so helpful for baby. breastmilk has so many uses. he may feel so good from the oxytocin from breastfeeding – get so high and relaxed from that, and it’s good that he falls asleep. he’s in total comfort.
but do whatever FEELS good to you. whatever it may be.
and if you decide to stop producing milk, you may be able to just pump and store some in the freezer for the future.
good luck:) you’re a good momma.
April 10th, 2010 at 10:47 am
A bad mom doesn’t WORRY about being a bad mom. You’re not a bad mom…no matter what decision you make!
If you stop now, I fear that you might later regret your decision to stop. I would encourage you to continue and possibly contact a lactation consultant at your local hospital (they’ll usually talk to you for free) to help you produce more, keep him awake, and address your concerns about him getting enough. They’ll sometimes offer to let you bring him in for a nursing session so they can give you tips in person and also weigh him before and after nursing to let you know how much he got. It’s very helpful.
Best of luck to you.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:07 am
No your never a bad mother if you stop but my suggestion is what you can do is mix the formula and breast milk. if he is two weeks and if you give him 4 oz. then put 2 oz of breast milk and 2 oz of formula. try not to give him to much iron, alternate with soy milk if you give him to much iron he can get constipated. (from experience). try this method and see if you like it. But it can at least ween him of the breast just don’t take him off to quick. I can only breast feed my kids until 1month then i would have to use the breast pump. Because i have inverted nipples so its difficult for me. But as longs as the child is on the breast for 15- 20 mins you should be worried he is at least drinking something. Then after the 15-20 mins then give him a couple of ounces of formula..
April 10th, 2010 at 11:32 am
No, Most mothers don’t even start breast feeding.
Though, if you try to give him a bottle and he refuses, then you want to go back to breast feeding.
One of the down sides it the after you start, you body doesn’t want to start…
April 10th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
You could get an infant scale and measure before and after each feeding and then you’ll be sure he’s getting 3 ounces or whatever you’re giving him. Try to stick it out. It can help with allergies later. Also it reduces your chance of breast cancer
April 10th, 2010 at 12:11 pm
“bottle feeding is so much easier”
That will be risibly, regrettably untrue in just another couple of months if not sooner.
I leave the house with my baby with minimal planning and packing, and don’t worry about how long we’ll be gone for… That I CAN doze during night feedings is a plus; certainly I would not want to be rushing off to the kitchen…
Babies know how much to eat. Why worry? Do you measure everything you eat?
And formula is nowhere near “just as good.” As of 1994, they’d identified over 400 components of breast milk that formula doesn’t have. The DHA now in some formula might be a negative rather than a plus; it does not work the same as DHA in breast milk.
Bottle-fed babies are sick more often, hospitalized more often, dead more often.
I would strongly recommend getting support — from La Leche League (http://llli.org/ ), from a certified lactation consultant (check with the hospital where you delivered) — and making good use of that support, and chucking the formula and setting yourself a goal of nursing until your son is two months old.
If you still don’t like it, chuck it then. But please don’t give up so soon.
Loads of women on here say that they regret having weaned their babies prematurely. Several are trying hard to re-lactate. But nobody ever says “Gosh, I wish I’d bottlefed instead of nursing my child”…
April 10th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
You are NOT a bad mother at all for this. I agree that while breast is best mom’s sometimes need some help and too much negativity is being put on to mom’s because they turn to bottle feedings. I wasn’t lucky enough to be able to breast feed my daughter and she had no ill effects from being formula fed.
April 10th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
i agree with BABIES
and you HAVE to trust the process!!!….you must trust your baby and your body…why are you undermining yourself??
breastfeeding is sooo easy….and i cherish the fact that i can sleep during her feedings
edit…..the response below me is patently stupid
please ignore it…..and remember that breastfeeding MORE than “just food”
go get some support honey
April 10th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Wow I went through the same exact thing you are going through right now. I would fall asleep and so would baby. She was getting enough but I was always worried because she never seemed satisfied even though she was gaining weight and everything. I eventually caved in and went with straight formula after 5 weeks. From 2 weeks to 5 weeks though I pumped every 3 hours and gave her breastmilk in a bottle – that way I knew how much she was getting and she wouldnt fall alseep and neither would I! My baby is completely formula fed and is 2 months and is perfectly healthy and VERY happy. She even sleeps through the night now (one of the benefits of formula, it keeps their tummy full longer).
You are not a bad mom. Many many people formula fed their babies and they are FINE! I felt the same way though and still get some mixed feedback from some people but really once I started talking to other moms about it there are MANY others that go through the same thing. Dont let those crazy breastfeeders make you feel bad about your decision. You are doing a wonderful job and deserve as much love and support as those moms who breastfeed. When you really get down to the nitty gritty its JUST FOOD! Dont obsess, you and your baby and your family will be happy and healthy either way!
Make sure you talk to your pediatrician though if you switch to formula so they can recommend one they think is best (although I am sure anyone you choose will be fine).