My Thoughts On Breastfeeding

One question that can’t get off their lips is whether or not I am planning on breastfeeding. It is something that I have been thinking about continually since I first found out that I am pregnant. To be honest, I am still undecided. As much as I do obviously want to do the best thing for my new baby, I also need to think about the pitfalls of breastfeeding. In this post, I am going to share with you some of my thoughts around breastfeeding and the back and forth that I am continually thinking about.

 

 

Why I want to breastfeed.

As soon as you get up le duff and people start commenting on breastfeeding, all you ever hear is that breastfeeding is best. I dispute that to a certain degree. However, I am not blind to the fact that a baby gets so many amazing nutrients which are unmatched to formula that help to boost a child’s immune system. Not to mention many more amazing benefits. I naturally want my baby to have everything that they need to thrive and be the healthiest that they can be.

 

The flexibility of bottle feeding.

I am planning on returning to work well before the 9-month mark. I want to do a phased return. Because of that, my baby will either go into childcare or spend time with their grandparents. This will mean that I will need to pump prior to me being away from my baby to ensure that they have enough supplies to see them through. Plus, the chances are that I would also need to pump at work. I’m not saying here that I’m going to pass my baby from pillar to post, but I want to be prepared for times when I may not be present.

 

The pressure of breastfeeding.

My amazing best friend breastfed her baby. She did it for 9 months so that her son could begin to adjust to alternative food when she returned to work. As much as she loved every single moment, it wasn’t the easiest process in the world. From infections, lack of supply, pain, teeth and so much more. I feel like every day when I spoke to her, she would have something else to say about why breastfeeding has been a nightmare. You know who didn’t groan like that? My cousin who used formula!

 

The accuracy of bottle feeding.

My OCD is no secret. When you breastfeed, you have no idea how much your baby has consumed. You could weigh them on an accurate scale before and after feeding, however who the hell would have the time for that? I want to ensure that my baby is consuming enough, and I think that can be very safely done by formula as you are able to accurately measure set amounts. For somebody that sweats the small stuff, I think this would be a weigh off my mind.

 

What I am happy for.

At the end of the day, whatever happens, or whatever I plan, I am happy for anything. As long as my baby is being fed and getting stronger, I am not in the least bothered where the nutrients come from. I know friends that have breastfed and others that opted for a bottle. All of their children are healthy, thriving and that was always the case. I just want to relax and enjoy the new feeling of motherhood without the added pressure.

 

As always, I hope that you guys liked learning my thoughts around breastfeeding. Obviously, I want to give my baby the best start and ensure that they are getting all the nutrients that they need. However, at the moment I am not sure how my OCD will cope with the unknown amounts and that it will fit into my lifestyle. Especially when I begin my phased return to work. I would love to know your thoughts in the comments box below. Please do remember to be kind. A fed baby is a healthy baby. I want to see no comments about breast being best!