bottle feeding and breastfeeding

I'm inclined to say that you are right about babies getting used to bottles the y9ounger the easier it is, but I don't fully agree with the bottle necessarily having formula in it when you could put breastmilk in it instead if you are breastfeeding.

I actually think that people should at least try to breastfeed.  I was still breastfeeding while working and lived by the motto that my baby does not get milk from anyone but me! I couldn't express either so I made sure I fed her before I started and in my lunch break and after finishing work.  She went to a daycare centre that was across town from where I worked but the daycare staff knew to have her ready for me when I got there.

I urge people to talk to lactation consultants or the ABA or other services in your area before offering a bottle.  It can reduce your milk supply drastically!  I also can't help but think it's a tad selfish to give formula instead of breastmilk for the purpose of "having a break" because you don't feel like feeding your baby.

Well I have done both.......My girl was fully breastfed for the first 11months. with no problems.

My son.....he was a nightmare from the second he came out lol......he had no interest in breastfeeding and I had so much support from the midwives because I insisted I try for as long as I can. After coming home with baby ,the midwives visited everyday and for the next 7 weeks with the help of an electric pump ( which they also provided )  I breastfed as much as I could, however he wasn't gaining much weight, cried a lot...not to mention the wreck I became, finally we admitted defeat and gave my son a bottle of formula......Hallejulah......He fed great, he slept great...most of all I returned to my chirpy self too. So I say always seek professional advice and do what is best for the baby.

I used the occassional formula feed when my babies were in their growth spurts and I was starting to feel like a dairy cow to give myself a break.

I also used to express breast milk for bottle feeding my bubs so that daddy got a chance to have some cuddle and feed time as well, and again I got a break.

Though I seriously recommend that anyone considering combining the two seek a few different professional opinions as every baby and every mother is different, and that includes their nutritional needs and ability to provide to that need.

Most of the trouble mothers have with pumping come down to types of pump and when pumping is initiated. The ABA has a plan that can be given to mothers who are going to return to work and pump. It must be established in the first 6 weeks and was basically developed for those mothers who are on maternity leave, but can easily be used for mothers who just want a supply in the freezer just in case or to be able to let dad fee the baby once in a while. Yes some mothers have a hard time getting any milk when they pump which is why if you are planning on returning to work you start pumping ASAP. Two reasons 1 you build up a store of milk in the freezer and 2 you have ample time to get into a routine/get bub used to taking milk form soemthing other than you.  It is also not necessary for a baby to be fed via a bottle even a newborn can have milk from a cup.  I do suggest reading the article sareena99 suggested as it is very enlightening.  I was shocked to learn that the damage one bottle of formula causes takes 2-4 weeks to reverse.  

As to the comments about something happening to mum or mum going out of town. Why would you go out of town without your baby? I know some mothers do and this seems to be stressed as an advantage of bottle feeding but I'm sorry but I have travelled with both my children whle breastfeeding. I didn't have to stress about someone else looking after them and babies are extremely portable.

A mothers decision not to breastfeed should be based on what is right for her family but the mother should be fully informed on the risks of introducing formula. In todays society where women need to return to work it is seen as any easy option to introduce formula (some mothers don't even see a point in even trying to breastfeed if formula is going to be introduced)but a mother whose baby is FF is 7 times more likely to take time off work because of the child being ill.

I understand that the above article is just your opinion but I am not a human milk machine. I am doing what nature intended and feeding my child. I didn't need a break from feeding as breastfeeding was not time consuming and I the money I have saved has easily been used to buy things that make me happy. The insinuation from mothers that you are tied to your baby while breastfeedign scares many women out of even trying. Sure the first few mths are hard but its not just because of the feeding.

If you bottle feed then so be it but don't let your personal opinion on breastfeeding affect another womens decision to breastfeed. ALL mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed and supported to do it for as long as mother and baby want. They should not be encouraged to introduce formula 'just in case' or 'so they can have a break' - how much of a break are you going to get if your baby gets sick.

Sounds like a great idea. Good on you for thinking up a great idea