Why aren't you breastfeeding? Informal medical school survey for mothers and mothers-to-be.?

I am interested in finding out from recent first-time mothers and mothers-to-be who chose or are choosing not to breastfeed the primary reason(s) you did so. This information may be included in a medical school research project if I get a good response. Please answer!

Why aren't you breastfeeding? Informal medical school survey for mothers and mothers-to-be.?
I am 22 weeks pregnant and will be breastfeeding. Its the best and healthiest thing for your baby.
Reply:Because my son was getting too jealous of the newborn being that close to me and trying everything in his power to interrupt the breastfeeding.
Reply:I AM planning to breastfeed... for two reasons.





1) The closeness between mothers and their baby that it brings.





2) There is no other alternative that is as nutritious for babies.
Reply:I think breast feeding should stop being forced on mothers. It was pushed on me, and I tried it for 3 days. My son kept throwing up after every feeding, so I switched to formula. Do you know when I called the hospital for advice they wouldn't help me because I choose to bottle feed. What was my son suppose to do starve? Then I would be in jail right now. I don't promote it myself. Formula is just as good. Then with my second child she had a messed up digestive system and needed special formula. My third child I wasn't even going to try. I have healthy children who have never had ear infections or anything else they claim your children will catch when not on breast milk. Fanatics.
Reply:I wasn't going to answer because I don't really fit your criterion for the question...but after reading other responses, I thought what the heck!





I breastfed my daughter for 6 months and my son for over a year. Both of them are in the top percentile of their height and weight and are smarter than 2 of the average bears.





Even if you don't want to do it all the time. You really should do it (pump if nothing else) for the first 6 weeks. Think of all the antibodies you can give to your baby if you sacrifice your breasts for just 6 weeks.
Reply:I agree with the first paragraph of shelly_lynn - I just had no interest in it. I was not breast fed and my sister was - I have always done better in schooling than her and we have been about equal health-wise - I don't think it makes that big of a difference - and it just wasn't for me.
Reply:My son is 20 months now %26amp; I breast %26amp; bottle fed him for his first 2 months %26amp; then exclusively bottle fed him. He suffered from chronic constipation from the time I bottle fed him until recently when we took him off dairy products. With our next child, I will 100% breast feed for as long as I possibly can. I will also breast pump so my husband can participate in feeding the baby as well. After my experience with my son, I truly believe breastfeeding is the best %26amp; most natural %26amp; healthy start for you baby. Plus it's free!
Reply:i was a first time mother with TWINS. they were a few weeks early but healthy and happy. i tried breastfeeding and ran out at almost 4 weeks. i knew they were not getting enough milk and started formula. i am a very small framed woman and my dr told me i tried my best but that with such a low body fat i had nowhere to make and store the milk and that formula was ok.
Reply:(here come the negative ratings)





I had NO interest to breastfeed at all. I come from a long line of bottle feeders and the idea of pulling out my boob and attaching my child did not appeal to me in the least. Nor did the thought of being hooked up to a pump like some sort of dairy producing livestock. And there was NO way I could breastfeed in public or with anyone else around........just not going to happen. So I went the formula route.....our pediatrician said it was fine, my family was more than okay with it.....the all got to take turns feeding her over the first few months.





My daughter developed severe Acid Reflux and was started on medicine at 5 weeks. The doc put her on special formula and told me that had I been breastfeeding, I would have had to stop as the formula was part of her treatment. She stayed on the special formula until she was 14 months, and is now on whole milk and Pediasure supplements.





I now have a happy, otherwise healthy 16 month old toddler. Very smart, smarter than average for her age....she is close to what the average 20 month old can do. she is still being treated for severe GERD, but is completely healthy otherwise. Has only been sick (not counting reflux related illness) one time in her 16 months on the planet. And developing as she should be.......





so I guess that stuff about breastfeeding babies makes them smarter and healthier did not apply to mine........
Reply:I have anemia %26amp; thyroid issues so my milk never came in. I expressed for 5mths with my twins but never got more than 30mls per session.





It wasn't for lack of wanting it was my body simply didn't produce enough.


Other impacting factors were 8wks premi, didn't have oral feeds for 3.5weeks, used manual %26amp; electric pumps, tried anti-emetics to increase supply didn't work.
Reply:im breastfeeding and only 18 and a first time mom.. so if i can do it anyone else can... i dont judge others but i do judge people that judge others that just rude! Breastfeeding is best for your baby... wouldnt you do everything in your power for your child to have the best?
Reply:i cannot stand for my nipples to be touched..let alone something sucking on them....its a personal choice...i just breastfeeding moms had a little couth about them selves and cover up in public.