...Our daily breast. This post is not really for the squeamish, so if that's you, please just stop reading now.
There's a lot to think about when you're pregnant. One of the most important is whether or not you're going to breastfeed.
I should tell you that I breastfed my daughter for 8 months before finally throwing in the towel. The first couple of months were rough, but we finally got the hang of it.
Now I'm trying to decide whether I should breastfeed #2, and quite frankly, I'm very torn.
I know it's the best food you can give your baby, you protect them from childhood obesity, etc...but my bottom line is this: my breasts are just too big.
I am not kidding, and call me selfish, but I'm not sure I can put myself through it again.
They can't be THAT big, can they, you ask? I mean, come on, what are we talking about?
Before I got pregnant, I wore a 38DDD. I am up to a 38F - and pushing it. And the last time I breastfed, I wore a 40G. I'm dead serious.
No one can tell I'm pregnant because everyone's too busy looking at my enormous boobs.
So, tell me what you think. Should I breastfeed or not?
Have you considered pumping and giving the baby breast milk in a bottle? Might be a solution - although more work. Good luck with your decision.
ReplyDeleteEven if you could just breastfeed for 2 or 3 months that would give baby an amazing bonus! I believe I read that it is also good for your own health. Later you may want to consider breast reduction surgery. A friend of mine just did and her constant shoulder, neck and back pain are gone and she feels 100% improved.
ReplyDeleteHope you are happy with whatever you decide!
Don't know how to do this, but there is an award for this blog on mine, whoever would chose to accept it.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteI nursed all my 4 of my babies. The last two being twin boys. It was a wonderful experience for me. It is not a wonderful experience for every woman. My opinion is do what feels best for you. Pray about it, talk to close friends about it, husband, docto, and pray again. Then make the decision He leads you to make. Once the decision is made Bless it and let it go. I was thrilled to be pregnant because then I could wear a B cup with pride! So from a boob prespective I have no idea what you are experiencing. There are so many good formulas on the market now I wouldn't worry. If you can nurse for the first 6 weeks, I think it is, the baby gets alot in that short amount of time. But, if you are uncomfortable, stressed, miserable, the baby will be too. It always ticked me off when my first and I weren't getting it together nursing. She was crying, I was crying. In walks Tom, takes the baby and all was well. Baby hushed right away and I was pissed. But, she knew that I wasn't happy so then she wasn't happy either. Good Luck friend. I am available through the e-mail at my blog if you have desire to hear anymore of my 2cents and tricks I learned from my support friend during that time. She is a mom of 5 and I'd never had made it without her.
Keep us posted on your decision. Good Luck. God Bless.
xoxo
Amy
You have to live the life, so you need to make the decision that's best for *you*. Life has enough challenges -- we'd all be better off if we could get rid of all of our "shoulds" and "oughts." I wish you all the best, no matter what decision you make for you and your baby.
ReplyDelete--Laurel
Breastfeeding Editor
I am all for breastfeeding, if you can manage it. I know you initially went through a difficult ordeal with your daughter and breastfeeding her, but think of it this way...look at how time flies by...you might really struggle again with breastfeeding baby #2, but all you need to do is hold out for a couple of months to have made an impact on him/her. Think about all of the daily challenges in life that you put up with and make it through for far longer than a few months. I agree with what Karin said in her comment. Try breastfeeding again and perhaps set a goal for 2 months, or however long your maternity leave is. If by then you've had enough then stop. Who knows, maybe it will be a little easier this time, because you'll have already had the experience of breastfeeding. Maybe once you hit the two month period you'll stretch it a little further. I understand the point of view of women who can't or just don't want to breastfeed for whatever reasons. I respect everyone's individual choices, but I also know that scientific research tells us that "breast is best." I've talked with my son's pediatrician about my breastfeeding experience with my son. I had told her a couple of months ago that I couldn't believe all of the allergies he had (we had our son tested for allergies shortly after he turned 3) because, heck, I breastfed the kid until he was 3 1/2! I had laughed and said that I was "angry with God" because I had thought breastfeeding was supposed to really help with knocking out allergy problems in kids. Her response was, "Don't be angry with God. Just think how much worse his allergy problems would have been had you not breastfed him." We've since discovered that my husband's father has many of the same allergies (to milk, chocolate, a lot of grass and tree pollens) as our son, so apparently genetics is stronger than breastfeeding. Anyhow, my point is that you never know what your child might battle in his/her young life. If he or she does have any problems early on, breastfeeding will help his/her little, susceptible body put up a strong front of defense against any kind of ailment.
ReplyDeleteMy last plug for breastfeeding baby #2 is this: Is there going to be a baby #3? If not, then breastfeeding this baby will be the last time you and your poor, tormented breasts will have to go through this!
I personally think it's up to you.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have nursed. But still my boys turned out ok..sorta..lol..
I voted #3 but you might want to at least try b/c
ReplyDeleteA. the milk WILL come
B. it will keep you from always wondering "what if..." - if you're inclined to such thinking.
I voted #1 - because I am right at this moment breastfeeding my 10 week old son. My 2nd. My breasts are normally 38DDD and I have been a 42G since my milk came in. They will go back down after I am done breastfeeding (hoping to make about 6 months) but they will never be the same. Children will always survive either way, but breastfeeding - even for a short period of time, is a priceless gift that only a mother can give her child. I will have to warn you - it has no glamour with the second child and I would even call it a chore on some days. I go back to work in 2 weeks and will have to build time into my day for pumping - if I can find the stamina. Our daycare provides formula - so it is really tempting...
ReplyDeleteIn the end you will still have your precious children and they will love you regardless of this decision.
Good luck and maybe I will see you around soon.
J. Arneson.
Diane, I think what's best for the baby is also what's best for you. If you're not happy breastfeeding, then don't. Yes, breast is best, but it's not if you're not happy. I nursed my first for 6 months until I went back to work (I hated pumping- didn't quite work for me). My second, I tried to nurse him and it didn't work out. I mentally couldn't handle it. With my third, I did it for 5 months. That was all I could handle. The bottle creates more independence. But in regards to your breast size, you have to do what's right for you too. There is some great formula out there, yes it will cost you some money, but your happiness counts too, and yes, your baby will be JUST FINE!!
ReplyDelete