Torn between formula feeding & pumping

[dawn2256]

Hello! I'm 21 weeks along (going for the ultrasound today - yay!) and am still trying to decide whether to formula feed our soon-to-be baby or exclusively pump. I had originally decided to pump.

The main reason being because I know we can't afford formula, even though I'm on WIC. And I know it would only be for a year at most. But I'm starting to get iffy about it. I figured I would try & I've even told my husband that it may end up being that I can't. He seems to have a hard time understanding that. He was the only one out of him & his 3 siblings to be breastfed (I don't know why. His mother has mental health issues so that probably had some to do with it. Plus my husband's father died when he was only 3 ~ two of his siblings are half-siblings). And he likes to point out that he's the only one who has grown up with his head on straight (it's sort of funny but true, even though it has nothing to do with having been breastfed).

I told him the milk wouldn't even come in until the 2nd or 3rd day after having the kid anyways. Plus, I might not even feel like trying to pump after going through labor!

Should I just be prepared to pump & just see how it goes? I know this isn't a new topic or issue, but thanks!

[ra11en]

Is there a reason you're deciding between formula and pumping, instead of actual breastfeeding??

My advice would be to absolutely attempt breastfeeding first before making any decisions. It's best for the baby, cheaper, and always available.

Breastfeeding isn't easy, in fact it can be down right hard and depressing. But it can be done, is done often, and should at least be attempted.

I don't give much credence to your husband's logic of why to breastfeed though, haha! Being breastfed or formula fed is not going to be the reason a child grows up to have a good head on his/her shoulders.

Milk doesn't come right away, but colostrum will be there and that is PACKED with antibodies and other goodness for the baby. If nothing else, I would advise you at the very least give that to the baby.

And be aware, when making plans with a new baby - plan for plans not to work. I was able to breastfeed fairly easily, good latch right away and all that, but could never pump. I spent a lot of money on an expensive pump and I could just never get any milk out. And then we found out my daughter has a milk protein allergy and I ended up having to switch to a special formula after making dietary changes not helping and it starting to interfere with my own health.

So yeah, just be prepared for plans NOT to work out.