October 2013 babies!

[motherofboys]

I'm struggling atm with some guilt over feeding the baby. Right now sitting in my 'basket' on Amazon is a pack of 6 bottles.
DS1 was combine fed from 2 days (I believed a lot of myths and had no support/lots of pressure to bottle feed)
DS2 breastfed for 6 weeks until I stopped to take meds for depression.
DS3 breastfed until the month before his 3rd birthday! I never intended that long and in the end was beyond my comfort zone and desperate but he wouldn't give it up so I spent a weekend away from him then when I got back told him it was all gone.
I feel like I've lost that love of nursing that I had before, but I don't want the baby to have no breast milk at all.
I'm considering combine feeding again, especially with the boys wanting to feed him. But I keep coming up with reasons not to. Like to cost of milk, running out, power cuts, the new advise for making up bottles, especially on the go, confusing me. I know all the health benefits as well.
I feel like I'm cheating him out of something because I did it so long with DS3. Like his not as important because I couldn't put my own feelings aside to exclusively breastfeed him for as long as he deserves.
I'm just really not that enthusiastic this time round, and whenever I thought of nursing my tiny baby in the past I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Now that feeling isn't there.

[bythestream]

Sorry Im not in this thread motherofboys but I couldn't walk past your post. Do you think the only reason you are not looking forward to feeding again is because you don't want to do it for another 3 years? You know it doesn't have to be that long. I know breastfeeding is hard work but like you said all the fuss that goes along with bottle feeding makes that hard too. You could start with breastfeeding and see how you go after all it any will do him good. I feed both mine until 13 months when I had had enough and they both pretty much weaned themselves in the end. You don't even have to go that long though, I think there are various developmental stages when you should be able to stop easily.

I don't want to sound like I'm pressuring you though, you should do what is best for you. Just reminding you it doesn't have to be 3 years or nothing

[motherofboys]

I know and in the past it was always my opinion that any BM was an achievement. I plan on him having some to begin with, but my others want to feed him as well anyway so was going to get a couple of bottles, but I didn't have much luck expressing last time, but was going to try again. But I feel like I've willingly given the others something and will be giving it to him begrudgingly and not enjoying it.
I'm worried about how hard it will be to wean this one off after not being able to wean DS3 when I wanted to.

[bythestream]

You might feel different when he arrives. As for the weaning thing from my own experience and my friends if you wean at or before 13 months it is a lot easier than later. As they get toward 2 they tend to become really attached. I'm sure your boys are looking forward to meeting and helping out with their new little brother! Whatever you decide don't feel guilty just do what is best for you and your family.

[strawberrymom]

Hi! How is it going for you all? How are you feeling?im starting to feel more tired again (had a few months that I felt great) I guess its just part of the pregnancy but im worried that its part of my thyroid issues. I had to start a higher dosis of my thyroid medicine, but im scared its not enough , but I will check soon. Really hoping it hasnt hurt the baby in any way

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[motherofboys]

See for a while after he turned a year he was nursing like a new born again. My others had had dummies and favourite teddies that they took everywhere and that was their comfort along with a cuddle. But he never had anything else. So I felt mean. It was also my secret weapon, distraction, illness, sleep time, falling over.
I am going to start off BFing but I want him to take a bottle of something as well after a few weeks, whether that be expressed or formula. I didn't have much luck expressing last time. The others want to feed him, DH is ok with not feeding him, he knows bonding is in the other stuff not just feeding, but for kids thats one of the exciting bits and one of the things they actually can do. Also there are a few people who I don't feel comfortable feeding in front of. My Mums new husband for one. Just get a weird vibe off him. Last time I would struggle to get him to take a bottle of expressed milk (which had taken 2 or 3 goes to get enough into the bottle) and end up sneaking off saying I was going to change him and actually feeding him because he wouldn't take the bottle.


Anyway, I think I'm getting braxton hicks. Its weird because I only ever had them with DS3 and only from 37 weeks. But they were painful. I actually got excited thinking things could be kicking off the first few times I got them. This time my belly just feels kinda weird, and when I touch it its really hard then goes soft again.
Does that sound about right? Terrible isn't it, baby 4 and I still don't know what I should be feeling lol

[bythestream]

Sounds like a plan, my ds2 wouldn't take a bottle either it could be a real pain at times especially when I had to go to hospital with appendicitis. This time I'm definitely getting bub used to a bottle early. I think another firm of comforter is a really good idea too.

About the braxton hicks they sound like mine, I had heaps with the boys and this time they started at 14weeks! Mine don't hurt but they can even fall into regular 5 min intervals some evenings.

[strawberrymom]

I am very pro everyone trying to bf. With ds1 I did everything by the book and started a bottle at 4-6 weeks (pumped milk) and he did wonderful even when at 4months I had to start formula due to supply. He still did bf through 1yr old,but just once by then. I was stay at home with ds2 so never attempted a bottle with him until close to a year when I wanted to start weaning. I tried everything and took 2 months before I could get him to drink from a cup. I wish I had tried earlier, even if it meant he had to have some formula. I am proud that I bf both, but it is physically and mentally difficult and I think everyone should do what feels right. Yes, studies have shown that bfing conveys many benefits, but if it is costing you the ability to function, there is absolutely nothing wrong with formula. Formula will NOT harm your baby and it may help you and your family to bond more. I think it is really sweet to think of your boys helping to feed.

[strawberrymom]

6 1/2 months pregnant + 90° heat=

[motherofboys]

I agree with you. I always say to people who are not sure what they want to do to just give it a try. I think I should have made sure he regularly had a bottle. We did try a dummy, on DHs insistence because he said he couldn't comfort him when he was tiny. But he never really liked it much and refused it after a few months. I never minded at the time, but then there were times when he was older I wished I had something to fall back on.

On the heat subject, I'm pretty sure it was not this hot when I was this far gone 6 years ago. There is only 3 days difference between my due date then and my due date now. I don't remember ever feeling TOO hot and uncomfortable. Its meant to get up to 32C today and hotter tomorrow. Not sure what that is in F.
I've just stocked up on Ice Lollies and Ice Poles.