BellaOnline Forums Family Early Childhood Exclusively Pumping (Eping)

How did your breast feeding experience go? Mine failed...AGAIN! But I didn't let that stop me from providing Bella with breast milk. If you want to know more, you can read our story at: Early Childhood, Exclusively Pumping Article .

I had a pretty easy time once I figured out what I was doing. When I went back to work after 3 months I had to take my trusty pump along for the milk of gold! I pumped during my lunch break. As the milk supply lessened, I supplemented with formula. As our daughter got older the nursing was at night only and the pump was put away. I was only "attached" to the pump for 5 months but in the long run...it was worth it. We are expecting baby #2 and I want to nurse again. Hopefully, I can hold out and do it for 1 year again!

Carm~
How old was Julia when you started supplementing with formula? Bella was about 6 months old when I began supplementing because my supply began to diminish.
Cyn

I think it was around the 6 month mark...I don't quite remember. It was also easier to give the In-laws formula only and keep the breast milk/formula mix at mom's

I just recently found out I'm pregnant with my first I was thinking about not breast feeding...Has anyone done both? Formula and Breast fed? If so...what are the pros and cons?

Congrats Brokendolly24!
Yes, I have done both. The benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any alternative. Not only in the area of nutrition. Breast milk also provides baby with immunities and breastfeeding helps regulate body temperature and heart rate. But the BEST part about breast feeding is the awesome bonding experience that cannot be reproduced by any other means. If I could go back in time and breastfeed the boys (including our adopted sons) I would do it in a heartbeat. It is my one big regret, that I didn't try harder to make it work with Case and Ry (16 and 13) and that I didn't attempt to lactate for Steve and Sean (33 months and 31 months)

Read everything you can get your hands on, visit a Le Leche League meeting near you and take some breastfeeding classes and then decide what is best for you and your baby!

Good Luck!
Cyn

thank you so much for the advice!! i'll definitely look into it!

Brokendolly24,
It's worth a try. It does take commitment on your part to breastfeed. I did both (at the same time). The formula was easier but knowing I was also giving our daughter breast milk made me feel better.