If you are pregnant, you must have been asked at least once or twice (or a gazillion times…) if you are planning on breastfeeding or use formula. Well, it certainly is a good question (not to say that it gives people the right to nag you in the matter).  Obviously, you have to find an answer once your baby is here.  Why not prepare now?

As a first time Mom, I faced the same question during my pregnancy. An interesting thing is that you may find that you and the father to be may not see eye to eye about this, or have different expectations. My personal hubby wanted me to BF (Breastfeed) for a year. I said “I want to BF for 6 months if all goes well.” But in actuality I didn’t really know what I wanted. I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are so many horror stories on one hand, & on the other are fairytales (and you can never know which are true). The two polls are too extreme to make any knowledgeable decision, especially when it is really a very personal thing. Mothers who have more than one child find that their breastfeeding experience differs child to child.

Deciding whether you want to breastfeed or use formula should be a personal decision you want to make with your life partner. Do not let others pressure you one way or another. Researching the topic & hearing from other moms is key in making an educated decision.  Take a class (ask your doctor about classes offered by your health group), go online, talk to people. And most importantly, listen to your inner self. If you are still not sure, I’d try BFing first. You can always choose to switch over to formula, but not always the other way around.

More on this topic next time.