Is bottle feeding over breast really bad?

[bunchie7]

Hi everyone, I know this a debate that has been going on for years, and really it's my decision at the end of the day but I'm 6 months pregnant with my first, and the thought of breast feeding is really freaking me out. I think I would like to try it and see how it goes, but I've read some real horror stories and I just wondered if bottle feeding with fomula would be ok to do from birth? I don't want people to think I'm not a very good mother for not breast feeding as obviously the health benefits are better. I feel really stressed out about this so I hope I don't silly but I'd appreaciate any advice you guys have on feeding baby. Thanks in advance!

[rabbitygirl]

I know things have changed a bit in 30 years and I'm not really surprised there are breastfeeding courses and lactation consultants. And if they help women achieve a successful breastfeeding experience then great. But when I had my babies we didn't go home within hours and stayed in hospital for a few days. The maternity wards were staffed by a variety of women, some were ogres thriving on their strict routines, others in the wrong job totally, but many were lovely older ladies who spent, and had, time showing you how breastfeeding is done thru experience of getting it right - and wrong. Thanks to them I went home a far more confident new Mum.

[hayleegee]

i wanted to breastfeed both of my kids but due to low bllood sugar levels it didnt happen,and they were both bottle fed, none of the things i was warned about (allergies etc) happened they are both strong, healthy kids, just do what feels right for you and good luck

[pinkcowprint]

just wait till baby's here and do whatever feels right as soon as you get handed your little bundle of poo and sick!!haha,o.jokin!seriously i was not going to breastfeed,had it in my head,i'd bought the steriliser,bottles,blah blah and when he came out and i cuddled him he went straight for the breast and that was that for 4 month!i was lucky because he latched on fine and had no probs whatsoever,my friend had one recently and was determined to b.feed,she was having lots of problems with producing little milk and latching on,then she became obsessed with weighing him,then got mastitis and still carried on trying to feed him,and eventually got diagnosed with post natal depression before she eventually got him on formula.just don't beat yourself or worry,its not worth it,i mean i wonder if all athletes/sports people/brain surgeons/etc were bottle or breastfed?just enjoy yoyur pregnancy and don't read too many pregnancy mags!!!!