Breastfeeding.. I Need Some Facts Here Mamas!

1. they do not give taht shot anymore as it may cause postpartum depression.

2. yes you can breastfeed with implants.

3. yes you can take the progesterone only pill and breastfeed.

I fed both kids. boobs arent the same - but neither is the rest of me.

Sounds like you got overly engorged. While the word on the street is that its not breastfeeding, but pregnancy that causes the breasts to sag, I really think it is a case by case thing. For some woman, they get so engorged, that is does affect the breast. However, since you all ready have the implant, you won't end up with pancake boobs again. I had one friend who was unable to produce milk and she blamed the implants, but that also is a case by case thing.

I breastfed, so I can not really help much. My sister would bind herself with an ace bandgage for a week or two. She also avoided hot/warm long showers, as it would stimulate milk let down.

Any mommas who didn't breast feed have anything to help her out?

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No you cannot get the shot. It was determined at sometime between now and when our mother's were new moms that it's not safe, so you just have to ride out the pain. The shot used to be a high dose of estrogen, which increased risks of blood clots, strokes, and cancer.

You can go on the Progesterone-Only Pill (POP or mini-pill) while breastfeeding.

Many women are able to breastfeed after implants, but some can't.

I won't answer the "am I a bad mom" question...

The shot was pulled a long time ago for safety reasons.

I've had implants for probably 15 years and I breastfed both my kids for 16 and 20 months respectively. The problem usually comes in if they went in thru the nipple for the incision.

My breasts didn't really change in size with my first. They got huge with my second but only for the first few weeks then they went right back to normal.

The doctor has no way of knowing what will happen with your breasts. Every pregnancy is different.

You can go on the mini pill while you are nursing. It is effective as long as you are nursing while taking it and you take it pretty much the same time every day. Once you stop nursing you would need to switch up to the regular pill.

If nothing else, nurse for at least a couple of weeks so baby gets the colostrum and the early immune benefits. Probably once you start though you won't want to stop ;) I do love the idea someone else said-bank all that formula $$ and spend it on yourself for new boobies once you are done nursing.

Best to you and baby!

I'm a crazy, psycho lover of breastfeeding (hehe). It's very important to me, and I've gone to crazy lengths to get breastfeeding to work.

But I don't think for one second that the fact you want to formula feed makes you any less of a wonderful and amazing mom. It's obvious you are a very loving, caring mother. You do what works for you. It sounds like you are well educated. It's not like you don't know what your options are. Whether you breastfeed or not is not what defines you as good or bad.

Don't worry about what other people think. Do what feels right for you and makes you feel at peace. Just because I (or someone else) is a fanatic about breastfeeding...doesn't mean it should be just as important to you. Same goes with natural birth/medicated birth...homeschooling/public schooling...the list goes on. There are always options and choices. We all need to remember that just because we feel passionately about something doesn't mean everyone has to feel how we do or else they are then "bad". So not true!

Anyway, hope that makes you feel a little bit better. Do what works for you. A great mom is one who takes great care of her baby in the way that SHE feels is best. I've never had the shot, but I have heard of it. I do think it really exists! :-)

Repeat after me, and often: "I am not a bad mom if I don't breastfeed"

The most important thing you can do with your newborn is love them, cuddle them, take care of them, and feed them.

For what it is worth, with my first child (pumped/nursed) my boobs got flat like pancakes. With my second I chose not to breastfeed and they're perky again. YAY! Now, I know that doesn't necessarily happen for everyone but I am so relieved that they don't 'fold' anymore.

Don't listen to comments like, why bother having kids if you aren't going to make sacrifices and you being vain. Of course you are not a bad mom if you don't breastfeed. BF is not for everyone, contrary to what people think.

I was only able to BF my 1st for about 6 wks and had to switch to formula because he wasn't getting enough milk. My second, I BF for about 6 months and my first was neglected because most of my time was spent with a baby on my boob and I couldn't get to all of my other sons' needs. I am pregnant with my third due in a few weeks and I am almost certain I am going straight to formula. You have to do what you think is best for your family, not what the breastfeedingzillas think you should do!

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breastfeeding isn't what makes your breasts sag- it's pregnancy. The shot was found to be ineffective and increase the risk of breast cancer, so it is no longer offered.

http://www.surgery.org/media/news-releases/breastfeeding-...

A better idea would be to breastfeed and bank the money you would have spent on formula, and put that money away for a boob job- now that would really make nursing pay!

It doesn't make you a bad mom. Breastfeeding is a right or left decision-- not right or wrong.

I will only reply the questions I know about: You can breastfeed on the mini-pill (progestin-only, or POPs). It does not affect milk production and is safe for baby. I am nursing my third baby on the mini-pill right now.

You are not a bad mom. I am hugely in favor of nursing and would never choose not to, but I will admit that the only time I liked my post-nursing breasts were under a fitted blouse shaped by a really nice bra. That pancake thing is pretty nasty, but I accept that. :) I do not believe that it will be better or worse if you nurse your next baby, and research indicates that pregnancy rather than breastfeeding is usually the reason for our saggy mommy look. When you're pregnant your breasts stretch and fill out and then go back down again, whether or not you nurse.

I have read a little about implants and it seems like you can get them and still breastfeed but it can be harder the other way around (after a reduction).

I'm all for breastfeeding my kids, but everyone is different and as so they should do what is best themselves and their family. Do what is best for you...you are not a bad mom! We as mothers have to think about ourselves too!!

No, you're not a bad mom, if you choose not to breastfeed.

I am wondering why JB won't answer the "am I a bad mom" question. Sounds like a judger to me. Ignore it.

You have gotten a lot of good advice here. I am also a breastfeeding advocate -- I breastfed my adopted daughter. But I never ever ever would think anything about another mom who didn't breastfeed. Aren't we all about CHOICES here? They're your boobs! Do whatever you want with them. And ignore the snotties.

The medication used in the past is typically not recommended for routine use now. The side effects and risks were too great. Here is a link for more info.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactation-suppression/AN...

Breastfeeding after implants is often possible, it depends on the type of surgery. But even with duct/nipple sparing surgery there is always a risk of low to no milk production.
You can take birth control pills without estrogen (called progestin-only pills, or POPs) when you are nursing.
How your breasts respond to pregnancy and breastfeeding is often genetic. Some women formula feed and still get flat breasts just from the pregnancy, other women can breastfeed 4 kids for a year each and still have full looking breasts. (fortunately I am one of those lucky women!) Aging and weight loss also contribute to flattening and sagging of breasts. Why not just breastfeed this baby, take the progestin-only pills, and get a boob job when you are done having kids? (It sounded like you have not already gotten implants, but considering it? Is that right?)

They used to give women shots to stop milk production but they don't do that any more. It's considered much safer and better to stop the process naturally.

You can still breastfeed with implants as long as when the implants were put in, the milk ducts weren't damaged and the nipples weren't damaged either. If you're leaking colostrum then it sounds like they're working. :-)

With each of my pregnancies and whether I nursed or not, my breasts got much larger. I was one of the lucky ladies whose breasts never reduced in size and I required a breast reduction a couple of years ago. If I got pregnant again and breastfed again, I would probably have to go through another reduction surgery.

You can breastfeed on the mini-pill. You should also have another form of back-up birth control as well.

Hi, how I wish my breast would flatten out like that when I stop BF now. I am short, but was already a cup C-D. Now, BF'ing my 7 mos old daughter, my breasts look almost pornographic, and its going to be summer soon! Sighing, thinking about the dresses I cannot enjoy! :)
I don't know about the shot, or regarding BF with implants, so sorry. But I guess your Gyn/Ob shd be able to answer them both professionally.. :)
I do know, that there are pills that you can take while BF, my Gyn gave me that option. As for breasts getting big and filled with milk, I guess it'll happen anyways. If I were you, I'd probably let them dry up naturally. I've heard the pain/soreness is not that bad, if you take a little care.
As for whether you should or shouldn't BF, don't second guess yourself. And most importantly, don't ask such a judgment-inviting question in an open forum like this. People with different/strong opinions may say something that may hurt you, even if you request them not to. That is the irony of public forums... :)
Motherhood is not all about BF. So, don't judge yourself harshly. Consider all options, weigh the pros and cons of all of them based on how they suit your convenience, and go with whatever you feel is best for you.
Good luck to you!

I really think these are medical questions that you probably need answered by your dr. check with your hospital and see if they have a lactation consultant that would be able to give you the facts as well. If both are professional they will answer your questions and not persuade you one way or the other.

I know there is a shot that you can have immediately after giving birth that will dry up your milk production. I also know that you CAN breastfeed with breast implants if you want to...my middle daughter had silicone breast implants about 5 or 6 years ago and she is now the mother of an 18 month old son whom she exclusively breastfed the first 6 months of his life and is still breastfeeding now.
Of course your breasts are going to produce milk again, unless you have the shot...and the 2nd pregnancy your body already KNOWS what it is supposed to do so you will probably produce milk more quickly after you give birth.
I am not sure about taking birth control pills while nursing...I have no experience with that...your doctor and your pharmacist would be the ones to talk to about that.
If you want to breastfeed...go for it...I can tell you that it is such a wonderful bonding experience between yourself and your baby...BUT if you choose to bottle feed never ever let anyone make you feel like you are choosing "2nd best" ...personally...for myself...I felt like breast feeding was what I wanted to do for my daughters, but I don't think it would have meant I was a "bad Mom" or loved them any less if I had chosen to use formula and bottle feed them.
I think if you have educated yourself...about the benefits of breastfeeding and formula feeding...and have made a well informed choice...then you are doing your job as a great Mom!!! My daughters are both involved with breastfeeding groups and if you would like to have some of the information that is available out there...message me and I would be happy to share the websites with you.
We all make decisions that work the best for our families and our circumstances....as long as you are raising your children in a loving, joy filled family and teaching them to be responsible children...then as far as I am concerned you are doing a great job!!!

Of course you're not a bad mother!! And my take? Your kids leave the nest at some point. Your 'gals' don't. Seems reasonable to be concerned about your appearance. There's not a woman out there who is without a shred of vanity. And for 'Pamela, Raven & Son' - you can be honest (I'll speak for everyone else and call it out as clearly rude - including your edit) without typing in all caps.

TGIF!

So what you are saying is that you have silicone implants? I would really ask your doctor about that since there might be a danger of the baby injesting the silicone and you obviously don't want that. I would say is long as its safe for the baby then why not breastfeed? Its so much easier than making formula in the middle of the night, you lose weight quickly, its great for the baby, and its free! You know all that because you breastfed your first child. You can be on the mini-pill Camilla for as long as you nurse. I was. And no, the shot is not available. What I don't get is exactly what you are so afraid of? That your boobs will look bad again? That they will hurt? I personally think that putting something so superficial as boobs before the best interests of your baby is not exactly ideal.

People are so rude and psycho about BF. you can take a BC pill if you are BF my dr gave me one. i have not heard of a shot, but my mom said they gave her pill to stop production when she had me. I think if you just dont feed/pump it will eventualy dry up. good luck and sory that there are such crazy people out there on a help website!

I've heard that there is something you can take to make your milk dry up but I didn't think Dr's gave it out anymore unless there was some medical reason they didn't want you to breastfeed. It's probably to protect them from being sued by someone who changes their mind 24 hours later.
You should be able to breastfeed after implants. My friend had implants and breastfed just fine though I guess there is a risk that during the surgery something may have been compromised.
Also you can go on a progesterone only pill and still breastfeed. It's called the mini-pill I think. My doctor gave it to me when I was breastfeeding my son but never wanted to take anything at all when I was bf'ing.

Of course BF is best. WE ALL KNOW THAT. At the same time it is not for everyone. (some need to learn that!) Yes there is a injection (or maybe a pill) anyway there is a med to make you stop. In most cases you can BF with implants. Are you already leaking? Then it looks like it will be very possible. I would not suggest making a final decision too soon because as far as I know it can't be reversed if you choose to cut off the supply. But I do understand your need for options. Be realistic with yourself. If BF will make a mad woman out of you by all means don't put the pressure on yourself. My sis in law talked all about how she was going to BF and each time (3 kids) it didn't last a day. She could not stand it. Me? I said I'll give it a shot for however long I can. When its over its over. What do you know. My first quit after 3 months (i still fed her occsionally for 2 more) and my second went 9. If I have another we will see what happens then. Who the heck says you have to choose (and stick to your choice) now. You still have plenty of time to decide what is right for YOU. Good luck!

I do know that it is very possible to breastfeed after having implants. You can even breastfeed an adopted child. Some babies take to breastfeeding very easily and others need some time to get the hang of it. If you choose to breastfeed just be patient and give it time. Good luck with which ever decision you choose as the right one for you and your family.

I am a huge proponent of breastfeeding. However, if you're not up for it WHATEVER your reasons, then yes, get the shot and don't do it. You can still bond, do skin to skin and love your baby while feeding formula.

Didn't read all the answers. Your "what happened" section made me decide not to!!

I don't believe they give a shot anymore. Here's what I did: as soon as baby was born, I wore a tight sports bra (but not too tight) and a tightish camisole over it. I did not TOUCH my chest for any reason. Yes, I held the baby to my chest and all that. However, I did not have nay stimulation of my breasts. The baby wasn't wiggly enough to cause any friction, and they are swaddled much of the time. I only took the bra/camisole off to shower. I wore it for almost a week. My milk never came in, my breasts never grew. I've also heard that sudafed (this is what my sister did) dries up milk. She started taking it right after her baby was born. She did OK it with her Dr. first, to make sure there wouldn't be any complications. You would need to do the same.

I formula fed from the beginning...and GASP!...I'm a good mother. I've known my fair share of crappy breastfeeding mothers. People will ALWAYS have a judgement about how you parent. Now is a good time to start ignoring it. Good luck!!

Hi! Wow, I'm so sorry about some of the posts! Some people are just judgmental by nature. You really just have to ignore them. It's to be expected when this question comes up. It's a highly controversial subject. But I support a women's CHOICE to breastfeed or not. I had a really hard time breastfeeding my 2 kids. I had to pump because I just couldn't get them to latch on. It's tough! Don't even worry about it! You are the mother and you do what's best for you and your family, NO ONE ELSE! The formula that's out there now are a lot better and closer to having all the goods breastmilk has. Your baby will get everything he/she needs. There will always be people who will judge everything you do. Your a good mom and as long as you love and care for your babies, you all will be just fine. :)

Keep your head up, and stand by the decision you make. It's no ones decision but yours.

Only YOU can decide what is right for you.
Ask your doctor about that shot you mentioned. And other options.
When my milk "dried up" it really wasn't that bad--a day or two of sensitivity and discomfort.
Good luck.

I hear ya girl. I planned on breastfeeding for a year with me 3rd, but decided that to keep my sanity I needed to workout and do Insanity and my supply is almost gone. Gave it a good 2 months though and still give him a little breastmilk everyday. I've nicknamed myself "shitty titty".... hahaha! Praying to GOD I can afford a boob job someday. Do whats good for you, sounds like you have a good outlook on life, and I think that's better for your baby than a Mom killing herself trying to breastfeed, having no fun, and hating life. And BTW the nurses have a way of making you feel guilty if you don't breastfeed while in the hospital. My friend just had a baby and that's what happened to her. Good Luck!

I have heard about the shot, a friend did that. Thing is it doesn't stop your boobs from getting big. She went through engorgement before the milk production stopped.

I guess what I am saying is if you think the shot will stop you from having flapjack boobs afterwards it doesn't sound like it will help.

Mine got bigger with my first and never went away. Funny how different boobs react differently than others. Really I would have loved something in between your experience and mine. :-/

If I were you I would breastfeed again, but I can't tell you what to do!

I had colostrum early in my last pregnancy, and this one... and I wouldn't have described my breasts as "flapjacks"- who knows about what they'll be like this time though! But for me my breasts were certainly not "the same" as before I had my daughter, but they werent so bad that a good quality bra couldn't make them look great! My understanding is that the most breast changes will happen after the first pregnancy, and will be less in subsequent pregnancies.

You can take birth control and breastfeed... it just can't be "the pill" - the standard birth control pill. You can get an IUD (like mirena) or use other forms of progesterone-only birth control. Your doctor should be able to discuss safe birth control options whether you want to breastfeed or not, and usually you can make plans for them before you deliver.

I don't know about the shot to stop milk production... but only do it if you are 100% sure you don't want to breastfeed at all. Even if you could breastfeed for a few weeks it would be so awesome for your baby, so please consider it. In that time it will help you to lose baby weight and contract your uterus so it really should help you to look your "hottest" in those first few weeks. Then, you can certainly wean the baby to formula if you are sure at that point that you would rather bottle feed. In that amount of time, I doubt that your breasts will be affected all that much.

But yes, you can breastfeed with implants in most cases. I've never DONE it myself... so it may have unique challenges for you... but I have seen resources about it online.

here is an article about it from LLLI:
http://www.llli.org/ba/feb96.html

That all said, do what makes sense for you an your new baby. You certainly can decide while you are in the hospital after delivery! You just may feel the urge to breastfeed when you are holding that little bundle and decide to give it a go again... you may look down and say... "nope- no way... give me the shot!"

Good Luck!
-M.

Ive typed an answer to you twice and lost it both times, so frustrating! So now you get the very condensed answer.
1. I chose not to BF before I even had my child. Hubby and I made the decision together and felt we would be happier, calmer parents. I did go through the standard string of emotions during pregnancy, but knew all along I was making the right choice for me. My kids are happy, healthy and we moved through the newborn stage very easily with bottle feeding.
2. Never got the shot. Had 2 c sections and was never offered it even though I told them I was not BF. Had to deal with engorgement.
3. Even though I never BF I dealt with typical booby issues (deflation, flap jacks) I now have silicone implants. While I am done having kids, I would definitely consider the effects of BF and the boobs (after all, it was a big investment that I would want to protect). Maybe a chat with your surgeon about BF and how typical pregnancy engorgement will affect you might help you make your decision. I have heard from my surgeon you can still BF with silicone.

Do whatever you are most comfortable with and don't worry about the "books", the "docs", the "nosey friends and family". You will be happier in the long run.

Hi Aiden's Mama.

I would talk with your OBGYN and find out if there is in fact a shot. My mother-in-law got the shot many years ago. I would imagine that they have something that they can give you to stop the milk production.

Wishing you the best...

Afer my first son, I took a bc pill called Nora-BE, its a low-hormone pill that did not dry up my milk supply and i nursed normally. Now after my second, I got Mirena, and am nursing great!

As far as breastfeeding or not, to each her own! I like to breastfeed, but its also cheaper, we dont have tons of extra money, and I wouldnt want to spend a lot on formula :)

Congratulations on your baby!!

I don't know about the shot but I do know you can take birth control pilds, ( I'm doing it right now) is ver low hormone and doesn't affect the breasfeeding...know... about the breast when I had my first one eight years ago my breast was just like you described ( flat ballons) but it took almost a year and a half to get back ALMOST the same way they just to be, so if you already have one kid and your breast is not perfect anymore why do you want to start buying formula? If you have silicones already and don't want to mess them up , the only thing that comes to my mind is don't pump the milk out eventually your body will stop the production.

Discuss this with your OB/GYN to make sure you get the most recent medical facts/advice. And you are NOT a bad mom for not wanting to breastfeed !!! I literally couldn't breastfeed (tried, didn't work) and my two kids are healthy and happy. This is as personal choice; do what is right for you.

I didn't look at all of the posts, but the few that I looked at didn't mention going back on the pill. It isn't that you shouldn't breastfeed on the pill, but the main type people use dries up your breast milk so you can't breastfeed. There is another option of the pill that does not have the hormone that dries you up, but it is less reliable and you have to take it at the exact same time every day or else...

I am a definately an advocate for breastfeeding and was hugely judgemental to non breastfeeding moms when my kid's were babies, but time has mellowed me and there's no judgement here. It's your body and there's lots of mom's out there that are breastfeefing that aren't good moms. As long as you love, cuddle, feed, & nurture your baby, you're a good mom in my book!

In answer to your questions, I don't think they give the shot anymore. I seem to remember there were some pretty bad side effects.

My sister had 4 kid's and her boobs were shot so she had a lift w silicone implants. Well she got pregnant again and was able to nurse with no problems at all.

Good luck to you!!

i dont think the shot is out there anymore, but if it helps your boobs wont get as big because you wont be making more to keep up with the demand of a hungry baby.

I am sorry. I have never heard of the shot. I am curious to find out what exactly it is. :) You can go on the pill while bf'ing - but not a combination pill. It has to be the "mini pill". I understand your distress over deflated boobs - no one warned me about that and I bf'ed two babies back to back. Now I am an A instead of a B, totally depressing. I am glad I bf'ed but am bummed over my lack on boobs. ;) Seriously considering breast augmentation later on. And yes, I do believe it most cases you can bf with implants. I would talk to a knowledgeable lactation consultant, or check out The Leaky Boob on Facebook. Great place for answers and advice regarding bf'ing!

My sister had her breast reduction done before finding out she was prego with number 3. She took medicine after he was born to help her milk dry up (not sure if it was a shot or pills), and through out the pregnancy she would wrap her chest in an ace bandage to help keep her breasts from growing. It seemed to work great, but she was uncomfortable during.