I just have a couple of questions. First of all this is my second child and I will be having a C-section with her this Thursday. The first one I had naturally, so this is all new to me. With my first I got postpartum depression pretty bad. So I am worried about it with this one too. The Dr. told me that since I got it with my 1st I am more likely to get it again with the 2nd. Plus having a c-section and not actually going through labor and realeasing all those hormones will add to it. Is this true? I have decided to formula feed this time around. Is it bad to formula feed instead of breastfeed? I am kind of feeling guilty and then I sit there and go back and forth on what I should do. I guess I just need to hear from other moms who have chose to fomula feed vs. breastfeed and get your thoughts and support. Also, I was thinking about using Good Start Natural Cultures formula has anyone tried this and what did you think, or can you recommend a good formula. Thanks for all your help.
I wish you luck with the c-section. I've never had one but I imagine it's scary. I"m not sure on the hormone thing. Seems weird to me but again not sure. As far as breastfeeding vs bottle, you need to do what is best for you and the baby. If breastfeeding is going to be hard on you and cause problems than I say bottle feed. It doesn't make you a bad mom and you shouldn't feel guilty. I breastfeed and will eventually bottle feed when he is older however it's not for everyone. You need to make sure you do what is going to be easiest for you. A happy mommy means a happy baby. As far as what formula you can start with that one. If your baby doesn't like it he/she will let you know and you can try another. You may also want to see what the hospital uses and perhaps use that or bring in the one you want to use and have them use it so you don't upset his/her stomach with a drastic change from one formula to another. I wish you luck and congrats.:)
I haven't had a c-section, so I don't know much about that. But this is the first I've heard that not going through labor "holds in" all the hormones. I would do more research on that.
I did have serious baby-blues/postpartum depression with my first child. It only last 5 weeks, but it was so horrible I swore I'd never go through that again. So after I had my second child, I asked my doctor how long she would suggest I give the hormones time to level out before coming in to see her for help. She suggested 2 weeks. To my surprise, I didn't have anything. Not even baby blues. (Although I was upset when my son didn't want anything to do with me for about 3 days.) So just because you had depression with your first, doesn't mean it will happen again. But if it does, I encourage you to get help from your doctor - you won't ever regret being a happy and healthy mom to your children.
I also formula-fed my first child (he couldn't breastfeed) and it is not bad to feed formula. I do believe breastmilk is best, but you have to choose what's right for you and I can assure you that there are many benefits to bottle-feeding - you can always have someone else feed the baby (great when you really need a full-nights sleep), you can go out without your baby, no embarrassing wet-spots on your shirt, when they are older and can hold their own bottle it allows you time to do other things, etc. My second child, who was breastfed, wouldn't take a bottle for months and there were many times I just needed a break and felt like I couldn't leave her because I was her only source of food. Of course, the benefits of breastfeeding (besides nutritional) are that there is no cost, it's always there (if you're there!) and always ready. And remember you can always try to do both if you want. (Breastfeed at home, bottlefeed on the go, nights or daycare.)
When my daughter finally would take a bottle, she would use any formula, and I liked the Good Start because it always mixed well. But my son only used Similac because that's what they started him on at the hospital and he did not deal well with formula changes. So if you decide to formula feed and want to use Good Start, I suggest bringing it to the hospital with you and telling them that's what you want to use (also bring whatever bottles you're planning on using so the baby gets used to them right away). And be sure to sign up at the formula companies website so they'll send free samples and coupons.
It's a hard choice to bottle or breastfeed and no matter what you do, someone out there will judge you for your choice (I know, because I was on the receiving end of that judgement with both of my children) but you should do what you want and feel comfortable with and just try hard to ignore what others say. All that matters in the end is that you provide them with all their basic needs, teach them well and love them unconditionally!
Good luck with your choice and the c-section. I wish you a quick recovery!
OK, i had c-sections with both my kids. With baby 1 things went fine, i didn't have any "depressed" feelings and successfully breastfed for 6 months, easily switching over to formula. WIth baby 2 it was a different story... the c-section went well and i actually recovered alot faster the second time around. BUT... my baby had some health problems and was in the NICU for 10 days. I wasn't able to hold him until he was 12 hours old and then it wasn't until he was a week old that i got to hold him for th esecond time. I also was trying to pump around the clock to get my milk built up...It never worked..i was stressed and also depressed because of not knowing th efate of my child. If i could do it over again i would not of even tried to pump and just went with formula. THas wahat ended up happening anyways because i couldn't produce enough milk (probably because of all the stress i was under) IT was even harder for me to accept the fact that i couldn't successfully nurse him.... so that added to the depression for me. I say formula feed...but the hospital will start them on something in the nursery so if you have a specific formula you want to use take a can with you so they can start you child on it. We were always told no to switch around formulas once they got started ( unless for med reasons). Make sure you tell your Ped and the nurses fron the start too. Good Luck!! IF you have any c-section questions feel free to contact me!
First of all let me state that I am a nurse and that is where my background comes from. With having a c-section your baby is more prone to having respiratory problems because they don't get to travel through the birth cancal which is usually responsible for "squeezing" the fluid out of the lungs. also, there is a greater risk of infection during the healing process for you because there is an incision that you need to care for. Watch it carefully and report and warmth, yellow drainage, and reddness.
As far as breastfeeding vs formula feeding goes....Why would you formula feed when you are capable of breastfeeding? Breastfeeding is the most healthiest and most natural thing that you can do. It helps your uterus constrict so that your body can return to normal faster. Also is helps you burn calories so that you can lose weight faster. It also provides natural immunities to diseases that formula is unable to provide for your baby. It is Cheaper. It is more convenient uses less bottles. It builds a stronger bond between you and your baby. It can help lessen the post partum depression.
I can not make your decision for you but i hope that some of this information has helped you. Good luck with your labor and delivery!
Oh, one more thing. Check with your hospital about post partum depression. Most hospitals offer classes with information for you to help you cope.
Hi there~
Sounds like you are talking about me! Little did I know I was a sitting duck for ppd after my c-section. I didn't know the risk was higher so kudos to you for being prepared. Other moms will hang me for saying so, but formula feeding your baby will help ALOT. Of course, breastfeeding is best, and in my case I was bent on nursing, but it turned out to be at the risk of my own sanity. I just couldn't do it...my body had done so much already and I was honestly losing my grip on reality. My family was afraid to leave me alone with my kids and to be honest, I was afraid to be alone with myself! It helped me to remember that formula feeding doesn't make you a bad mom, just like breastfeeding doesn't make you a good one! You have to decide what is best for you and your family as a whole! You will find the extremists who will make you feel like a bad mom, but I have found the lack of support comes from true ignorance of the situation...they just haven't been there! Billions of babies have been formula fed and are alive because of formula!
We also use Good Start Natural Cultures and I love the fact that it has the probiotics in it...its a great choice!
Also, be proactive in your care. It is SO true that a c-section makes your more at risk for ppd! Talk to your OB about ppd openly and honestly and see if they recommend treatment before the baby is born...or even right after. You can't be a good mom if you can't be sane! LOL
Good luck to you and know that you are SO not alone. Msg me anytime if you find you have trouble...I learned some fantastic ways to help myself and luckily my ppd lifted quickly! And please, please ignore the ones who will try to make you feel bad and change your decisions instead of support you!
~Lacy
I got a little worried when I saw all the replies coming in that you were going to be attacked for maybe not breastfeeding. Thank goodness you are getting some good feedback.
I had 4 babies and nursed them all from 6 months to a year. I DID NOT ENJOY IT. I wish more moms were honest about their experiences when I was younger and also feeling guilty.
Now that I have had 4 and met many mothers over time I found more moms than not choose to bottlefeed or also did not enjoy breastfeeding but did it for the benefits. I think that you have to do what is best for you and your baby. Obviously you are carefully choosing what is best next to breastmilk. Stop feeling guilty embrace the power of being a mom. If you still are not 100%, try breastfeeding a day at a time because every day you do it you are providing the extras that baby could benefit from breastfeeding. You have the right to change your mind at anytime.
Good luck with our C-section and your precious new baby. I pray that you bypass the whole PPD thing this time. Good Luck.
I had a C-section for my first child and will have to have one for my second. I didn't have any problems with my c-section, nor did my son. I'm not sure about the hormone situationa and whether it will contribute to postpartum depression or not. But as far as the procedure and the healing, I didn't find it hard at all. In fact, I was off pain meds completely after the first 5 days.
I made the decision to formula feed my son. I tried breastfeeding as a favor to my husband but decided against continuing. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding your child. My son is a healthy 2 year old. He has never had an ear infection, rarely gets sick, and has always been in the 50th percentile in size and weight. We also used a generic formula that is equilviant to Enfamil (we discussed this with our pediatrician and he agreed that it's the same formula~they all have the required nutrients in them). I know many women feel very strongly about breastfeeding and will criticize anyone's decision to formula feed. There are extra benefits to breastfeeding, but it's not going to affect your child's growth or development if you decide not to. Stick to your guns and feel confident that you are doing what you believe is best for you and your child. Good luck!
I assume that because you breastfed your first baby, you already know most of the potontial benefits to you and your baby, but I did want to emphasize that the hormones your body releases while breastfeeding have a significant effect on reducing the magnitude of postpartum depression. Without these hormones, your chances of having depression again are greater and the symptoms could be more severe. I'm curious to know why you thinking of switching to formula feeding?
Hi GK,
I have 2 kids both by C-section. Both surgeries were pretty easy. I haven't had a vaginal birth so I can't compare recovery time but I didn't have any problems when I went home. I never had to take any pain pills and felt back to normal within a month.
I also bottle fed after 3 weeks with both. I agree with another mom that said something about not enjoying it at all. It was extremely painful for me because neither one of my boys latched on correctly. I had lactation consultants to my house to try and help me but with both I switched to bottles. They are both happy, healthy boys. Good luck.
Chris
I have had 2 c-sections and the statement about not actually going through labor and releasing the hormones is new to me. My Dr's office told me that my body reacted the same way as if I had gone through labor. I also ended up going through a depressive episode while pregnant and started taking meds to help around 24 weeks b/c I was afraid it was only going to get worse postpartum.
As for if it's bad to formula feed, that's a decision that only you can make. I had real issues breastfeeding with my first child (now 2) and had a hard time with not breastfeeding. I felt like people would think I was a terrible person for not breastfeeding. I was really dreading trying to do it again. But, I my first, and getting ready for #2, I felt TERRIBLE for not wanting to breastfeed but on the other hand, I just knew I couldn't do it. It also 'helped' me that my Dr advised me not b/c of the medication they put me on.
I hated the Good Start formula. Yes it is cheaper, but the scoop is 2x's as big as the scoop for any other formula so you go through it twice as fast. Enfamil is my preference b/c is mixes better, but I use several different kinds. I'm lucky that my baby doesn't seem to have any issues with switching. (The Good Start formula was the one that also seemed to give hime the worst gas) Bang for your buck, I like Sam's Clubs Member's Mark formula. It is less than $20.00 for a HUGE can (like 2 of the larger Enfamil/Similac cans). It mixes fairly well, has the same nutrients as the name brand and is sooo much cheaper.
Good Luck
Jennifer
I had PPD with my 1st baby but did NOT have it with my 2nd. Both babies were c-sections. I hadn't heard about not going through labor adding to PPD BUT I was told that not going through labor makes it harder to breast feed because your body won't release the hormones so it sounds like the same thing.
I tried breastfeeding with my first baby & it was a horrible experience for me. My milk didn't come in & I didn't know it so he was always hungry & cried a lot. The 2nd time around, I was prepared. I breastfed the first 2 days in the hospital to give him the colostrum and then I was done! I started formula in the hospital & do not regret the decision at all. I had supportive nurses who didn't try to convince me that I was wrong for using formula. The hospital used Enfamil & we stuck with it. Remember that it isn't good to switch to different brands unless your baby is unable to tolerate the one you are on. We now use Costco brand because it's cheaper & very comparable to Enfamil.
I wish you luck with your c-section & congratulations on your new baby!
Tammy
1st What is the reason for the c-section? If it's for breech what have you tried to turn baby? (My 12lb newborn moved from frank breech to vertex at 39wk 10days before labor started) www.ican-online.net
Is there anyway to wait for labor? This will give you the much needed hormones and insure baby is actually ready to be born.
Breastfeeding after a c-section can help stave off Post Partum Depression and promote bonding because you have to be close to and hold the baby. And breastfeeding releases oxytocin which serves a dual purpose, it will help to shrink your uterus down to size, and it is a "feel good" hormone.
I gave birth to my daughter on October 9th, 2007. After laboring for many hours, I had to have an emergency C-Section because my little girl was facing the wrong way and I just couldn't push her out. And she was 16 days late!! After the delivery we were separated for a few days because she had to spend time in neonatal. BUT! We are fine and healthy and happy.
Probably from the stress of the delivery and the morphine, my milk didn't come in quickly enough to meet the demands of my little girl. After battling for a week or so, we decided that I would feed her formula and pump and keep trying. I was devastated. I never thought about feeding my child formula, but it was the best choice for our family... and we are so happy!!
Of course there are pros and cons when it comes to formula feeding, just like anything else.
Like I read in one of my baby books "Stand up for your right to bottle feed your baby!" Congratulations and good luck.
I live in Sweden and we don't have the Good Start formula.
I cannot relate to your situation, but I wanted to tell you to try not to feel guilty for formula feeding your child for whatever reason. It is a personal choice (or maybe you don't even have a choice!) and either way it will not affect your child's ability to grow up loved and happy. Good luck and congrats on the new baby!
G K,
I totally disagree with Stephanie in her statement that breastfeeding is easier and more convenient than formula feeding. Ask any breastfeeding mother and if she is honest, she will tell you that there are most definitely downsides to breastfeeding vs. bottle(formula) feeding. We all know what they are; you must always be the one to stop and feed, unless you pump, in which case you have to take the time to do that. There can be no diet restrictions to heavy diet restrictions. It is a process figuring out what those are. There are many medications that YOU cannot take while breastfeeding. That can be a true downside. The list is long. I am not advocating NOT breastfeeding, but it is certainly not the only option. She is correct in saying that it is cheaper.
Also, I am always amazed when people say that a breastfed baby is more "bonded" to his/her mother than a formula fed baby. That is a ridiculous statement, totally untrue and I resent people who say that. Not only am I a mother of four, but a childcare provider for the past 18 years to countless newborns. I have bonded with each one. Having a nursing degree DOES NOT make one an expert in childcare, newborns or bonding. I breastfed two of my babies and formula fed two. I was no more bonded to my nursed babies than my other two. I was able to look at their sweet little faces in all circumstances. I was able to touch their cheeks, look lovingly into their eyes, inspect their ears and memorize every expression EACH of my children has. I held their hands, stroked their arms and held them close. The fact that I was formula feeding OR breastfeeding had no impact on how or when or why I did that.
G K, you need to do what is right for YOU and your family. There is simply NOTHING wrong with formula feeding your child if that is what you choose to do.
I wish many blessing upon you, your newborn and your entire family.
Charlotte
HI!! I am a mom of 5. I have done bottle and breast. You should do what is going to work for you. Breastfeeding would be best for the first few weeks if you can. If you don't it isn't going to matter in the long run. Formula is plenty healthy for your baby. I had some post partum depression with my 3rd baby. I would tell you that you should keep a positive mind and don't worry now. You're attitude will has a big part in all things. If you feel all anxious about it then you will be more likely to feel the blues. Focus on your new baby and other child and keep an upbeat mind frame!! Poitive thinking goes a long way! Good start is a good formula. You could breast feed and formula feed as well. Then you won't have to choose right away. Some baby's don't do well with both until they are a few weeks old. Try to breast feed exclusively as long as you feel you want to.
Dear GK,
I understand the guilt that comes with the thought of formula feeding instead of breast feeding. There is nothing wrong or bad about formula feeding. I have two daughters, ages 4 and 1, and both were formula fed from birth. The formula gives infants the nutrition they need. My girls are both very healthy, active and intellegent.
Regarding the kind of formula, it is really dependant on your baby. I went through a lot of different brands/types for each of my daughters before finding one that worked well with their system. My oldest started on Enfamil Lipil, switched to Enfamil Soy and then ended up taking Similac Lactose Free. With my younger daughter we also tried Enfamil Lipil and Soy, then Lactose Free, but all seemed to upset her stomach. We ended up feeding her Enfamil Gentlease, which has partially broken-down protiens. Pick a formula but only buy 1 can of it and see how your baby does with it.
Best of luck to you and your family!
-Becky
I had a c-section with my second child but not the horrible depression I had after my first. But every woman's experience is different. If you do ask for help right away. I think it helped knowing what to do with the baby so I was less stressed. Formula wise I used the Walmart brand Parents Choice. It has the same ingredient as regular brands at half the price. I tried my darndest to breastfeed my first child and was not successful. I just pumped for the first 3 mos. With my second child I just bottle fed and she is very healty and happy at 2. Just take it easy after your C-section. Get plenty of help. I was lucky enough at the hospital my doc let me take a whirlpool bath. Congratulations on the new baby!!
Hello --
I just wanted to tell you that my mom had really bad post partum depression with me, but NOTHING with my younger brother. She had natural labors with both. I have heard that having a c-section increases your problems with pp depression and with breastfeeding, too, because you don't have the "normal" birthing hormones in you right away and it takes a lot longer for things to even out. However, I really hope you can try not to stress out over it, since you've probably got enough on your mind right now, lol!
As for formula feeding/breastfeeding, since you've already breastfed a child, you know the pluses and minuses. However, I'd give it a shot at least for the first week. It might go better than you expected since you have some more experience. And if it doesn't, well, then you switch to formula. Or you supplement with formula right from the beginning, but breastfeed as much as you can because it's so good for the babe and for you.
And like someone said, if the baby is breech sometimes they can be turned... if you want to avoid a c-section this might be possible. Good luck!
Amanda