Breastfeeding? breastpump? or both?

Im confused when I first found out i was pregnant i wanted my baby to have breast milk but was not sure of the idea of the baby being on my boobs even durning sex i don't like them touched much so I started considering a breast pump at first i thought i would just have it just incase and also when go out in public I am a very modest person when it comes to my bod and i don't think I could naturally breastfeed in public and i still feel that away about public breast feeding but now that I am 23 weeks I have been curios about natural breastfeeding while at home and maybe pumping in the morning to have a supply when I do decided to go somewhere. If you were me and felt like i do what would your plan action be?

Well, my plan was the same as yours before my baby came. I felt weird about breastfeeding and knew I wanted to do it for his sake, but wasn't sure how I'd be able to. But, once he was here and I breastfed him for the first time, I didn't feel weird about it anymore. It's completely natural. I was also wary of breastfeeding in public, but I got a cover. There are a lot of brands of covers you can buy out there, just search online for a "breastfeeding shawl", "breastfeeding cover", etc. Breastfeeding is SO GOOD for your baby, you shouldn't feel embarrassed to do it.

Go with both, pump breast milk and store it that way when your out or not with the baby, he/she can still get Mommy's milk. Also if you find that actual breast feeding is to hard/hurts/feels to weird you can still pump and you baby can get all nutrients he/she needs from you milk and still get the benefits, minus the bonding that breastfeeding allows but there are other ways to bond with your baby. Im going to do the same thing, im not to crazy about the whole kid on my boob thing either.

um, i think when i get pregnant i wouldnt want to pop out my boob in public, so id probably pump some out before i go somewhere with the baby but at home id do it naturally, its just a baby, and theyre just trying to eat, thats how God designed it so im going to do it naturally when im at my house, and if you're still uncomfortable even at your house, throw a light sheet over your breast and the baby but make sure the baby can still breath! hope this helped!!! and id say i gave some pretty good advice considering im 12!!! haha :)

Honestly, I never felt like you in the breast department. I knew I was going to breastfeed long before I even lost my virginity or had a boyfriend, etc so can't help there!

But on the modesty part. I am pretty modest (biblical reasons), however, I breastfeed in public. It has taken me quite a few children to get to this point of being comfortable, but for definite, nothing shows! So don't let that stop you! Otherwise, it'll be more of a hassle to have to warm up that bottle (which I did with my first and dreaded it).

Definitely try breastfeeding, give it a good try!! Have the pump as a back up, it's great to be able to make a bottle for in public or if you need to go somewhere. You certainly can do both! Best of luck, breastfeeding really is a wonderful experience once you get the hang of it!!

Lol, hun you already have your plan. Go with what you feel is right. I would do that if I could. Good Luck.

It isn't a sexual thing. If it bothers you then maybe just nurse baby to sleep at night and pump the rest. You should really get over it though. Congrats :)

you have the right idea!! try it breastfeeding is not for everyone. when i was preggers every one told me i would hate it , it would hurt, but i had to try it for myself.i was fortunate to have the time off and the will to give my baby the best.( not knocking anyone else btu formula smells funny) if you don't like a 8 lb bundle of joy hanging off your ninny, then pump. i know it sounds weird but i would take my baby to the restroom, private room or to my car... she is hungry screw the would. once you look into those eyes, you will know that you made the right decision
good luck.

Feed at the breast wherever possible - it's healthier for you and the baby.

Pumping is an option, but some find it difficult to produce enough milk this way and you have the added concern of nipple confusion. Sucking on a bottle and sucking on the breast requires two different types of sucking. Bottle feeding makes for lazy nursers which can come with a host of problems - decreased milk production, plugged ducts, mastitis are all more common when switching breast to bottle.

There are discrete ways to nurse in public. While I support the whip it out anywhere moms who cares what you see, it was never my preferred approach. I can nurse anywhere with no skin showing.

Look up the local branch of the La Leche League - you'll get lots of support and information on choosing the best method for you.

It's good that you have a plan, at least.
I breast feed and whenever I'm out in public, I try to have a bottle of pumped milk to take along with me. it's not that I'm embarrassed to nurse in public. I just have larger breasts so it's hard for me to be discreet about nursing in public and it also doesn't help that my baby hates to have her head covered while nursing. I find it sorta hard to nurse in public anyway. I also have a baby who just LOVES attention and wants to eat whenever we are out to eat. So it's sorta difficult to try nurse her while at a table at a restaurant, whereas at home it's a lot easier.

You could always just take a bottle of pumped milk and a nursing cover, just in case whenever you do go out and then strictly nurse your baby while you are at home. Just remember your baby is much more affective pump than an actual pump. You should try to nurse the baby at the breast as much as you can, especially early on when you are establishing your milk supply. Either way though, congrats on deciding to give your baby breast milk. However your baby gets it the better than the alternative.

go into it with a open mind. having this baby will probably make you do things you probably didn't think you would do. i say you should buy a medela pump in style- or that new medela one its more compact. you can nurse at home and pump at home when you get the chance so you have stock so if you go out during the day you have a bottle to feed her. remember that you will need to wear breast pads because your body knows when your baby is hungry and milk will come when baby is hungry to prevent soaking thru clothes. so you will need to pump when you get home iof baby is full so that you don't mess with your supply. if you can't breastfeed its ok to, formula was made for a reason. or if you need to do both cause baby eats more than you can supply. some woman don't get milk in, or not enough, or baby just doesn't take to it. thats why i say keep a open mind. same goes for labor- have a plan but remember it may not work out exactly!