Last Updated on 27 October 2019 by Colette
Why did I choose to breastfeed? I’m not sure I ever did really “choose” to breastfeed, I think it just happened. I know before I had Ben I didn’t really think I would breastfeed, I just didn’t really like the idea of it. It seems silly but I suppose it was a lack of knowledge, understanding, experience etc etc. I was one of the first of my friends to have a baby so didn’t really have anyone to learn from and talk to.
What I did ‘know’ was that breastfeeding was supposed to be hard work and I was worried about getting stressed out if I failed. I was determined to have a relaxed attitude about it, to try my best and see what happened. I never thought I would successfully breastfeed three babies to at least 8 months, and not only that but to really enjoy it too.
Of course at my antenatal classes we were lectured on the benefits of breastfeeding – weight loss for Mum, it’s free, it’s always ready, breastfed babies are less likely to be obese, breast milk passes some of Mum’s immunity through to baby and so and an so forth (for a more comprehensive list have a look at the NHS website) so I suppose that will have influenced my decision.
I think over the course of my pregnancy with Ben I just came to the realisation that the least I could do was give it a good go. And I did. When it came to feeding Chloe and Amy there wasn’t any question as to how I would feed them. Dave was always keen I should breastfeed too and, though he would never have pressured me if I didn’t want to, he did everything he could to support me when it was hard.
I have never once regretted my decision to breastfeed my babies – yes it can be hard work at times but over all it has been an incredibly precious experience. I’m proud to feed them myself and proud to be able to say that I know I’ve inspired at least one friend to do the same.
I breastfed because of the benefits for baby and also because I grew ip to my mum and family breastfeeding their young babies. So it was a decision I made when I found out I was pregnant.
To help me lose weight, because it was free, and to offer health benefits to my baby
Being brought up with breastfeeding means bottle feeding never even crossed my mind when I dreamed of my future children, lovely that you breafeeding has already got someone else to do so as well, just think of the little snowball you personal have sent down the hill to get bigger and bigger x
I chose to BF as it felt like the most natural thing to do….and free! I struggled but managed to give my daughter my milk for 6 months by expressing for over 5 months. Due baby#2 soon and will of course be trying again 🙂
Tanya C
I had always wanted to breastfeed but it started off VERY hard work. Ten months on, it's a dream and I am aiming to go on as long as possible!
ive chosen to bf because i want the bond/closeness and i know that it will benefit both of us
I chose to b/f as I thought it was the best thing to do and I have allergies so i thought it would help prevent my son getting them too.
having a health visitor for a mum I'd been brought up with breast is best message! struggled with both mine to start but fed until 16 months!
There wasn't much of a choice, just did it!
It's free and something only I can do for my child
I wanted to give it a go, struggled and then was more determined than ever to succeed.
Giving the best possible start in life for a life I've (we've) created and I carried for 9 months x
Its best for baby and its free
I just wanted to try as its best for baby and only stopped last month at 16months because im expecting baby number 2
For me it was the most natural option and I felt it was the best thing to do for baby. I'm so glad I persevered in those first few weeks.
I had a lecture on it as part of my NCT classes too! The LLL book the womanly art of breastfeeding was recommended and I read it over the last few months of pregnancy – it seemed to make sense to at least try and get breastfeeding to work. 3 years on, we're still going strong 🙂
When I was pregnant with my first I wasn't worried one way or another. But when they asked in the hospital if I was breastfeeding, I just said yes automatically. I was breastfed, as were all my sisters so it was totally normal to me. All of mine have also been breastfed and I see no reason why baby number 4 isn't too. x
It has always struck me as the normal way to feed a baby.
It just felt right!
It was the best for my daughter
Convenient and best for baby.
I want to do what is best for my baby x