Is it better to breast feed or just pump it from your breasts into the bottle?

roberta j: Is it better to breast feed or just pump it from your breasts into the bottle?
I want to know if I should breast feed, but I dont want my breasts to sag. So would there be any difference if I used a breast pump and just gave it to the baby in a bottle? I know its better for the baby, but what will my side effects be?

Answers and Views:

Answer by lanna121579
Neither.

Answer by Dawn S
Well your breast might sag either way. Look at it this way though..eventually gravity catches up with us all anyway!!

Answer by kalsmom
The pump will be worse for your breasts sagging. You should breastfeed, as it is less stressful for both you and the baby.

Answer by Tersie
I don’t see how it would make a difference whether you breastfed or pumped. Pumping would be a lot more work. Wear a well-fitted and supportive bra.

Answer by TN girl
it wont matter whether you feed or pump, if they are gonna sag, they are gonna sag, it’s because they get bigger then get smaller again.

some people sag very bad, and some people hardly at all

Answer by Mandy
Both actions have exactly the same consequences on your breasts. Make sure you wear well fitting bras and position bubs correctly and you’ll be fine. Breastfeeding creates a closeness and bond that nothing can rival – it is the most beautiful thing in the world, and from someone who had the very same concerns as you 12 months ago and is STILL feeding to this day, let me tell you, feed bubs yourself. You won’t be sorry. Good luck 🙂

Answer by maggie
Breast feeding affects women’s breasts differently. If getting milk out of your breasts gets your breasts to sag, you’ll sag whether it’s pumped or drank by the infant. Some women’s breasts decrease in size, others end up with much larger breasts, others get saggy breasts. Mine have so far remained very full and not saggy – though they do a bit just because they’re large and large breasts will NEVER be perky like B cups.

That being said, please don’t bottle feed. I was shocked when I heard from my pediatrician how the baby ingests small plastic particles when you put their milk in bottles; they actually ingest in very minute amounts the bottle they are fed with, some kind of harmful molecules, and she told me that there are many studies that link this with negative effects on babies and even lather in their lives as children or adults. In fact, some bottles aren’t tested or mandated to see if they are made with harmful or toxic plastics – especially cheap bottles, from unknown companies, aren’t regulated to make sure the plastic is safe for babies to drink from.

Not only that, but that nurturing closeness of being close to the breast can never be replaced with artificial nipples; your child deserves to be fed the way nature intends, at least at first.

Answer by Melissa
There’s no difference. The pregnancy itself is what makes your breast sag, since they get bigger during, and then after usually get smaller, which causes the skin to become looser. Breastfeeding is better because the baby can get more milk out that way than you can pumping. Pumping is good for going out or going back to work though.

Answer by Linda D
Holding an infant in your arms and breast feeding him/her is the greates feeling in the world!!!!! Do you also realize by breastfeeding, you can get back into shape faster……………
Besides, your boobs will not sag until you hit menopause!

Answer by lyndell v
Breast is Best!!!

Answer by jim m
both and they might sag anyway, in time

Answer by hanks place
You really need to do whats best for you.
If your worried about sagging I’m sorry to tell you you have had a baby and that will happen but not that bad. i had a baby 6 mths ago and am still breast feeding an my breast have not really sagged. all i have found is that they are a little larger then they were.you need to do whats best for you. weigh up the pros and cons if your going to give breast milk do whats more comfortable to you.
good luck

Answer by crystald
the sagging dsoent come from the baby eating from your breast, it somes from them filling up with milk and expanding and deflating on a constant basis! If you are too worried about it, id formula feed, and maybe only breast feed for a few weeks.

Answer by Sunshine
You can do either….Pumping won’t make them sag any less, but it may make your nipples larger. If you know that Breast is Best……then why worry about the vanity of it? You will be giving your baby a very healthy start at life and if you decide to breastfeed right from the breast, you will create a bond that no other person could ever have with your baby…it truly is a wonderful and special experience. Dad can hold the baby, play with the baby, even change the baby….but Only YOU will be able to breastfeed your baby…for me, that feels very empowering! 🙂
Good luck and Congrats!

Answer by roelienwatton
breastfeeding is definately better. even though your baby may still get all the minerals and nutrients from your breast milk in a bottle, there is no substitute for the bonding between parent and infant when breastfeeding takes place.

Answer by wild_texas_cowgirl18
Breast feed. Not only does it not sag your beasts so much but it also brings you and your child closer. Or so it is said. Congrats on your baby
Kimimila

Answer by Valerie B
I nurse my son and pump on occasion. Go to a maternaty store, and get fitted for a good nursing bra! If you properly support them as they grow, the elastic tissue in your breast will not get stretched as bad, and they won’t sag too much. You also need to sleep in your bra! I got some softer comfie cotton ones to sleep in. And even though the underwire makes them look good, it can lead to mastitis when your milk comes in. I learned that the hard way!

I will have to agree, breast feeding your baby is the most wonderful feeling in the whole world. The bond is amazing.

Answer by hyde
I nursed three children and if you wear a good supportive bra and don’t let yourself go too long you shouldn’t have to worry about sagging. nutritionally breast milk is the same no matter what it comes out of. keep in mind it is easier not to use the bottle and more hygienic. best wishes

Answer by d2delaney
Giving your child breastmilk by any means necessary is the best option for your baby, no matter what. That being said, the previous respondents are right, your breast are destined to succumb to gravity no matter what at this point. Welcome to the club! 🙂
Breastfeeding, however, is SO much more beneficial to you and your baby. The side effects to you are as follows:
Less stress over feeding sessions, as there is no prep work necessary (pumping, bottles, etc…)
More time to rest, as breastfeeding forces you to actually SIT DOWN and relax while feeding.
Quicker and more complete bonding with your child, especially if you feed on demand.
You will be more sensitive to baby’s hunger cues, resulting in a more content, happier child.
A potentially longer period of breastfeeding overall, since it tends to be more positive, rewarding, and less of a hassle than pumping and bottlefeeding. This is healthier for your child and for you in the long run.
Extended breastfeeding also puts you at a lower risk for breast cancer later on in life.
Best of luck to you and your family,
Hope this helps!

Answer by JCaton
Either way your breasts will sag. It is best to go ahead and breastfeed instead of pumping. I heard pumping is harder on you.

Answer by kikiandcorbinsmama
Breastfeeding doesn’t make your breasts sag. Lack of support does. Just getting pregnant can cause changes in your breasts, so you will experience a change either if you breastfeed or not.

As for pumping vs. nursing… there isn’t any difference. There will be milk either way. Nursing is preferable, because pumping can not maintain your supply like nursing will.

Answer by vyost22
I believe it is better to breast feed for two reasons. You will develope a special bond between mother and child. Another reason is, if you just pump your breast will stop developing milk because the baby’s sucking action on your breast triggers the milk developing process. There isn’t any machine that can replace your baby. I breast fed my daughter for 14 months, and she is very health and smart, and we are so close.