Colostrum Powder

Does milk come in regardless of breastfeeding?

Could you please tell me if there's less of a chance of milk coming in if you bottlefeed from birth, or if you milk supply is smaller if you don't breastfeed at all? I'm not yet pregnant, but am positive that I will not be a breastfeeding mother. I breastfed my first child for 6 months and we (daughter and I) were miserable until I supplemented. I was considering giving colostrum in the hospital since it would be very short term, but I don't want to if it will increase my milk supply. I respect everyone's right to breastfeed anywhere in public into toddlerhood, but do not feel that it make for a better mother nor child. I have read the Kelly Mom information, as well as Dr. Sears, Dr. Newman, and various other breastfeeding experts. I believe formula to be a perfectly acceptable substitute for breastmilk, whose benefits are marginal at best for most babies. Thanks for all answers. I didn't phrase my questions too well apparently. I was asking if not breastfeeding would at all help diminish the possiblity of my milk coming in, or diminish the supply. Or, I cud just bee stuped caus my momma fomleah fed me.

Public Comments

1. Of _course_ you read _all_ about breastfeeding, yet somehow missed the part on how milk production works... sigh "How does milk production work?" http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html "I believe formula to be a perfectly acceptable substitute for breastmilk, whose benefits are marginal at best for most babies." More accurate: I believe formula to be a perfectly acceptable substitute for cow's milk, whose benefits are marginal at best for most babies. If you can't be bothered to nurse your baby just don't nurse your baby, but don't spread nonsense about milk.
2. Your milk will come in no matter if you breast feed or not. But it will not stay long if you are not and this may sound weird but put cabbage leafs in your bra and it will drain you milk faster. I know sounds funny but it works. Take it from someone who has done it.
3. Breastfeeding is supply and demand. If you don't breastfeed, your breasts will become engorged for a few days and then your milk will "dry up." But as long as you are breastfeeding, your milk supply will continue. (Haven't you ever heard of these freaks who breastfeed their kids for two, three, four or more years?)
4. ln healthy women, yes milk will come in regardless, it's your body's natural response to having a baby. What you do with it is up to you. You will get tons of debate in here, but from personal experience I breastfed until my son was only a couple weeks old because my milk supply was pretty much gone. He's 17 weeks old and has been supplementing with formula since birth (didn't make enough breastmilk even then) and he's happier and healthier than most babies. You do what you decide to do, it's your decision as a mother. I don't judge mothers either way, they know what they're doing.
5. Yes, your milk will come in regardless of whether or not you breastfeed. When the placenta is delivered it triggers a release of hormones which starts milk production.
6. Yes, it does come in regardless, however, it will soon dry up. It is uncomfortable while you are waiting, but it's nothing you can't bear. Many people choose not to breast feed and I personally feel that it is the choice of the mother whether or not she wants to do this. I have a friend who had two bottle fed babies and two breast fed babies and developmentally, all of her kids are the same as well as their resistance to childhood colds, etc. She said that she can't tell a difference either. The reason for the last two being breast babies is because they both had severe formula issues. My child was a bottle fed child and she has turned out just fine. Like you, we were both miserable until going to the bottle. She was always hungry and I was always nursing, but when we went to the bottle, her feedings cut down dramatically. I'm sure I will be criticized for my answers, but I think the manner in which you feed your baby is your business.
7. I think you decision to give colostrum at the hospital is a good idea. Colostrum is fully of great anti-bodies for you baby. My baby had a hard time breastfeeding so at the hospital I was only able to breastfeed twice and once I got home I had to pump. Since I could only pump maybe two or three times a day my milk was not increasing and by the third week I was only getting out an ounce so I gave up and wore breast pads for only a week after and my milk was gone. No engorgement or anything! But everyone is different.
8. Uber, you read my mind http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html
9. Sorry, milk comes in regardless of your feeding choice. I cannot say that you didn't educate yourself...oh wait, then why do you not know about milk coming in? Whatever.
10. Your milk will come in regardless of your choice to breastfeed because God created our bodies this way for a reason. Its unfortunate that you're going to force your body to stop a natural process. If you're so against breastfeeding, why is the momentary use of colostrum a consideration? Sounds a bit hypocritical... Its absolutely astounding to me that you could read so many sources and yet not understand the content. Perhaps reading the bottle of formula, where it specifically says that "breastfeeding is reccommended" will help you feel more comfortable with your decision.
11. "I believe formula to be a perfectly acceptable substitute for breastmilk, whose benefits are marginal at best for most babies." Well, you are very misinformed there. But, believe what you want. Just quit spreading false information. Yes, your milk will still come in whether you bottle feed or not.
12. Yes,unfortunately it does. Eta-Just wanted to say your little added details cracked me up.