I really have questions/need to vent. I am about to give birth. I have been fighting with myself back and forth about breastfeeding or formula feeding. My entire family is pressuring me into breastfeeding, and while I want too. I am not sure I can mentally handle that right now. I suffer from mental illness and have been medicated most of my life. I stopped taking medications while I was pregnant and want to start them right after I give birth, but if I do, I know I can not breastfeed. These are the only meds that have ever helped me, and I know I need them to cope. Pregnancy has been super hard without them, but I wanted to ensure my baby was healthy, so I just dealt with it. But I don’t know if I can cope with the emotions of being a new mom and not being on my meds. My family will be so mad if I formula feed, but I need to think of myself. What would you do?
Breastfeeding is an amazing thing that you can do, but you can’t do it if you’re not 110%. I would personally say that if you feel that you need the medications please go back on them and do not allow the pressure from the family to sway your decision
Do what is best for YOU. Formula fed…breast fed…doesn’t matter as long as baby is being fed.
There is no choice there. You need to he healthy to raise a healthy baby. You said it yourself you know you need it. Your family needs to be supportive. Fed is best mama
It is ultimately YOUR CHOICE if they are mad, so what? You do what is best for YOU and your baby!
Fed is best. What ever works for you.
Honestly? Just relax and ignore everyone. Having a baby is rough. And at first they feed constantly. Try it but if u feel u want meds i suggest you take them or you could suffer an episode…
You need to take care of you! Your family need to back off and YOU need to do what you need to do for you! You cant be healthy for your little if you’re not healthy for yourself.
Do whats best for you
Have you looked into the meds to see if they will effect the baby if you breast feed? I wouldn’t worry ti much about your family being mad if you formula feed nothing wrong with it
Can’t take care of a baby if you don’t take care of yourself. If you can, maybe give your baby some colostrum right after birth. Then start back on your meds. Formula is fine and your mental health is very important.
Do what is best for you! As long as your baby is being fed, that’s all that matters. You also have to keep in mind that you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby. Don’t let your family pressure you or make you feel like any less of a mom because you want to formula feed.
A FED BABY IS THE BEST BABY!!! My fiancé and I both agreed we want to breastfeed for at least 6 months. Our baby is 4 months old and I’ve gotta start supplementing with formula because I went back to work when he was 4 weeks and I took a major hit in the supply area. I’ve been struggling with this a lot, but I’ve realized that so long as my little one is fed and growing, that’s all that matters!! And your mental health matters too! You have to care for yourself in order to care for your baby
A happy baby is a fed baby. A good and healthy mama means being you’re best you. If that means you need your medication then you need it. Mental health is no different than physical. Please do whatever you feel is going to make you the best. If you reaaaaallly want breast milk look into a milk donor.
Remember that no one knows what you’re going through but you.
Your baby will benefit from breastfeeding. If you can, it’s an amazing choice. (I’m sure you already know that)
***But your baby will benefit more from a happy mom.
Take care of you. Your baby will be fine either way 
I would just give it a try. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you 
Worry about yourself right now.
Your baby your choice. Both my kids we’re formula fed and they are as healthy as can be. Don’t let others pressure you into anything.
Another option is to bottle feed donated breastmilk.
I’ve watched my friends ex wife go through something similar and it was a huge mess. To the point of child neglect. I say taking charge of your mental health should trump any concerns from family. Postpartum hormones with an already unstable mind will not help anybody.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TOO. Formula is a lifesaving invention.
Bottle feed and go back on your meds!!!
Your baby, you body, your decision. Your family should be supportive of whatever way you decide to feed your baby. Your health, physical and mental is just as important as your baby’s. Your family should not be pressuring you and it’s very unfortunate that they are - I’m sorry 
You need to do what is best for you, without influence from others.
I’m a big advocate for breastfeeding, it’s very good for your baby.
BUT what else is good for your baby is a happy, healthy mom.
And let me tell you, breastfeeding is very hard physically, emotionally, and mentally.
So do what’s going to be best for your individual situation and enable you to bond the best with your child.
YOUR child YOUR body YOUR life you have to do what’s best for YOU! No one else’s opinion matters
Two things here mama.
Your mental health effects the health of your child; do what’s best for you!!!
I was on antidepressants after having my son, they did not effect my breastfeeding and were 100% approved and safe to take while breast feeding.
Breastfeeding is truly amazing and brings great joy. Give it a go, if it’s not for you, you don’t have to!
theres nothing wrong with formula feeding , your mental heath is important,
Do what you feel is best, honesty if you can go a couple days breast feeding after baby is born so that baby can get the colostrum (contains antibodies to help protect baby from diseases), then that would be good then start formula for baby and your meds for you! You went your whole pregnancy, i personally think a few more days will be okay. However do what is best for your baby and you! Best of luck❤
You need to make sure you are healthy enough to take care of your baby. I’ll always advocate for breastfeeding when it’s appropriate, but if your mental or physical health is going to suffer for it, feed your baby formula and keep you both healthy. It’s your choice.
Tell your family that if they want the baby on breastmilk so bad, it is up to them to find donor milk, and pay whatever cost is associated with obtaining it above the cost of formula.
I have a3 month old. I decided not to breastfeed because I take depression medication and knew I wouldn’t be able to take care of my son with no medication and dealing with postpartum depression. Best thing I chose to do. We are both happy and healthy. I also love that I am able to enjoy my baby being a baby with out thre stress of breastfeeding. #fedisbest #fucktherest
Brush it off. There will be other things they’ll try and force you to do. Nothing wrong with formula . these days it’s almost just as good as breast milk. Do what you think is best for both of you
Tell them to mind their own tits. Seriously. They do NOT get to decide this. And if they want to be mad well let them and tell them they can’t see you OR the baby until they can respect YOUR decision as mom. A healthy/happy mama is better than a baby being breastfed.
Fed is best. Thousand mouths thousand opinions. Do what’s best for you cause your baby needs a sane happy mom more than breast milk
Take care of your mental health first. PPD is no joke.
You do what’s best for you. Also know that more meds are breastfeeding safe then pregnancy safe. Always ask lactation specialist those questions. Breastfeeding dont have to be all or nothing. Its whatever works for you and baby
Do what’s best for you. Being healthy and taking care of your baby is more important than breastfeeding
Breastmilk doesn’t always come in well if you’re freaking out about it. If you’re worried that much, tell them you tried and the baby wasn’t latching and you’re not torturing yourself or your baby for it. You don’t owe anyone a lie, or an explanation at all, but there is one if you want it. I compromised and tried for the first few weeks and it didn’t work for me either time, and I happily was back on meds at 2 weeks and 9 weeks with each of mine. You can try it? Hormones after giving birth do weird things. Some people benefit. I didn’t, but you might. Maybe don’t decide until you’re there. But let the staff know you have reservations and may choose meds over bf’ing, but you won’t know until the last second and you’d like their support when you decide. Most will go above and beyond to make this a nice experience for you. Don’t let anyone tell you how to be a mom, let your heart feel it! Good luck on your journey!
In the long run everyone, especially your baby, will appreciate you doing what you know is best for you!
Your baby. Your body. Your decision. You need to be the best version of you for for your baby. If that means you take meds that you know you need and they work is the answer. So be it. Bottle feed by all means then. Stand strong, they are out of line.
It’s YOUR body, if your mental health is not well, then the pressure of being forced to breast feed is going to drag you down mentally. If you feel that bottle feeding is what you want to do then there is no shame in that. I bottle fed all of my 4 children and it’s ok. You have to take care of you first. If you don’t take care of you then you won’t be able to take care of anyone else. Hugs mama. Don’t give into what they want, do what you need to do to take care of you. Don’t let anyone make you feel badly for feeling like you know what’s best for you.
Your family may be super opinionated about it now but they will get over it, I promise. Once the baby is here and they see you feeding him/her with the bottle, they’re all gonna wanna feed the baby for you! That’s what happened with my family! 
It sounds like you know deep down you need your meds. FED IS BEST!
Mom’s health and happiness are important too.
How do you know you can’t take the medicine and breastfeed at the same time. There is rarely a medication that you can’t take while breastfeeding! So if it’s something you would like to try ask a certified lactation specialist. Or you can download mommy meds and it will tell you.
Your baby , your choice .
Talk to your doctor listen to him, then decide
Do what is right for you. It will impact you the most of all, so go with your gut. You know yourself best. What’s best for you is best for your baby.
I have both nursed and formula fed and both of my children are happy, healthy kids. Nursing impacted me most of all, and it was an incredible challenge. If I had known what I was getting into, I might have chosen differently. But alas, I’m stubborn and can’t back down so I did the best I could
Breastfeeding is awesome and good for baby but so is formula your family should want whats best for you and baby if that means you getting back on your medication and formula feeding then they should be supportive of that. In the end it’s YOUR choice not your families choice if your not mentally healthy thats not good for you or baby. If you feel like you need the medication take it and formula feed baby you need to do whats best for you too. Congrats on your sweet angel!
Mental health comes first.
Do what is best for you.
Your baby needs you to be the best version of yourself! Do what YOU need to do to ensure that! Either way your baby gets fed & that’s all that matters!
I breastfed all 3 of my boys. But it is somrthing YOU have to want to do. It hard mentally ohysically and emotionally and if YOU dont want to do it, its going to be hard. You do what you choose its your body your baby. You do what you feel is best for you and your baby.
It’s up to YOU. It’s YOUR baby!!
Just like in the other group you posted in : YOU DO WHAT YOU NEED AND FEEL COMFORTABLE DOING WITH YOUR BABY.
That only “bad” things I see in not breastfeeding is the poor sore tits before you dry up lol you do you momma! If you aren’t healthy you won’t be able to care for your baby to the best of your ability. Don’t worry what others think. Once they get to see that healthy, happy, and FED baby their hearts will melt.
You make the choice not them
talk to your doctor i know many people that take medication that still breastfeed and its just fine. and just remember a fed baby is the best baby.
You do what is best for you and your baby!!! Mental health is so important.
Your baby needs you to be well. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding. Do what you think is best.
You need to talk with a doctor
Do what you feel is right for you and your baby. You can start breastfeeding if you want to try it. You can formula feed if that’s what you want to do. You can do both. It’s your baby, not their’s (unless it’s the daddy then he can breast feed. Lol)
I bottle fed my twins, then breastfed my next two babies. Do what You need to do. Your best is the best. Your baby needs you to be mentally healthy. That’s so important… And your family either gets it or they don’t.
Babies thrive on formula too! You could always give your sweetie all of your colostrum in the first few days after birth and then try making the switch to bottle feeding if that feels best. Mental health is rocky as it is as a new mama and your health practitioners will encourage you to take care of yourself. If that means taking medication and formula feeding, baby will be absolutely fine and your family should be supportive of what keeps your both happy/healthy.
I am all for breastfeeding… but you mama… take your medications, you dont have to just deal with it or struggle
Be the best you, you can be for you and your daughter.
Hugs
I formula fed my son and plan on formula feeding my second. Breastfeeding is great but not for every woman. Talk to your doctor and go with your gut. Your mental state and you being happy, is better for your child then opinions of family members who aren’t the ones about to give birth.
I loved breastfeeding and did it as long as I could (11 months with first and 6 with second) BUT you need to do what’s best for you and your baby. And I wouldn’t worry about your family’s disapproval if you decide not to breastfeed. Your body/baby, your decision. Good luck 
Honestly. Most mental health meds are safe for breastfeeding Mommas. And breastfeeding releases alot of endorphins and hormones that can also help combat depression ( it also burns insane calories… Hello exercise free weight loss!!!). Point is… If you can try BFing… There are lots of benefits for both mom and baby. Whichever route you take, know that a FED baby is best. Dont sweat other peoples OPINIONS. Gather facts and information from Research, your doctor and lactation consultants. The best thing you can do is research and make an INFORMED decision.
Fed is best. You need your mental health for your little one
I stoped reading half of it . Do what the he’ll you want ! Who gives a damn ! What others think or want you to do .
NOW is the best time to stand upto your family and remind them that YOU are the mum.
People want to talk all this talk that formula is bad. Blah blah blah. It’s not. Breastfeeding is fine. Formula feeding is fine.
YOUR BABY EATING IS WHATS MOST IMPORTANT.
why there is a stigma around breast or formula baffles me.
Do what you want to do. Don’t stress yourself more than needed. It’s your baby.
I tried to breast feed with both of my kids and it didn’t work out.
Guess what ? Both my kids are healthy as can be. From formula.
Fed is best momma. Your baby will be healthy and happy with YOU happy and healthy also!
Mental health comes first and foremost especially since you can also suffer with post PPD. Fed is best. Period. So long as your baby always has a full belly then that’s all that should matter. Your family will get over themselves. Talk to your doctor about seeing a lactation specialist so they can get you the facts on what you can take. Your health is most important though to ensure your baby is happy and healthy
Do whatever you feel is best. Do Not let others control you. Honestly even the hospital staff will pressure you to Breast feed. It’s kind of a thing to educate people about breastfeeding but some people can be to much family or not. *Your baby will be happier if she/he knows mama is happy in all ways…mentally, physically, emotionally. And when I say that I really mean it because them babies know when mama isn’t right.
If it will help your mental health to formula feed then I would do that. That’s what formula is for! You need to be the healthiest you to take care of your new babe and there isn’t anything wrong with formula. I know that it can he hard but you have to put your foot down. Your baby your choice 
I had my baby 4 months ago was going to just formula feed. But I breast fed for 2 weeks the most it hurt and I just couldn’t I was becoming too tired and it was too risky so I just gave her formula. Do what you like! It’s up to you not family. Xx
Do what is best for you if you need those meds then your choice. However I would recommend that you at least breastfeeding until your milk comes in which is about a week so that your baby can get the colostrum/antibodies from you. This helps boost their Immune system. Still your choice your still a good mom either way.
You need top do what’s best for you. If you need medication to cope with the stress of motherhood then take it. My daughter was mostly breastfed for the first 5 months but then my supply dried up so she went strictly to formula. All I can say is that you need top take care of yourself so you can take care of your new baby.
If you really want to breastfeed talk to your doctor about other meds you might be able to take. If you dont want to try new meds and go back on the meds that you took before because they worked nothing wrong with that either. A healthy mom and feed baby are best so do what you need to do
My daughter is primarily formula fed. I was heartbroken that I couldn’t breastfeed exclusively, but so grateful that formula exists so she gets the nutrients she needs to thrive. I don’t make enough milk for her. You need to be the THE BEST YOU for your baby to thrive. If your meds help you do that then by all means get back on them. Hopefully they will help you combat against postpartum depression. Your baby will be perfectly healthy on formula. Do what you need to do for YOU and YOUR baby, be damned what others have to say, well intended or not. FED IS BEST!!! You do you Mama, good luck, safe delivery, and healthy baby!
You need your meds to be a good mom. I hope you will breastfeed after birth so your baby can get a good start with colostrum, but after that you need to make sure you will be OK. Partial breastfeeeding might be an option–you could nurse her right before your next dose is due, when the drug would be lowest in your bloodstream, and formula feed all other times. You could call a La Leche League leader for information and support in doing this. You can also research the safety of your medication for breastfeeding. But your relatives have made their point; it’s time for them to butt out. You know what is best for you. Another option could be donated milk.
A mother’s mental is already fragile from hormones. Add other, already known, mental health issues on top that could compound both/all issues. Taking your meds and formula feeding is more than fine and there is zero shame in this. Your family needs to back off. Maybe remind them that this way they can bond with baby during feeding times as well.
Whatever you choose, good luck. And keep your doctors informed
I was in the same boat.
I breast fed for the first few days so my daughter got the colostrum because it’s super good for babies.
Then my milk came in and I just couldn’t do it. I got hit hard with ppd and quit breastfeeding.
I think it’s your child, and bottle, or breast, fed is best. My kids did breast at first then bottle. They are extremely smart and healthy. Do what YOU think is best for your baby. They will get over it
First of all, regardless of your reasons for not wanting to, there is always the chance that the baby does not even latch to be breastfed.
Second, motherhood is hard enough. It messes with your emotions enough. It stresses you out enough. You’ll already be dealing with enough! You don’t need added unnecessary stress.
You do what you need to do to be mentally okay, because THAT is truly what is best for your baby.
Listen to you not your family. If you need the meds to cope then take the meds and formula feed. Your family is not going to be with that baby 24/7, you are.
Do what is right for you and your baby. Fuck who cares what other cunts think
Regardless of your choice just make sure to get plenty of iron and b12 (more if youre breastfeeding) as they will help tremendously with energy and mood.
Mental illness is a real thing as you know and needs to be treated. Yes I am pro breastfeeding but your baby will need their mommy in the best state that you can be in. So in this case breast is not best. Do what you need to do to be the best mommy you can be. Your family should want what’s best for this little one and eventually I hope they realize that what they want isn’t what this baby needs.
I know this next statement is easier said then done but try not to stress over what your family is saying. Focus on you and your child. There is nothing wrong with formula. I have three kids…one was all formula, one was both formula and breast and one was all breast. They are all teenagers now and no one would ever be able to guess which was which. In the end they were all fed…good luck momma.
#fedisbest
Absolutely nothing wrong with formula feeding right out the gate! This is not their child. This is not their responsibility nor their decision. You have to do what’s going to be best for your health and the the well being of your baby. It may not be what they choose but that’s life. Not everyone is going to get what they want and they’ll just have to get over it. If you feel like they deserve an explanation, sit them down and tell them very matter of factly that this is what you’ve chosen to do and that it’s not up for discussion. Let them know you’ve weighed out the pros and cons of each option and this is what is best for you and your baby. Don’t ever feel the need to apologize to them for doing what you feel is best. Although they are entitled to their opinions, they are not entitled to make decisions for you or your child. Let them know you’d really appreciate your support as this isn’t a decision you’ve taken lightly and it’s weighed heavy on your heart knowing that it will disappoint them but that this simply is what it is.
I pray that if you do firmly let them know your decision, that they respect it and don’t see it as something that’s up for discussion anymore. Your baby and your body will thank you when you have a healthy mind and are able to give your babe 100% after he or she is here! You’re doing a great job and I wish you all the best with this new journey. There’s a lot of pressure out there to breastfeed and mothers’ mental health seems to be often overlooked in the grand scheme of things. You do what’s best for YOU. Best of luck mama
Mental health of mama is the most important. But, if you do want to breastfeed, have your psychiatrist look into breastfeeding friendly medication! I’ve been on meds for a while and wanted to breastfeed, so my psychiatrist and I worked and found a combination that worked for me and I was able to safely breastfeed. It’s all up to you, but overall, a happy, stable mama is most important.
Do whats right for YOU…Its not their baby…You are the mum…
And it is none of their business how you feed your baby
I was honestly in the same boat with my first born! I tried to stick it out and continue without my meds because it hadn’t been that hard to not take them during my pregnancy, but as soon as the stress of having newborn hit, breastfeeding on top of everything else made my PPD so so bad… if you need the meds, you need the meds, and your baby needs you happy and healthy more than they need breastmilk specifically. I never tried breastfeeding again after that, it was that hard for me. But you do whatever you feel you need to do. Screw whatever your family has to say, they’re not the ones raising that baby.
Oh, mama, you do what you have to, to be healthy! If that means formula, there is nothing wrong with that!!
Fed is best.
Your family doesn’t get to make these decisions for you. They don’t know what you have gone through, or what you’re going through, only you do. So do what is best for you!
Best of luck, and prayers for you.
Don’t worry!!!
I was planning on breastfeeding, but after an emergency C Section I was unable to produce any milk. Best thing ever happened!!!
My baby is not colic or gassy, I get to eat and drink whatever I want without worrying about affecting the baby.
Anyone can help me with him without worrying about the milk supply.
Baby is beautiful and healthy!!!
Do whats best for you. Period. End of discussion!
You seem to understand the situation best. Don’t put you and the baby at any risk bc they are pressuring you. Take your meds and bottle feed. Be confident in your decisions. Best of luck to you and the baby.
Forget what your family says. You are more likely to end up with postpartum already having issues that require meds. If you breastfeed and the baby doesn’t do well or your body doesn’t respond or produce the way your baby needs, you start out feeling like a failure. You do not need that pressure! As long as your baby is fed and healthy and you’re healthy (physically and mentally) that’s all that matters. Do not let people push you into something you already feel you can’t deal with. Go with your gut.
Your mental health comes first. Breastfeeding is an amazing bond but it is extremely difficult in some cases and mentally tolling. If you aren’t able to take care of yourself first, it’ll be even harder to take care of your babe. Listen to your body and your needs in this case. It’s not selfish.
I’d find out if they’re bf friendly or not. There are lots of info on the breastfeeding network.
Your medication is important.
It’s your choice ultimately and as someone who’s also struggled with mental illness and post partum depression with every one of my children you should do what’s best for you. The mental strain only adds after the baby is born and it can be alot to handle. I chose to breastfeed all of my children only because for me it was so much easier (milks already made and the perfect temp no making bottles at 3am) and my first born was allergic to literally every single brand of formula. You can always choose to let them suckle the colostrum so they get those benefits it gives and then formula feed. Either way you do it there is literally no shame just do whatever you are personally comfortable with. Your baby, your body, your choice.
Fed is best. You have to take care of your mental health, especially in your early postpartum weeks when everything feels overwhelming. A happy mom equals happy baby, your family may be upset with you but they will have to respect your choice regardless because you are the parent.