Formula-fed 1St Child, Breast-feed My 2Nd?

I did this myself. It is not unfair to either child. Both my kids (4 and 6) are "normal" physically, emotionally and I am so glad I was able to breastfeed my 2nd after not being successful with my first.

I didn't breast feed my twins but I did my little girl(that I had after the twins). It was great both ways and my boys could have cared less. I say go for it.

I have a 5 month old and a 9 year old, the 9 year old being formula fed and the 5 month old breast. My 9 year old is the most supportive and helpful and bears no resentment and he understands that I did not breast feed him. I do not think they "know", nor do they think that one is preferred over the other. 9 years ago in my office I could only pump in the bathroom so I chose to stop now I tele-commute and thank goodness! In 5 mos I have not gotten a full night's sleep yet...good luck to you.

Unfair??????? Honey, we make decisions based on the information, understanding, and intution we have at any given time in concert with whatever set of circumstances we happen to be living.

Throughout your life as a mother you'll be doing things for one child that another didn't, isn't, and/or won't get...that just a fact of life. Why deny your child of something wonderful based on another not having the fortune or circumstance to have had??? We do the best for each individual child we can.

Remember, breastfeeding isn't JUST for the baby, it's also for YOUR health and benefit. THAT fact alone, is worth doing it for your FIRST child--a healthier Mama is ALWAYS a good choice.

This can be a wonderfully beautiful bonding time for you and your FIRST baby, too! Each time you have your new child at the breast, have a book, a movie, a coloring activity that your first child can do with you. Reading to your children has a value beyond what we can currently comprehend. While you're holding your infant with one arm, you can hold your first with your other arm--while sitting. You can lay on your side to nurse your baby, while your first one snuggles behind you and plays with your hair, watches a quick show, sings songs with you, etc...

Have snacks and water ready to go for when you're breastfeeding for you and your little one to enjoy while your baby is being nurished by you.

There are many choices I've made with one child that as new ones come I've changed...each life, each person, each experience is it's own. Try not to devalue one for the sake of another's perceived "possible" problem. If you do that now, your second child is going to be a slave of your first child's whims for the duration of his/her life.

Make your choice based on truth, faith, and intuition...not fear, aprehension, "guilt", or trepidation.

"Fair" is what each child needs at the time (or you can provide at the time. If one of your kids had special needs and needed to go to a class would you not let them because the other wasn't going?

Do what is right at the time. If nothing else your first child will benefit from seeing you nurse their sibling and have that expectation for when they have children. Use nursing time to snuggle, read a book and be close to your first child as well.

I wanted to breastfeed both of my children, but was unable to with my first (long story there) so we ended up bottle-feeding him. I was able to breastfeed my second child and did so for 13-months almost exclusively. Is there a difference between my children and how they behave? No. Is one bond stronger than the other? No. Are they both happy and healthy? Yes. (In fact, my bottle fed child was always healthier than my breastfeed child.) I don't think it was unfair to either child and have no regrets and I'm sure they won't care as they get older either.

while I had to feed my first two children on goats milk, (they were sick on anything else) i breast feed my next two kids and they did great!

now at ages 20, 18, 15, 13 there is some "inwardly" diffrences, first two get colds more often, and other little things will get them sick, while the other two are not so sick!

I asked my 18 year old if she thought it was unfair of me to breast feed her siblings and not her! she rolled her eyes and said NOPE! "she is the closest to me" the others are close to daddy.

while Formula feeding my children I would hold and talk to them just as when i breast feed. (Never prop a botttle with a new born.) the world can wait till I was done feeding!!!!

I only breastfed the third child for about 5-6 months, and the fourth child for a year, it was the greatest,
my husband would get sad that he couldnt do more, so I did put some breast milk in bottle, but the kids didnt like it! so hubby got the burping and putting to sleep duty!!!!!

If you want to Breastfeed DO IT! and it helps get the baby weight off faster!!!! =)

Mother to 11 kids, his, mine ours, and married to a great husband, dad, friend, lover!

Your children won't know or care about the difference. Due to medical reasons, I was only able to breastfeed my first for about 4 months, while my others nursed longer. They don't have a clue about the difference, and I don't think my oldest has some subconscious feelings of being loved less than the others or something (well, other than the usual "life's not fair" attitude you get from teenagers! LOL)

I would highly recommend nursing your baby. It's good for so many reasons. Good bonding time with baby, helps you lose baby weight, healthiest for baby, and my personal favorite "forced relaxation"!

Have fun with your babies. They don't stay that way nearly long enough!

J.

Well I was bottle fed and my sister was breastfed and I don't think I notice much...
She was 8 years younger than me and I think it was just a time in my moms life where she had time to breastfed, while with me she didn't. That and I was in the hospital for a bit after birth.
I don't harbor any resentment towards my mom or my sister. Just was what it was. I just remember thinking it was gross, but hey I was 8 :)

I really don't think your first child will even know that you didn't breastfeed her when she sees you feed your other child.
If anything she will be just jealous in general that a new little person is in the picture taking up moms time.

I wouldn't worry too much.
Good luck!

I don't think it will matter, you should do what you think is best now for your child. My aunt had 3 children and for various reasons she did different things for each.

I was not able to breast feed my first child. I had wanted to, but it was not in the cards for us. With my second child, I was able to breast feed her for about two months. Believe me, neither of them have been negatively impacted by this. I was just glad I was able to breast feed one of them, even though it was for a small time. Ironically, my 11 year old bottle fed son is healthier than my 5 year old breast fed daughter. Go figure.

You are a very loving mother. I can tell just by your concern about this. Don't sweat the small stuff. My first daughter never nursed well and we went to formula after 4 months. My other two live on brease milk. They are all healthy. I doubt they will say "mom loved you more bc she breastfed you"

Love your children independatly for the wonderful blessings they are. Your bond is the most important factor. Congrats on you baby on the way.

I only breastfed my first child for 6 weeks because he wanted to nurse every 45 minutes and being a first timer I gave up and he was bottle fed. My other 5 were breastfed until their 1st birthday and my now 9 month old will do it until then. I don't see a recognition from him that he didn't get nursed. He is a happy, active, healthy 13 year old. It is only an issue if you make it an issue. Go ahead and breastfeed and don't worry about it being fair or not because "yes, it is fair because it isn't unfair". We as moms need to quit putting ourselves under so much pressure and worry about scaring our children psychologically!!. I'm sure your first is perfectly fine after having the bottle.

I'm in a similar situation. I tried to breastfeed both of my children, but did not succeed. Now that I am trying for number three I can't decide if I should skip breastfeeding altogether or try again. I really think that whatever you decide to do for your new baby will be okay. You get plenty of bonding with a baby when you give them a bottle, and formula is really very good nutrition too. Do what feels right to you. If you want to try and breastfeed, do it. I'm sure your older child will be just fine.

As some of the previous posts said, each child is different as are the circumstances surrounding their births. I have six kids and I have breastfeed them to varying ages and not a one of them thinks any less of me for that. Each child had a different situation that allowed (or didn't allow) me to nurse them. I think my shortest time was 2 weeks and my longest has been 1 yr. Look at the whole picture decide what is best for you and the new baby, make the choice and don't let anyone make you feel any regrets or guilt about the choice that you have made for your family. They don't know the reasoning behind it. Congrats on the newest member, and good luck
J.

Why are you questioning yourself over something that's said and done? You can't unring that bell, so to speak. No, it's not unfair to your first. You made the best decisions you could for your first child, just as you'll do for your second child. Every child is different and every situation is different. I don't believe you're going to "scar" your child one way or the other. I wanted to breastfeed my daughter and I tried very hard. I gave up after 4 months because I just didn't have enough milk to feed her (even after taking milk stimulation meds from my OB). You never know what's around the corner. There are plenty of things that we moms worry about and question ourselves about, don't add to this list with something that you can't change! Go on and do what you feel is right for this second child with no regrets. Good luck and congrats on your upcoming arrival!

I say do what you feel that you should. The reality is that you just weren't able to on the first for some reason or other and that is ok. I have seen very healthy and smart formula fed babies. Breastmilk is great and if you can do it this go around wonderful. I breastfed and loved it, yet at times it wasn't always easy. In some places you can pull a bottle out where people don't want you o pull your boob out. I am only sying his because in the end it has to be whatyou are comfortable with. If you are feeling guilty for any reason whatever your choice the baby will sence it and you will not get full benefit of it. Good Luck I can tell that you want to do what is right for your baby. I believe the best thing to do is make a choice and enjoy the benefits. Your children will only know that you love them and that you made a choice that you felt was best for them.

Oh goodness. Can you tell me if you were breastfed? was your brother or sister? Are you sure? I don't think most people ever know. Only a girl may know when she becomes a mom and asks her mom...maybe. So don't fret over this. Just do what is right fr you right now.

I too formula fead my first two children anf=d am now breast feeding my third. I wish I would have tried harder with the first two it is such a awesome bond with your baby. I would'nt feel guilty about it at all there are many reasons why we do or do not breastfeed you know what is best for you and your child.

I formula fed my son who is now four, and breast fed my daughter who is now almost two. My son never noticed a difference in the way he was fed vs. the way I fed my daughter. It didn't bother him at all. I am glad that I breast fed my daughter, now I know the pros and cons of both for myself and I will be able to make a good decision if I ever choose to have a third child. Breast feeding is a wonderful experience, but don't decide one way or another because of how you think it might make soeone else feel. This is a decision for you and you alone.

Hi, I have a friend, that bottle fed her first to children ages 6 and 2 1/2. She had problems with the first latching on and not being able to get the hang of nursing. So she just went ahead and bottled fed her second. Even though she would try and latch on at every turn. When she got pregnant with your third, she decided that she would try nursing. She hasn't had any problems with her other children with this. I believe if you don't make a big deal about one being bottle fed and one being nursed, they will make a big deal out of it. Circumstances with each child are different. At the time of your first child, you did what you felt was best for you and him/her.

I would second what everyone else that replied said, that you should go for it and breastfeed your little one! The only thing I wanted to add is that it might be really helpful if you get a doula to help you get started. I am a doula in the Denver area if you have questions.

I think it would be more unfair if you didn't breastfeed the second one just because you didn't breastfeed the first one. Circumstances change, so you have to adjust!
Do you know if you were formula fed or breastfed? How about your siblings? I found out I was formula fed only after I had my first child. And that was back in the day when they thought jaundiced babies needed formula instead of the breast. I have NO idea of the status of my siblings.
I don't think it will be an issue for your kids. It's going to be a huge issue for you, though, for the next year. Don't worry about their future judgements. Just make your own decision about what will be the best for you now.

Hi SG, You should be easier on yourself -- you are over thinking this. There is no reason to doubt your decision to consider breast feeding. Period. If anybody seriously discourages you away from breast feeding because it wouldn't be fair to the first baby they are out of their head. If you decide to BF, good luck with it! And if you give BF'ing try and decide later to change your plan, that's ok too. Be good to your little ones & take care of yourself too.

I think it is great that you are considering breastfeeding. I also formula fed my 1st child because he had cholic and my doctor suggested a formula that helped. I am now on my 2nd (8 months old) and she is an exclusive breastfeeder. I tried this time around and she just did better than my son at latching on and is still going strong. My son is almost 3 and had no memory of taking a bottle vs. breast so I don't think you should feel any guilt over the different scenarios. You do was you think is best for each child it doesn't matter if it is different. Good luck with everything!!

Fair, fair, fair. Trying to be “fair” is one of the hardest things about having more than one child. Here’s a secret – if by “fair” you mean “equal,” it is never going to happen. Here’s an even better secret – that’s okay. What we are able to provide changes with our circumstance. Your second child will be a different person, with different needs and a different personality. YOU are a different person, with different needs, and I would venture to guess that your personality has changed since the birth of your first child.

It is important to remember throughout ALL of our parenting that we do the best we can where we are at. This is true emotionally, financially, physically – in every aspect of our parenting, we offer what we can where we are at. If you can offer your second child something your first child didn't have, that's okay. The truth is that your first baby had things your second will not. One of the beautiful things about breastfeeding younger children is that it makes you sit down and spend some time just staring at your baby and interacting with them. Believe me, when you have more than one child, you don’t get that chance like you did with your first. With every change in our circumstances, there is a change in what we can offer our children - both good and bad things. You will never assure "equal" treatment of your children. In fact, I think it is much better to try to meet each child individual needs rather than strive to give them the exact same thing. In this case, depriving your second baby of the benefits of breast milk would not offer any benefits to your first child

Think of it this way - if you wanted to send your kids to a top private school, but you couldn't afford it until after your first child was in jr. high, would you enroll your first in the private school but make your second stay in public school until HE was in jr. high, just to make sure that he didn't have any more time at the top school than his older sibling did? Of course not! You would be happy that you can provide this benefit now. You might feel sad that you couldn't do as much for your oldest, but there is no reason to deprive your younger child. You are providing what you can in each situation. We strive to love all of our children the best we can. If you are in a position to breastfeed your second child, go for it without reserve! You will never regret choosing to nurse your baby. Both of your children will know how much you love them, and that is most important.

Best of luck,
S.

i think it's ok. i had an aunt who bottle-fed her first born, then nursed her other two. she didn't seem to notice any jealousness

Everyone has to do the best she can with the opportunities and information she has at the time, and that's what it sounds like you're trying to do, so good for you.
If you'd like to talk to other moms who have probably dealt with this very thing, I suggest attending a local La Leche League meeting--you'll get lots of info about how to get started breastfeeding your baby, but also, in my experience, many moms at LLL have really "earned" their breastfeeding experience and can likely relate to making hard choices and trying to do what's best for their families. Best wishes to you.

I don't think it matters. You have to do what feels comfortable for you. My oldest was only breastfed for a week and my youngest a month. I'm actually closer, in some ways to the oldest. You would think it was the other way around. Go with what feels right to you. Good luck!!!

I am the youngest of two. My sister was breastfed and I was not. I have never had an issue with this and neither has my sister. It never even came up until we had children. Once I found out, I was able to teasingly say that now I have an excuse whenever my sister did better than me on an exam :)!!

Hi SG,
My mom breastfed my 2 older brothers and didn't breastfeed my younger brother and myself. No problems growing up with this, none of us remembered one way or the other until mom told us because my younger brother and I catch colds much more frequently than my older brothers. We think the known health advantages to breast feeding is with the immune system and we think that is why my younger brother and I have more illness's. Breast feeding is great, if you can do it, do it, it is not going to have a negative impact on your daughter emotionally.
SarahMM

I formula-fed my first because she was unable to breastfeed. My second breastfed for a year. What's important isn't so much how you feed them, breast or bottle; what's important is the love and security they feel while you feed them. I think you'll be just fine to breastfeed your second. Good luck! :-)

Hi S G! Congratulations on your pregnancy! I so appreciate your heart that you want what is best for both of your children. You will find that with your second, a lot of things are different - I encourage you as a conscientious mom to not put upon yourself any sort of condemnation or guilt at not being able to do the same things for each child. It's just impossible.

They have no idea whatsoever, nor do they remember anything at that age when they are older.

I am in the same boat. I tried breast feeding my first, but it was just too dificult for me with the emotions and she was a colicky baby. I just needed help and to be able to hand her over to my husband to help with feedings.
I am going to give breastfeeding another try with baby number 2 (in January) and if it works, great, if not, well then.
I don't think it will make a difference to them. Just make sure you take the same number of pictures of baby 2 as you did one, that is where they will feel "left out".

My two cents...
You've got to figure that, as moms, we are basically doing everything we can as well as we can at any given moment. Sometimes that's great, sometimes not so much. A current example of this situation in my world: My firstborn ate baby food from a jar, and it wasn't even all organic. My second is eating homemade baby food from locally grown, organically and sustainably farmed vegetables and fruit, and free-range meat. But just because I didn't have such food preferences with my first doesn't mean my second baby shouldn't benefit. It's basically the same scenario, just a few months down the road. :) I say nurse the baby, and figure that if it does make a difference, he/she will just have fewer gripes about the older one getting everything first. :)
Good luck!

How would your first even know unless you call attention to the fact that you didn't breastfeed her? I worked with a woman that did not choose to breastfeed her first but did her second, so no, it is not unheard of, at least by me. Everyone has their reasons for why they do or do not breastfeed, even at different points in their lives. Good luck.

Choose what is best for you and ignore what anyone else says. I really hate that breastfeeding is such a source of guilt for us! I breastfed my first for 9 months, but my 2nd I could not produce enough milk for. She barely lasted 6 weeks. I only lasted that long because everyone around kept telling me how much better it is and giving me that guilt trip. My wonderful doctor finally told me that breastfeeding should be a nice experience and only if it is really what is best. She said that some women simply don't produce enough milk. I switched to formula and my baby and I were so much happier. I'm pregnant with my 3rd and I want to try breastfeeding, but I know that it is possible that my body will not keep up with the demand again. I have noticed no differences between my two daughters milestones and development. Their health is always good, they almost never get sick. My sister's oldest was formula fed and the rest were breastfed. Actually, as a teenager, my niece is glad she was never nursed and the rest are a little wierded out that their mom nursed them. They know there's a difference, but they don't really care. Good luck with the baby, whatever you decide to do!

Absolutely not. I see nothing wrong or unethical/immoral whatever about breastfeeding one and not the other, and I don't think they will even know the difference later unless you tell them. All of mine had some form of formula and breastmilk and all for different reasons. My first was primarily formula. My twins were primarily breastmilk for the first few months, and my fourth was a blend of both. You have to do what you have to do sometimes when it comes to making decisions for children. If you can breastfeed your second, I say go for it! There are many health and convenience benefits to it. But I wouldn't worry about being fair. You'll have lots of chances to worry about that as they get older and notice the differences between them! Good luck and have fun! Congrats on your second child.

I am the 2nd of 3 kids, and I am the only one that was not breastfed. I never had any bad feelings about it. I don't think you should be so hard on yourself.

I breastfed and formula fed my son (hwo's now 3) until he was 3 months old and then went to using formula only. I didn't realize at the time that breastfeeding was based on supply and demand. I would have liked to breastfeed longer but it was not working. I have only breastfed my second child (9 months old). I went into it with the mindset, "I want to breasfeed but if it doesn't work (for numerous reasons) then it doesn't work." You need to do what you feel is right for you and your children. My guess is that they're not going to remember how you fed them, but that they're going to remember that you did feed them one way or another. Go with what will work for you and your family.

I breast-fed my first in the beginning and end up formula feeding him in the end. My second I only formula-feed. And my third child I pumped and bottle feed her breast milk. I cant seem to see any difference between the three kids and I don't think they will ever know a difference unless I tell them and even if I tell them I don't think they will care. Do what works best for you!

Well first, I must say choosing is your choice. If you gave your first at least some breast milk that helps build up immunities. I personally did not like breast feeding, it was very hard however with my first she was little and didn't suck well, I pumped for maybe two mos. She had to go on a special formula due to tummy issues and thrived. We bonded the same, if not more since she had me to herself vs her brother that was the second child. She was very healthy and continues to be so.

With my son, he took to breast feeding right away, however his appetite vs my supply I had to supplement but gave him breast milk for almost four mos.
Both are healthy, fine, no allergies,they are smart and not one difference other then the obvious in personalities. My son was a lot bigger then my daughter at birth and even with three years difference is still as big as she is. Nothing to do whatsoever with breast milk.
Don't beat yourself up about what you choose with your first. There are circumstances that change with each child. I wouldn't worry nor would I really even discuss it with your kids unless they ask, which maybe they will in about 18 years, hee hee.

You do what is best for you, your family and please don't feel guilty about anything.
Your children will not be any different, they will not resent you or end up in therapy either way!!!!
Breast milk is a big positive, don't get me wrong, but I know how I felt with my choices of not doing it for the first year completely and to be honest I ignored the chastizing and focused on what worked for myself and my children. My kids at the ages now of 4 and 7 are amazing kids!!! Yours will be too!

I did not breast feed my first because of complications, working and when my second came along I was in a totally different situation that made nursing possible. I got a wonderful lactation nurse at the hospital and with her help I was able to breast feed my second. I think each child is different and comes with a unique set of circumstances. Good for you if you want to breastfeed this one. My older daughter was 7 when the baby was born and totally understood about breastfeeding and didn't resent it one bit. Don't worry about it being unfair. We do the very best we can for each child. I say go for it. Good luck and God Bless.

Do it! I formula fed my son because I was young when he was born and going to school and I just didn't want to be bothered with it. But when I had my daughter I breast-fed her for 8 months and loved every minute of it. Your children won't know the difference as they grow up and there aren't big differences. Both my kids were sick the same, both are very smart, both gained weight and developed about the same. My son, who was formula fed, actually did a lot things early and is now being recommended for an advanced kindergarten class. So don't let the fact that you didn't breast feed your first interfere with breast feeding your second. It's an awesome experience.

I don't think there will be any issue with your children. My mom breastfed a couple of us children and formula fed a couple others for various reasons and I don't think it was unfair or any of us knew the difference when we were little. My friend also wasn't able to breastfeed her first and then was able to for her second, and her kids are the best of buddies. You do what you can and what you are comfortable with. Good luck!

I think that it is a wonderful idea to breast feed your second. I am currently breast feeding my 2nd child and he is 6 months old. My daughter is 6 years old and she was not breast fed and has no problem with it. Good luck.

I know of several people that breast fed some of their children and not all for a variety of reasons as well. I don't think that it would matter to your first at all, nor would they detect any difference.

You will always do things a little differently for each based on need, and temperment. The important thing is that you love them well.

As parents we try to do the best that we can for each of our children, but sometimes what we can do for one child at one point in our lives is different than what we can do for another child at a different point in our lives. I really don't believe that your older child will feel hurt at all by your decision to breastfeed the second child. I love my two children equally, but I was so poor when my first was younger that I could not take her out to lunch or take her to the store and buy her a toy just for fun, etc. With my second I have been able to do more of those things, but it doesn't mean that I love her more, I just have different circumstances now. Just enjoy the fact that you are now able to do somehthing special for your baby and keep loving and caring for your older child and all will be well. Good luck!

SG

I nursed my first baby and not my second. My first took to it easily, but my daughter just wouldn't nurse. I ended up getting mastitis and she just seemed miserable. Finally, I gave in and gave her a bottle with formula. I felt so guilty like she was being cheated, but she loved it and turned into a very peacful baby. As it turned out, my son who was nursed got rsv and to this day at 9yrs. old, still gets a lot of respiratory sickness. My daughter who was formula fed hardly ever gets sick and if she does it is nothing more than a runny nose. They both do equally well in school. So what I am saying is do what works best for you and your family. It all works out and your older daughter won't feel cheated.

I bottle fed my first child and now I am breasfeeding my second child and I love it! I mean, the first couple of weeks of breasfeeding is awful.. I almost wanted to quit. But I felt like if I did, that first week of pain would go to waste. I stuck with it and it got SO much better. My baby is three months old now and I love nursing. It's soooo easy! No more waking up in the middleof the night, trucking out to the kitchen, preparing a bottle, feeding the bottle, putting baby back to sleep, going back into the kitchen, and washing the bottle before I could go back to sleep. Now, baby wakes up, eats for three minutes on each side, goes back to bed, and I lay back down and go to sleep without ever having to leave my room.

AND..I don't always have to pack a diaperbag full of formula and bottles. It's so weird to me. All I need is diapers and wipes! I also think it's nice and quick when you've got two kids to take care of. Feeding minus all the bottles makes a lot less work all around.

I don't think that there's really any difference between my kids. I don't think the oldest one will detect any differences. I think the hardest part for me was the guilt I felt over not breastfeeding my first one...but I don't think he'll ever even notice. I'm breasfeeding from now on. It was the best choice for me... I've done both now.

I don't think there should be a problem with that. One advantage for breastfeeding this 2nd child is so the 1st has an example for when he/she grows up - meaning it will give confidence that she could do it or his wife could do it.

Not at all! My mother in law has 7 children and she breastfed four of them, while she formula fed the other 3. she also had her reasons, which were different for all of her children. I think it is your choice. My husband was one of the ones who was not breastfed and he harbors no ill-feelings whatsoever because she chose not to nurse him. hope this hepled!

I have four children...all grown now....only my first was breast fed...due to medical problems with the following three. My second child could not breast feed because of no milk production. I tried to get the milk to come, with the help of a nurse, but could only get up to 2 ozs. after an eight hour period. My last two were twins, and when they were born, I got a very bad infection that would not go away until strong meds were used....it dried up all the milk. It was very hard for me to go to bottle feeding, but I can not say that I see any difference in how my children developed, metally or medically. They all know why I chose(rather forced) to do things the way I did them.
I know that breast feeding is the BEST way to feed you babies, BUT I also think that how you interact with your babies is just as important. I loved snuggling close to my last three children as they fed, and it has many wonderful memories for me.
Good luck with this next one, whatever you decide, and love your children dearly!

You made choices for specific reasons for your first. Now you want to make different choices for your second. I don't think that's being unfair to your first child, it's just the way life is. You can't be "fair" to your kids that way. My second is almost 5 months old. She'll never have my undivided attention the way her brother did because, well, she has an older brother who needs my attention. BUT, she has an older brother who loves her and plays with her. Her life will not be what her brothers life was/is -- AND THAT's OK.

You should decide for yourself whether to breastfeed or not. I breastfed my son and felt it helped with the bonding. Children will not remember being breastfed unless you continue till 3 or older. I think once they start getting teeth, you may want to quit.

I agree with the others. You need to do what's best for you and this child just like you did for you and your first. It will only be an issue if you make it an issue. I am nursing for the third time. The first two were for different lengths for different reasons. If you teach them not to bite, teeth aren't a problem except for building the callouses which doesn't even come close to the first week of nursing. Whatever decision you make, I hope it goes well for you. Congratulations!!

my opinion - parents do the best they can with the knowledge you have at the time and dealing with the circumstances as they are then. You can't go back in time and change anything. If you think you should breastfeed this time, do it. If you think that is what is best for your baby this time, not doing it the first time is no reason to deny your second.

Hi! I started out breast feeding my first but it only worked for 2 months and I had to switch to formula and he stayed on that until he was 1. For my second who is now 10 months I am exclusively breast feeding (she won't even take formula). My oldest had no idea and no jealousy of this. I wouldn't worry. Each Mom has to do what is best for each individual child. Good luck!

i breast fed my first, but due to a latch-on problem and a pelvic infection that left me in the hospital 4 extra days after giving birth, i couldnt breast feed my second. I am just as close to the second as i am the first and both of them have grown and been healthy. i dont see any problem in it at all. i dont think that when mine grow up that my second will be hurt that i didnt breast feed her.