Will I be able to breastfeed?

I am 37. This is my first baby. Before getting pregnant I wore a 36A bra. Here I am 30 1/2 weeks pregnant, still wearing same bra. Fits the same. I thought, if nothing else, I would at least have some boobs out of this pregnancy thing. Guess I was wrong...LOL

For the last 8 weeks or so, I have noticed some leakage. So I know something is going on. I know they say the size of a woman's breast has nothing to do with the ability to provide breast milk. Do you think that's really true?

Also, as much as I hate to admit this, --- the thought of breastfeeding disgusts me! I know it's the best thing for the baby AND me, but ... I just can't hardly begin to think about it. If I did pumping of breast milk would it be just as beneficial (assuming I can even produce what is needed)?

I welcome any comments, be harsh if needed. I can take it!! :)

Thanks
Kina

Breastfeeding is a personal choice, not all can or want to do it, That is up to you. I wanted to do it very badly and had to really work at it. It did not come as naturally as I expected. I had to pump and give my son the milk for the first 4 weeks until he finally got the hang of latching on. I was determined though, and in the long run it was worth it. I did not have the best supply, but I used supplements like fenugreek and brewer's yeast to increase it. If needed, I would occassionally try and supplement with formula although my son did not care for it. He was BF until the age of 1. As for being grossed out, I do not know what to say. It was kinda weird at first but the bond between my son and I was very special and I grew to cherish those moments with him. I do now know if the size of your breast impacts the ability of amount of production....maybe you could get in touch with a lactation consultant and the hospital for advice. If you pump the milk and give to the baby it is just as good as if taken direct from the breast and this will also allow Daddy to bond with baby and help you out. I had to pump because of work so my son actually had bottles with the exception of morning/evening feedings and weekends when I was off.

As Samara said BF is a personal choice. Size has nothing to do with being able to BF.

I wanted to BF so bad!!! Here I sit three weeks after delivery and have not one drop of milk. I pumped, stimulated my breasts, did skin-to-skun, used nipple shields, took supplements, saw lactation consultants both in and out of the hospital and I never got my milk. I never had engorged boobs or anything. I even saw my ob and she said it sometimes happens. Just give it a try and give the baby the collustru

My iPhone cut me off.

Give the baby the collistrum and just see what happens.

I had "issues" with breastfeeding, and thought I couldn't do it? but I read and knew it was the best thing for my baby.... so I did it.. somewhat painful at first, but over time it got better for us both.. he was only a 5lb. bag of sugar when he was born & I needed to "fatten" him up no pun intended and it worked. I committed to breastfeeding for 3-months but I actually did it for six.... I have a really busy hectic sched. and so forth, and was not able to pump as I thought I could or would.. so I did stop at six months, but it was a great experince for me, and I thought I couldn't do it? for lots of reasons, but it all worked out well. Of course I had a few little incidents here and there, but for the most part it was good!! so I wish you well, and if you want? atleast try it!! It's just a very interesting task. And as far as loosing wt. quicker & faster, I don't think so, because I ate like a tape worm, you have to keep your strength and energy levels up to produce the milk, and I will say it's alot of work, and you must be committed, and it does'nt always work for all, but it's worth a good try? if you really want to.
good luck to you in whatever you decide to do??
Peace, jbug

'...only a 5lb. bag of sugar.

LOL....I had to laugh at that....that's cute.

BF'ing is a personal choice.  I'd say if you are wigged out at actual breastfeeding, at least try to pump.  It is best for the baby, assuming your body cooperates.  However...if you don't/can't...don't beat yourself up.  Babies grow up perfectly fine and healthy all over the world raised on formula.  I'd guess that the 'gross' aspect of it is more because the American mentality is that boobs are for sexual purposes only rather than that that's their secondary purpose.

You probably won't know how your body will do w/milk production - regardless of breast size - until the baby's actually here. 

Good luck.

it grosses me out as well.. so much so when i tried it i gagged... no joke... the part that made me feel so guilty... i had so much milk it would just run down my legs.. i could fill a super maxi pad in 2 hours... took a month to dry up.. i was thankful it was gone... i know "breast is best" but when its stressful, its not.  boob size has nothing to do with amount of milk you have.. its all about those little glands you have hidden in there.. good luck with whatever you choose

Don't let anyone make you feel bad if you bottle feed. It is disgusting how many strangers would bluntly tell me "what a shame " it was that I didn't BF my daughter 12 years ago. Honestly the saying Breast is Best may not always be the case if you have RNY. Considering the small amount we can actually eat, plus the malabsorbtion....just how much nutrients would the baby get? It's a personal choice and you don't owe anyone explanations :)

Breastmilk is breastmilk, it is the same for those with RNY as it is for a person with a normal gut. Mother might suffer if she is not keeping up on her vitamins, but nothing will be lacking from the milk (or the supply if it is adequately stimulated). Although women who have had surgery do have a higher then normal rate of supply issues, mostly because of the fact that many of us have other issues that affect the amount of breast tissue that we have (PCOS, hormone issues, etc).