How Did You Decide to EFF?

[u/Time-Milk-5377]

FTM, 35 weeks so preparing for all things baby.

I’m wondering how people decided to EFF? Or combo feed? I am not terribly inclined to BF, pregnancy has been really hard on me mentally and I want to have my bodily autonomy back as much as possible. Also the thought of BF gives me the creeps in a way I can’t describe. However, I’m not 100% sure and am open minded so I’m wondering if I should just try in the first days and see how it goes.

I guess I’m looking for perspective on how folks decided to formula feed if you were on the fence going into labor. My hospital really pushes breastfeeding so I feel like I need some idea of what I want to do before going in.

Is it possible to just breastfeed for like a month to establish immunity benefits, then fully switch? Or is it advisable to just go formula straight from the start?

Thanks for any input- this has been giving me a lot of anxiety.

[u/Upbeat_Criticism_997]

I started EBF and then switched to exclusively pumping, to combo, to EFF. My biggest reason, I needed my bodily autonomy back. Breastfeeding didn't feel weird but I didn't get any of the feel good chemicals people talk about. Pumping is a lot of work and still was missing the part of my body just being mine. So eventually I just said I'm done and switched completely. There's no right or wrong way to think about it as long as you're happy.