This article should answer all your questions:
Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

I don't think that your question is stupid. I feel the same way. I am a first time mother about 9 weeks along. I just can't picture breastfeeding my baby. I understand all the pros and cons of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding..I just am not sure yet. I think that it is a personal decision. Just do what you feel. That's what I am going to do.

Science shows that breastfeeding is significantly better for babies, especially in the first 6 months because it provides antibodies that formula cannot. In addition to that, however, there are many benefits for the mother. For one, having the baby nurse immediately after birth helps your body to finish expelling the placenta and triggers the uterus to start tightening up and getting itself back into shape. Continuing to breastfeed for several months burns lots of calories and helps you to lose your pregnancy weight. It works very very well for weight loss, and lets you still eat all you want. The other benefit that I have found as a mother is that breast feeding is so much easier than preparing bottles. In the middle of the night, I was able to just put the baby beside me and allow her to nurse instead of having to prepare bottles. When I took the baby out of the house I never had to make sure I had bottles with me, or worry about finding a place to heat them up.

I know that if you have never been around someone who has breastfed that it may seem really weird to think of breastfeeding in a public place, but once you and the baby have gotten used to the process you can usually feed without anyone noticing. Most people who have seen me, simply thought the baby was sleeping against my chest. It really wasn't hard to do it with modesty and without flashing the world :-)

And on top of all that, there is a nice bonding that happens when you breastfeed a child. There is just something beautiful about it.

I hope this helps. Good luck with your pregnancy.

Ditto to what everyone else said but I'd also like to add.......that's what iur breasts are FOR! lol

haha, I agree - you wouldn't have boobs if not to feed a baby. I have very sensitive nipples and am not really looking forward to breast feeding my son - but ultimately it is about HIM, not me. I feel it would very selfish of me to not breastfeed - God made us this way for a reason.

I think some women really enjoy breastfeeding, it is very beneficial to them as well as the baby health wise and emotionally. I dont think it is the right choice for everyone, some women arent comfortable with it and I think thats ok. I loved nursing my kids, it was a great way to bond with them plus you lose weight faster( at least I did), it reduces your risks to many cancers, it provides the baby with anibodies that no formula can provide keeping them safe from illnesses. And yes your body will produce adequate milk that they need. Plus its much cheaper than formula and more convenient too! Good luck with whatever decision you make!

There is a great book on the benefits of breastfeeding vs formula. The ultimate breastfeeding book of answers by DR Jack Newman. You should check that out!

You have no idea how glad I was to see your "stupid question." I thought I was the only weirdo in the world that doesn't want to breast feed. In fact that is one of the things that has kept me from wanting a baby all these years is I know my husband will want me to and the very thought of it makes me crazy.

I'm really not fond of ANYONE touching my breasts...never have been...still not and I almost feel like I would be resentful towards the baby if I HAD to breast feed it...

Now that I've heard that there are others that are not all that into the idea I feel much better.

There is a possiblity I pregnant....taking the test tonight.... so I'm worrying about nothing really....I was just really glad to see everyone's opinoins.

I'm in an awkward place regarding breast feeding. I know there are so many benefits for the baby, but I'm on medication that is excreted in breast milk, so I'll have to verify with my doctor whether or not I should. Considering that I'm taking the meds now while I'm pregnant, you wouldn't think it would cause extra damage to breast feed. Guess we'll see when the time comes.

But I did want to comment that some of these responses have been very informative!