devilishangelrjp wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:53 PM:
" First of all, there's nothing lazy about being a mom. Whether you're bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, that doesn't make you lazy as a mom.
Bottle-feeding is not my personal choice, but what may be right for me isn't always right for someone else. The argument for breastfeeding concerning Jesus doesn't hold up, because I'm pretty sure Mary didn't have to worry about her milk (think HIV/AIDS), and I KNOW women didn't have to work outside the home, whereas in less affluent classes, that isn't an option.
The reason I choose to breastfeed after a number of women in my family chose not to is because I want to give my child love in my way. If a mom wants to bottle-feed and show her love that way, that is most definitely her prerogative. But by no means is it impossible to do so. "
Anna wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:38 AM:
" I think the point is that breastfeeding can HELP prevent obesity--there are lots of other factors. Breastfeeding alone is not going to ensure a child won't get fat so all this arguing is digressing from the point of the article. "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:50 AM:
" to pbn....I wasn't breastfed....maybe that is my problem. Remember this in the world we live in, you know where your breast milk comes from. Where does your formula come from???China, or some other third world country probably. When it comes to the precious life of my child, I will do what is best. "
SBR wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:36 AM:
" pbn: Again, I never said you did not have the choice of formula. Please re-read my post that is 2 below yours. :) "
pbn wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:04 AM:
" to SBN: I formula fed both of my children and paid for all of it out of my pocket. My point is this: there is a choice out there and I chose formula.
to Cease: Lazy huh? It's called choice AND I was unable to nurse... not that I wanted to. I hope your children don't grow up to be as narrow-minded as you. (I guess that's something that breast feeding didn't help you on!) "
formykids wrote on Jul 31, 2008 9:02 AM:
" SBR and Never Cease To Amaze:
Great points. I am so glad you explained your opinions even more. I feel so much better now about my choices. Thanks for your help. "
SBR wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:38 AM:
" Also, don't knock me for saying something about WIC.
There are 2 choices: breastfeed (FREE) or use formula (average cost of $20-$26 a can). When a woman chooses the more expensive option, I think she should have to pay for that formula. That was my only point. I never said she couldn't choose that option.
I wonder how many more women would give breastfeeding a try if they didn't have the convenience of free formula. "
SBR wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:25 AM:
" never cease:
Thank you for being a man who supports breastfeeding! So many would not speak up for a "women's" issue.
Breastfeeding is so incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn't have done it any other way.
These posters are so defensive (I wonder why--guilt, maybe?). Note that I never said formula was bad. I just stated that Breast is best. It is a proven fact, so why would they try and dispute it?
I NEVER said that people couldn't use formula.
You know, people...there was once a time that women weren't allowed to vote. I am hoping there will come a day that women can breastfeed in public (babies need to eat too) without being shunned by people like you! "
SBR wrote on Jul 31, 2008 8:19 AM:
" formykids:
Yes, I do work full-time! I had to return back to work when my son was 10 weeks old. I have a breast pump that (gasp) amazingly pumps milk! Don't assume that every breastfeeding mother stays home; it is simply not the case.
It is sad that we live in a society that somehow STILL believes that breasts are sexual objects and not functional like Mother Nature intended them to be!
Nursing mothers deal with enough stigma about feeding their babies in public--they don't need to be put down for doing what is natural for their babies.
One co-worker actually LAUGHED at me when I told her I was nursing my son until he turned one (this was on my first day back to work when he was 10 weeks old). Guess I showed her, huh? "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 31, 2008 7:44 AM:
" right, the choice to be lazy "
pbn wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:38 PM:
" to never cease... it's time for you to 'cease' since you are just digging a bigger hole for yourself. For you to say that I am being selfish, lazy and am not committed to my children because I chose not to nurse them is a pile of crap! There are of us out there - it's called choice! "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:14 PM:
" re formykids
It is only as difficult as you make it. My wife works a job where she cannot pump when she needs, and they offer no facility. She sits on a toilet in a bathroom and does it when she can spare 15 minutes which is ussually her lunch, sometime she would go 7-8 hours without pumping. Now that is hard and guess what she was determinded to do what is best for the baby, not to mention mastitis all the time and she struggled through it, so don't tell me how hard it is. If you want what is best they you will make sacrifices. I know people with 3 kids that still dedicate the time to nurse a forth. All depends on how commited you are. "
mamat wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:41 PM:
" My son has been breastfeeding for 10 months now, and it was H*LL in the beginning...he wouldn't latch on, we had to use an assisted piece of equipment to feed. I pumped 3 times a day when I went back to work, and it was so time consuming. BUT I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD!!!! Human milk for human babies!!!
But, that being said (can you tell I'm pro breastfeeding?), many people cannot breastfeed, or do not produce milk, or simply choose to use formula and that is OK and they should not be made to feel guilty. This article is simply stating the benefits of breastfeeding. So take it as it is. "
formykids wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:37 PM:
" And to Never Cease To Amaze Me...
Thank God you are not my husband. I never would have made it past three days nursing your children. You know you can induce lactation. I think you should try it. Impossible? Oh no. Don't say impossible. That would be selfish of you. (Not to mention, LAZY!) "
formykids wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:20 PM:
" SO... SBR, there are women out there who may give up after such a hard time getting a child to nurse. Frankly, I don't blame them. I think I was crazy to keep it up. Nursed my first two until they were 11 months old.
ALSO...pregnant women can't always nurse because pregnancy can lower a woman's supply. Don't be so high on your nursing horse. Some women have to make the best decisions that work for their families. And please don't knock WIC. There's a guilt that people have using it because of the stigma people like you create. WIC is for people who need it! It is not just about formula. I am so grateful it is a resource for families. "
formykids wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:18 PM:
" SBR, do you work full-time? Do you realize how hard it is for a women to pump, work full-time and keep up with the supply "in demand" of a baby? I had a very difficult time nursing my first child. Took him 3 weeks to latch, so I pumped and finger fed him. I was miserable, he was losing weight. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I felt so guilted into nursing. Probably because of people like you. I eventually got him to latch, but by then, my milk supply was lower than it would have been if he would have latched right away. No matter how good a pump is, pumping can deminish a woman's supply. I even took a drug to increase my supply. How ridiculous is that? "
formykids wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:17 PM:
" WOW! These postings are really getting me fired up. I am a married mother of three young children under the age of four. I have breastfed all three of my children. I am still nursing my 7 month old. I am sad to read SBR's comments about formula and WIC. My family qualifies for WIC. We have been blessed to have this opportunity with my last two children. My husband and I both worked but our income was low enough to receive WIC services. It is a great program. Yes, they do encourage breastmilk, but they also offer formula. With my second baby, I had to supplement with formula. It is extremely difficult to nurse and work full-time. Some mothers do need to supplement with formula. "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:58 PM:
" You don't have to do something to know it is good for someone, the research supports it. And as the study in the article shows the benefits go on for years, it is time people stop being selfish, you never got dirty looks feeding your child a bottle in public but the second you see someone nursing discretely you get people staring. It is a cultural issue that or society has begun to frown on a natural thing such as breastfeeding. I give up with you. "
pbn wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:17 PM:
" To Never Cease... Such wonderful remarks coming from a MAN who never nursed a baby! And as I stated... my children are absolutely great! On a side note: I was unable to breastfeed ~ not that I would have wanted to. I know my kids will grow up to not be judgemental of others based on choice. I am not passing judgement on you because you (excuse me, your wife) chose to nurse so don't go making negative judgements about something you yourself have never done or someone you've never met. "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:25 PM:
" PBN, you do have the choice, the choice to do what is best for your baby or what is best for you....I guess you choose yourself over the health of your child which is fine, it is your choice. "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:46 PM:
" Here is a link that supports what I say about women not producing milk. Only 1% of the female population does not produce milk. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/157223/debunking_common_misconceptions_about.html
I also understand that some women need to be on medications that are harmful when passed on to an infant. Formula is a great choice for that woman too.
Look, I never said that someone is a bad person because she chooses to formula feed. I am just agreeing with the article that there are huge benefits to breastfeeding. It's akin to me saying that a healthy diet and exercising are BETTER for your body than eating fast food and not exercising.
Part of it is the culture in the US. In most countries outside of the US, the rate of breastfeeding is much higher. Are they just more comfortable with the fact that breasts are functional? "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:38 PM:
" Yes, I was breastfed, and this was 28 years ago, at the height of the formula push. :)
Barring any medical condition, it is the hormones in a woman's body after she gives birth that cause her to produce milk. I am talking about most situations, and I understand there are exceptions to every rule. Most women will produce milk. It doesn't start pouring out immediately after birth, so some women are under the false impression that they do not make milk. There's nothing wrong with education.
I actually know people who were given wrong facts on breastfeeding and they now regret that they listened to them.
Humans are mammals, meaning they produce milk for their offspring. Last I checked, all other mammals were able to feed their young without the help of Enfamil! "
Katie wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:27 PM:
" Before the grammer police get me.. that last one should be *your* not *you're* "
Katie wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:27 PM:
" Yes I did know all of those things. But thanks for the repeat lesson.
Whether you want to believe it or not, some women DO NOT produce milk. I know this for a fact but if you want to live in a fantasy world where the only people who don't breastfeed are selfish women.. then go ahead. But that's a horribly judgemental thing to say. You (and others) have no right to judge want kind of a parent is based off of whether or not she can or chooses to breast feed. You do not know the reasons behind it. And from the sounds of it, you don't care to know. You're mind is already made up. "
pbn wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:03 PM:
" Wow! I can't believe what I'm reading! What about choice??? Does that ever become a consideration? I'm not on WIC but both of my children were formula fed. Breast feeding is not for me and I shouldn't be judged by you or anyone for it. That and both of my kids turned out just fine. Imagine that! To those of you who are pro-nursing... were you nursed as a child? or did your parents bottle feed you? Get off your high horse. Enough already. "
never cease to amaze me wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:00 AM:
" SBR you are right on. My daughter was breastfed to 12 months and you can see the difference. People who choose to not to breastfeed are selfish. It took my wife a few days to get her supply, the thing is too many people give up so easily. Rarely are their babies who cannot breast feed and even more rare is the supply not being there. It is all about determination and doing what is best for the baby. Our society has gotton lazy and lazy people choose formula. "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:58 AM:
" And no, wet nurses weren't ALWAYS the norm. It was a trend when women went out into the fields. Before and after that, women nursed their children. Jesus was not given Similac! ;) "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:57 AM:
" I never said there was no need for formula. I was just stating that breastmilk is better for a baby, as this article clearly states.
There are certain situations where there is a need for formula, and that's great. It is the next best thing.
However, it is a common misconception that some women "don't make" milk. Don't you know that the milk generally comes in on the 3rd or 4th day after birth? The body provides colostrum the first few days. The colostrum delivers mother's immunities to the baby. You simply can't get immunities from formula.
I'm not trying to put people down for using it. I just think some people take advantage of it because it's free. "
Katie wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:20 AM:
" How dare I? I dare because you choose to ignore what's obvious. I have known many women who were unable to breast feed because they just did NOT have the milk supply or because their child could not accept it. In those ancient times you're talking about, women had a wet nurse. That's not exactly something people are willing to do anymore because we know more about how illnesses are transferred through breast milk. What angers me is that you REFUSE to see any need for formula- when there IS a need. Sure many people may use it for ease of use but many people DO need it. *I* needed formula- why? I was adopted.. so quite obviously, my mom didn't have breast milk available. Seriously, get off the high horse, because it's just downright stupid to see something like this from just one side of the road. "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:29 AM:
" Also, you don't know my background. How dare you say that I don't know much about breast feeding. I advise other women around the world on it! "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:28 AM:
" Katie,
Formula only came to be in the last 50 years. You're telling me that we are here today because ancient women used formula? Breastmilk is a supply and demand system. There are SOME exceptions where women might have a hormonal imbalance, not allowing them to breastfeed. I see nothing wrong with that situation. HOWEVER, most women can breastfeed, they just choose not to for reasons of convenience. Also, I have overheard ladies saying "well, the formula is free from WIC, so why would I breastfeed?". And yes, in the beginning, there is a learning curve for the latch technique. I know one woman who pumps 100% of her milk for bottles for her baby because she had latch issues. During Katrina, there were babies who were starving because they didn't have formula for their babies. I am glad I would be okay in a natural disaster! "
Katie wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:19 AM:
" SBR- don't be so ignorant as to think that all women are able to breastfeed and that it's just a matter of choice. Some children can't tolerate breast milk, some won't or can't latch correctly, some women don't produce enough or hardly any milk. Are you saying that if someone runs into these problems they should be forced to feel guilty about it..and therefore should have to choose between formula and other necessities? It's not fair of you to pass that judgement..especially when you obviously don't know that much about breast feeding. "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:03 AM:
" Also, I think it's great that WIC is cutting back on the formula they will provide to mothers. If a mother is going to use formula, she should foot the $24 per can bill, not the taxpayers! Maybe it will encourage more new mothers to breastfeed. It is FREE! "
SBR wrote on Jul 30, 2008 9:01 AM:
" My son is 11 months old and still going strong on breastmilk. In the beginning there is a learning curve for both baby and mom, but once you get the hang of it breastfeeding is simpler than formula feeding. I was also back down to my pre-pregnancy weight in just 2 months! Breastfeeding is an amazing experience. So many people give up so quickly because those around them tell them it didn't work for them. My advice to new mothers is never give up! The lactation consultants at the hospital are also there for you. Formula companies make a lot of money--they love to send you free formula to hook you in. Formula has added sweeteners that are not the same as breastmilk (CORN SYRUP!). Also, a baby's body processes formula differently than breastmilk. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT the same thing! Breast is best! "
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