Comments on: Breastfeeding Moms- Are you willing to start speaking as if breastfeeding were the norm?

By: Ixchel

Ixchel — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:32:25 +0000

The fact is breastfeeding is normal. There is nothing normal about feeding a baby a powdered breast substitute.

It may be great in some circumstances? Yes.

But normal? Definitely not.

If you choose to take offense from that, that is your choice. If you choose formula, similarly, that is your choice. But own it. Dont pretend it is something it is not to the detriment of other first time mothers.

By: nightynightnurse

nightynightnurse — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:09:56 +0000

I do agree. Breastfeeding is normal, and it should be accepted as the norm. The truth does need to be out there, even though some are bound to find it offensive.

I do not mean to offend anyone, truly I don’t. If you have issues about breastfeeding and cannot or will not do it for whatever reason, that’s entirely up to you. But please don’t take offense when people tell the truth about formula. It is an inferior substitute at best for human milk. That does not mean it’s poison or that your baby won’t grow. It simply means what it means.

Here’s an example of speaking as though breastfeeding is the norm. Mothers who don’t breastfeed have an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers. Infants who are formula fed are more likely to get ear infections.

By: Elena R

Elena R — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:01:28 +0000

I think that breastfeeding is best. Of course science has proved that. I think that you are right in the point that breastfeeding is no longer seen as the first choice. It is seen as I’ll try, but if it doesn’t work I’ll go to formula. I do think for something that is so natural; it can be so hard to get into a good rhythm with your baby. I think women need more education on what is “normal’ with breastfeeding and what is not. I have four friends that all have had babies within the last two years. One didn’t try breastfeeding at all. Two quit within two weeks. One is still breastfeeding (he’s six months old). I am still breastfeeding; she’ll be one in August. Many excuses are made that aren’t “true” reasons to really give up on breastfeeding: my milk didn’t come in, I didn’t pump enough, she wouldn’t latch on correctly, I didn’t produce enough milk. With education these could be answered. I’m not saying that these aren’t even valid reasons, but I think that many might not know what is enough. I barely pump anything (less than 2 ounces sometimes), but I make enough for her. Also if you don’t pump enough mix it with formula. The healthier the babies, the healthier the future.

By: Famous

Famous — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:33:35 +0000

i was bottlefeeding and just started breastfeeding along with it. As far as im concerned its none of your bussiness or anyone elses what any parent feeds there child. you do what you want and dont worry about everyone else. at least bottle fed babies are getting fed full and are happy.you should really try to worry about yourself and not everyone else

By: lovin' my baby boy

lovin' my baby boy — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:03:47 +0000

This is getting so old. Let everyone have their own opinions. SHEESH! Why do you care so much about what other people decide to feed their children???????????? You do what you want to do with your kids, and let everyone else do what they want to do!!!!!

By: Candice M

Candice M — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:00:54 +0000

Breastfeeding IS normal. So is formula-feeding. The very definition of “normal” means that it is commonly done.

Your first two sentences do not make sense. First you say “instead of saying bfing is BEST” then you say “we should say formula is INFERIOR.” Sounds like the same to me, only more derogatory.

I completely advocate breastfeeding, but I don’t harass mothers who can’t or don’t. Perhaps that’s the difference that we need to see here, not a change in language and more spouting of relevant but hurtful information…

How about: Breastfeeding is ideal, but I will understand if you make a personal decision to use other resources to feed your child, since I do not walk in your shoes.

By: Milly

Milly — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:44:40 +0000

Breastfeeding is wonderful and natural and perfect for development, etc. But unfortunately sometimes situations arise where a mother cannot breastfeed. Fortunately we are lucky to have the technology to create formulas which provide many of the same benefits of breast milk to these babies and their families.

I am willing to say “breastfeeding is normal… for me and my baby”, and I am open minded and accepting enough to recognise that it is not always easy or possible for everyone.

It it great to be passionate about your own choices for your child, however I believe it is wrong to make others feel abnormal for not conforming to what you believe is right and good.

By: graham's mama IBS

graham's mama IBS — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:39:01 +0000

I think whatever we say, we should say with tact.

By: its_victoria08

its_victoria08 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:35:38 +0000

I’m not a breastfeeding mom, but I have an opinion, lol.

I think that saying formula is inferior will only cause a greater division. I mean, that sounds rude, almost like you are suggesting that the person is inferior for choosing formula. And, if they chose for a sound medical reason, that would be a rude thing to say.

I think that we should simply better educate people on the pros and cons of both. You can’t stop them from feeding their child formula–I mean, you can’t stop a pregnant mother from smoking either. Unfortunately, propoganda from the beginnings of formula is still carried over through family advice. Not many people are willing to do something different than their parents and grandparents did; not because they don’t know (although that is part too), but sometimes because they are just afraid of upsetting others.

I truly think education goes much further than insults.

By: Abigail's Mommy WYLFWT我愛阿比蓋爾

Abigail's Mommy WYLFWT我愛阿比蓋爾 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:59:47 +0000

This is just a dead issue.

We all know that breast is best. You don’t need to insult people because you think you are better then someone because you breastfeed. This is just getting old.