Comments on: A World Breastfeeding Week Post from a Formula Feeder http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/ For anyone who loves cute kids Sat, 04 Sep 2010 04:54:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Amy http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18632 Amy Fri, 21 Aug 2009 06:21:09 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18632 Thank you for this beautiful, eye opening post. I have a 2 1/2 year old that I breastfed for a little over 2 years. I am very in favor of breastfeeding, but really appreciate this other perspective. It is time we stop putting each other down. It's not right to make another person feel so terrible, when we really are trying our best. Thank you for this beautiful, eye opening post. I have a 2 1/2 year old that I breastfed for a little over 2 years. I am very in favor of breastfeeding, but really appreciate this other perspective. It is time we stop putting each other down. It’s not right to make another person feel so terrible, when we really are trying our best.

]]> By: The Fearless Formula Feeder http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18608 The Fearless Formula Feeder Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:34:46 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18608 I too struggled with pumping, PPD, guilt, and the Boob Nazis... although I fondly call them the Mammary Mafia. ;) I think this is a lovely post. And I agree it's really important to support those who want to breastfeed as much as it is important to support those who don't or can't. Plus, there's a lot of misinformation out there- yeah, breastfeeding can be a wonderful, healthy thing for mom/baby, but in some cases, formula feeding is a better choice, as you and I both know. It's not always black and white. Rock on sister! Thanks for the beautiful blog post! I too struggled with pumping, PPD, guilt, and the Boob Nazis… although I fondly call them the Mammary Mafia. ;)

I think this is a lovely post. And I agree it’s really important to support those who want to breastfeed as much as it is important to support those who don’t or can’t. Plus, there’s a lot of misinformation out there- yeah, breastfeeding can be a wonderful, healthy thing for mom/baby, but in some cases, formula feeding is a better choice, as you and I both know. It’s not always black and white.

Rock on sister! Thanks for the beautiful blog post!

]]> By: Christina http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18597 Christina Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:20:16 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18597 Emily, You are so right. We all know how helpful it is for babies to get breastmilk, but if the act of breastfeeding makes Mom sick (physically or mentally, such as postpartum depression) it's really hurting the mom-baby relationship. A sick mom can't bond properly with her baby, and may not be able to perform other basic baby care tasks adequately! I didn't really get to enjoy my son until <em>after </em>I stopped attempting to breastfeed - and it really took a few weeks because I was still very depressed over the guilt and self-doubt about stopping. But my family commented on how much better, healthier, and happier I looked after that. It was the right decision. Emily,

You are so right. We all know how helpful it is for babies to get breastmilk, but if the act of breastfeeding makes Mom sick (physically or mentally, such as postpartum depression) it’s really hurting the mom-baby relationship. A sick mom can’t bond properly with her baby, and may not be able to perform other basic baby care tasks adequately! I didn’t really get to enjoy my son until after I stopped attempting to breastfeed – and it really took a few weeks because I was still very depressed over the guilt and self-doubt about stopping. But my family commented on how much better, healthier, and happier I looked after that. It was the right decision.

]]> By: Emily http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18596 Emily Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:19:08 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18596 Due to having a number of illnesses, breastfeeding was never an option for me if I was to remain in the best health I could while taking care of my newborn. I was very lucky, no one in the hospital tried to pressure me (maybe they knew my health history?) nor did my family or friends. It was something I wish I could have done, but three years later I can't imagine my son and I being any less bonded. True, there were benefits that he did not get from formula but as a mom, you weigh the pros and cons and have to decide what's best for the two of you. I have seen a lot of chronically ill moms stop taking their meds so they could bf, only to get sicker. That just wasn't right for me. I don't judge anyone and I applaud you for your efforts! Due to having a number of illnesses, breastfeeding was never an option for me if I was to remain in the best health I could while taking care of my newborn. I was very lucky, no one in the hospital tried to pressure me (maybe they knew my health history?) nor did my family or friends.

It was something I wish I could have done, but three years later I can’t imagine my son and I being any less bonded. True, there were benefits that he did not get from formula but as a mom, you weigh the pros and cons and have to decide what’s best for the two of you. I have seen a lot of chronically ill moms stop taking their meds so they could bf, only to get sicker. That just wasn’t right for me.

I don’t judge anyone and I applaud you for your efforts!

]]> By: Nikki from The Guilty Parent http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18588 Nikki from The Guilty Parent Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:27:46 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18588 I admit I was a bit of a BF Nazi but only for myself. I never beat up a friend or family member who couldn't breastfeed or chose not to. It's a personal decision that should be weighed carefully. What I hate more than the moms who make each other feel bad about not breastfeeding are some of the formula moms who are very flip about just giving the baby formula. I had a bit of trouble with Peanut and it amazed me how many moms just wanted to tell me that having BFed the other 3 should be good enough and I should just give up. Though we may have nourished our children differently, I can see your outrage over the crass and callous comments. I'm proud of you for making the attempt and being the kind of mom who has done the very best for her son, no matter what others think. I admit I was a bit of a BF Nazi but only for myself. I never beat up a friend or family member who couldn’t breastfeed or chose not to. It’s a personal decision that should be weighed carefully. What I hate more than the moms who make each other feel bad about not breastfeeding are some of the formula moms who are very flip about just giving the baby formula. I had a bit of trouble with Peanut and it amazed me how many moms just wanted to tell me that having BFed the other 3 should be good enough and I should just give up.
Though we may have nourished our children differently, I can see your outrage over the crass and callous comments.

I’m proud of you for making the attempt and being the kind of mom who has done the very best for her son, no matter what others think.

]]> By: Stefanie http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18579 Stefanie Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:05:13 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18579 I just wanted to say I loved your post...in fact I love all of them! How incredibly open you are and willing to share your experiences. And what a shame it is when people look for a reason to put each other down instead of building each other up. Life is just too short for that. Thanks for sharing this :) I just wanted to say I loved your post…in fact I love all of them! How incredibly open you are and willing to share your experiences. And what a shame it is when people look for a reason to put each other down instead of building each other up. Life is just too short for that.

Thanks for sharing this :)

]]> By: TheAngelForever http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18578 TheAngelForever Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:21:23 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18578 It really is sick how people attack families that use formula. My how times have changed. My oldest was born almost six years ago. I tried and tried to nurse him in the hospital and it did not work. He was so small and I had breast complications. The day after I went home I had the worst case of double mastitis that my OB had ever seen (thanks to the wacko lactation consultant refusing to let me pump). I bought a pump, was told by the lactation consultant to quit and just formula feed, but I did not want to give up. I refused to go to LLL because I did not want Boob Nazis pressuring me not to pump and use a bottle. I pumped and fed NHL for 3 months that way. Finally he used a nipple shield and got things for another few months. At the same time I went through this my friend hit rock bottom with her newborn. She needed an emergency c-section and the trauma caused her milk supply to stop. She felt like a failure because of the pressures that our society have put on new moms. It really is sad how we feel that if we select not to nurse or can not for any reason that we will be attacked. On the flip side, I am still nursing my youngest who is now 26 months old. You should see the looks and things I hear from family members, most of whom never breastfed their children. I know we will likely stop this soon, but who does it hurt if he wants to nurse 2-3 times a day and it has helped him to avoid a milk allergy his brother had? Lots of hugs coming your way and I hope that your amazing post helps other mothers know that it is fine to formula feed. Whatever makes your family happy is the best for the baby. It really is sick how people attack families that use formula. My how times have changed. My oldest was born almost six years ago. I tried and tried to nurse him in the hospital and it did not work. He was so small and I had breast complications. The day after I went home I had the worst case of double mastitis that my OB had ever seen (thanks to the wacko lactation consultant refusing to let me pump). I bought a pump, was told by the lactation consultant to quit and just formula feed, but I did not want to give up. I refused to go to LLL because I did not want Boob Nazis pressuring me not to pump and use a bottle. I pumped and fed NHL for 3 months that way. Finally he used a nipple shield and got things for another few months.

At the same time I went through this my friend hit rock bottom with her newborn. She needed an emergency c-section and the trauma caused her milk supply to stop. She felt like a failure because of the pressures that our society have put on new moms. It really is sad how we feel that if we select not to nurse or can not for any reason that we will be attacked.

On the flip side, I am still nursing my youngest who is now 26 months old. You should see the looks and things I hear from family members, most of whom never breastfed their children. I know we will likely stop this soon, but who does it hurt if he wants to nurse 2-3 times a day and it has helped him to avoid a milk allergy his brother had?

Lots of hugs coming your way and I hope that your amazing post helps other mothers know that it is fine to formula feed. Whatever makes your family happy is the best for the baby.

]]> By: Dominique http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18577 Dominique Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:18:26 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18577 I had different experiences with breastfeeding my boys. Elder boy had lots of problems from latching on etc..so only managed to breastfeed him for 4 months while the younger one I managed 2.5yrs. I too scoff at people who think that mum's who delivered by C-section as "lesser" mums. The most important is that the mom and child are healthy and well - alive too!!. My elder boy was breached and for the younger one there was also some delivery complications so both were by C-section. I had different experiences with breastfeeding my boys. Elder boy had lots of problems from latching on etc..so only managed to breastfeed him for 4 months while the younger one I managed 2.5yrs. I too scoff at people who think that mum’s who delivered by C-section as “lesser” mums. The most important is that the mom and child are healthy and well – alive too!!. My elder boy was breached and for the younger one there was also some delivery complications so both were by C-section.

]]> By: Karen http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18575 Karen Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:22:43 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18575 Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry that you felt like a failure and that others validated this untruth. I think (and hope) that there are more breastfeeding moms who want to help other moms who are having trouble to find right the support to help make bf successful, but the boob-nazi's may be a little louder. Is breastfeeding important? Yes. But it doesn't do anyone any good when women are made to feel defective for being unable- over even unwilling- to breastfeed. IMO- Separating women into categories of feeding doesn't support women who make either choice. I had a different experience, and shared my ideas on my blog - http://intentionalbirth.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/breastfeeding-awareness-week-whats-the-big-deal. I hope you'll have a chance to check it out. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sorry that you felt like a failure and that others validated this untruth. I think (and hope) that there are more breastfeeding moms who want to help other moms who are having trouble to find right the support to help make bf successful, but the boob-nazi’s may be a little louder.

Is breastfeeding important? Yes. But it doesn’t do anyone any good when women are made to feel defective for being unable- over even unwilling- to breastfeed. IMO- Separating women into categories of feeding doesn’t support women who make either choice.

I had a different experience, and shared my ideas on my blog – http://intentionalbirth.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/breastfeeding-awareness-week-whats-the-big-deal. I hope you’ll have a chance to check it out.

]]> By: Christina http://www.cutestkidever.org/breastfeeding-week-formula-feeder/1257/comment-page-1/#comment-18574 Christina Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:17:55 +0000 http://www.cutestkidever.org/?p=1257#comment-18574 Thank you, Cypress, for being a part of the solution. My family thought I was crazy for trying to breastfeed in the first place (they just didn't DO that) so at least I had familial support, but the backlash from other moms was unbelieveable! I actually started a LiveJournal support group for formula feeders that's still going strong with several hundred members. I have NEVER heard of anyone being ridiculed for having a C-Section. I was born by C-Section because my mom's bone structure just wouldn't allow me to come out the natural way. We both would have died without the surgery. My SIL had pre-eclampsia and nearly died because they put off her C-Section for THREE DAYS because it was the 4th of July weekend. A friend of ours had her enormous baby via C-Section, too. I think he was like 11 pounds. Sometimes I wonder if these crazy people realize how many women and babies would DIE if they tried to "stay the course" and deliver vaginally. Thank you, Cypress, for being a part of the solution. My family thought I was crazy for trying to breastfeed in the first place (they just didn’t DO that) so at least I had familial support, but the backlash from other moms was unbelieveable! I actually started a LiveJournal support group for formula feeders that’s still going strong with several hundred members.

I have NEVER heard of anyone being ridiculed for having a C-Section. I was born by C-Section because my mom’s bone structure just wouldn’t allow me to come out the natural way. We both would have died without the surgery. My SIL had pre-eclampsia and nearly died because they put off her C-Section for THREE DAYS because it was the 4th of July weekend. A friend of ours had her enormous baby via C-Section, too. I think he was like 11 pounds. Sometimes I wonder if these crazy people realize how many women and babies would DIE if they tried to “stay the course” and deliver vaginally.

]]>