Bottle Feeding Mommies

Kelly - posted on 09/28/2011

Ya... did you do any reasearch before you decided to take the formula route? There are many studies and published documents about the benefits of breastfeeding. Would you just march out and buy a car without doing some investigation on the type of vehicle you want?

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 09/22/2011

Serena, sometimes I think I breast feed because I'm cheap and lazy! lol



I was self concious when I started breast feeding in public, but now I don't even think about it as long as I have a cover. However since my baby reached 5 months (she's 6 months now) she's been playing with everything so I just give her a bottle when we're out. Besides has anyone ever tried to nurse while grocery shopping, walking down the street, or driving?

Serena - posted on 09/22/2011

I Breast feed because I am lazy! lol. I don't want the trouble of fixing bottles all the time. I can just lift my shirt and Im good to go, lol. Bottle feeding is fine. It's a personal choice. I chose breasfeeding for my kids, but that was my choice. I would never tell someone that they made hte wrong desicion for their kids. Its up to the mom! I breastfeed b/c of hte convience. I don't have to pack anything when I go places and have our technique down - we wrap up in a blanket and no one even knows what i'm doing unless they start looking for the baby lol. With my first child I didn't want to pump (it was a lot of trouble) I switch back and forth. He got breast when I was home and formula in a bottle when I was at work. It is totally a personal choice, and neither choice is better than the other.

Jessica - posted on 09/22/2011

I LOVE that babies have advocates. Breast feeding is best, and I will try to do MY best to educate mommies, but I won't force it, make it sound like they're bad mommies or lack education or are selfish. I'm looking into having a breast reduction, because my breasts are ruining my life, physically and emotionally. I know it's POSSIBLE to breast feed after a reduction, but not always, and I may just not be up to having to try so hard to do something that came so naturally with my son.

That being said, the thing I greatly dislike about this whole new movement towards breast feeding being the "norm" is that there is a lot of fear mongering and misinformation about pediatricians and formula. The 21st century has given us tremendous opportunities, I see no problem with taking them. Formula makes it easier and less embarrassing to feed your child in public. For me, it wasn't my modesty that prevented me from feeding in public, merely the fact that I have extremely large breasts, and my son refused to nurse covered. I really would have been sitting with my boob hanging out if I'd nursed in public every time I needed to nurse. It's helpful to mommies who can't breast feed and don't have access to donor milk, or who just choose not to fight for their breast feeding relationship. Attachment parenting works for some, it would NEVER work for me, neither would have baby led weaning.

I just think, modern technology is not something to be suspicious or hateful towards. I don't get mad at people who choose not to keep televisions in their homes, don't get mad at me for choosing TO partake of one of the wonderful modern inventions that allows us to be parents while maintaining some sense of individuality from my child.

/soapbox

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 09/21/2011

Thanks Jessica. I don't understand it myself. My SIL is bottle feeding her son because she doesn't feel comfortable with breast feeding so it really isn't for everyone. I'm not about to try and make her feel bad or inferior to me for her decision (Instead since I moved to BC and she's still in NY I told my mom to give her the formula coupons I get in my parents' mail) Besides she'd probably beat me up and we'd have WW3 in my family.

I find it hard to believe that the people who worked on making formula with DHA wouldn't have done their research and made sure that the ingrediants would be easily digested by babies. I hate when people get a stick up their butt because they feel their way is best. Yes breast milk is best, but there are so many mommies who just can't do it and they shouldn't be made to feel like crap because they give their babies formula.

Jessica - posted on 09/21/2011

Meggy, I love your post! I don't understand the contention between FF and BF mommies. Isn't the point that we're all MOMMIES, and all have the best interests of our children at heart? I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I'll continue to say it until it hits home. Breast may be best, but thankfully, in our modern age, it's not the only option. My son is light years ahead of his peers intellectually, and he's been supplemented since day one, and stopped BF at 6 months.

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 09/21/2011

Ania, I believe we got into this discussion on breast feeding moms about formula. I remember mentioning that I was bottle fed and you acted as though my mother had poisoned me and you acted as though I'd hurt my children by claiming that the water (which I drink now while I breast feed my 6 month old) wasn't clean enough. Then you had the nerve to ask me why I bothered to breast feed my 6 month old if I don't believe as you do after implying that maybe I'd be smarter if my mother had breast fed me. I don't mean to sound rude, but it's breast feeding moms such as yourself who make other breast feeding moms seem like elitists.

I breast feed, I had no support from my mom because she never breastfed myself or my brother. We're both adopted from different families and the worst we ever experianced were chicken pox. I lucked out on my 2nd baby but my first didn't latch so she was bottle fed after 3 months and she did fine except for a kidney reflux issue (which someone insinuated may have been caused by me not exclusively breast feeding)

As mom's we do our best for our children and we shouldn't have others pass judgement on what we do for our children. As long as a formula feeding mommy isn't watering down her child's formula and giving the correct amount at the time we as breast feeding mommies should give her the same support that we expect to be given.

Jessica - posted on 09/21/2011

I apologize, it wasn't the OP who said something about health problems. But still, to say that mommies who choose not to breast feed for WHATEVER reason are uneducated isn't fair. What if you didn't know a mommy had health problems, or emotional issues, or problems with the baby?

Jessica - posted on 09/21/2011

Well, your response was to the OP, who said she had health problems, so pardon me for making the inference.

Ania - posted on 09/21/2011

Jessica I did not mention anything about moms with health problems, so obviously my post should not concern you

Ania - posted on 09/21/2011

Briattany I can't agree with you on what is in formula and what is in breastmilk. Formula only feeds the baby with "dead" nutrients breast milk is a live liquid and it is not only immunity. It is also constantly changes its compositions to fit needs of baby breastfed babies have better gastric motility, mucosal mass, intestinal host defenses, brain and retinal growth. You should get your information straight. Also DHA and other added mechanically proteins enzymes etc are not well absorbed by human babies. It is good that we have formula because it can help to save life, but it should not be used if it is not necesarry.

Jessica - posted on 09/21/2011

Ania, what you just said I think is exactly what the OP was saying she doesn't like to hear.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for most of us, the choice wasn't made because we lacked support, education or had bad doctors. For me, it was because I had to weigh my own health in the equation as well. It makes me so angry when people assume that I was uneducated or lacked support. Or worse, that I was selfish.

Ania - posted on 09/21/2011

I am a breastfeeding mom. My son is 19 month old and is still Bf and I'm proud of that. On the other hand I don't like comments from bottle feeding people saying that I'm crazy for breastfeeding a child that can walk and talk. As for bottle feeding moms...i'm sorry that you didn't get enough good support - not lectures and enough information on BF, becuse that would change your decision. As for moms whou could not BF for different reasons, sorry that your health providers was not educated enough on the subject of breastfeeding to find out the cause of low milk supply, or pain etc.

Brittany - posted on 09/16/2011

I breastfeed both of my 9lb boys and my 7lb premature daughter. Let me tell you, it was not easy. I did bottle feed with breast milk and occasionally had to supplement with formula. My thoughts? Those moms who want to judge those who choose not to breastfeed can blow it out of their behinds.

Breastfeeding is NOT for everyone, this is why they make formulas for babies containing DHA and ARA. The only thing children who are breastfed get are more of the mothers immunity. Which your child will get over time anyway.

Everyone is different. What matters the most is making sure baby is fed.

Jessica - posted on 09/16/2011

I started bottle feeding my son at 6 months. He's been on cows milk since 11 months, so I've really sort of avoided most of the unwanted comments. What I generally say to mommies in this situation is, despite how tempting it is to tell the BF mommies to shove it, just be confident in your choices and realize that no one is wrong, we're all just different.

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 09/16/2011

@ Caroline that's very petty and mean of people to say that your health and comfort (back pain) is not as important as trying to breast feed.

I'm adopted, I was never breast fed. I grew up fine

Jay - posted on 09/16/2011

@caroline,
That is horrible! you had to have had your reasons! I hope you realise now that it does not make you a bad mum or selfish at all!! x

Caroline - posted on 09/15/2011

I was physically unable to breast feed because I had a breast reduction and nothing was "connected"! I went from la size 34HH to a 34C cup ... I was told I should have waited til after having my kids and that I was selfish and didn't deserve children ... it upset me for a long time!

Jay - posted on 09/15/2011

I find the thoughts of bottle feeding to be the opposite of laziness! I think it would take alot of effort to make up bottles all the time, and sterilize them, and make them up at night!!
No way, I find breastfeeding to take less effort (once established) you don't need to sterilize anything, just have a few nappies and a pack of wipes and you are good for the day, and at night, just roll over and feed.. :D x

Jay - posted on 09/15/2011

I find the thoughts of bottle feeding to be the opposite of laziness! I think it would take alot of effort to make up bottles all the time, and sterilize them, and make them up at night!!
No way, I find breastfeeding to take less effort (once established) you don't need to sterilize anything, just have a few nappies and a pack of wipes and you are good for the day, and at night, just roll over and feed.. :D x

Corinne - posted on 09/10/2011

First I want to say there is nothing wrong with bottle feeding!!! I personally breast feed only up to age 2. My daughter refused formula, I was a stay at home mom and that was my choice. Yes there is a reason why women lactate, but in this day and age with so many options out there, Formula, Breast Feeding, and Pumping, it is really up to what fits best with mother and child. Many women try to breast feed and have difficulties, no one should be looked down upon or made to feel bad. I personally recommend to try, even if its only for a week, but I won't judge anyone on there individual choice!!! If you ask me there are pros and cons for both! To all mommies to be do the research on both and make the choice that best suits you!!!

♥♪Megan♫♥ - posted on 09/09/2011

I breast and bottle feed my 6 month old, but I was soley bottle fed myself because I was adopted. I've seen how some EBF moms can be towards anyone who bottle feeds or has been bottle fed.

Personally I have found that in the long run breastfeeding is easier ( For me) than bottle feeding for the most part. But I've yet to see anyone manage to breastfeed while wrangling a 7 year old for school or manage to pass a breast off to their husband. I do both because it's a matter of cost and convieniance.

I've told other women who EBF that I was bottle fed from birth and only had the chicken pox and the most of them attribute it to genetics. Yeah, it couldn't be that formula had anything to do with it when my EBF hubby still gets chronic bronchitis.

The way I see it is this is your baby and as long as you aren't starving your baby then you do what's right for you.

Courtney - posted on 09/09/2011

I bottle fed both of my babies, and have no regrets! Both of my babies are happy, healthy and I've got that "breast-fed bond" with both of them. It's a personal choice and do what's best for yourself and your baby, not what others believe is best!

Angie - posted on 09/09/2011

I'm so sorry that it ended up coming to the point of depression. Really, as a mother, it is YOUR choice how you change your baby, bathe your baby, feed your baby, raise your baby. I'm so sorry people gave you such grief about this issue. It seems like things worked out in the feeding department, so that's good to hear. The fact that you care enough to worry about it makes you a good mom! I'm glad you're able to bond with your child and move on from this. ♥ much love to you!

Kelly - posted on 09/08/2011

thank you for this! I was getting grief from everyone around me. I truly gave breastfeeding a good shot but in the end it wasn't working. Baby b ended up with a milk allergy and for me to continue with breastfeeding I had to take all dairy out of my diet. I ended up getting really sick so I decided to go to formula. I felt like such a failure and felt it even more so from the ppl around me. I would cry and cry and ended up into a deep depression from it. From seeing all the positive posts on bottle feeding has helped me become more confident in formula feeding and is allowing me to start bonding with my baby

Cindi - posted on 08/25/2011

Bottle fed both babies. No regrets. My children are extremely healthy! If people choose to breastfeed, that is their option. Bottle feeding was the best option for my family.

Jen - posted on 11/14/2009

I never tried bottlefeeding & had no intention of doing it either. My husband can get more involved if he can feed the baby also! I got alot of slack from the nurses @ the hospital when I had him because I didn't even want to try it--My son was in the NICU for 10days & it would of been VERY hard to bff him then! My mom bottle fed my 3 brothers & I and we turned out OK!

Kelli - posted on 11/14/2009

i did try breast feeding and loved it but sadly milk didnt come in so had to formula feed. at first i did feel like a bad mommy but now im glad. like you said you said you know how much they are eatting and makes it easier to go out and get help. im able to get stuff done now, someone eles can feed her for me. and when someone tells me that its bad for my child, i simply say, "if its so bad then why do they sell it" lol

Lisa - posted on 11/13/2009

I breastfed both of my babies. i feel that it's a wonderful thing I can do for my children simply because it's something I can do. I like knowing that I can provide what my baby needs without having to spend money, and that I will always be able to fill that need without having to make my baby wait. I enjoy feeding my babies from the breast because I know that everything is just the way it should be "served" - temperature, composition, etc.

having said that, there are downsides to breastfeeding also...it can be messy, having milk dripping down your side when the a/c turns on (among other times!), and when baby is hungry YOU always have to stop what you're doing to feed baby unless you've pumped, and the discomfort of being very full when you need to pump or feed and baby is sleeping, not hungry, or you've pumped and someone else is feeding baby ( like when you're working ).

I do take bottles ready to formula feed with me when we go out because a lot of people get offended if you attempt to feed your baby in public ( I use a shield and a blanket to prevent anyone seeing anything, but people still look at you like you just peed on the sidewalk or something.) As long as you find a good formula that fills your baby's needs there is nothing wrong with it! As for the formulas being chemically or scientifically created - um...has anyone looked at the ingredients in the food they're eating, cuz that all goes through your milk too. unless you grow all your own food and slaughter all your own meats, chemically enhanced foods are in the majority of foods sold in any market. Even tomato seeds can be genetically altered seeds that include fish DNA. And how do you know for sure that pesticides weren't used in the growing of your foods? We each meet the needs of our children as best as we can, and we try to fill those needs in a way that fits into our lifestyles with the most ease possible. As long as our babies are happy and healthy, let's not "mommy-hate"! ;) too many people are willing to tear you down for stupid reasons in other ways...

Jennifer - posted on 11/11/2009

I agree that is unfortunate that bottle feeding mothers get a bad rap. I think as long as you are bonding and your baby is getting the nutrients he/she needs then do whatever works for your lifestyle.

Jessica - posted on 11/11/2009

I agree with you. I bottle fed my son because he just wouldn't latch. I was just going to do breast --the 1st week-- as colostrum is best before milk comes in. We are very close with great bond. I breastfeed my daughter, but also use formula if I feel she didn't get enough.(( I also love looks/pics on baby bottles for some reason and love to use them.)) I don't believe it's out of laziness, carelessness, or neglect. I believe your preference and baby's health is important. I think as long as bottle feeding is a time when you hold baby and bond, that's it's all about the same in the end. I believe both ways need to be accepted. Baby's are healthy when feed breast or formula. He/ She'll never know that you are using bottle...just that they're eating , mommy's there, and you're both happy :)

Kate - posted on 11/09/2009

nope i agree my kid and me bonded well. but i liked the ready made stuff for home use than i didnt have to measure and it stayed like 2 days in the fridge instead of one.

Aly - posted on 11/09/2009

It is a fact that breast feeding is nutritionally better for your baby, but if breastfeeding isnt for you, then its not for you. I breastfed my baby for as long as I could. I am stubborn by nature so I nursed him no matter what it took. It was so draining doing all the feedings by myself. (my son refused a bottle til he was 6 months) but i wouldnt change it for the world. Around 8 months I just wasnt producting enough to sustain his appetite so I'm supplementing. I never realized HOW MUCH EASIER it is to bottle feed. its like night and day. I will continue to breastfeed all my babies bc its what I (strongly) believe in. Just because you prefer bottle feeding doesnt make you any less of a mom. If you're happy, baby is happy. So dont breastfeed if you're not going to be happy doing it.

Ashley - posted on 11/09/2009

i tried breast feeding but my son was tongue tied so he couldn't latch on properly so he was getting any milk so when he was four days old i switched completely to bottle and he is happy and very healthy and has never been seriously sick. i try not to take offense to it breast feeding is right for some moms and not for others

Leah Moore - posted on 11/09/2009

I have 2 kids my son is nearly 4 and i breastfed him for 4 months. My daughter is 12 weeks old and i breastfeed her and bottlefeed her. Both are convienient in their own ways for me. Who care what way you feed your baby..once your baby is happy and healthy and mum is happy I wouldn't be paying any attention to those that are negative about bottlefeeding! There's always someone somewhere who'll say something nasty!

Stephanie - posted on 11/09/2009

i tried breastfeeding my baby and he wasn't getting enough milk so i decided to bottle feed him....he's grown so much and he's as fit as a fiddle.....

Fiona - posted on 11/08/2009

Quoting Angela:

I really wanted to stay out of this but the comment about "If formula feeding is so bad for a child then they simply would not sell it"
Evidence proves other wise. The widely publicized formula poising in China is the prime example of big business, the one thing that's most important to ANY for profit company is the Bottom Line. Their duty is to their shareholders not the mom or the baby!
They also found the same Melamine contaminant in the US in 2008 but they didn't release to the public which formula it was found in. Wonder who they're protecting?
The other incident that comes to mind is when the manufacturer forgot to put Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the formula causing lots of neurological damage in infants.

I am not coming down on mothers because they formula feed, the point I'm trying so desperately to convey is that we need to be more vigilant. The devil's in the details! If big business isn't looking out for you and your family then who is?

 I agree with Angela in that regardless of how you feed your child, we all need to be vigilant as Mothers by being well informed about our choices and ensuring that we always have our children's best interest at heart. Don't just believe what you are told or what you read or popular opinion; always keep an open mind, look for second and third opinions and do thorough research so that you can back up your decisions with intelligent, informed thought. Healthy debate is what keeps us learning. And learning is what keeps us healthy. 

Fiona - posted on 11/08/2009

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Robin:

Quoting Sara:

Quoting Leah:

I breast-fed exclusively for the first month and then I just couldn't keep up with my daughter so I started adding a night bottle in, and now she's probably 60% bottle fed and I don't see a problem with it at all. Having said that, I had said from when I first found out I was pregnant if we couldn't feed, then I had no problems bottle feeding.

I don't see why my daughter should be screaming from hunger, just because I'm not producing enough milk when I can easily give her a bottle.

The thing I love about bottle feeding too, is my partner gets a lot more involved. When I was breastfeeding I'd spend 7 or so hours a day feeding and it really took away from his time with Ella, but now as soon as he's home from work he can feed her and spend a lot more time playing. It's great.

Bottle feeding mums don't have anything negative to say about breast-feeding mums, so it should go both ways

I find this to be very untrue.  I breastfeed and I love it, but I think you should do what's best for you and your baby.  I know that breastfeeding is not for everyone.  That being said, breastfeeding moms are constantly being told that what they are doing is "disgusting" or "dirty"  I just read an article about a woman who was harrased (by another woman) because she was breastfeeding in a park.  So you can't say that bottle feeding moms don't say negative things because they do and I know that it goes both ways.  If you can bottle feed in public then we should be able to breastfeed and people should just mind their own business and let us all be moms and decide what we think is best for our little ones :)

although I agree with 99 percent of what has been said, I however dont agree with being able to BF in public with out a cover, I agree with BF anywhere but I also think it should be discreet, I personally would not want my child as he gets older seeing another womans breast, but that is me personally, I just dont think they should completely expose themselves, that is all.

I realize we're getting into another issue here, but I do cover up as much as I can.  My daughter gets very hot and sweaty so it's hard.  She also moves around a lot so sometimes I come uncovered, but I'm not going to make a big deal about it.  Can you imagine your little one getting very hot and uncomfortable while your feeding them? If a mom doesn't cover it, I don't care.  Breasts are for feeding babies.

I think that breasts have become sexualised to the point that people don't realise that they are first and foremost designed for feeding babies, just like bottles are also designed for feeding babies. I breastfeed my son and I have copped dirty looks and negative comments for choosing to feed my son in public (like every other Mother, I feed my son when he is hungry!). I don't take my entire top off to breastfeed, I am discreet (for my own comfort as well as others) and only a small portion of flesh is ever exposed. People see way more breast tissue in mainstream advertising than they do when I breastfeed. So I refuse to wear a cover as I personally find it uncomfortable for both myself and my son to be smothered when we are simply engaging in normal, natural behaviour. Just as women who bottlefeed should not be expected to cover up just in case someone else is upset by that normal, natural behaviour.

I generally keep my opinions to myself and believe that every one has the right to live their lives and parent their children how they see fit, so I get upset when other Mothers judge me for breastfeeding. I am also upset that Mothers who choose to bottle/formula feed are given a hard time or feel that they are looked down upon. The emphasis on breastfeeding from the World Health Organisation has come about because of studies that prove it's numerous benefits to both Mother and baby and to encourage Mothers to try to breastfeed their children. And formula use has come about from a medical need to provide nutritional sustenance to babies when they are unable to be breastfed. There are pros and cons to each choice and while there are people who do either exclusively, there are also others who do both. 

So I think everyone just needs to settle down and stop judging each other, focus on being the best person they can be and try to work together to make the world the best place possible for our children to grow up in.

Jacinta - posted on 09/15/2009

Quoting Iysha:

Bottle Feeding Mommies

I formula feed my baby. I personally love bottle feeding. I can stick a bottle or two of water in my purse along with some pre-measured servings of formula when I go out with my baby, I don't have to pump, I know exactly how much my baby is eating and that she is getting the nutrients she needs. I can bond with my baby without breastfeeding, and at night I have all the bottles ready with water along with a can of formula at my bedside. It was way easier for me and my daughter than breastfeeding.

I cannot stand the comments from some breastfeeding mothers and others about how "bad" formula feeding is. I have heard comments that imply laziness, carelessness, even neglect from people toward bottle feeding mothers. Bottle feeding mothers are looked down upon and I really don't think that is fair.

Anybody have anything to say about this?

Iysha,  where you say that some people imply that bottle feeding is laziness, carelessness and even neglect,  I honestly don't think those people have the right to judge us bottle feeding mothers, same goes for the other way around.  I don't think anyone should be judged about the way they have chosen to feed their children, mothers do what is best for them and their child.  And as far as laziness and carelessness & neglect goes, well think about it, there is a lot more to bottle feeding then I think those people who make comments like that realise.  For example the time it takes just to make a bottle. Measuring the water and the amount of formula.  Making sure it is mixed properly, heating up the bottle to the right temperature.  And not to mention the cleaning and sterilizing of the bottles.  Laziness, carelessness and neglect....I don't think so!  The children are still being fed one way or the other.  Not meaning any offence to mothers who breastfeed, but it is just not possible for some women,  me being one of them. And I don't think we should be looked down upon simply because we chose to formula feed our children. 

Leah - posted on 09/14/2009

Quoting Angela:

It's not that formula feeding is bad it's just that we as women do what it takes so that we can be healthy, you know exercise, supplements etc but when it comes to giving our little ones the best start we deny them. Besides, why spend money when you don't have to? I was breast fed, my mom was breast fed and so on, why all of a sudden is it the "in thing" to formula feed. It's more of an inconvenience to have to measure, boil water etc. Do you really think that a formula company has your baby's best interest in mind? Read the ingredients, I think you're brave women for putting formula into your babies. When you're breast feeding you actually have to think about what you put into your body.
I'm just sharing my opinion, that's all!
I had to add some more on after reading more of the responses.
From reading the above posts, I've noted a few things:
I tried for this long and then quit, too much work to pump, sore nipples, didn't latch. I dealt with all those things but at the end of the day I had a great team of midwives my and son was born at home without medication. In my heart I believe that medications interfere with a child's ability to latch properly because they're groggy. That's a whole new can of beans, drugs during labor or not.
I don't think that I've ever been hard on another woman because she chose to formula feed. I wanted to give up too when my nipples were sore, I got frustrated when my son ate like what felt all the time but I stuck it out. Yeah, good for me, is what some of you will say, but don't miss my point, just know why you're doing what you do, don't just throw in the towel because the option of formula is there. I understand that they are some women who can't physically breast feed!
As I mentioned before read the ingredients on a can of formula!
You've sparked my interest now and I have to research when formula first came onto the market and what the stimulus was for it.

I understand you have since said you mean no offense to anyone with your little speech but I am saying I take HUGE offense to this statement. 

How can you say things like "don't throw in the towel just because formula is there?" I still half breastfeed my baby and for the first 3 months I tried to keep up with her feeding schedule but my body was simply NOT producing milk. Why on earth would I deny my child food because I'm not producing milk. Should I let her scream for 24 hours a day? 

I was quite distressed when I wasn't producing enough milk, and went to three different child health nurses, my pediatrician and GP for ideas and they all told me the same thing "put your daughter on the bottle". What does a government paid nurse have to gain by pushing formula? She isn't a big company telling me to buy their product. She is a professional looking out for my babies best interest.

It's great you can exclusively breast feed, it really is. But I think you should note that nearly every woman here said they tried breast feeding and for some reason or another, it didn't work out. So I ask again, should we let our children scream uncontrollably because we aren't producing the milk, or should we be responsible parents and offer our child the alternative? I know which I'd rather.

Emily - posted on 09/14/2009

After my daughter had a hard time latching on, I started bottle feeding her. She took to it. I did try to pump for awhile but I ended up having mastitis and couldn't breastfeed at all. I still bonded with her as well as her grandparents and other family members. she's a happy healthy 8 month old.

Kaye - posted on 09/14/2009

Well i breastfeed my son for about 3 weeks and he just wouldnt take it well for those 3 weeks so i started bottle feeding and i have to agree with you that it is much easier than breastfeeding i so much wanted my son to be breastfeed. I think that if there was anything wrong with bottle feeding i think the doctors would tell us there is nothing wrong at all with it dont worry about what people think you know what your child needs and aslo about bonding with your child you can do that in many was without breastfeeding her

Angela - posted on 09/14/2009

I really wanted to stay out of this but the comment about "If formula feeding is so bad for a child then they simply would not sell it"
Evidence proves other wise. The widely publicized formula poising in China is the prime example of big business, the one thing that's most important to ANY for profit company is the Bottom Line. Their duty is to their shareholders not the mom or the baby!
They also found the same Melamine contaminant in the US in 2008 but they didn't release to the public which formula it was found in. Wonder who they're protecting?
The other incident that comes to mind is when the manufacturer forgot to put Vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the formula causing lots of neurological damage in infants.

I am not coming down on mothers because they formula feed, the point I'm trying so desperately to convey is that we need to be more vigilant. The devil's in the details! If big business isn't looking out for you and your family then who is?

Michelle - posted on 09/14/2009

I COMPLETELY agree with you! I personally do not have a problem with bottle fed babies and have never judged someone for choosing to do so, but I breastfeed.I get looked down on all the time bc people find it "disgusting" and it makes them uncomfortable. My best friend also got looked down on all the but bc she chose to bottle feed her baby. Like you said, its a lose-lose situation. When you become a parent, everything you do gets judged. Your parenting style, the way you discipline, what you feed them, how you feed them, etc. But, I will say that I am proud of myself for sticking with breastfeeding. I am not saying that I am a better mother bc of that or that your a terrible mother for not doing it. I COMPLETELY understand that some women just CANT do it for w/e reasons.

Jacinta - posted on 09/14/2009

If I have offended anyone I do apologise, that was not my intention.

Jacinta - posted on 09/14/2009

If formula feeding is so bad for a child then they simply would not sell it. Breastfeeding is really pushed and I know that breastmilk is better, but there are formulas out there that are close to breastmilk. My daughter is bottle fed simply because I was unable to breastfeed. My milk did come in and I had plenty but I couldn't get the attachment right and I know there are a lot of other women out there who have the same problem. It is very common. I think Iysha that you should switch off to those people who put bottle feeding mums down and I tell you what, when baby number two comes along I will be bottle feeding from the start, at least you know how much they are getting and they don't constantly want to be on the boob which was my problem. I never got off the couch for four days.

Angela - posted on 09/13/2009

To Iysha,
I joined circle of moms because as a new mom I wanted to get to know other mothers, swap stories and get ideas about fun things that I could do with my son.
I felt as though you singled me out to exact your wrath upon for simply doing what you did and that was share an opinion. If you don't want the opinion of Breast Feeding moms then you should rename it "Bottle Feeding Mommies Only" so as to avoid any further confusion!
I needed to defend myself, so I hope that this post doesn't offend you or anyone else!
Thanks

Angela - posted on 09/13/2009

To anyone that I may have offended with my opinion I do sincerely apologize!

Cassie - posted on 09/13/2009

Iysha, in no way is this an attack on any formula feeders at all. I want to emphasize that. I think you are feeling attacked or that formula feeding is looked down upon because that is what you do and it is a very personal choice. I breastfeed my daughter. I've never used formula. I can say that since she was born, it has been a battle. Like you, I have always felt looked down upon for my choice even though I chose breastfeeding rather than formula feeding. My husband's family did not understand my choice at all. Our friends were uncomfortable with my decision. Random strangers are constantly offended by my choice to breastfeed my daughter. No matter what we do, breast feed or formula feed, we will be looked down upon. Posting this conversation in my opinion is just a way to continue to drag a type of feeding down. Throughout this thread, I have read from both sides why the other is wrong. We need to support one another whatever our decision is. Society has a way of finding faults in almost every decision including formula feeding and breastfeeding. They will say that formula feeders are denying their child "the best start" and will turn around and say that breastfeeding is "inappropriate" or should be hidden and taboo. It is a lose-lose situation when it comes to the public eye.

I just wanted to post this so that you could see that breastfeeding mothers are judged just as much as formula feeding mothers. Being a mother is a hard job no matter how you feed your child and we have to fight for any support either way.

Good luck to all formula feeding mommies and breastfeeding mommies!

Iysha - posted on 09/13/2009

I don't think it should matter if someone doesn't breast feed because of convenience or medical reasons. The point is that bottle feeding mothers shouldn't be looked down upon for any reason. It is entirely a mother's decision and the reasons for that decision should not determine whether or not that mother is "better" or "worse" in anybody's eyes. I believe that both breast feeding and bottle feeding are the way to go for feeding an infant and that one should not be deemed better just because it is more socially acceptable or preferred. The way I see it is that formula feeding is the less socially acceptable method and that happens to be the method I chose. Because some women choose that method, they are being put down. Why? Why is it that people seem to think that the only way to do something is their way? Why impose their opinion on this topic in a hurtful way? Why not accept all ways? What is the big deal?