If your health permits u to breast feed.Why wouldnt you?

Amber - posted on 01/02/2010

wow just plain ignorance in this group .. educated urselfs please .

Ali Marie - posted on 01/02/2010

. Breastfed babies are on a entirily different growth chart then formula fed babies . formula fed babies tend to be way much chubbier as I must say due to the calorie intake and the fat drived from cows milk . while breastfed babies are getting the exact amount of calories they need to be at a healthy weight .

 

Thats why formula can lead to early obesity and other problems . as long as u are healthy and ur baby is healthy good for u .. its just my choice to breastfeed because its the best thing I can feed my child:)

Well I have noticed that babies who are breast-fed are WAY chubbier than formula fed babies. I asked my doctor about this and he said that although formula has more calories, mother's who are breast-feeding tend to over-feed more than mother's who formula feed. He said this is because formula-fed babies are more likely to get on scheduled feeding times, a certain amount of oz at certain times of the day. While breast-fed babies tend to get fed at every whim. I've notice that too, especially with new mothers-that every time their baby cries they automatically just put it on the breast without checking it's diaper, checking if it's teething, has gas, or trying to put it to sleep--often they use breast-feeding as a tool for their babies to fall asleep! That to me is more likely to lead to obesity problems. Which I would also like to note that I was breast-fed and was obese at age 12. I already mentioned the allergy and general health problems I've encountered my whole life. My mother and father were both formula-fed and neither one of them carry any of the same health problems that my brother and I do.

Rachel - posted on 01/02/2010

I BF'd exclusively until my baby was 3 months old. Then it got to be too much for me. She was never satisfied after feeding. I also couldnt eat any dairy, wheat, grain or any caffiene products as they all affected her. She was very colicky and BF'ing meant that I was the only one who could take care of her. It was impossible for me to have even a hour break. It might have been selfish for me to stop but I felt that if I wasnt happy and didnt take care of me how was I supposed to take care of her? After switching to formula we were all happier.
I have read my babies formula label and do not see anything, or any of the words that would be MSG. I have also checked with my babies pediatrician and she says that there is no MSG in formula. Not sure if maybe that is only in the US and not in Canada.
Your original 'debate' is very condemming and I think you would need to walk a mile in someone elses shoes before saying it is 'selfish' of mom's who do not have any medical reason to not BF.
As to Fluoride being in formula, there is fluoride added to water in most water treatment plants. So if you are drinking tap water then you are passing that along to your baby. As well they now reccomend that you brush you babies teeth with a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent dental decay. Also not on my babies formula ingredients list.
Again in Canada we have regulations against the use of BPA in children's related products.
Like pointed out by another mom mercury is in certain foods that we eat, which we also would pass along to our babies in breast milk. Also not an ingredient on my babies formula list.
And as to bacteria unless you sterilze your nipples before every feeding your baby is just as succeptable to it as well.

Point being is that I do not love my child any less or think that she is getting any less of a best start to life because she is formula fed. If you are able to BF then good for you but if you are not for whatever reason then good for you also. Go pick on the moms who feed their babies cows milk from birth. Leave the mom's alone who have made the best choice for themselves and their babies.

Christine - posted on 01/02/2010

I am exclusively breastfeeding, but I work, and have not been able to pump enough to feed her while I am at work, for about a month and a half now. I ran out of frozen, So, she gets about 2-4 oz of formula a day during the week. I agree that women should always try to breast feed first before they go to formula. I get more mad about the women who don't even try to do this, it is the most natural and best thing to do for your baby!

Jessica - posted on 01/02/2010

I get alot of critisism for choosing to formula feed my child when I could have continued to breastfeed. But the fact of the matter was, I was starting to suffer from post partum because I had a C-section AND was breastfeeding, the pain was unbearable. I decided to stop because it was just to much for me and once I did, my post partum was gone. I think that sometimes whatever is best for mommy IS best for baby, I could give her so much more positive attention and that made formula feeding a good match for her since in turn, she was happier as well. It doesn't matter what ingredients formula does or does not have in it what matters is if it is a good match for not only you but your child.

Jane - posted on 01/02/2010

There is no debate on wheather or not breastfeeding is best for babies, all moms know this. Some moms can't & some moms do it for other reasons. It's very personal & I think that all moms choose to do what's not only best for their babies but best for them no matter the situation. I really am frustrated that BFing moms think that formula feeding moms are not doing what's best for baby & are somehow being selfish or something.

There are benefits to BFing:I would imagine you are referring to health of the child, less likely to have allergies ect. Well I have a 13 year old that I did not BF & he is healthier them most BF children I know. I have a friend that did BF & her son has severe allergies & is sick all the time. Tell me how that happened please. Just because you choose not to BF does not mean your child will be healthier (although I realize that the chances of a healthier child are better if you BF) & just because you BF does not guarentee your child will have great health. There's no reason to make formula feeding moms feel bad about their decision. I'm also happy when moms choose to BF & would encourage any new moms to @ least try & if it doesn't work out that's ok too!

Emily-Ann - posted on 01/02/2010

I did breastfeed for 3 weeks i wanted too but i didnt want too but i had to give up cuz my baby was 11 lbs 6.5 ozs and drinked ways to much and i didn't have enough i use to sit er lie down feeding him for close on 2 hours and he still want more i ended up giving him close on 2.5 ozs of formula then he would go right to sleep so i gave it up, the nurse told me where he's so big he will needs more then a normal size baby he's now 8.5 months and is over 25 lbs and such a sweetheart

Amber - posted on 01/02/2010

noone is condemming u .This is just a debate .We all know breastmilk is the gold standard .Yes some children that are bottle fed can be healthier then some breastfed but its not always the case .Those kids that happen to be not as healthy its because they have bad genes and its passed down which is un avoidable . Docs push breastfeeding because it the best nutrition a child can get . U dont have to avoid all the things u love while breast feeding , just take it in moderation and all that stuff listed isnt even good for u anyway in large amounts so why should it matter. Also why are so many moms focused on getting the child to sleep all the way through the night . granted some people work and need to sleep but its just part of motherhood .I sleep great and my child nurses at night . Its actually better that they wake up every couple hours because its even more protection towards sids . The benefits that come from breastmilk are beyond this world to the point researches are still finding out more and more great things about it as they study the contents . I am just saying a lot of moms dont breastfeed because of they're own selfish reasons . and some cant because of health reasons. This statement isnt for people who cant help to not breast feed . Breastfed babies are on a entirily different growth chart then formula fed babies . formula fed babies tend to be way much chubbier as I must say due to the calorie intake and the fat drived from cows milk . while breastfed babies are getting the exact amount of calories they need to be at a healthy weight .Breastmilk is digested much easier then formula therefor making it much better for babies in general.Thats why formula can lead to early obesity and other problems . as long as u are healthy and ur baby is healthy good for u .. its just my choice to breastfeed because its the best thing I can feed my child:)

Kelli - posted on 01/01/2010

I think that today BFing is being pushed on new moms everywhere we turn. I'm quite sick of feeling guilty for choosing to put my son on formula. I BFed him for 2 months, I loved the feeling of feeding my child- it is unlike any other feeling, but after 2 months of avoiding spicy, fatty, garlicky foods, and caffeine (oh how I missed caffeine after getting up every 2-3 hours) and nursing literally every half hour when my son was awake, my husband and I made a mutual decision to try formula... we did and found that Brandon seemed happier with it, he got fuller, and slept longer. He is a very big boy. So the 3 of us decided to make the switch. I feel like I made a great choice, now I don't have to pay as much attention to what I'm eating or drinking. My husband could get up instead of me for those late night feedings (Brandon now sleeps through the night) and we could leave him overnight with his grandparents without me having to sit like a cow on a milker for hours the entire week before doing so. My son is now 8 months old, he's never been sick nor is he any less smart than any other 8 month old I know, in fact he seems somewhat smarter. I am extremely sick and tired of being bombarded everytime I turn around for "not doing it right" its my kid... he's healthy, safe and happy, thats the only thing that matters.

Ali Marie - posted on 01/01/2010

In regards to the list of ingredients in baby formula, I'd like to know how many of you look at the list of ingredients in everything that you eat (which goes to your baby through the breast milk) There's formaldehyde in diet coke, and mercury in cans of tuna, etc... Unless you're eating 100% fresh organic food that you know where it came from, chances are you're putting many of the same things into your body as well. Even food labeld organic can contain certain unwanted bacteria.

I am one of those 1% of women unable to breast-feed. Not through any fault of my own body, but my daughter was born with Pierre Robin Syndrome (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/...) a often fatal disease where the lower part of the jaw is exceedingly smaller than the top part. It made it impossible for her to latch on properly, believe me-I tried!! I tried diligently for 2 months, pumping everytime I fed her (barely 1/2 oz would come out) and worked with several lactation consultants before finally giving up.I cried for almost a week after.

To this day, even people who know what the "problem" was look at me with some sort of contempt everytime I take out her formula. I have felt unjustly discrimated against for the past 9 months of her life.

I was consoled by seeing several kids, and adults who were formula-fed in extremely good health. Not only healthy, but actually in better health than breast-fed children! For example my mom was formula fed as were all my uncles, compared to my brother and I who were soley breast-fed. Looking at our history of health, my brother and I have had strong allergies (which do not run in our family at all) and very weak immune systems our whole life. I can remember being sick over 5 times a year and still fight that to this day. Looking at kids now, I have friends that exclusively formula fed and their kids are perfectly healthy, active, and althletic. A few of my friends that breast-feed only, their kids get sick almost monthly!!
Given all that, I am currently pregnant again and I do plan on trying to breast-feed again. Although I can now see a lot of benefits that formula has, and wont be opposed to formula feeding if it suits my family's lifestyle more.

That being said, I know you posted this as an open discussion, but frankly, my opinion on the whole subject is--its my child, what does it matter to you what I feed him/her?

Christi - posted on 01/01/2010

I think breastfeeding is the best. I am a working mom, and I went back to work pumping which was difficult, but definitely worth it. However at this point my body is only producing enough to feed my son in the morning and in the evening.I stopped pumping, because most of the time I would get nothing, or tiny drops. Needless to say my son is on formula. It breaks my heart to not be able to feed him breastmilk at each feeding, but I feel I did a great job, and made it even longer than I had expected. It's a precious time you and only you can share with your baby. I,too, don't understand why mother's wouldn't want to, but I also don't judge them for choosing the formula route. My son is doing great with formula, and I am blessed to still have 2 feedings.I feel we each do what is best for our babies, and often times our opinions differ from others.That doesn't make either side wrong though!!

Amber - posted on 01/01/2010

I am not trying to say that women who choose to formula feed are bad moms .But I do think id u are healthy and I repeat that part of my statement .If u are healthy and ur body isnt in serious pain or u have a medical issue I think u should breast feed. Yes they're are some things that docs dont know that are in breastmilk .Breastmilk is different for every baby .It taylors its self to each individual baby so its not the same .Formula is put out there for moms that are not able to breastfeed or choose not to for whatever reason. Yes it keeps babys alive and most babies are perfectly healthy on formula but even on the back of formula cans it says breastmilk is preferred form of nutrition because there are things in BM that formula companies cant match . here is a reference and info about ingredients in formula . Its just for reading .I personally think if u CAN and I say again IF u Can BREASTFEED . then u should do it because ur baby gets natural , much healthier, smarter, and great benefits from BM(breastmilk).:) Most woman are in pain for the first week or two while they're milk comes in thinking its going to be like that the whole time they breastfeed but it isnt the case . Its like giving birth u have to get through the hours of labor until u get the beautiful reward:) If ur thinking about BF, or already breast feeding yay!:) I am here for support and feel free to message me .I am a LLL leader and will be happy to answer any queastions:) here is the linksInfant Formula Contains:



MSG

Free aspartic acid

BPA

Fluorosis

DHA/ARA

Hexane

Mercury

Melamine

Cyanuric acid

Formaldehyde

Antinutrients/soy

Bacteria

Patent info on DHA and its extraction

Martek (IF corporation)

International Infant morality rates charts and formula



Here are some reference links to get you going and keep you informed



*MSG in formula

How many parents realize that MSG lurks in every bottle of formula given to their infants?

Patients have stronger reactions to MSG than arsenic or mercury.

In children, however, the destruction of healthy brain tissue is not the only problem associated with glutamate. A child's brain is growing, and it is suspected that excess glutamate causes connections to be made inappropriately. Certain sensors on the neurons, called growth cones, allow the neurons to detect and grow along chemical trails in the brain, ultimately constructing the necessary pathways.

http://www.curezone.com/foods/msg.asp

A child experiencing "innumerable seizures" at 6 months of age showed dramatic improvements after removal of MSG from the child’s diet. Brain Damage in Primates Evident 5 Hours after MSG Ingestion

http://www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/pregms...

http://www.truthinlabeling.org/formulaco...

http://www.westonaprice.org/children/msg...

http://www.ezhealthydiet.com/msg-side-ef...

http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/m...



Some other names for MSG

The following substances contain the highest percentage of factory created free glutamate, with MSG containing 78%:

*msg myths.com/hidename.htm*

MSG Gelatin Calcium Caseinate

Monosodium glutamate Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) Textured Protein

Monopotassium glutamate Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP) Yeast Extract

Glutamate Autolyzed Plant Protein Yeast food or nutrient

Glutamic Acid Sodium Caseinate Autolyzed Yeast

Vegetable Protein Extract Senomyx (wheat extract labeled as artificial flavor)

The following substances contain some factory created free glutamate in varying amounts. Please note that some food labels list several of these items, which can add up to a considerable and dangerous amount in one product:



Malted Barley (flavor) Natural Flavors, Flavors, Flavoring Modified food starch

Barley malt Reaction Flavors Rice syrup or brown rice syrup

Malt Extract or Flavoring Natural Chicken, Beef, or Pork, Flavoring "Seasonings" (Most assume this means salt, pepper, or spices and herbs, which sometimes it is.) Lipolyzed butter fat

Maltodextrin, dextrose, dextrates Soy Sauce or Extract "Low" or "No Fat" items

Caramel Flavoring (coloring) Soy Protein Corn syrup and corn syrup solids, high fructose corn syrup

Stock Soy Protein Isolate or Concentrate Citric Acid (when processed from corn)

Broth Cornstarch fructose (made from corn) Milk Powder

Bouillon Flowing Agents Dry Milk Solids

Carrageenan Wheat, rice, corn, or oat protein Protein Fortified Milk

Whey Protein or Whey Anything enriched or vitamin enriched Annatto

Whey Protein Isolate or Concentrate Protein fortified "anything" Spice

Pectin Enzyme modified proteins Gums (guar and vegetable)

Protease Ultra-pasteurized dairy products Dough Conditioners

Protease enzymes Fermented proteins Yeast Nutrients

Lecithin Gluten and gluten flour Protein powders: whey, soy, oat, rice (as in protein bars shakes and body building drinks)

Amino acids (as in Bragg's liquid amino acids and chelated to vitamins) Algae, phytoplankton, sea vegetable, wheat/ barley grass powders



*Fluoride/Fluorosis

Infant Formula and the Risk for Enamel Fluorosis

http://www.cdc.gov/FLUORIDATION/safety/i...

What is Fluoride?

What are some effects of Fluoride on the body?

Why is fluoride in infant formula?



*BPA

The chemical is bisphenol A, or BPA, a component of the plastic epoxy resins used to line metal food cans. Dozens of laboratory studies show that BPA affects the developing brain and reproductive systems of animals exposed to low doses during pregnancy and early life.

1 of every 16 infants fed the formula would be exposed to the chemical at doses **exceeding** those that caused harm in laboratory studies.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/infantformula

Based on its analysis of existing research on BPA, even a very small amount of the compound may cause a host of problems, from brain and behavioral disorders to cancer, a claim the formula makers and federal regulators adamantly deny.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/04/bpa...

Bisphenol A (BPA), known as the 'gender bender' chemical, leaches into liquid baby formula from the linings of cans at levels dangerous to infant health

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Indu...

BPA what is it?

What effects does BPA have on the human body?

Why do the formula companies use BPA?





*DHA

omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, produced in laboratories and extracted from algae and fungus, into infant formulas. The report presents disturbing research indicating that the new additives placed in infant formula are seriously endangering the health of some formula-fed newborns and toddlers. algal-and fungal-based DHA/ARA have been linked to serious side effects such as virulent diarrhoea and vomiting in infants consuming infant formula.

http://www.cornucopia.org/replacing-moth...

http://cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_FullReport...

April 15, 2008–The Cornucopia Institute filed a legal complaint with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) today, demanding that the agency enforce the organic regulations prohibiting toxic solvents from being used in the production of organic food.



http://www.circleoffood.com/blog/2008/04...

*DHA/ARA that has been extracted from laboratory-grown fermented algae and fungus and processed utilizing a toxic chemical, hexane. Here's a link to the full report: http://cornucopia.org/DHA/DHA_FullReport...



*Hexane

In some cases the oils are extracted from non-toxic algae and soil fungus using chemicals such as hexane, acid and bleach.

Hexane is a volatile liquid found in glue and gasoline. When inhaled in high volumes it can cause nausea, euphoria, headaches and nerve damage. You can read more about the hexane process and formula supplementation by downloading a report at the Cornucopia Institute.

http://www.organic-baby-resource.com/org...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hexane



*Mercury

Mercury is simply one of the most toxic substances you can put into the human body, aside from radioactive substances. As human beings, we're the only species stupid enough to actually poison ourselves.

http://www.naturalnews.com/008511.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leslie-hat...



*Melamine

Humans and animals that consume toxic doses of melamine develop kidney stones. These hard crystals can block urinary flow and make urination painful. They can also cause kidney failure and death, pediatric kidney specialist Marc B. Lande, MD, MPH, of the University of Rochester, N.Y., tells WebMD.

http://children.webmd.com/news/20081126/...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/2...

Hiding the truth about melamine formula The FDA exists for only one purpose: To protect the profits of powerful food and drug companies. Babies be damned.

http://www.naturalnews.com/News_000554_m...



*Cyanuric acid

This white, odorless solid finds use as a precursor or a component of bleaches, disinfectants, and herbicides.

When cyanuric acid is administered together with melamine (which by itself is another low-toxicity substance), they may form extremely insoluble crystals,[10] leading to formation of kidney stones and potentially causing kidney failure and death -- as evidenced in dogs and cats during the 2007 pet food contamination and in children during the 2008 Chinese milk scandal cases.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanuric_ac...

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles...



*Formaldehyde

It is lethal at very high doses by ingestion and considered a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer

Formaldehyde damages DNA, kills cells and causes cell proliferation

http://stats.org/stories/2009/baby_bath_...

Melamine resin is manufactured by mixing urea with formaldehyde under heat and pressure. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-melamine...

Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children. Many products tested for this study contained both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, including the top-selling Johnson's Baby Shampoo and Sesame Street Bubble Bath.

http://yubanet.com/life/Children-s-Bath-...



*Bacteria

Powdered infant formula is not sterile which means it may contain bacteria

Enterobacter sakazakii is a gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium within the family Enterobacteriaceae. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a fatal case of meningitis in an intensive care nursery in Tennessee. The infecting organism was Enterobacter sakazakii, an unusual but often fatal, invasive pathogen. In the fatal Tennessee case, the infection was traced to contaminated powdered infant formula

http://www.foodpoisonblog.com/2007/06/ar...

http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food-...



The recent expert meeting recommended that caregivers to infants, particularly those at high risk (see

Q 4.), should be regularly alerted to the fact that powdered infant formula is not a sterile product.

http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publicatio...

Charts on bacteria growth and temperatures (not sure if this is a play it safe one by formula company scientists)

http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/y5502e/y55...



*Soy formula

…soybeans act as potent enzyme inhibitors. These "antinutrients" block the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestion. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors depress growth and cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer. Soybeans also contain high levels of phytic acid or phytates. This is an organic acid, present in the outer portion of all seeds, which blocks the uptake of essential minerals-calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc-in the intestinal tract. A reduced rate of growth is especially serious in the infant as it causes a delay in the accumulation of lipids in the myelin, and hence jeopardizes the development of the brain and nervous system.

http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/infant.h...



*Patent info on DHA and its extraction *(assigned by Martek Bioscience corp)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

it is an object of the present invention to provide a single-cell edible oil containing DHA. In general, it is an object of the present invention to produce single-cell oil in commercially viable yields (one that doesn’t smell offensive because of the source of the ingredients fish eyes etc). The oil, characterized herein as a "designer" oil, after extraction can be used in infant formulas, baby foods, dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/53975...



*Martek and a look at their finances and ratings in early 2009

Product sales were up 7% versus last years first quarter.

The strength of our core infant formula business, growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of DHA

http://seekingalpha.com/article/124181-m...



*International Infant morality rates charts and formula

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/artic...

Alana - posted on 01/01/2010

I agree to a certain extent, but must admit that i found breastfeeding extremely painful for the 1st 6-8 weeks. It felt like someone jamming a needle into frostbitten nipples and would hurt all through the day. I saw a lactation specialist as i didn't want to give up but even she said that he was attatched properly and could not see why it would be hurting. In the end we think it was a condition called nipple vasospasm where the blood flow is cut off. Anyway to this day i am still breastfeeding, i never gave up, but completely understand others mums that can't. And until your in a situation like I was where the thought of feeding my own child brought tears to my eyes will you understand.

Jessica - posted on 12/31/2009

I think it depends on how you look at it. Yes, breastfeeding is definitely better for a child but formula is not BAD for them. When my daughter was born I got an infection and was no longer able to breastfeed for a period of time and never started breastfeeding again. Laura makes a good point that I have also been told by many doctors, people don't really know how much nutrients breast milk actually has when all the nutrients needed for babies are put in formula. I don't think that formula would be so widely distributed and recommended by so many doctors if it was putting babies at a risk. My daughter has been formula fed since 2 months old and she has never been sick or in any way allergic to milk etc. she is an extremely healthy baby. You both make very plausible reasons as well and i salute you for enduring breast feeding but Amber, it seems as though your saying mothers who formula feed are being not as good of parents because of their decision.

Again though, just another personal opinion :)
Would love to hear your thoughts

LauraBeth - posted on 12/31/2009

I completely agree with you!! I am the only one out of all my friends that breastfeed, they all said it was because I stay at home and they work, but even if i did work i would still do what I am doing now! I have just figured that women here in the US are just doing it for convience and thinking of them selfs, My son decided to quit breastfeeding after only 3mo. I never did produce enough milk and was feeding him every 20min. when i did breast feed. One day he woke up and would not drink at all we went to his Dr. and she said that i must no be giving him what he needs and to try formula, I have to admit that it was nice not haveing to feed him every 20min. but even though my son is now 8mo old and a very healthy big boy, I still wish i was breastfeeding him (And yes breastfeeding was very painful for the first week, but what is one week of pain when your child benifits SO MUCH from it)