"Breastfeeding is gross and I'm not going to try it"

Summer - posted on 03/03/2010

People don't realize breast IS BEST !!! its not like choosing between Coke and Pepsi !!! There is an AMAZINGLY HUGE Difference between bottle and breast feeding!! I feel that bottle feeding is gross... but I'm not big on putting fake products into my daughter! things that were made in some lab somewhere.... the thought of that is NASTY...Breastfeeding is the single beast thing a mother can do short of giving birth. it is best for baby and for mom!!! The baby gets the antibodies, it increases intelligence, better for teeth, DHA RHA and the list goes on and on ... Also its a bond that can never be broken! It encourages safety and love in your baby. Its warm and nurturing! Bottle feeding is impersonal, and distant. Also it reduces upper respiratory problems and ear infections in babies. Also it reduces the strength and duration of colds in the baby ( if the baby does catch a cold) As for the mom it reduces the chances of breast cancer! Also breastfeeding is Cheaper and Easier and faster !!! Seriously do I need to go on ?????



The woman ( I refuse to call her a mom) that posted that statement is ignorant and doesn't know her elbow from the wall...) I know that was harsh I'm sorry



Yes I am adamant about breastfeeding !! thats what I do I teach and coach breastfeeding...

Twila - posted on 03/03/2010

People who think like that...it amount to one thing...their loss and that of their baby's.

Katie - posted on 03/03/2010

I think people mis construe breastfeeding and get it in their head that breasts are supposed to be purley sexual, and others may just not want to take responsibility for giving up addictions or bad behaviors or the time and effort it takes. You have to be dilligent, and selfless to acomplish nourishing your child from the breast theese days. I tell you what though it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I could go on and on about the health benifits, and the bond you create with your child all day long. I breast fed my first child and am nursing my second both for the first year. I feel it is the Best for my Babies! My mom is a 17 year NICU Nurse at The Childrens Hospital (Vanderbuilt- one of the top in the Nation.) When Preemies are born with developmental problems and/or illnesses breast milk can at times achieve things that those Doctors can not.

Danielle - posted on 03/03/2010

plus has she smelled formula???that makes me gag

Danielle - posted on 03/03/2010

gross???I'm questioning if this person is even pregnant or knows what the birth of a child looks like!? to me the birth of the child is gross but sooo well worth it...now i agree breastfeeding is not for everyone but it most definetely is not gross. it's a normal part of having a child..i understand if you do not want to breastfeed, but come on i'm 19 and i wouldn't make a statement like that i would keep it to myself. mind you i plan to breastfeed my 2nd child exclusively. unfortunately i was unable to do so with my first.

Devon - posted on 03/03/2010

Okay I read some of the comments on this and I'm responding to one stating about comments on a youtube video...



That is f*ing disturbing that people think it's a turn on?! That is the LAST thing it is for any right minded mom! Infact the thought grosses me out..

Heidi - posted on 03/03/2010

I agree. At least try before you assume its not for you. It's like introducing a new food to a child and them saying they don't like it before they have tried it. In this case it's even more important to at least try because it is the best thing for your child. Even the formula companies tell you that breastfeeding is the best thing but if you want an alternative formula fortified with DHA and ARA are best. But your baby won't get the antibodies and breast milk has in it to fight off colds and infections. My step sons mother was like that though she didn't even want to try. It's a shame. Sorry for my rant and rave. I do understand that some women just can't produce anything or they have problems nursing but if you aren't one of those women that are just having medical reason you should want to at least try to give your child what is best for him or her and if you don't like it then stop. At least you tried.

Shelley - posted on 03/03/2010

And we wonder what is wrong with this country. Uneducated people are allowed to speak and voice their opinion. They should just stop reproducing.

Hope - posted on 03/03/2010

I totally agree. Itried with my first child and was unsuccessful. Now my second child has been Bf for 4 months now. It's so much easier than having to make bottles and supplementing water. People like that show that they really don't want a very close bond with their baby. If our breasts weren't meant to be used, they wouldn't be there

Kai - posted on 03/03/2010

I wonder if the person who said also meant in public. I feed my daughter pumped breast milk for 6 weeks exclusively. I was uncomfortable with breastfeeding in public. To me that is a private moment and not for the world to see. The girl may also not have liked the idea of someone being attached to her breast, or just been a prude who thinks sex is dirty.

Aleta - posted on 03/03/2010

Formula is gross!

Jenifer - posted on 03/03/2010

breastfeeding is so much easier than having to wash bottles and nipples and te time it takes to wash and make a bottle i have already began breastfeeding me and my friend fight all the time about me choosin to breastfeed while she bottle feeds i believe it connects me and my daughter more i breastfed my older girl and am still breastfeeding me youngest

Erin - posted on 03/03/2010

I'm pregnant with my first baby right now and find my conversations always turn towards the topic of baby. Last time I went home to visit my mother the babies! topic comes up and for the first time ever I heard about my mother's experience with feeding us. I knew she had said before that she hadn't breastfed either me or my brother, but I didn't really think about it again. Now that I'm an expecting mother I'm interested. This time she admited to me that she "had an aversion" to it. That the thought of it grossed her out and she even made a motion as though to push something off her chest reflexively like a bug just fell on her or something. I was shocked, and saddened a bit. Don't get me wrong I love my mom dearly and think she did the best she could raising us, but I couldn't imagine feeling that way. I'm quite excited to breastfeed and plan to do so exclusively for the first six months.

Also, I feel I have had to work through a lot of trust issues in my life, and sometimes wonder if this started from the closeness and bonding that I missed out on.

Krystina - posted on 03/03/2010

i think breast is best.. i want to breastfeed my 3rd baby....(due in june...)

Pauline - posted on 03/03/2010

thats what they r for, feeding your babys, ive BF my 2 its alot better than that carp what u call forum,

Nicole - posted on 03/03/2010

AARRRRG! hell, work is an excuse- two words: breast pump. I went back to work 4 wks pp and guess what? Phoebe is still nursing 16.5 months later. to nurse is to fullfill your baby's birthright. I don't understand how/why people can think giving your baby species specific food is gross. I am willing to bet that rube drinks cow milk. Is the moron aware that it comes from a breast? I am sad she had the gaul to reproduce. Yes, I know this statement is judgmental- I feel nothing but disgust towards that broad as I sit here nursing my baby. What is wrong with society that breast are fine if they are used to peddle cars, clothes, food but they are seen as dirty even by the very people who have them if they are used for their intended function? good grief!

Jessica - posted on 03/02/2010

I have two kides my boy is 4 an my lillte girl is near 16 months i breastfeed my boy in tall 2 or just over then i stop. I still breastfeed my little girl now day an nite whenever she wants it , i had alot of people look down at me an say comants my own family made feel so unwelcome when i was feed my son, its ok these days with my girl i had couples people say somthing to me like she doesnt need its more my self then her wants it but at the end of the day everyone to yourself, i love breastfeed its free its great an its there everywere u go.. thats just me

Katie - posted on 03/02/2010

I just read somewhere that formula can deplete a baby's immune response, by reacting with the gut lining. And even if you were breastfeeding and gave just one bottle of formula it apparently takes 2-3 weeks for the stomach lining to recover. So a bottle of formula here or there is not really good for babies. Breastfeeding is the natural thing to do. We did it for eons as we were evolving!! Why stop now?? The alternative is not better! I love breastfeeding and wish it was easy for everyone.



I also feel sorry for some mothers who resort to giving formula to try to stop/reduce posseting. I suppose I dont know how annoying constant possetting is, as my baby rarely does this. But surely the huge benefits that breastmilk has for your child outweighs the annoyance of posseting? maybe?



All I know is Breast is Best!!

Karyn - posted on 03/02/2010

how old are? seriously this is a natural part of having a baby i would love to have been able to give my boys this head start in life if you make such an immature comment you should not be having this baby for the baby sake its time you grew up

Kaitlan - posted on 03/02/2010

ok, the whole young thing may not be true... Im 17 and bf and know its the best thing, but on topic, why would we make milk if we werent suppose to use it.

Shakirah - posted on 03/02/2010

breastfeeding was the best thing i ever did for me and my daughter. no getting up in the middle of the night making bottles no boiling bottles just wake up get comfortable and latch on. when she got older i could just lay on my side and she would latch on i wouldn't even have to get up. and she was completely off me 2 weeks after her first birthday and i was dried up about 2 weeks after that. most importantly she is soooooo healthy she's had one ear infection and that just happened recently and she's almost 4. our bond is so tight i can't imagine not breastfeeding. i understand if you have a medical reason or even you're a working mom it might be hard or if you just can't produce but what do they think women did before bottles.

Maree - posted on 03/02/2010

well...at least try. That's what I did, and it hurt like hell (coz of my nipple problems) and i had to stop. But at least I tried. Although i must admit it is really uncomfortable having full breasts and all the leaking. Maybe that's what she meant by the gross bit.

Alicia - posted on 03/02/2010

I think that it takes more than one feeding to get the hang of it. I mean It took me at least 3 weeks to get it right. I couldn't imagine feeding him any other way right now. I'm not going breastfeed forever. But Try it for at least 30 days. It gives enough time to really decide.

Kali - posted on 03/02/2010

This comment makes me angry! I am having a hard time breastfeeding in public because people stare. I wish more women would realize that breastfeeding is natural. If more women would consider at least trying then maybe the "breast" would no longer be considered a sexual object!

Nicole - posted on 03/02/2010

Your Statement you made about assuming she was a young mom made me wanna say you just made a idiotic statement.That Really fustrated me . I had My daughter when i was 17 she was nurse till she was 10 months i would of nursed her longer but i wasnt making enough. I think her statement was silly but you shouldnt assume things. Assuuming things about young moms really angers me. Im doing alot better than most 20 year old.

Cassandra - posted on 03/02/2010

breastfeeding is natural.you all need to get over yourselves and grow up a little.be a mom breastfeed!

Jodie - posted on 03/02/2010

A comment like this sounds so immature, how old was this child?

Kathy - posted on 03/02/2010

I agree, Francesca. Someone said (Voltaire?) "I don't like what you're saying, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it!'

Francesca - posted on 03/02/2010

I am very pro-breastfeed. My daughter will be approaching 1 year and we are still going strong. However I don't think its supportive or appropriate to judge any women for their reasons why they didn't breastfeed. Its not what this forum is for.



Why do we insist on judging eachother. It is a disgusting example for our children. What is more important, a well rounded child or what food they ate as infants? Seriously people...



You state that they shouldn't knock it before they try it, but you judge and bash them without talking to them. Very hypocritical.



You noted that you want an honest debate. Clearly not. You posted this in a breastfeeding forum where they can't even defend themselves.



Is this what COM has come too?



Why do we feel the need to bash. Is it not enough that we made the choice to do the best for our own children? Do we need to bulley those that don't agree with us?



We have all been on the receiving end of judgemental women who will never think anything you do is good enough. God forbid we breastfeed in public. Lets not be those women. Let this Breastfeeding Group be to build eachother up and be supportive. Not to bash the opposition.

Silvia - posted on 03/02/2010

i hate it when people talk like that i have also heard some women say that your breast were not made for that...what were they made for then i ask... i breastfed my daughter for 6 months and loved it...its the best thing you can do for baby...it really is just ignorance when you hear people talk like that

Marie - posted on 03/02/2010

I am 23(24 in June) and pregnant with my first child and I have already decided to breastfeed. As soon as I found out that I was pregnant that was one of my first decisions as a soon to be mother. I never saw breastfeeding as gross, it is the most natural thing that can happen. Why do people think that we are the ones with the breasts and not males? We were built for childbearing...breasts and vaginas. Vaginas to give birth to our children and breasts to feed our children. Some people just need to chill out and you shouldnt knock it before you try it.

Angela - posted on 03/02/2010

I clicked on this post because the thought that someone would think that breastfeeding is gross infuriated me!! It is the best way to feed your baby! That person should try drinking formula herself and see what is REALLY GROSS

Heather - posted on 03/02/2010

I also look at those who are in the generation of 40-60 yrs old...what does that generation look like. The generation that said that formula feeding was much better than breastmilk! That pep milk and water and corn syrup crap that people fed their kids has left that generation struggling with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer beyond control, and so many, many other health issues that there is no way that my child will be formula fed! i know that formula now days is much better, and is great for those who absolutely cannot breastfeed, but the breast is the best thing ever!!

Heather - posted on 03/02/2010

Someone saying that breastfeeding is gross is probably someone who has not grown up being taught what's best and what a woman's body is intended for. Probably hasn't been around very many children and probably has been demonstrated that breast are only a sexual thing. Growing up, that was just what everyone in my family did. I honestly can remember being young and thinking that those mother's who didn't breastfeed were "weird" or more detached. I can always remember my own father comment that to him the greatest picture of love was of a mother nursing her child! He was never offended when a his daughters or daughters in law sat down to nurse. We keep covered and he respects a woman's space if someone is uncomfortable with a man in the room while nursing. I don't think less of others just because they formula feed, but I do feel sad that they miss out on all those wonderful little moments that breastfeeding brings. My 7 month old son always pats me or gentlely pinches my neck or arm and then rests his little cheek on my breast after he's done or falls alseep! I think if we who know the great side of breastfeeding be more ept to share the great stories rather than degrading someone for not breastfeeding - creating a much more positive offense rather than hearing how someone doesn't like breastfeeding and taking a negative defensive approach. If breatfeeding comes up in a conversation, tell your great stories and just leave it at that. Don't let someone go on and on about how "gross" it is!



As for the "sexual" thoughts on breastfeeding - I don't know about anyone else, but it's totally wipes out my hormones. I can be in a "good" mood and then have to sit down to breastfeed and then my husband can forget about it...My hormones are shot! A form of birth control? Maybe...



And the fact that I see in my children a slighty higher intellectual level than those on formula gives me the encouragement to keep at it!

Jess - posted on 03/02/2010

When I was pregnant I said I would try to breastfeed because I didn't want to be disappointed if it didn't work out. Campbell and I were successful at bf and not only is my daughter doing beautifully, she has spit up twice in her four months, she has never had reflux, I never have to warm up bottles in the middle of the night or try to fix a bottle when she is screaming! It is great, and tons of Campbell and Mommy time. I feel proud that she is doing so well on what I provide for her. tons of benefits for her and simplicity for me....win win!

Lisa - posted on 03/02/2010

The first time collostrum came out of my nipples when I was pregnant I was nearly sick. However, I never thought BF was gross and I really enjoy BFing my daughter now. I guess you just never know how you'll feel. She is entitled to her opinion whatever it may be.

Kristen - posted on 03/02/2010

Yea.. I feel the same.. Since I'm breastfeeding I look at my breasts as a food supply and it being exclusively for my daughter. So when my husband wants to get near them and rub touch etc.. THAT weirds me out..loll.. it feels uncomfortable for sure.. But Its such a great connection that I am getting sad thinking about ending, but totally glad I stuck with it. With all this recession going on, you'd think women would take advantage of the free supply.. I hear formula is expensive.. and something about powdered chemicals doesnt sound yummy to me.. I dont even like powdered creamer in my coffee.. hmmm..

Julie - posted on 03/02/2010

when i was pregnant and people told me to breast feed i was thinking hell no but then i made up my mind and i did it. for me it was the best thing ever my daughter and i have a bond that no one else can have with her and it is so good for you baby

Taralee - posted on 03/02/2010

To the women who are getting angry about women posting their support and considering her uneducated about the subject, it is b/c we can not imagine why a mom would not want to....yes it is her choice, and she is allowed her opinion, but this is a debate, so "backing off" is not part of debating....no one is attacking her, and we assume she is young because I don't know any women, other than very young women who would say "...it is GROSS and I am not going to do it!" We who support it know that it is not GROSS, some women find it painful, or stressful, or don't have let down, or produce enough milk, they have good reason not to ....but GROSS is not a good reason to me, it is a beautiful thing. Breasts have been made sexual ....they are on all mammals, and they serve a purpose, to feed your young.

Rita - posted on 03/02/2010

Most likely a Jeuvinile statement, for sure. I can tell you from experience there just is not contentment of a baby like those who are comforted by a breast. It provides so much comfort. This is something a baby bottle can not provide. While a baby bottle can provide feeding and nutrition, most statistics say..."breast is best."

I am most impressed with the fact that my breastfed babies hardly ever cry. If they do, the minute they see a breast, they will stop and gain comfort through a breast. There are all kinds of ways to bond with a baby. Daddy's dont have breasts, so they bond differently...but just ask the Daddy of ANY breastfed baby the amount of comfort they see in the baby when mom is around and baby needs comforting. My husband will be the first one to admit he was a big jeallous at first, but thought he could not believe the power of the Mama's human breast, over a hard , plastic bottle which DOES provide adequate nutirtion.

I am sure I am gonna be fed to the Lions here, but as a RN, and a mother of 3.....you could not convince me otherwise...and I know breastfeeding is not ideal for evey woman, and a lot of babies are adopted, or born with issues that make it difficult to bf....I just think if you have a chance to provide the above comfort, it is a worthy thing to try. There is nothing gross about putting a babe to a breast. It is absolutely beautiful.

I defend BF ing 100%!

Crystal - posted on 03/02/2010

we lactate for a reason. just like we have vaginas for a reason. to give birth! geez!

Michelle - posted on 03/02/2010

Yeah, I'd like to smack people like that. At least try it is right. That's how I see it too. Try it & if it's not for you then at least you made an effort. To be ignorant & comment like that though (that it's gross) is kind of sad. Isn't cow's milk gross since it's not even from the same species & we all drink it anyway w/o thinking twice?

Yuki - posted on 03/02/2010

Whether this woman is an undereducated juvenile or an intelligent, Harvard degree holding 30-something, a lot of women hold the opinion that it's gross. It's more of a cultural thing, especially in the U.S. I grew up in an area where it was normal to BF, so it doesn't seem weird at all to me. I do believe that BFing is the best and most natural thing you can do for your baby, but I respect women who just can't do it and have to supplement with formula. My cousin had to do that and it broke her heart. I have a friend who quit because it just wasn't for her. My mom BFed my brothers and me, but her milk never came in for my younger sister.



I laughed at the line "that's what formula is for" because is shows how ignorant this woman really is. Only a small percentage of people in the world have access to sanitary water. Making formula with bad water is akin to poisoning your baby. The rest of the world BFs their babies because they know that's what's best for them to even survive in the first place. Like many of you have stated already, that's what wet nurses were for in the days before formula, which is a very recent development, historically speaking. There ought to be some kind of "History of BFing" class available. It would be fascinating.



So, to each their own. It's our choice, however, whether or not to be offended by comments like this. Let's try not to be offended, but use the opportunity to educate our "grossed out" counterparts.

Tiffany - posted on 03/02/2010

This makes me want to yell at someone this ignorant. This makes me wonder what things they will teach their kids. This comment tells me alot about a mother. I also have a response to Kimberly Pearsons response. "I've heard some comments like this recently. Makes me cringe. Or one gal I know said to me recently, "Well, I have to go back to work 6 weeks after I have the baby, so I'm not going to breastfeed." My thought was, "Well, you have at least 6 weeks that you can exclusively bf..." but she wasn't going to do it at all. Grrrrrrrr! " This is one of the only times I will side with bottle feeding from the beginning because in my experience I had trouble BF my son when he was first born and pumped all the time due to latching problems. Because of this I developed Mastitis on my right breast so if a mother is aware that she is not going to stick with BF or will only be able to BF for a short period of time then stop i definately do not recommend it. Definately dont think you can stop "cold turkey" because it does not work like that. I am all for BF & dont want others to think im not I HATE formula my son is 7 months and has been BF all his life were going for a year! :)

Jody - posted on 03/02/2010

OH yes, moms milk, so gross....instead they can't wait to start their kids on COW milk. Um...yeah. I like cows milk...but there is no denying it comes from a COW!! Out there standing in your own poop cow. But for my kid to drink the nourishment that was intended by nature since the beginning of time? LOL so rediculous...and that is all i have to say about that!

Amber - posted on 03/02/2010

and just an FYI out there to all moms its not about undereducated moms about breastfeeding... i know all there is to know about the benefits and etc and the pros and cons of breast and bottle....its a G-D choice women... back off

Amber - posted on 03/02/2010

what is wrong with you..... people are allowed to have their own damn opinion... its called a free world..... not everyone likes breastfeeding... i didnt like doing it but i pumped... i felt weird and to me boobs are sexual but thats MY opinion and that girl is damn well allowed to have her own... get a life...

Taralee - posted on 03/02/2010

It is unfortunate that this young woman is not educated about breastfeeding, and that there are many like her. It is also unfortunate for her baby as well. One day when she is older and more educated on the subject she will regret not doing it. I feel sad for her, and the opportunities for nutrition and bonding that she will miss sharing with her little one. I hope she learns more, and changes her mind.

Camille - posted on 03/02/2010

This makes me want to scream. Breastfeeding is the best thing I have ever done for my child. I absolutly LOVE breastfeeding my daughter. The look on her little face while shes nursing and looking up at you with those big eyes and every so often losing her latch because she cant help but smile at you. She makes my heart melt. Can't imagine it being any other way.

Danielle - posted on 03/02/2010

personally i would rather give my child the best start in life and the antioxidants that are needed to help fight infections etc!!! Cant get that from formula, only from the breast, hence the saying "Breast is best"

I had my boy when i was 21 and really struggled for three weeks till i had to give up due to and infection but he got his first three weeks and i'm happy with that!!! I'm now 23 and due to have my second baby in June and planning on breast feeding again, despite the horror of the first time... Really hope these mums to be/mums realise that boob is better, lol