CALLING ALL MEMBER OF LLL

Minnie - posted on 01/08/2010

Closing the convo because the subject of the original post has died a long slow death...

Kathy - posted on 01/08/2010

Ok - I'm going to be the dissenter in this discussion about if you need a Rx for formula. Thanks to the help of formula, I'm now successfully breastfeeding my 2nd child! 12 years ago, I was a young mother determined to do everything "right" and never even considered formula feeding. It was an emotionally devastating experience when I couldn't nurse my son. I was one of those women who truly had a problem with milk supply. I bought into the "all or nothing" mentality and felt like it was a sin if I let formula touch his lips. Hired a lactation consultant (LC), my mother had to basically move in, and I rented a hospital grade breastpump to do what the LC said to build supply - I pumped "between" feedings. My son was starving all the time, so there almost was no in between feedings. A few weeks of this and I completely collapsed from exhaustion, ended up defeated and crying and weaping for hours,"why can't I feed my child!" BF ended w/ a disaster when he was 6-weeks-old. When my miracle baby was born this June, in the hospital there were difficulties with nursing -- thankfully, I lucked up and got a reasonable lactation consultant who became very concered that we could not even express cullostrum to get my very frustrated daughter to latch on. The LC set me up with a supplmental nursing system (SNS). I nursed for 10-minutes on one breast while periodically squirting from a syringe sucrolose (sugar-water or fake colustrum) so she would latch on and nurse. Then, the next 10-minutes, switched breast with a tube that was clipped above my shoulder with an ounce of formula, which ran down a tube that was taped to my breast so that as Samantha "nursed" she was satisfed with formula. Did this for 2 weeks until my milk finally came in and supply was stable. Now, I work full time and pump. Most times, I have enough pumped milk Samantha can have during the day. Occassionally, however, the freezer is empty and thank heavens for Enfamil. Bottom line, I don't think it has to be a "war!" Thanks to the occassional formula to help me out, I've actually been having a wonderful breastfeeding experience and my daughter is amost 7-months old & I plan to keep BFas long as I can!!!!! If 12-years-ago, I had not bought into the formula is evil mentality and someone had told me about the SNS, then my son could have had a longer amount of time on the breast. I believe that if we want more women to breastfeed and for longer amounts of time, then we have to move away from being radical about formula. An exhausted mother of a 2-month old needs to know that she can take a good long nap and her child will be Ok with her husband or mother and a bottle. And, if in her "Spare time" she hadn't been able to pump a bottle, then a little formula is not going to ruin breastfeeding. Having talked with other mothers who did not have success with BF -- found this to be a common theme - really did not feel supported by the BF community -- they did not believe it was actually possible to supplement with formula - that once they went down the formula road at all then they had violated some sort a scared BF oath and it was over.

Jacqueline - posted on 01/06/2010

Quoting Stephanie:

I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

I totally agree... Formula was originally invented for the babies of mothers who literally COULD NOT breastfeed. Now with people taking it for granted and feeding their babies because they THINK it will be easier for them really get me sad. Ok, not to sound gross or anything but has anyone ever tried tasting their milk? I have and I have also tasted formula. Breast Milk taste similar to sugar milk (and depending on what you eat throughout the day, the flavor changes so your baby gets a verity) where Formula taste like your drinking a crushed up vitamin! Why would anyone want to feed their child anything less then the best to their child? BF is so much easier and a BEAUTIFUL thing to do :)

GO BF-ing MOMMAS!! 

Kristina - posted on 01/04/2010

I was determined to breastfeed from the moment i found out i was pregnant since i had a milk allergy as a child. i did everything i was supposed to when i was pregnant. but what got me was after i gave birth and was having trouble getting my son to latch on the nurses refused to help me. my son's father had an ex that worked in the ob so the ladies decided that they didn't want to help me. dont these people know that everyone has ex's . my lactation consultant and my doula and mother gave me all the suppot i needed at two weeks we were shield free and doing great he is seven mo. , happy and healthy. the hospitals push formula more than they should if they offered to help everyone who wanted to nurse try to nurse first and if the doctors could remember that every baby loses weight when learning how to nurse i think there would be less formula feeding and more breastfeeding

Mary - posted on 01/02/2010

Quoting Jayme:

Well you'll have to remember that in the 50s and I believe the 60s it was thought that formula was best. It was also a social stigma to nurse because only poor people did that. It wasn't really until the 80s that a change in ideals happened and the evidence for breastfeeding to being superior really crept up. While I believe that the breast is the best, we have to remember that not everyone has a good support system. If you were a working single mother you might have given up too. More than anything we really to provide mothers with the support and training to make sure that those that start breastfeeding stay breastfeeding. As for those that don't want to start I think that it is usually a convenience issue with them. I only know of one working mother who breastfeeds their babies. How many working mothers here breastfeed?

Jayme, thank you for highlighting some of the issues with the breastfeeding versus formula debate.  I wanted to add that it is not always an issue of not having the proper support system, but often times it an issue with outsiders constantly asking "when are you going to stop breastfeeding?".  I personally have a wonderful husband and mother who fully support me in breastfeeding my first son.  However, my mother lives 600 miels from me and other than my husband I am surrounded by people who do not understand the importance of breastfeeding. 

I am lucky to be a strong women who does not often go with the crowd so it is easy for me to turn away from these comments.  In fact my mother-in-law (who don't get me wrong is a wonderful person) did not breastfeed and does not understand why I have kept it going this long.  By the way, my son is only 6 months old so I know I am in for a long ride with comments about breastfeeding.

Also, I am a full time working mom since my son was 3 months old.  I pump at work and nurse him whenever we are together.  It is not easy by any means, but it is so worth it and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I truly think we need to begin focusing attention on changing the perception of breastfeeding to the public and not worry so much about changing the minds of the mothers themselves.  I believe that almost every mother would do what was best for their child if they were not told otherwise.  If we can change the way doctors and hospitals, employers and individuals without children view breastfeeding, then what excuse would their be from moms who are sitting in the middle somewhere.

Plus, once they see the price of formula I can bet that most families would prefer to breastfeed, but usually it is too late if they have not had a good start in the hospital. 

Too bad there is no big industry support for breastfeeding...it is sad to know the war is really against the food industry gaints, not mothers.

Melanie - posted on 12/31/2009

I didnt have much support on my first 2 babys. I was getting loads of pain every time i put the baby on. My midwife kept telling me it was normal for me! i had bleeding chapt nipples i cried every time i fed the baby it was agonyI sadly gave up after 2 weeks on both of them. I had a baby 4 mths ago and am still breastfeeding it doesnt hurt and never has. I had more info and lots of help at hand, this site has also helpt :D thanx girls. The midwife i had this time was realy helpful. I belive everything depends on the support u get and advice. I dont knw about having formula on prescription, i would have been at a disadvantage on that one.

Marlissa - posted on 12/20/2009

Quoting Lara:

Quoting Stephanie:
 I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

ME TOO!!

I agree 100% and I had to end up putting my 2 older kids (they were both allergic to my milk) on formula but I had a perscription and I went to the doctor acouple eeks ago with this baby and he handed me a perscription for formula becasue she was sick and spitting up but she wouldnt take the formula and in the process of trying to give it to her my 3 year old daughter comes up to me and takes the bottle and tells me Mommy baby sister doesnt want that milk she wants the milk from your boobs.....Great encouragement, who knew that I would get it from a 3 year old

Hanan - posted on 12/20/2009

hi everyone,id stree on the support system i had two of my kids and i was cluless regarding the breastfeeding issues and i stopped trying alomst after three months coz it was hard and not convenent specially that am working fulltime job.with my little one i realy had madeup my mind and get all what it takes to do it and it was realy hard at the begining and painfull too (i know that everyone who breastfed know what am talking about) but with my mother and sister support and experience i was able to do it and my baby is 10ms naw and i can say it worths every minute of trying.

i am proudly a breastfeeding mother.

Jayme - posted on 12/19/2009

breastfeeding is easier, but that is hard to tell a mother who is having difficulty and doesn't have the support.

Emily - posted on 12/19/2009

I'm a working mom and still breastfeed. i pump several times while at work i think it helps me feel connected while at work. i personally think breastfeeding is more convenient than formula and less expensive . i don't ever have to worry about packing bottles or formula i have everything. i can pick up and go anytime i always keep diapers packed.

Jayme - posted on 12/18/2009

Well you'll have to remember that in the 50s and I believe the 60s it was thought that formula was best. It was also a social stigma to nurse because only poor people did that. It wasn't really until the 80s that a change in ideals happened and the evidence for breastfeeding to being superior really crept up. While I believe that the breast is the best, we have to remember that not everyone has a good support system. If you were a working single mother you might have given up too. More than anything we really to provide mothers with the support and training to make sure that those that start breastfeeding stay breastfeeding. As for those that don't want to start I think that it is usually a convenience issue with them. I only know of one working mother who breastfeeds their babies. How many working mothers here breastfeed?

Carol - posted on 12/18/2009

I thought I was the only one in the world that thought formula should be by prescription only - glad to see that I am not. At the very least I do not think the government (through WIC etc) should be giving in away.

Casey - posted on 12/17/2009

i wish i could get other moms around here understand this, they are stay at home moms who use formula one has even told me that i sound like im shoving religion down everyones throught because i promote breastfeeding! what to do.what to do.... and yes i totally agree about the prescription! me and my best friend always say that!

Mackenzie - posted on 12/08/2009

I AGREEEEE! :)

Emma - posted on 12/07/2009

How can you beat breastfeeding? The feeling you get when you look at your baby feeding is the best thing in the world I can't put it into words and knowing all the benefits for both baby and mum makes it even better! I'm currently training to be a peer support for breastfeeding mums so hopefully I will be able to help other mums to have a positive breastfeeding experiance!

Leveda - posted on 11/26/2009

Quoting Kristy:

Quoting Stephanie:

Breast is the Best....! : ) The first month was hard and if it wasn't for my husband's support I would have backed out...now I'm so glad I stuck with it...my daughter is soooo healthy and very big but not fat big but big and strong and a good healthy amount of ''baby fat''. My daughter is 6months and I plan to breastfeed all my future children as well.. I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

Oh my goodness! I'm glad to see someone agrees with me. Formula should only be provided with a prescription. I get so aggravated when I hear some mothers say, " Your boobs are going to sag when you done".  I don't care if they sag to my knees, at least my child is healthy. 

your boobs will sag whether or not you breastfeed since your breasts begin preparing to nurse your child from the time of conception.    i also believe the you should need a prescription for formula!!

Laura - posted on 11/22/2009

Quoting Kristy:

Quoting Stephanie:

Breast is the Best....! : ) The first month was hard and if it wasn't for my husband's support I would have backed out...now I'm so glad I stuck with it...my daughter is soooo healthy and very big but not fat big but big and strong and a good healthy amount of ''baby fat''. My daughter is 6months and I plan to breastfeed all my future children as well.. I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

 I get so aggravated when I hear some mothers say, " Your boobs are going to sag when you done".  I don't care if they sag to my knees, at least my child is healthy. 

Aren't they going to sag eventually, anyway ;)

Minnie - posted on 11/21/2009

Quoting Clara:

Quoting Kristy:

Quoting Stephanie:
[...] I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

Oh my goodness! I'm glad to see someone agrees with me. Formula should only be provided with a prescription. I get so aggravated when I hear some mothers say, " Your boobs are going to sag when you done".  I don't care if they sag to my knees, at least my child is healthy. 

Saggy boobs is a common misconception about breastfeeding.  It's actually our bodies changing after the pregnancy that causes sagging.  Might as well breastfeed with those saggy girls LOL

Might as well do SOMETHING with them! Hahaha!

Clara - posted on 11/21/2009

Quoting Kristy:

Quoting Stephanie:
[...] I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

Oh my goodness! I'm glad to see someone agrees with me. Formula should only be provided with a prescription. I get so aggravated when I hear some mothers say, " Your boobs are going to sag when you done".  I don't care if they sag to my knees, at least my child is healthy. 

Saggy boobs is a common misconception about breastfeeding.  It's actually our bodies changing after the pregnancy that causes sagging.  Might as well breastfeed with those saggy girls LOL

Melissa - posted on 11/17/2009

How about you guys, for those that have older children that you have breastfed, when your kids are sick do they act sick or do they act like they are fine? I have trouble sometimes knowing whether or not to keep my kids at home when sick because they do not seem to act sick. My daughter I can not sometimes tell if she is sick at all she will be at home and have a fever and still feel like playing with her toys and so forth. When I was younger my mom breastfed me about a couple of months or so from what she told me. When I was sick I was sick I could barely get out of bed. My children tho are not like that. I have wondered though if breastfeeding my children for almost 2 and half to 3 years could be why this is so with my kids?

Kristy - posted on 11/17/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

Breast is the Best....! : ) The first month was hard and if it wasn't for my husband's support I would have backed out...now I'm so glad I stuck with it...my daughter is soooo healthy and very big but not fat big but big and strong and a good healthy amount of ''baby fat''. My daughter is 6months and I plan to breastfeed all my future children as well.. I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

Oh my goodness! I'm glad to see someone agrees with me. Formula should only be provided with a prescription. I get so aggravated when I hear some mothers say, " Your boobs are going to sag when you done".  I don't care if they sag to my knees, at least my child is healthy. 

Lindy - posted on 11/15/2009

I have breastfeed all three of my children, it is one of the best things I think that I have done for them. My children are very health and very smart and the bond that I have with them is amazing. :)

Lara - posted on 11/15/2009

Quoting Stephanie:
 I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

ME TOO!!

Stephanie - posted on 11/12/2009

Breast is the Best....! : ) The first month was hard and if it wasn't for my husband's support I would have backed out...now I'm so glad I stuck with it...my daughter is soooo healthy and very big but not fat big but big and strong and a good healthy amount of ''baby fat''. My daughter is 6months and I plan to breastfeed all my future children as well.. I think they should only alow formula with a prescription. : )

Minnie - posted on 11/12/2009

Quoting Chelsea:

Do you think we should put a short recap or clarification of sorts under each?

Yeah, I sent you the appendix 17 of the Policies and Standing Rules- there's an excellent explanation under each.

Chelsea - posted on 11/12/2009

Do you think we should put a short recap or clarification of sorts under each?

Minnie - posted on 11/12/2009

•Mothering through breastfeeding is the most natural and effective way of understanding and satisfying the needs of the baby.



•Mother and baby need to be together early and often to establish a satisfying relationship and an adequate milk supply.



•In the early years, the baby has an intense need to be with his mother which is as basic as his need for food.



•Breast milk is the superior infant food.



•For the healthy, full-term baby, breast milk is the only food necessary until baby shows signs of needing solids, about the middle of the first year after birth.



•Ideally, the breastfeeding relationship will continue until the baby outgrows the need.



•Alert and active participation by the mother in childbirth is a help in getting breastfeeding off to a good start.



•Breastfeeding is enhanced and the nursing couple sustained by the loving support, help, and companionship of the baby’s father. A father’s unique relationship with his baby is an important element in the child’s development from early infancy.



•Good nutrition means eating a well-balanced and varied diet of foods in as close to their natural state as possible.



•From infancy on, children need loving guidance which reflects acceptance of their capabilities and sensitivity to their feelings.