How People are Amazed You are breastfeeding

Holly - posted on 09/09/2009

you know my daughter was big too, 10 pounds 13 ounces at birth and people make the comment, ohh she is so little, so you just never know with people.

Missy - posted on 09/09/2009

yes! You are right. and they do the same thing when they hear I had her 100% all naturally too.

D.Denise - posted on 09/09/2009

It's hilarious how "amazed" people are when they find out not only did I nurse my sons, but that I did so for 2 1/2 YEARS each! I'd been told how "Wrong" it was to do it for so long, yada yada yada, but I just walk away from their stupid comments. It was the absolute best thing I could do and they (three sons) were hardly EVER sick at all! I get so annoyed with women that shove a bottle of fake formula into their kids mouth while propping it up on a pillow, not even TRYING to hold them! They are truly missing out on a great bonding experience! :)

Mandy - posted on 08/31/2009

I am often congratulated for it. It seems to be the norm in my surroundings, but I do love it! It truly is bonding.

Abigail - posted on 08/31/2009

Quoting Christina:

I think it is so funny when people ask me about bottles and I tell them my son won't take a bottle. So many ask me if he takes a sippy cup or if drinks formula off a spoon, breastfeeding never crosses their mind as an option.

Oh I know! Nobody even thinks about breastfeeding. When you tell them they look down at your breasts like...really, those? I think its funny when we go to resturants they always give me a childrens menu. I am like SHES ONLY 7 MONTHS old! They want to give her stuff all the time like crackers or mashed potatoes. When she was 4 months they still wanted to feed her food. People are nuts! They think we are nuts, but arent breasts meant for babies? Last i checked they were for our children not just amusment for men.

Abigail - posted on 08/31/2009

I totally understand what you are saying! I was 24 when i had my baby I turned 25 since then, but she is only 7 months and 2 weeks old right now. I have strictly been breast feeding her from the very beginning. She was weighs almost 30lbs and is 26 inches long. All the doctors are even surprised and proud that I am breastfeeding ONLY. She hasn't had any other food. She was a good nurser from the start. I have been blessed not to have any problems there. Everybody says "what are you feeding this child?" I just simply say "me" They look at me in awe like you said people do with you. I am going to stick with it until she decides she rather have food food. The doctors say she doesnt need to start on solids or anything until I think she should. She has never been sick and is off the charts not only physically but developmentally as well. Her skin is perfect and she is such a laid back happy baby. The doctors say it is all from breast feeding. I try to eat good when I was pregnant with her also. I always knew I would breastfeed just glad it was so easy for me. I have heard horror stories! Why wouldn't you try to breast feed? Thats what I don't get with some mothers. If you cant you cant but why not try. It is the utmost best thing you could EVER do for your child to give them the best start in life as humanly possible. My baby is fat, but whats cuter then a fat rolly baby? NOTHING. and she is perfectly healthy. she has the healthy fat. fat formula babies usually have the unhealthy fat that doctors would be worried about. Any way I am babbling! I am just such an advocate for breastfeeding. BREASTFED IS BEST FED!

Rachelle - posted on 08/30/2009

My family keeps trying to get me to give up on breastfeeding and give my son formula to "make things easier on me". My first child would not nurse so It is very important to me that my son does. He has been doing a great job but he gets up every 2 hours still and I start back to work tomorrow and my family thinks he needs mor substance and thinks he should formula feed. The doctor's say he is growing like a weed and doing great on breastmilk so I'm going to keep going!! It is amazing at how many people are amazed by mothers who breasfeed. I think it's WONDERFUL!!!

Christina - posted on 08/30/2009

I think it is so funny when people ask me about bottles and I tell them my son won't take a bottle. So many ask me if he takes a sippy cup or if drinks formula off a spoon, breastfeeding never crosses their mind as an option.

Alicia - posted on 08/30/2009

Can I just say a massive well done to the mothers who are breastfeeding twins, especially long term!

I think you people are amazing! I haven't got a clue how i'd cope with twins let alone feeding them for that long.

I fed my first child til he was 2 and im still breastfeeding my 7 month old and aiming for at least 12 months, il see when he wants to wean. I dont think it will be as long as my first though, he is a biter!!! and my goodness it hurts!!

Melissa - posted on 08/30/2009

for as unsupportive as my own mother was when i had my first child (now 5, nearly 6) when i was having problems breastfeeding, she was thrilled that i was planning on extended breast feeding. she just became so unsupportive of my situation and my girl's pediatrician (an old relic of a man) brow beating me about my daughter not gaining weight was what pretty much lead me to giving up on breastfeeding the first go around. i have decided that the words of others mean nothing to me when it comes to the health/wellbeing of my child. i know i will not be giving in/up so easily this second go around.

Shannon - posted on 08/29/2009

a lot of people are amazed that i am still nursing my 9 month old, i just don't get it i find it so much easier than bottles, no cleaning them and not having to worry about backing enough stuff in the bag, all i need is diapers wipers bab yand me lol. i nursed my oldest untill she was 2. i plan on the same for my son.

Jessie - posted on 08/29/2009

Quoting Marjorie:

Amen Amanda! That is exactly what I hear from the bottle fed brigade - ear infection after ear infection. But my boobs make you uncomfortable so that is wrong.

It is funny though the first time you feed in public, and I never flashed mind you, and you see some person fleeing at the sight of a suspected feeding (Mads was always under a shalw or pashmina so you couldn't see a thing). It made me laugh - when did my boobs go from something men longged to see to things which made them flee the room! What a sad world that you can see some silicone nasties almost anywhere but a woman using them to do what they are made for is wrong! World you got some slainin' to do!

OMG! That is one of the best statements I have read today. It really is a pathetic society we live in when such a statement is true. It's perfectyl fine for women to parade around in public wearing next to nothing or to turn on the tv and see it, but not for a woman to use what god gave her to nuture her children. ugh!

Melissa - posted on 08/29/2009

I was breastfeeding in my husband truck covered up when he was vacuming it out. I had a lady look over at me and gave me a thumbs up and said good job. I think alot of people think that the younger generation does not do it

Shekka - posted on 08/29/2009

im a young breastfeeder also (20yrs) and i get the good amazed from older women and i get the disgusted amazed from the younger women..i hate that people dont understand and then they want to argue with me about what im doin..BFing is so much easier kuz i hate gettin up to make a bottle im lazy and i be soo tired

Crystal - posted on 08/29/2009

I love breastfeeding. I have been breastfeeding for years with my 2 girls. My youngest (2 1/2) still nurses at night and during the day on weekends (I have to work full-time). It is a wonderful bonding time too!

Maricela - posted on 08/29/2009

I myself have experienced the same reactions. Especially since I'm 23, more and more of my peers are surprised that I would take the more "painful" route. I personally love breastfeeding and feel that it brings me closer to my baby boy. I say keep up the good work and don't go towards the least benficial route.

Ashley - posted on 08/29/2009

Yeah I did got those reactions too! It was definitely hard at first too, but I wasn't lazy about it and didn't give up. I wanted the healthiest thing for my baby and that's all that mattered to me. I'm a young mom, 20, and none of my friends breastbreed and don't want to when they do have a baby. There's nothing wrong with it, perfectly natural!

Cn - posted on 08/29/2009

i know what you mean. even the nurses at my pediatrician are surprised that i breastfed my daughter for as long as i did. but i can see their point bec there might be a lot of priceless benefits to breastfeeding, but it can be terribly difficult at times!

Cynthia - posted on 08/29/2009

I have the same reaction too, and in my heart, I always puzzled why ppl say that.. once my friend even says that my girl is lucky to be able to have mummy's milk till now... I am also very determine to breastfeed my baby since my pregnancy, and I am proud to say I did it..

Chana - posted on 08/28/2009

Sometimes people are amazed that I'm breastfeeding but my hubby's little sis calling it "molestation" takes the cake! I love breastfeeding and always knew I'd do it since it's healthier. I don't see why moms refuse to at least give it a try, knowing that it's so much better for their baby's health. I find that incredibly selfish.

Erica - posted on 08/28/2009

Quoting Lisa:

Although current (Western culture) statistics state that 51% of mothers initiate breastfeeding, it goes down to something around 36% after 6 weeks, 12% after 6 months, and about 5% after 12 months.

Unfortunately, more moms these days aren't. By and large, for each mother you meet, odds are she is NOT breastfeeding.

These statistics make me sad. It's a personal choice of course but I really wish more mothers would try it and that the ones who do would stick with it longer. I'm in that 5% and still going!

Jessie - posted on 08/28/2009

I have a suggestion if you could manage it but perhaps a manually hand pump while you are at work? or some electric pumps even come with car adapters so that you can pump in your car to maintain supply better :o)

Jessie - posted on 08/28/2009

I hear you! I learned in my breastfeeding class that in some cultures children are nursed anywhere from 5 to 7 years!

Jessie - posted on 08/28/2009

I have also had this experience with my 6 week old son. It seems to be older women for the most part that seem to be from an era where breastfeeding was taboo. the fact that it isn't the most natural and excepted thing in our society is ridiculous. god made breast to feed babies not formula and bottles. even if you arent a believer, breasts are NATURE's baby food. the only real true support I have received is from my boyfriend and 2 friends who have nursed, no one else 'gets it' even though it is the best source of nourishment for my child!

Alesha - posted on 08/28/2009

most people I talked too cant believe im breastfeeding... and alot of people that I know gave up breastfeeding after a few weeks or didnt even try it. It was soooo sad. I am a first time mum of a 7weekbaby girl and 20yrs old. I ALWAYS was determined to breastfeed and it took 2 weeks for her to latch an suck properly.. I used to cringe every time she wanted to feed and had bleeding nipples and everything, but not once did I even consider supplementing with formula. Its ridiculous!! I have everything I need right attached to me 24/7 why wouldnt I use them for what they are intended for. Breastfeeding is truley a blessing and such a beautiful way to care and nourish for your child :) Tell those other people who are negative to get stuffed!!!

Kathy - posted on 08/28/2009

I love that a woman can find a community of women that share a common belief in what they are doing for their children. On the other hand I am sad that a woman has to look for a community for BFing because so many other women question the decision.



My first BF to 20 mos. Second to 15 mos. Third to 12 mos. Current 3mos aiming for a year again. I am happy that my two oldest daughters think nothing of my nursing the baby. I tend to be more modest out in public, but I hope BFing is something my daughters will try.



None of my family has had long term success BFing for different reasons. But I continue to offer my support for each new cousin/SIL that has a baby. Maybe someday I won't be the only one.

Claire - posted on 08/28/2009

I just don't understand it, I think the question is 'why wouldn't you breastfeed?' I can't think of an answer... From a very proud breastfeeding Mum of an 11 month old. xx

Catherine - posted on 08/28/2009

I have a 2 1/2 yr.old and a almost 4 month old and people are amazed I breastfeed exclusive. Is it an art or something??! lol

Irene - posted on 08/28/2009

I have breastfed my twins for almost 6months exclusively. Now they are 16months and I am starting to wean them. funny thing is when some people ask how they are doing, the qtn of bfing always comes up and the reaction I get is that they are "too old", they should have stopped by now. I did not like the whole idea of having to making formula, in my opinion it was to cumbersome not mention expensive because I think the time i tried formula, most of it ended down the drain anyways because they would not drink it.



I mean I was at home with them for so long too, so it just made perfect sense for me to breastfeed them and I enjoyed doing so.

Amy - posted on 08/28/2009

I guess I should feel blessed. I've never gotten a rude comment, or had anyone roll their eyes when I nurse in public - and I'm nursing my 4th baby (who is 14 months and shows no signs of wanting to stop :) I guess my circle of friends is slightly different than mainstream though. I'm a homeschooling mama and a pastor's wife and almost every mom I know is breastfeeding their babies past 1 year. I love it! Keep it up mommies - breastfeeding ROCKS!!!

Anniken Beate - posted on 08/28/2009

I was 15 when tanja was born and im now 17 and still nursing my now almost 20 month old daughter and i love it!

The thing i find the most amusing is, people change their meanings over different ages.
at first- awesome!
7-12mths-i had to start weaning and i would make tanja too dependend etcetc
13-now-amazed that im still nursing.

So, really? what makes it different if i may ask? is it that I fought for what i believed in? that i put tanja's needs before all else? is it that after a certain time they get tired of nagging?
(exept my mom, she still thinks its gross seeing a toddler nurse...her fault for being ignorant).

I say keep on, no matter what or which people make remarks
ignore all the bad and take good care of the good comments :)

Isabela - posted on 08/28/2009

I have had that... Its kind of sad that most people put their babies on formula because they don't want to be burdened with the feeding. I can understand those that have no other choice. I heard about less than 20% of women actually breastfeed their baby.

Ashley - posted on 08/28/2009

My son will be 9 months old next week and I always get asked how long do I plan on doing so. My husband wants me to stop at 12 months, but I want it to be my son's decision. I think that should be between Mommy and baby, nobody else.

Shelley - posted on 08/28/2009

I have BF my son fully until he was 12 months, and for the past 6 months only at bed time or when he waskes up in the middle of the night. i almost always get the "WHAT?! you're still breastfeeding?" and then most of the time it's "C'mon it's time to stop" but occasionally i get the "Wow, that's great" to both I just smile and don't say much else. I love that special time i have with my son when he bf and i hope that i have the patience to continue with it for as much as possible but sometimes those night feedings and always having to be the one putting him to bed do get tiring. worth the effort though! thank goodness for such communities where you can find other moms who are doing it still...

Gabrielle - posted on 08/28/2009

I think it's funny that folks are surprised that I'm STILL breastfeeding. She's only 8 months--what else would I do?? =) Seriously, to some of us it's never occurred to us that we should ever do anything besides breastfeed a child under the age of one. Why is that abnormal?

Tammy - posted on 08/28/2009

Quoting julie:

I see exactly what your sayin, even my daughter's dr acts amazed that I'm breastfeeding.

This is one reason why people are so astounded, I think.  Even though new moms usually get the info they need about the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of using formula in childbirth classes, etc, and the info IS readily available, far too many people (including doctors) are stuck in previous thinking that there were 1001 reasons why breastfeeding is "too hard" and moms "just can't make milk".

It saddens me to hear of doctors who choose to stay misinformed about breastfeeding.

Sarah - posted on 08/28/2009

I've gotten the same reaction mostly from people my parents generation, even though my mother breastfed me. My MIL told me I should just give up at first when the baby and I were just in the learning phase and I would occassionaly get frustrated. I stuck it out and it's going great now. However my MIL did bring over a can of formula the other day "just in case I need a break". HMMMMM is all I can say.

Sara - posted on 08/28/2009

Quoting Stephanie:

I'm still breastfeeding and my son turns 1 on Sept 2. I dont know how to stop:)lol

:) You don't need to. Research "child led weaning" and the World Health Organization's recommended minimum of 2 years of breastfeeding. Unless, of course, you WANT to stop. =]

Stephanie - posted on 08/28/2009

I'm still breastfeeding and my son turns 1 on Sept 2. I dont know how to stop:)lol

Tammy - posted on 08/28/2009

Quoting julie:

I see exactly what your sayin, even my daughter's dr acts amazed that I'm breastfeeding.

This is one reason why people are so astounded, I think.  Even though new moms usually get the info they need about the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of using formula in childbirth classes, etc, and the info IS readily available, far too many people (including doctors) are stuck in previous thinking that there were 1001 reasons why breastfeeding is "too hard" and moms "just can't make milk".

It saddens me to hear of doctors who choose to stay misinformed about breastfeeding.

Natalie - posted on 08/28/2009

Everywhere I go! family, friends, even unknown people congratulate me like I am some kind of wonder of nature for breastfeeding by almost 10-month-old baby girl. I read a lot and took the classes at La Leche Ligue, and even moms that took the classes with me when I see them now they tell me "I didnt have milk" or "My baby was still hungry after breastfeeding" "I'm so glad ou were able to do it, you've been blessed" I just feel like hitting them in the head!

We have all been blessed with our perfect bodies and perfect milk, it's a shame not everyone is grateful for that.

Kim - posted on 08/28/2009

Yes, most people that I talk to are amazed that I am bfing. My son is 8 months old and I have no plans to stop anytime soon I enjoy the bond way to much. I say that my son will have to go to school with his mommy and my husband gets mad. I know one day I will have to stop but I feel that will be the sadest day of my life. Even though he will still need his mommy it won't be for the same reasons. But , I know all to well now they grow up way to fast.

Danielle - posted on 08/28/2009

I was really surprised too! I researched it will I was pregnant with Arianna and noticed all the health benefits. It was pretty difficult at first when she was born since my milk didn't come in right away but I was very determined. I kept trying and they had me attach this supplementation system since she originally lost a pound her first day. Eventually my milk came in and everything started going well. It was hard when I initially went back to work when she was 3 months old ( i had an emergency c-section) because pumping wasn't as enjoyable but it is so worth it in the end. It gets a little stressful trying to take pump breaks in increments of 10 or so minutes. But my little girl is soo healthy because she was a breastfed baby. She weighs almost 20 pounds and she is 6 1/2 months old. She has never gotten sick- only with vaccinations, has had only one diaper rash and is just such a happy baby! I think it is awesome when women choose to breastfeed- it is best for the baby and there are a lot of health benefits as well for the mother. I know the feeling- people were very surprised that I am a breastfeeding Mom since I am 20- they don't expect much younger women to breastfeed these days, almost all of the babies in my daughter's daycare are formula fed babies. Keep up the good work! :)

Tabatha - posted on 08/28/2009

I agree! I'm the first in my family to breastfeed. My husband and I both attended the classes and read up on breastfeeding. I'm glad he was so supportive because when things got a little rough, he was there to help and encourage me. Sometimes he was better at getting Abbey latched on then I was, LOL!

Tessa - posted on 08/27/2009

Im breastfeeding as well and Im 18. Alot of people are shocked because I went back to work when my daughter was 2 months old (unfortunatly I couldnt afford to stay at home because my partner was out of work) and then they just about die when I tell them im breastfeeding as well (I express at work). I work in QLD Health though so everyone most deffs approves of it.

Heather - posted on 08/27/2009

A friend of mine is amazed I went 10-1/2 months and was really shocked when I wanted to go a whole year but my daughter started to refuse it. I just thought it was something people did more of now and wasn't looked at as amazing, as well.

Jessica - posted on 08/27/2009

I told my hubby that I was breastfeeding when I became pregnant. And that I was going to stick it out as long as the baby wanted to nurse. I asked him if he would have a problem with me pouring out my boob in random times to nurse the baby (like when we have company over) and I do believe that was the point in time where my boobs went to "no-mans-land' in his eyes LOL



I don't really notice people gawking or anything when I breastfeed; but my doctor was impressed when I told him that A- I was still nursing, and B- I planned to child-led wean her. Apparently I'm the only mom he has in his whole practice who nursed beyond 6 months. How sad!

JessiAnn - posted on 08/27/2009

I have gotten a whole host of reactions... Amazement, pride, disgust, envy, condescending remarks... it goes on. I have people who ask why I would tie myself down (I've never understood this opinion on the matter). I have women who can't believe I did it for so long (1 year with #1, still BFing 5 mos with #2), and then there's always the looks of disgust and eye-rolling you get when you do it in public (may I say that I'm very modest about it, too). Some of the women I work with never even thought about BFing, and when I go back to my closet to pump (yes, you read that right - I have to take a chair into a closet to pump), they act very condescending towards me. I'm with you all on the lazy thing, too! But really, I just L-O-V-E the bonding and connection it gives you with your baby! With my first, I was down to nursing at bedtime and wake-up at one year. She probably would have weaned at 10 mos, but those last two mos were for me! I have a feeling I may be even worse with my second baby!

Angel - posted on 08/27/2009

Oh yes, the sabotage. My hospital didn't let me feed my kids for 12 hours, then complained they slept too much and were loosing too much weight. Talk about ridiculous.

Angel - posted on 08/27/2009

The problem is all in the advertising. Formula sits in the belly, satiating longer so kids sleep through the night sooner. However, they get sick more, so it evens out when they have to have tubes in their ears because the mom was too lazy to get up at night an feed their kid. You have to be patient to breast feed, and so many people aren't.