Jeannette - posted on 05/23/2011 ( 184 moms have responded )
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So this isn't really a question, but a semi rant.
I am 100% pro breastfeeding. I breastfed until my son was 13.5 months and wish I did it longer. And that is where my rant starts. Most breastfeeding moms are not judgmental of formula feeding moms. It annoys me when a study comes out showing more reasons that breastfeeding is best and formula feeding moms knock it. But then again, it annoys me when I see breastfeeding moms knocking formula feeding moms.
If moms have all done their research we should all know that breastfeeding is best, plain and simple. Formula was made to obviously make money, but formula is the only other option for women who cannot/choose not to breastfeed. Technically there is a third option, using donated milk, but I know that is expensive, unfortunately. So there are only 2 options and breastfeeding is the best option. Some formula moms act like formula is better then breast milk, so when that happens, of course I get annoyed. Or when those women put down new research showing that breastfeeding is best.
If you are comfortable in your decision to formula feed, then you shouldn't feel bad/threatened or like a bad mother when you see the research. Read it and move on. If you do feel bad, then breastfeed your next kid. While I agree breast is best, formula isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be, but it is the only other choice and it is and should be a woman's second choice only if she cannot breastfeed. There are women who breastfeed and do, women who cannot produce milk (only about 1%-2% from what I learned in nursing school), women who can but think they can't and they don't seek help, women who did not produce milk with their first who think they won't with their second and that usually isn't true and women who just refuse to. I feel like refusing to breastfeed is wrong (sorry, I know that is a judgement) but I don't think you are a bad parent. My sister didn't breastfeed her two at all and they are healthy, healthy weights and happy kids. My friend breast fed one for six weeks, but her milk supply was very low, so it was formula for the rest of the year and with her son she didn't breastfeed to long before switching to formula. She is one of if not the best moms I know. Her kids are happy and growing amazingly. They do have plenty of sicknesses, but that can be attributed to going to daycare, not because they weren't breastfed. Then I have a friend who breastfed, but had to supplement with formula. Her son is happy and healthy as well. So as of this moment, I am the only person I know (out of my friends) that has breastfeed exclusively for the full year, plus. I don't think that makes me a better mother, it is just what felt natural to me.
There, I edited it. That's what it was supposed to say. All I started this thread for was that I was annoyed about the "bullying" that goes with breastfeeding moms vs. formula feeding moms. As I said, I just got a little type happy.
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