Breast feeding

Kathy - posted on 02/26/2010

Most people are aware that sometimes breasts just won't work properly, but many problems can be solved. That is the reason for the existence of breastfeeding support groups, such as The Australian Breastfeeding Association, here in Australia, and La Leche League International. Such groups provide information and publications on particular issues such as supply problems, latching problems.-, as well as one-on-one counselling. So I'm not certain where you get the impression that "everyone wants to convince you that your body will do what it's made to do."



But yes, we are fortunate to live in an age where there is a good substitute.

Renae - posted on 02/26/2010

I hear what you are saying. What gets me is this insistence that "breasts work" and that noone wants to believe that you could have supply issues or other problems, everyone just wants to convince you that your body "will do what it is made to do". I breast fed for a year, so I am for breastfeeding, but it is not the be all and end all and there is nothing wrong with formula. I understand where you are coming from.

Tania - posted on 02/26/2010

I aree with you saying breasts are for breastfeeding but the struggles women face with it are real. I have a friend who could not get her little one to latch for 4 months but stuck with it. I have another friend who tried but just could not get over the pain.

Also there are other reason such as health reasons and certain medications that causes women not to breastfeed, and not meaning to be harsh but you should think about those women...like myself you struggle with the fact that we would never be able to breastfeed our baby.

Sometimes I wish people could see the big picture.

Pamela - posted on 02/26/2010

I know what you mean... But you do sound a tad harsh! lol

My six month old is trying to cut her teeth, and is going through a phase of chomping down on my nipple as hard as she can and then yanking her head backwards till she breaks her latch. It hurts like hell! Am I going to stop because of his? Hell no! Would I blame somene else in my position if they did? Absolutely not. I'd be sympathetic as all get out!

I think theres alot of misinformation out there, which doesn't help. My cousin was told she couldn't breastfeed, and shouldn't even try because of inverted nipples. Well one of mine was inverted too, and there was no way I wasn't going to at least try! I think now she wishes she'd given it a go.

Then theres things like mental blocks. A friend of mine is really scared of breastfeeding (almost phobic), and was horrified when i did it in front of her (covered up and all!). Her mother hadn't breastfed her, or her younger brothers, and I'm guessing that when the time comes theres no way she'll breastfeed either.

So sympathy for those with breastfeeding problems, and apreciation for those steadfast bottlefeeding ladies (you have your reasons and no need to justify your choices for your babies), but two big thumbs up for the mummies who give breastfeeding go! ;) lol

Johnny - posted on 02/25/2010

Have you actually breastfed?

Yes, breasts are made for breastfeeding. But most nursing moms I know will have had at least one of the problems you listed. It isn't necessarily a reason to stop, but it is not always as easy as you seem to think. I've had serious problems with not enough milk, swollen breasts, mastitis, and blocked ducts, and I am still nursing my 18 month old. But everyone has different tolerances and different priorities. I am nursing while typing this, and my daughter just mistakenly bit me. For some moms, that is a good enough reason to stop. Each person has their own way of dealing with things, and to tell them to "get real" is just plain insensitive.

Sharon - posted on 02/25/2010

yes, our breasts are made for feeding our babies. But we are also lucky to live in a time where we do have a choice and if we are uncomfortable with the concept of breast feeding or if we are physically unable to breast feed then at least we can still nourish our little babies with bottles and formula.

Tiffany - posted on 02/25/2010

LOL!! Yes breasts are made for breast feeding but it can be very difficult for some people. It was very difficult for me with my son. But my breasts filled up so much that my breast looked like a big mountian without a peak. My doctor said that it would be good to pump for as long as I could then quit when I needed to because breast milk is very good for the baby

Kathy - posted on 02/25/2010

Hi Enid, must admit I'm not certain what you're trying to say here, but IMO, breasts ARE made for breastfeeding. Women have been breastfeeding their babies for thousands of years.