When I asked the midwife the pros and cons, I was informed fewer infections for the baby, bonding and weight loss for reduced risk of breast/ovarian cancer for mother.
The intelligence aspect is apparently a myth.
In my opinion from these facts, you are doing no harm to the baby; besides perhaps letting it get a cold and strengthening it’s immune system that way. The risks to yourself are your own business and really negligible, smoking, sunbathing, fizzy pop, many foods put you at risk of cancer also … you can’t live in a protective bubble.
It’s a while off yet, but, I do not want to breast feed, the thought of it seems wrong. I would not do it in public (or indeed in front of anyone), which would be very restrictive. I’d consider a pump, but I am not a cow. The feeding would be shared between my husband and myself. Formula is very advanced. The one and only thing making me reconsider is the judgement, which to me seems ill educated and unfounded.
Explanations welcome.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Until you have to make formula at 2 am, you will never appreciate the beauty of breast feeding. You wake up lay them next to you and just rest. No bottles to make, no mixing, no sitting up in a rocking chair.
It is easier and will help you bond with the baby. As for in public, a baby blanket over you and the baby is extremely modest. I would not show off my wife in public and I am very okay with her breast feeding that way.
December 28th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Why is it you think that it is only naturally for cows to feed their young?
ALL mammals feed their young with breastmilk, humans are the only species that choose to feed their children the milk of a different species, sometimes for no better reason than that they think feeding their child themselves is ‘wrong’
Now THAT is weird….
December 29th, 2009 at 3:55 am
Coming from both worlds I would say that the ones most opinionated about breastfeeding are nursing mothers. I know with my first child I exclusively breastfed him for a year even though I was very young. I was so gung hoe about it and angry with those who I thought at the time made excuses to not breastfeed. Then came my second. This child was so hungry and I drank all the water I could and he was so cranky because I was not filling up. I thought what was wrong with me I did it fine the first time? Then at that moment I realized that some moms don’t make excuses or choose not to because they are selfish. We all have our legitimate reasons for doing one or the other. And as mothers we all think that our way of raising children is the best and only way. Same thing goes with spanking. It all depends on your child. They are all different and have different needs. My second lasted 4 mos and then needed to be supplemented with formula and he was much happier. With the twins I was determined again. I figured I was a pro. But alas one of them just screamed the whole time and began losing weight. Turned out lactation consultant said it looked like he sucked on his tongue in utero and that he trained himself to suckle improperly. So he went straight to the bottle. The other was in NICU and was only fed bottles but came out of NICU ready to feed no problem. He lasted 2 weeks, my nipples had had it one night and I decided to give him bottles just one night. Well apparently he liked that better the next day he refused me. So out of all my experiences my opinion has slightly changed. I feel every woman should at least try it before you decide either way. It is what they are meant for. But I saw no difference in the way my children looked at me or caressed my skin whether on the bottle or breast. Its those parents who just lay the baby by themselves and prop a bottle in their mouths is what irks me. My babies got just as excited and anticipated the bottle just as much as the breast. And they are all healthy and lean. I could go on forever but most have probably stopped reading by now.
December 29th, 2009 at 9:06 am
The choice to breastfeed or not is a personal decision that should be made by the mother. It is not something that should be judged by others and people should realize that some women don’t breastfeed because they can’t for whatever reason.
With that said, Personally, I hve breastfed my first child and am now pregnant with twins. I plan to breastfeed them. I have used formula as a supplement for about a week due to having to return to work without having had enough milk stored up… I can say with certainty that having used formula definately made me realize that it was not for me. One thing that I noticed with my daughter was that she was more fussy, gassy, and likely to be constipated when using formula… Basically, this is because it is heavier and digests differently in the body. In terms if illness, I think you are underestimating the number and severity of colds, ear infections, and increase instances of asthma when formula is used. My daughter breastfed and did not have an ear infection or cold for the first 18 months of her life! My nephew did not breastfeed and he is litterally sick all of the time.. You know the constant runny nose and endless trips to the doctor, that is my nephew!
I was a formula fed kid and definately turned out fine, but I was constantly in the Doctor’s office for ear infections and eventually at the ripe old age of 4 had surgery because of it as well as tubes in the ears… Not exactly a little cold…
Finally, I am really glad that formula is around and that there are better formulas to choose from. Like I stated before, how you feed your child is up to you and having options is important. Also, there are women who are unable to breasfeed and babies who are unable to do so… I am sure that with twins I will need to consider a formula supplement at some point regardless of my choice not too… As a mother you do what you think is right for your baby and his/her health. It is not my place to judge someone else for thier choice especially since why they made tht choice is something that is not my buisness!
Good luck to you and make sure you decide on how to feed your baby based on your view of what is most healthful for them and not just what looks good.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Just do what’s right for you. When you have a child, people wil, always try a give you tips or make suggestions, but its your decision on what to do. I tried breastfeeding and it was painful and I’m in the military and I just didn’t have the energy to pump, so after 3 months I went to formula. My daughter and I still bonded, she has not been seriously ill and I lost weight just fine by working out. You do what works for you, I know you have heard the saying opinions are like butt holes, everyone has one.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
breast feeding is only natural, free and only benefit to mother and baby.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Welcome to parenthood — you may as well learn now that everyone has an opinion about how you should raise your child. I strongly believe that all mothers have to make the right decisions for themselves and that let them be the best mother they can be to their children.
I am 100 percent pro-breastfeeding. I nursed my son until he was 14 months old. I did it for all the reasons many other people have said here regarding the health benefits for him. What I learned by doing it is that it creates an incredible bond between the two of you (I just don’t think there is a more amazing feeling in the world than your child suckling at your breast and gazing into their eyes — I think I missed nursing more than he did when I stopped) and that it is so much easier than formula feeding. No bottles to make, heat up, clean or stuff to lug around everywhere. The food was always right there and ready — I believe that we got a lot more sleep as a result and this also made me a better mom. I too thought that I would be embarrassed nursing in public but in the end I found that it is not as revealing as you might imagine and I felt comfort nourishing my child wherever necessary.
It is also the most natural thing in the world. We have breasts to feed our children and its what women have been doing for centuries before someone figured out they could market convenient products for feeding babies (they used to water-down sweetened condensed milk for formula — I doubt mothers would do that today).
And a supportive partner will have plenty of opportunities to bond with your baby. Our son, now 27 months, can’t get enough of his Daddy despite the fact that Daddy never gave him a bottle (he did everything else except give birth!)
You need to do what is right for you, however, the way you ask the question makes me feel like you think breastfeeding is the right thing but that you want someone to tell you it is okay to go with formula.
Formula is not an equal substitute for breastmilk. They are constantly finding new benefits to breastmilk and it is impossible to replicate that — although the formula companies do spend a lot of advertising for their products. Does it mean that formula is bad? No, it does not. Does it mean that mothers who use formula are bad? No, it does not.
My recommendation to you, however, is to give breastfeeding a try — you may find that your ideas about it will change once you have.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:18 am
There’s a funny thing about opinions and judgements: NPR’s All Things Considered featured a segment about opinions and politics, including MRI scans. It showed that the stronger someone “felt” toward and argued for a specific candidate, the less correct their information was and the less they were to be swayed by proven facts.
That may explain why so many tempers and opinions fly. I saw you had a massive response, but I did not read most of them. Instead, I will share my experiences and opinions.
I have acted as an unofficial consultant: I am a woman for whom breastfeeding is easy, and I offer support and encouragement to women for whom it is not. I have friends and associates on both sides of the spectrum: didn’t nurse at all, nursed some, nursed through 8 months, and nursed past 2 years.
I think many women who chose to breastfeed look at the pros and cons from their perspective, and have a hard time understanding how that list changes from other women’s perspectives. I will freely admit to being very Pro Breast Feeding, but I know it’s not easy for every woman. Others underestimate how nursing in public is Not Acceptable to some people and plays in heavily; there’s also the husband’s feelings that play a huge role – it’s not his body, but it is his child and spousal feelings influence some women more than others. A difficult pregnancy or labor can also push a woman to exhaustion such that nursing become a chore that cannot be handled. (I understood the latter much better after my second son was born – labor was hard and painful, and I was so tired that I couldn’t hold my son even if I wanted to.)
Having read your comments, it appears you have made up your mind. I would suggest: Wait until after the baby is born to decide to nurse or not. Many women find the process of milk drying up to be very painful if they don’t nurse at all. My aunt had a nurse who suggestted she nurse to relieve engorgement with her second son, even though my aunt had not nursed her first. She nursed her son for about three months; the relief she felt that first time was enough to keep her nursing for awhile and gradually wean.
Also, you as mom heal MUCH Faster if you nurse the first week or two – you can literally feel it. Plus, nursing stimulates all sorts of wonderful chemical releases in your body that make you euphoric – it’s how sleep deprived moms make it through the first six weeks.
I think that Dad giving baby a bottle is a wonderful thing – it’s great for bonding. So even if you don’t brestfeed exclusively, consider nursing and pumping for awhile. Give yourself a week or two to decide if you want to do it or not, but I would really ask that you try for the first six weeks – that is when it is most beneficial on both sides.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:36 am
i breast fed my daughter for 7 months and my son is 6 days old i have been breastfeeding him so far also. I thought that i would be concerned with the whole exposing myself in public situation because i am extremely shy, BUT i learned how to conceal myself and since you are usually supposed to stay home for up to 6 weeks with a new baby you have plenty of time to get used to feeding positions and how to cover yourself in the proper manner before you begin to feed your baby. They also make wraps and such now that you can just throw on over yourself, i bought one for my son its a life saver they didnt have these when i had my daughter. As far as the whole battle over breastfeeding goes the only thing i could say is if you dont feel comfortable breast feeding your child its your choice, although the whole child not getting sick as much thing proved to be true in my case, my daughter is 4 years old and has never once had an ear infection or any serious colds just a few minor ones here and there. as far as the babies are more intelligent when they are breastfed thing goes, i dont believe that that is true a child’s intelligence is based on how much interaction they get and stimulation and such again that is just an opinion. I do believe that you should at least allow your baby to have the colustrum to build up their immune system and the colustrum only lasts for about 3-4 days you could easily pump it out and feed it to them if you are not comfortable with allowing you child to latch on to you.you wouldnt even have to give them a colustrum bottle every time either you could switch it up and give them formula along with it if you wanted to but pumping will allow your husband to share in the bond of feeding with you, i pump so that my daughter and my fiance can bond with the baby as well because feeding your child is one of the most bonding times you will have especially for the first few months before they begin to eat any solid foods whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding its still a very bonding experience!! the descision is yours and yours alone to make listen to the pros and cons weigh out your options and dont listen to negative people that try to put you down for not nursing your child, after all it is your descision and no one elses good luck!!
December 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I can understand you not wanting to breastfeed. I was too uncomfortable and self-conscious, I tried and it simply wasnt for me. You have to do what you feel comfortable with, if you are stressed the baby picks up on that and could be stressed as well. Yes, the facts are that breastfeeding is best, however this is your body and your baby and you have to do what feels right to you. I had 3 kids, staggered through the house all hours of the night to get bottles, and I have lived. Do whats in your heart and good luck.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
My guess is that your midwife was just throwing out a few answers. She just chose a few off of the top of her head that she thought might appeal to you. I thought I knew a lot about breastfeeding, but now that I’ve been doing it, I really get it. Lots of formula moms say that they are bonded with their babies, and I believe them. Breastfeeding is a different relationship. Breastfeeding requires that you sit and pay attention to your baby, rather than hand the bottle off or prop it while baby lays in the carseat. I could go on and on. My point is that the breastfeeding relationship cannot be duplicated with a plastic bottle, cold nipple and powdered milk. After all, what would you rather drink? Freshly squeezed juice or Tang?
Another thought: bottlefeeding moms of the 1950s thought that the formula they used was very advanced. I might consider it advanced when they can make formula that doesn’t cause tiny tears in baby’s intestines.
You’re right that the risk to mothers is the mother’s business alone, however, the risks of formula feeding are real to mother and baby, and they should be considered. Formula is a phamacuetical product, and every pharmacuetical product has risks and benefits. I have a friend who has done some consulting for a formula plant, and he is now pro-breastfeeding, even though he has no children. Your discomfort is not unusual, but it’s easy to change. Just observe mothers nursing their children. Go to support groups during pregnancy and see how cool breastfeeding is.
Formula has immune consequences, not breastfeeding. By breastfeeding, a mother passes her immunities to her child. Formula is dead, and the immunoglobulins that survive processing are specific to cows anyway.
As for judgement, you’ll find that no matter what you choose, and it doesn’t end with feeding! You have to educate yourself (preferably not with phony educational material that quotes biased research and is distributed by formula companies) and make your own decision. The only uneducated opinion is one derived from that skewed research. Carnation even admits that its marketing practices are unethical, but they must advertise aggressively in order to compete.
Last thought: (are you still with me?) If you’re at all concerned with the environment, and we all should be, then consider the manufacturing, packaging, transportation, bottles, washing, refrigeration and sterilization involved with formula. Not very kind to Mother Earth.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Beast feeding is the natural way! I believe God intended it to be: but if for some medical reason one can’t God has blessed us with formulas! Amen? Amen!
December 30th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I am in 100% agreement with you!!!! Breastfeeding was never an option with my older kids, and it’s not one with my newest addition. For me it just doesn’t feel right. I know the I’m going to get accused of not thinking of my child first and being selfish, but if I’m not comfortable doing something, won’t my child be suffering then also? I’ve also bonded very well with my children and in 8 years of school, they’ve missed 10 days tops due to either illness or having to move. None in the past 3 years.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:55 am
You can find your exact answer at below link.
It will definitely help you.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:35 am
No explanation required.
You have already decided about doing or not doing. The decision is yours and so would be the consequences whether good or god forbid bad.
Please note you also have the choice of producing a human or not producing.
I have been smoking for many years knowing that smoking is injurious to health, but then its my decision.
God bless
December 31st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’m glad you posted this question so respectfully, and I hope I can help you with your questions!
There is no doubt that a formula fed baby will mostly likely be just fine, and will grow and thrive and be intelligent. But the opinion you stated about formula doing no harm to your baby is a myth. I also have a midwife, and she has been a midwife for 35+ years. She sent me home with some information and websites that I will share with you.
Because formula is an artificial substance, it is not and cannot be even close to the complexities and perfection breastmilk is for your baby. Every mammal feeds their young its own milk, we are the only species that feeds its young milk from an inappropriate species, namely cows.
This can cause some problems. Millions of years of evolution provided the perfect food for our infants, with complexites even scientist don’t know about. Our children are not cows, and feeding them a cow-based milk introduces foreign substances that actually hinder the development of your child’s immune system (as most of your immune function takes place in your gut).
There are also many, many other benefits breastfeeding offer both you and your child. There was no question in my mind whether or not to breastfeed. Like my mom said as well, when the doctor told her breastfeeding was best, she needed no other reason. She wanted what was best for me.
I feel very sorry for you that our culture has brainwashed you into thinking that breasts are purely sexual, and not for feeding babies with. It really is the most beautiful bonding experience, and makes you stare in wonder at your 5 or 6 month old, thinking “I have grown this baby from my own body.. me, all by myself!”. The sweetness of my 11 month old unlatching and smiling up at me, giving me a kiss, her boobie a hug, latching back on and going to a sweet nursing slumber is the most beautiful and touching thing I have ever experienced. I wouldn’t change it for the world, or even my ignorant society. And I hope, for your baby’s sake and for yours, that you find the joy in nursing!
The first link tells you *only* 101 reasons to breastfeed. There are many, many more, some we don’t even know about yet. For your midwife to tell you only a few reasons was quite a disservice to you, and any other future mothers out there. I would print this off and give it to her, so she can use it for a reference, or maybe post it up in her office for everyone to see!
December 31st, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Breast feeding gives the baby more vitamans. My little cousin was going to be breast fed but he wouldnt latch on and when he did he wasnt uh how do i put this in a not disgusting way? lets just say he wasnt exctly going to the bathroom right.
December 31st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I think you should do what is comfortable for you and the baby. I enjoyed nursing both of my children for the first 6 months and I noticed a difference in both babies when I did switch and put my children on formula. Aside from the benefits to baby, you get plenty as well, your uterus shrinks down faster, I did not bleed as long after birth, my sex drive went through the roof, I lost all my baby weight, etc..etc.. But it was what I wanted to do. It also can be messy, a little uncomfortable, and time consuming. I think more people are nursing their children now, and it is becoming “in” that is why you are getting all this flack about not nursing. Who knows, when the time comes you may change your mind but it is totally up to you! Don’t worry about what others are saying, you are the one who has to nurse, not them!
December 31st, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I bottlefed out of choice. I found breastfeeding extremely painful, but with more support and information I probably would have tried harder at breastfeeding.
I think the objection to formula is the way in which the companies that make it use misleading advertising, such as implying that it is a substitute for breastmilk. Also some companies imply that their product is cloer to breastmilk than other formulas.
So, it is not really the formula that people are objecting to, but the aggressive way in which it is marketed.
Also Nestle promote their formula to women in the third world as a safe substitute even thought the water is unclean and children are dying.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Does formula thin out in the summer months to allow more water intake for your infant? Does it thicken in the winter?
Breastmilk is free.
Breastmilk doesn’t require a sterilizer or fancy equitment.
Women have been breastfeeding for ages, only recently has bottle feeding become the norm.
If formula had a basic formula and a super plus advanced, which would you buy for your baby? The better one right?
So why not choose the better choice for your baby and yourself?
Ear infections in babies and children are huge. Had on the system, usually require antibiotics and are not a regular cold, did you know breastfeeding reduces ear infection dramatically?
Formula cannot protect your baby from allergies like breastmilk can, and there is no way to get better from allergies.
Breastfeeding may protect against obesity later in life
Breastfeeding may protect your baby from childhood leukemia
Breastfeeding may protect your baby from developing type 1 diabetes
Breastfeeding may protect preemies from infections and high blood pressure later in life
Breastfeeding may lower your baby’s risk of SIDS
Breastfeeding helps you lose weight
Breastfeeding can lower your stress levels and reduce postpartum bleeding
Breastfeeding may reduce your risk of some types of cancer
Breastfeeding may protect against osteoporosis later in life
This doesn’t include any of the bonding benefits that go with breastfeeding.
Husbands can still be a huge part of the babies life without holding a plastic bottle in their mouth.
You would never have to show your nipples or skin in public, there are slings, shirts, bras, blankets etc to make breastfeeding private and personal. Most people can’t even tell when a woman is breastfeeding unless you look really close.
You cannot put yourself in a bubble this is true, but why are you taking those multivitamins then, or wearing sunscreen when it is sunny out? To help protect yourself, we do what we can. And if breastfeeding can save your life from cancer, why the **** not? It would be terrible to die when your child still needs you from breast or ovarian cancer when you know you could have reduced your risk simply by breastfeeding!
The judgement is not by anymeans ill educated or unfounded. Take a look at a few of these sites. http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/ba…http://www.drgreene.com/21_552.htmlhttp://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBJulAug…http://www.llli.org/http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020300…
This is only naming a FEW really helpful, detailed, educated sites, supporting breastfeeding in the modern world.
What if you baby is allergic to formula, then what?
How many will you try before you give up and have to wean your baby too early?
I think perhaps you need to do some research and that you are ill educated, and very close minded.
I would like to be nicer towards you, but I find formula feeding a very selfish choice.
January 1st, 2010 at 1:34 am
i bottle fed my first baby, and my next 3 kids i breastfed
because ive done both i can honestly say BREASTFEEDING IS BETTER, they dont get constipated, they r healthier, its faster than heating a bottle, convenient, free, and i take care of my body better cos it made me quit smoking, and it is definately natural as your body makes it just perfect for baby
research has shown that it even helps through life, less risk of diabetes and heart disease and cancers,
when i bottle fed my 1st baby i was so anti breastfeeding, of course
but while breastfeeding im real anti bottle feeding,
just do what u want, as long as u r happy and baby is healthy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx…
January 1st, 2010 at 6:07 am
the female mammery organs(breast) is considered as a sex organ, (by society) and babies are not nice enough to get hungry only at home they are hungry in public and private, and must be fed. The people that want to ban breast feeding in public are not thinking about the baby’s right be fed, ‘they’ can’t handle the excitement. So they figure everyone else surely feels the same way. Humans are the only species that have a problem with breast feeding, mothers milk is the there for the baby, and society has managed to make a woman ashamed of this to.If a woman chooses not to breast feed her child, I’d hope it would be for a more inportant reason than “the Public”
That’s just sad, and it’s the child that is the real victim
January 1st, 2010 at 8:33 am
it healthy do it for the baby
January 1st, 2010 at 8:42 am
oopse your going to get so much stick for posting this question lol
i personally am all for breast feeding but i do not judge those who choose not to. there are far more risks in a child’s life than not being breast fed! there is no point in breastfeeding if your going to allow your child to eat total crap like frozen foods and fizzy drinks when they’re older.
each to their own – everyone will have different views on bringing up a child but it does bother me why so many people get so high rate and vicious when they don’t agree with something someone says!
again i will just say i am all for breast feeding, i do think it’s a much healthier option and i want the best for my children!!!
January 1st, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I was a formula fed baby, as are both my daughters. My sister was breastfed, but after doing it once my mom refused to ever do it again. I agree that I do not want to feed in public – I do not like to see other women breastfeed in public so I would not want to do it. My girls are both healthy and so am I. My sister and I were equal in health and IQ our whole lives and we are now in our mid twenties. I think how to feed is just based on your own choice – nothing more.
January 1st, 2010 at 4:45 pm
good for you. i am currently pregnant and unsure weather i will breastfeed or not. i too, dont think that being bottle fed is a bad thing. its a personal choice. do whatever you feel is best for you and your baby.
January 1st, 2010 at 11:17 pm
It’s your choice. Either way, your child will flourish in a loving family.
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:09 am
breastfeeding made me weepy and ill as my baby fed constantly and I had no time to eat myself. I asked for help from my health visitor to help me mix breast and formula feeds and guess what!!! – I was told it was not advisable etc etc.
Personally i belive that health visitors and midwives are caught up in government hype and tunnel vision training that advocates exclusive breastfeeding which leaves mummys who use formula feeling guilty and inadequate.
Do what makes you happy- happy mum equals happy baby as long as they get lots of unconditional love they thrive
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:23 am
you should do whats right for you, i bottle fed both my kids and they are great.other dissadvantages when breastfeeding are you have to watch what you eat and drink, you can also pass on infections etc and you cant pass the bottle to your husband!!!!!
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:46 am
This is one of those subjects that will always evoke very strong opinions. It all comes down to personal choice.
From my point of view, I was always determined to breastfeed; not just because of the advantages for baby and me, but also for convenience (no heating up bottles and carting stuff around) and also the cost – there is no way that I could have afforded to formula feed my baby.
However, I can understand why some mothers choose to bottle feed. Some may have low confidence, others prefer to maintain their independence. As you say, it also gives the father the chance to bond with baby, and modern day formula is almost as nutritional as breastmilk anyway.
I am at a loss to understand why you say that the thought of breastfeeding seems wrong? – after all, this is what breasts are designed for and it’s one of the most natural things in the world.
My baby was bottlefed while we were in hospital (I was very poorly after the birth) but was exclusively breastfed within a month once we got home. I would say that my baby was sick less, slept better and was generally more content when he was breastfed – all babies are different though.
Discuss it with your partner, your midwife, other mums and mums-to-be. Research everything online. Ultimately, it’s your choice.
Good luck with the babe!
Kitten
January 2nd, 2010 at 8:02 am
some people find womens breasts offensive. I say get them OUT