Will I grow up to be dumb because my mother did not brestfeed me?

Question

In school, my health teacher said something about it being proven that babies who drink their moms milk are smarter than the rest of us who drank regular bottles? I asked my mom and she did feed me just regular bottles. I do good in school, I get A's and B's and am going to be in the 8th grade tis summer and I did great on all the state tests, 97% in most of them. How am I dumb? That hurts my feelings because all my teachers thinks I am very bright and capable. My mother gave me permission to ask this on this website.

Answer 1

Of course that doesn't make you dumb!

Please understand that statistics speak IN GENERAL, of a broad population, NOT about you specifically.

Studies says that IN GENERAL, breastfed babies have many health advantages. That does not mean people fed artificial milk have NONE of those attributes. That's false logic.

What you are fed is only 1 part of what makes you who you are.

Genetics, environment, family life, and your own personality come into play to make you, a specific person.

The health teacher was not wrong to share the information, but you should let her know that sometimes her students take it the wrong way. She should explain how the information applies to your life (in this case, in your decision whether your children should nurse someday).

Answer 2

The study that stated breast fed babies to be smarter was flawed. The children and women who were followed tended to be higher middle class. Their children had other factors contributing to their intelligence levels. More able to afford preschool and Mothers who could stay home and spend more hours teaching their children. Over all the had more advantages then children from lower income families. You are a perfect proof of the flawed testing. Never let someones negative statements make you feel bad. They only show their lack of thought before they speak. Keep up the great work and thank your Mom for all the late night feedings no matter where they came from

Answer 3

No. It doesn't mean anything. I am pregnant and have been doing a lot of reading about it lately. It's true that breast milk is best, but many, many babies have been brough up on formula and are just as smart..... don't listen to the lies.
Your teacher has the same selfish opinion as the person who answered before me. Breast feeding is not for everyone. Some mothers can not medically or physcially breastfeed. Some children need different caloric/ medical needs than breast milk.

Answer 4

Though what your teacher told you is partly true, you are not dumb. What you teacher should have told you is that it is proven that babies that are breast fed are more likely to be smarter. Just because you were bottle fed in no way effects your smarts. From your test scores and grades you seem very intelligent.

Answer 5

I would say no. Health Teachers are not generally the smartest teachers. They are a step up from PE teachers and not much of a step up. This may not make sense until you're older but when you look back at the things your health teacher told you, you will laugh at how little they actually "know".

I would just keep on studying and keep doing good and keep listening to your parents. You sound like a very smart young person.

Keep it up.

Answer 6

The answer is no you won't.
It's just some people like to create lots of discussions about subjects such as breast feeding.
In Africa Nestle was reported for telling african women that their powered baby milk was far better for them than breast milk. But that was only so Nestle would make more money in other countries.
Not al women have the ability to breast feed, but have children who go on to be highly intelligent.
Not everything you read in the media will be true.
I don't think there is sufficient evidence that proves that breast is best.

Answer 7

breastfeeding is better for many reasons. i had 5 children and breastfed 3. i see no difference in their intelligence. how can you be dumb? you are doing great! that teacher was probably an advocate of breast feeding and gave you a slanted view. it is not always possible to breastfeed.
stop worrying you have already proved how intelligent you are. guess what even if you did not excel academically that doesn't make you dumb either! lol
it is my belief that expressing a lot of love and taking time with children makes for a happy individual in the future. remember when you have children to express your love to them as much as possible and see what a well developed child you will have on your hands! : )

Answer 8

No! You don't have to be anything you don't want to be. As long as you apply yourself to the best of your abilities you can be anything you want to be. Don't let statistics get to you. You are as smart as you want to be as long as you always put your best foot forward and give a 100%. Breast or bottle in 10 years it won't matter how you were fed. All that will matter is how high you reached and how hard you pushed for your dreams. Good luck and no worries!

Answer 9

I was not a breast fed baby yet i am a Gifted Student and one of the students with the highest GPA in my class . It all depends on how much effort you put into learning . Your teacher should mind what he/she says. Good luck and keep up the good work 1

Answer 10

NO!! I adopted my niece from birth and of course she was not brestfeed, she is a straight A student and was excepted to the GATE Program. It all depends on the person if their willing to learn. As I see it, Your very smart, don't let anyone get you down.
Keep up with your grades and GOOD LUCK!!