Why are so many formula feeders on the hate wagon?

Question

Why is it that even though everyone knows breastfeeding is better for babies, there are so many hateful mothers on here putting breastfeeding down? I've tried to be nice about it but it's really getting on my nerves. I don't judge people who formula feed even though personally I would never do it unless something dreadful happened and I had no choice. I just don't understand why the people who are doing what's best for their babies have to take all the criticism too.

I have tons of information, studies, research and scientific fact behind my arguments. What do formula feeders have behind theirs?

Khalis you just proved my point exactly. I do not think I'm better than anyone else, I just don't understand why you're so argumentative.

Oh and Khalis, I'm glad your niece never took to your auntie's breast. If it were your aunt she should've been nursing your cousin, not your niece. Does your family inbreed??

Answer 1

Wow, Khalis - you do have some bitter issues there. All my armor never criticized formula feeding in this question, so what is your problem? Just chill out and learn to be secure with your decision.
All my Armor - I think the attitude is from having been brainwashed by the formula companies for almost a century that formula is the 'miracle meal' and thet to breastfeed is to starve your child. This was passed down through at least 3 generations and many people feel that if it was good enough for them, it is good enough for their kids. They now feel the need to defend themselves from the 'milk nazis' who actually do give breastfeeders a bad name by telling them that they are bad mothers. I did not settle for 'good enough' for my son.
There are also those that feel it is disgusting because this society has sexualized our boobs to the point that we can't even think of them as a food source for our children as they were meant to be.
If people would just make their choices for valid reasons and stand by them without making excuses or getting defensive then we would all be happier. My sister used to be like that -she gave all the excuses for using formula until she found that she got into fewer arguements by just saying 'I didn't want to.' I breastfed my son exclusively until he was 6 months and continued up until about 10 minutes ago. He is two and I do not have an end plan - no regrets. He is healthy - short and skinny but that is genetic and has nothing to do with his diet.

Answer 2

I do understand what you are saying, however those of us who wanted to breastfeed, and where not able to (I had a premie, and my milk never came in while she was in intensive care) also go through very negative comments from friends, family, and the medical field. I knew it was better for my baby to breast feed, and when she first came home, was in tears every day trying to get her to take my nipple, then pump, and then feed her the little that came out. By the time she had her formula and went to sleep, it was time to start the process over again. I have never felt like such a failure and the people who breastfeed made sure to compound that by telling me to keep trying, and how important it is. I think the bitterness comes from the fact that we took so much criticism from the get go for not breast feeding it hits a nerve for those of us who tried so hard. I did this for 3 months after she got home from the hospital, until finally one of my doctors told me that I did my best and that I wasn't a failure if I didn't breast feed. All the other health professionals acted like I was purposely harming my premie, and she would be very sickly. She is now 6 1/2 and has had 2 ear infections in her life, and is much healthier than all my friends who had full term babies, and breast fed. Lucky me! Hope that sheds a little light on what we dealt with from those around us.

Answer 3

Formula feeders can get very angry! I think it's defensiveness. I have NEVER criticized anyone for formula feeding ( at least to their face) yet I take crap for breastfeeding often. I think that they do not have a peg leg to stand on so they attack (excluding those with medical reasons who are few).

The only time that I jump in and say something it when they try to say things like "breastmilk is mostly water after the first year" or some crazy thing like that.

I used to not think about it too much, but since I've been verbally invaded by so many formula toting moms, I have to say that now I actually do look down on them (except of course, those who cannot nurse for health reasons who are, again, few and far between).

Answer 4

I think formula feeders are sometimes insecure about not breastfeeding. Everyone KNOWS that breastfeeding is best, but for reasons like having to go back to work, medication, prior problems, etc, they can't do it. There are also women (like my sis-in-law) who are just totally grossed out by the whole idea. I think that every mother wants to do what is best for her baby, so there is some underlying defensiveness that is really easy to tap into, even if you are trying to be nice. I think attitudes about breastfeeding are slowly changing. Even when I started nursing my son 7 years ago, things didn't seem as pro-breastfeeding as they do now. Just feel blessed that you can breastfeed and keep trying to educate the best you can. I haven't seen any haters on here, but if I do, I will jump in on 'em with you!

Answer 5

I agree with you although I don't think you are giving all the formula feeders a chance to explain. Sometimes babies just don't take to breastfeeding and like a couple of the answers above sometimes there are just other reasons like medications. I do however think it is selfish of a women who is perfectly capable of breastfeeding yet doesn't even give it a chance or gives up quickly on it. I know some people who were just like "yeah right, I'm not doing that" or "yeah, I tried that the first few days and it didn't work so I gave up". It does take awhile, but it's best for the baby and you should do all you can to get it to work, it usually takes a couple of weeks but they get it and it's worth it. I think it's selfish not to try and lazy to give it up. But sometimes, it just doesn't work.

Answer 6

Oh very strange. I saw a special on 20/20 where mothers who used formula acted very weird towards breastfeeding mothers. I think that breast milk is the best thing you can give your baby (because it is!) But i understand with those people who cannot do it. Although i don't agree with people who can perfectly breastfeed your baby, but decide against it because they're embarresed. Anyway, a baby just needs to be fed, and everyone deserves respect

Answer 7

I breastfed for 6 months for my girl, and 10 months for my boy. What I HATE is when people like YOU think you are better than me and any ither formula feeder just because you breastfeed. $hit happens in life...oh my, some of us have to WORK. Dear me, that does not always compute with breastfeeding. So sue us already. I give up, you are better than all of us. My bad for not keeping a boob in my kids mouth until she was speaking Tagalog and doing taxes.

Oh, and my niece NEVER took to my Aunties breast. She almost dehydrated thanks to some psycho LLL bi@tch. She almost killed my flesh and blood. turn out, my aunt just does not make milk. Hers never came in. I guess breast was still best, huh? God help me...but I hope you get what's coming to you. You judgemental wench.
Gimme a gosh darn break lady. Here's my argument chick...I did what I had to do. You can take your studies and stick them up your rear. I gave both mine what was reccomended by the AAP. I do not live in New Ginuea, and we don't have a food shortage here. Sooooo, my kids were fed food and weaned as soon as they showed an interest. They are doing just fine. My eldest has never been ill, as I mentioned before, my youngest was sick 3 times on breastmilk, but healthy as a horse on formula. So these studies are higwash to me. Just the next trend in parenting. it will change again in 10 years. Who really gives a F as long as the kid is not abused and is eating something. Gee golly pete, you breastfeeders are a TRIP!! Did you drop acid before you posted this question? Please come down and re-read how assanine it is, you'd be amazed.

Answer 8

I believe that many formula feeders are self conscious about their choice and feel the need to be defensive. What we do know about infant nutrition is that formula is okay, but breast is better. That may cause some formula choosing women to feel that breasfeeding women are acting self-righteous when they talk about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Most women take the decision to bottle or breastfeed seriously. Shouldn't they be supported when they seek validation for the decision that they made?

Answer 9

That is terrible if you have experienced this. On the other side of the coin, I have also run into so many people who have criticized me and told me I don't love my child because I do not breastfeed due to previous surgery. I guess this just goes to show that the world is filled with a whole bunch of judgemental, rigid people who will argue with you and take the opposing side just to be difficult. Stick proudly to your actions as I have to mine!

Answer 10

Personally, I've never experienced anything like you are describing. I can imagine some people struggle with formula-feeding. I.e. they have to do it for some medical reason, they don't chose to. I'm sure those people are CONSTANTLY being approached and critisized, and they always have to explain their situation... maybe it all gets frustrating after a while and they act out irrationally. Women can be crazy sometimes, ya know?