Formula feeders..do you think that breastfeeders think they're better than you?

Question

Do you automatically assume that they think they're better than you? Or do you get to know them and their situation first? I just wonder because of this psycho chick on here with three ID's is giving you all a bad name. I breastfeed but everyone else in my family bottlefed so I really don't think I'm better or try to shove my opinions down their throat. I WILL, however, stand up for my right and not sit idly whilst being criticized.

Answer 1

I look down on everybody no matter how they feed their kids!
Just kidding.
I breastfeed but I did ask my sister this question once because she formula fed. She only felt put down by a certain few. It isn't just about breastfeeding. There are those who just believe their way is best and can't stand to tolerate the choices of others. They make it hard for the rest of us.
Now, I've taught my 12 year old daughter the wonderful example of breastfeeding but now she seems to think that mothers who bottle feed do not love their children. Now, I have to undo that a little bit so she knows that there are choices out there that all loving mothers must make.

Answer 2

*I* don't think I'm better than formula feeders but funny enough, my 9 yr old daughter does!! I had to have a talk with her because she will whisper to me when she sees babies being bottle fed - ooooooo mom, look that lady is giving her baby formula and shake her head!! I know this is terrible and I've never encouraged this behavior as she (my 9 yr old) and my 11 yr old son were both formula fed!! My now 3 month daughter is the only baby I've breastfed so far. My older daughter has heard me talking with other breastfeeding mothers and also read some leaflets I had from WIC, etc... and she asked me... ummm... why didn't you give me the best start??? lol. Anyway, we have had a talk about this and she understands that breastfeeding is a personal choice in this country and everyone has a right to make their own choice. Just wanted to share - I thought it was funny/cute.

***Funny - justme (below) and I have the same problem!!

Answer 3

People incorrectly assume that a mom who bottle feeds is lazy. While that may be true, there are tons of reasons why a person cannot breastfeed. My son was born at week 29 and was unable to breastfeed. I pumped for 4 months and fed him formula at the same time while freezing my milk. Let her tell me that I am lazy! My daughter was born when my son was 1 years old and I made the decision to not breastfeed so that I would be able to give all of myself to both kids and not spend all the time nursing. I dont think that that was a decision made out of laziness.

I wish people would mind their own business. Why should she care how you feed your children. i remember how I cried for 2 days when one woman said to me (while i bottle fed my preemie) that women who bottle feed are selfish and lazy. I wanted to nurse and was not able to. How rude! A year later, she gave birth to a child with severe hydrokephalis (water on the brain) and could obviously not nurse. i could not help but think that she had gotten her retribution!

To all the women out there: You do what you thing is right and best for you and your family. Dont take the crap that some of the holier than thou's dish out - being a mom is hard enough.

Answer 4

Due to unfortunate circumstances I was only able to breastfeed for about a month. I don't feel like people look down on me, but some people do give me some flack until they hear why I am unable to. My child has never been sick and is 9 months old so there is absolutely no reason to be rude to either group. Every baby is different and I just wish people could respect that and not judge when they don't know anything about the WHY!

Answer 5

I dealt with a lot of crap when people I didn't even know asked me if I was breastfeeding. I was unable to produce milk. I got constant lectures about how it was so much better for babies and how my kids would have health problems all because I wasn't breastfeeding. It doesn't matter to me what women choose to do; I just don't want opinions handed over to me because of something that wasn't in my power. Not all women that breastfeed are like this, but there are many that do show this behavior.

So, according to Brenda B, I should have let my kids starve to death rather than feed them formula. I think she answered your question...lol

Answer 6

I think is is rude of people to ask a person why they are not breastfeeding their child. I had this question put to me over and over and over again with both my children. I had a breast reduction (for medical reasons) before I had children, the doctor told me it would be impossible to breastfeed my kids. I still tried to feed my first baby because I wanted to do what was "best" for him. Guess what, suprise suprise, I could not breastfeed so had to bottle feed. I already felt bad enough that I couldn't feed either of my kids but then strangers had to question me about it. Please don't judge people because they are bottle feeding. I don't think that all breastfeeding mothers think they are better than me, but some do.

Answer 7

I wanted to breatsfeed my children because I was told that was what was best for them but neither of them would latch on properly so I bottle fed and they are both fine. My 6 year old was hardly ever sick as a baby and my 6 month old has never had a doc. appt. other than a checkup. But on tv recently they were saying breastfeeding was better and it did make me feel bad but I cant help it that I couldnt breastfeed.

Answer 8

I tried to breast feed but could not do it past 2 months, there were a lot of issues why that are no one's business. But I do find whenever I ask formula related questions I get a lot of post that either directly and blantantly, or indirectly, jab at me for not breast feeding.

Answer 9

I look down at formula feeders and darn proud of it! They're not doing the best for their babies and that makes me sad. I shouldn't care but I do, I care about those poor babies that have to be forced to be fed junk instead of the best. That's something to look down on

Answer 10

I would hope that they don't. It is really none of anyone's business how you feed your infant. Its not like you are abusing them because you bottle feed them. I have 2 toddlers at the moment and my 4 year old was born to me and my 2 year old is my grandchild that I have adopted. I nursed my own and of course I didn't nurse my grandchild. I am about to foster another grandchild and if someone was to question me as to why I was not breast feeding him, I would tell them to mind their own business. My children are very healthy, by the way.