Breastfeeding Battles?

Question

I never knew what a heated topic breastfeeding has become until I got pregnant for the first time and started using Yahoo! Answers. I've been spending countless hours here, getting information about what to expect while pregnant and about caring for my soon-to-be newborn, and I couldn't help but notice how HEATED the breastfeeding discussions have become.

Why are people so sensitive about this subject? Why is there so much resentment between breastfeeders and non breastfeeders? I'm just curious.

I would love answers from those who have been right in the middle of these discussions, too (such as the users jellybean and Momma2mingbu).

To clarify, I'm not referring to my own decision, I'm referring to the arguements between the two groups and why it has become such a heated discussion.

Incidentally, I do plan on breastfeeding.

I agree..momma2ming has been very respectful and helpful when answering questions....I just noticed she was singled out by jellybean in one of my recent questions, that's all.

I'm putting this question to vote because I don't feel comfortable "choosing sides." Thank you, everyone, for your answers.

Answer 1

There are many topics regarding pregnancy and parenting that fire up hot debate. Unmedicated birth vs. medicated birth. Circumcision vs. leaving the child intact. Cry it out vs. other calmer approaches to sleep. Spanking vs. gentle discipline. Stay at home mothers vs. working mothers. And of course breastfeeding vs. formula feeding.

People feel strongly about making these decisions because they are often made for very personal reasons. Decisions on all of these topics should only be made after much research and soul searching, as the consequences of the decision will have a great impact on our children. Some people seem to see any disagreement with their own decision as criticism of their parenting. Maybe the ones who feel this way are insecure in their choices or have some kind of regrets? I know that if I feel strongly about something, another person’s opinion isn’t likely to influence me or make me feel bad in any way about my choice.

Another reason that I think this is such a huge point of conflict is a very simple and very depressing fact. Breastfeeding may be the biological norm for humans, but formula feeding is still the cultural norm in America.

So how did artificial feeding become the cultural norm in America, moving our culture away from the biological norm of breastfeeding? The turning point was actually World War II. Many women went to work in the factories and their babies had to be fed somehow. This was when the switch from breast to bottle really began in the United States. Back then, they used homemade formulas, usually made from a mixture of Pet evaporated milk and Karo corn syrup. (There was even a recipe for baby formula on the back of the milk can!) Then dairy farmers who were looking for something to do with whey, the by-product of their milk, butter and cheese production came together with businessmen who were trying to figure out how to market a food for babies to compete with breastmilk and homemade formula. They figured out that they could mix water, cheap oils (palm, soy or coconut), the dairy waste product whey and add a few vitamins then sell it to feed babies. Then came the 1950’s when anything man-made was considered modern, advanced, clean and high class…..so artificial feeding became the cultural norm.

An unfortunate side effect of artificial feeding becoming so common was that the women who wanted to nurse no longer had the chain of mother-to-mother knowledge and support for breastfeeding. Women could no longer ask their mother or grandmother questions about nursing, because they didn’t know the answers! Women were no longer used to seeing nursing babies all around them and now many women nurse their child for the first time never having seen another baby nurse before them!

Because of this, breastfeeding support groups became so important for women who wanted to nurse so they could get accurate information about breastfeeding and support if they had difficulties. Note that I mentioned the decline of breastfeeding in the 1940’s leading into the 1950’s earlier. In 1956 breastfeeding rates in the United States had dropped to close to 20%. This was when La Leche League began with a meeting in the home of founder Mary White. LLL took up where the family support had been lost. Since many women could no longer ask their mother, grandmother or sister questions about nursing, LLL became the heart of the mother-to-mother support network.

There are hundreds of reasons that it would be wise for us to restore breastfeeding as not only the biological norm, but the cultural norm in America. Personally, I feel that breastmilk is a baby’s birthright. There is a reason that a mother’s breasts automatically produce milk after her child is born. I have a hard time understanding the CHOICE to deny such perfect nourishment to an infant, especially since it is free! (Notice I said “choice” here – for a very small percentage of women there are medical issues that unfortunately take away their choices.)

It’s a simple scientific fact. BreastMILK is the healthiest thing that a mother can give her child to eat. There should be no argument that, for 99% of babies, breastMILK is the healthiest choice. This DOES NOT mean that breastfeeding mothers are better than mothers who artificially feed their children. It is a comparison of two SUBSTANCES, not the people involved.

Breastmilk isn’t just food. It’s actually closer to unstructured, living tissue (like blood) than it is to food. Because breastmilk is full of white blood cells, antibodies, vitamins, water, protein, hormones, growth factors, and even ingredients that kill bacteria and viruses, breastmilk is capable of doing for babies on the outside what the nutrients fed through the placenta do on the inside. It offers the perfect balance of everything a baby needs to develop physically and neurologically.

As Lactation Consultant Chele Marmet said, “People need to understand that when they’re deciding between breastmilk and formula, they’re not deciding between Coke and Pepsi….They’re choosing between a live, pure substance and a dead substance made with the cheapest oils available.”

Personally, I become highly insulted when the term “boob Nazis” or “breastfeeding Nazis” starts getting thrown around. It's NOT a label I would be proud to wear. I don’t feel the word “Nazi” should be used so lightly. Please, can people stop referring to other mothers as Nazis? It’s truly disrespectful of the millions of people who died at the hands of the real Nazis. This is an extremely insulting term and not only is it offensive to nursing mothers, but it’s offensive and disrespectful of the actual Holocaust survivors. Even if a breastfeeding mother said something harsh that made another mother feel hurt, she didn’t tattoo a number on the woman’s skin, kill off her family and force her into hiding or perform cruel medical experiments on her. I’ve never heard a breastfeeding mother use such an offensive term to describe a formula feeding mother. It’s an outright low blow that is unworthy of the women on both sides off the debate.

Answer 2

I have no idea why people are so militant about breastfeeding. I think everyone needs a "cause" to help fill their time and maybe this is theirs. As for the bottlefeeders, I am sure some of them are defensive because they know their answer for not breastfeeding is never going to be good enough to satisfy what one poster above calls "boob nazis".

As for me, I am a lactation educator and a postpartum nurse. Personally I breastfeed all three of mine, if I add it up, over four years now. In fact, I am still breastfeeding a two year old (but trying to wean). In a professional capacity, I help 3-4 women breastfeed three nights a week, therefore I personally influence, assist and provide information to hundreds of women a year, not just on the internet but in real life. Dozens of women have told me I am the reason they decided to start, or continue, breastfeeding. Many women have had tears in their eyes when they have thanked me for helping. That makes me happy - I am out there making a difference and I can tell you attitude makes all the difference as far as helping people out.

Sometimes, giving baby 10 mL of formula (with mom's permission of course) makes all the difference in her sanity and gives her the energy to continue breastfeeding. Formula isn't poison. And frankly some women aren't cut out to breastfeed. They don't have the time, the patience or the motivation to continue what is a very time consuming and frustrating undertaking (at least in the beginning). They are high strung, anxious and breastfeeding makes them even more so. Yes, every baby deserves breastmilk but if their mother can't do it without making herself miserable, it's not going to work.

I admit I am very disappointed when people choose to bottlefeed without even trying breastfeeding but I try to provide the information, education and encouragement before they make the final decision, but ultimately that is their choice. I have done my job by provide the information, support and assistance, my patients make the decision on how to feed their child, bottom line.

Answer 3

As a mother who has done both, you need to do what is best for you and your baby. You can't always let others peoples oppinions sway your decision. I breastfed my son up to 6 months then switched him to formula. He's a very healthy child. My daughter is now 6 months old and I'm still breastfeeding. I will probably switch her to formula around 9 months. These are MY children and I need to do what is right for all of us, not what's right for someone else. There are pros and cons to both. Oh, and the argument that breastfeeding makes you lose weight is such a crock. Everyones body is different and it's not going to have the same results for everyone. False promises.

Answer 4

There are many breastfeeders out there that are so called 'Boob Nazis'. I am not one of them but I am proud to say that I have been called one. Most of the time I am here to support those who want to breastfeed - I do anything I can to help a determined breastfeeder continue to do so comfortably. Other times I am here defending my choice. I do not tell formula feeders that they are bad people nor do I tell them that the should breastfeed. I do not intentionally act superior. I am very proud of what I have accomplished.
Jellybean has been an antagonist for a while under different names. She regrets a bad breastfeeding experience and is very resentful of those who support it. I really think she seems to think we are the ones who pressured her to do it. Much of who you are seeing is our responses to her antagonistic comments. I actually kind of like jellybean. She's not afraid to stir up controversy and her questions help me get my opinions out in the open. I just wish she would keep one identity and stick with it.
Mommy2mingbu- as far as I can see she has always posted respectful and well-informed answers and is a great source of information. She supports breastfeeding without getting in people's face about it. Unfortunately, she also gets lumped in with all the rest of us as being rude and insulting.
Please do not let this experience frighten you. Most breastfeeders are live and let live type of people. It's just that we need to fight against decades of anti-breastfeeding rhetoric which continues today.
I really enjoy being a source of support for something that I really feel good about. My contact info is available so if you decide to breastfeed - give me a holler.

edited to add: I have no idea why jellybean singled out mommy2mingbu except for the fact that her nickname is easy to remember and that she is well-informed. I noticed that on your question also.

Answer 5

I think around the 40's & 50's it became unacceptable for a woman to breastfeed her child & many women were pressured into bottle feeding.

Over time it has become a simple alternative for women who feel uncomfortable breastfeeding their babies or who have had problems breastfeeding.

I happily breast fed both of my children, in public w/ the help of some great shirts made just for breastfeeding women. And in my home, free to the air. It is a wonderful experience to share with your child, regardless of what other more close minded people may think. Try for yourself don't take other peoples opinions too seriously.

I think that a breast feeding women are not guilty of indescent exposure, it is the perverted minds of others who corrupt the beauty of breast feeding.

Answer 6

well people seem to be sentivie about this topic bcos they seems to prefer societal pressures and personal convenience to the so called stress involved in breast feeding.

But taking a look at the benefits of breast feeding and the demerits inherent therein, you should be able to reach a personal conclusion on either to breast feed your child or not. you need not look at the sentiments involved but the advantages/disadvantages of breastfeeding compared to the contraints/diffiiculties involved, then take a decision that would be to the best interest of your child, your person and humanity in general.

Answer 7

I feel that breastfeeding in public is not a big deal, HOWEVER, it is not appropriate in every setting. When I was going over a contract with a potential client she had her baby with her (which was inappropriate to begin with) but I didn't mind since it was probably impossible for her to get a babysitter. But while we were discussing the particulars of the contract, she decides to open her sweater, whip out one of her juggs and then she started feeding her baby. THAT WAS NOT COOL. It was somewhat exciting because she had a nice rack but very inappropriate.

Answer 8

Breastfeeding, simply, put is the best you can do for a child.
I am NOT judging people who don't do it though! There are just as healthy kids w/o it out there. So of course a lot of controversy is going on.


However, check out the links below:

Answer 9

I think the majority of the battles are bottlefeeders trying to say bad things about breastfeeders like being nazis and militant, but they can't see we are feeding our babies crap. We can say that and much more about them..all they can say is that we are nazis. I'm one that will tell anyone on here how I feel whether they like it or not. I will not tolerate a formula feeder trying to say anything bad about a breastfeeder because there is nothing bad to say. Geez i hope that made sense, i just woke up.

Answer 10

I think that alot of people don't have anything better to do with their time then to agrue with people online..which is the biggest waste of time ever....They should be spending the time with their children and not the computer. I personally chose to breastfeed my daughter but I don't think that makes me better then any other mother out there that decides not to breastfeed. As long as they are raising healthy happy babies to each there own.

Answer 11

Mandy, to answer your question honestly, I have never, and probably will never, get over the lack of professionalism and tact that the LLL nipple nazis and the LC's in the hospital used when I had my daughter. She was born tounge tied, and although I had planned to nurse, she could not. A qualified physician diagnosed her problem. Yet, these so called, "breastfeeding professionals" dehydrated my baby (cause I was fool enough not to disregard them, for their use of intimidation and scare tactics) and caused us to spend an extra day in the hospital.

Congrats on your baby, BTW, and I am happy yo hear about your decision to breastfeed. I am not anti-breastfeeding!! I fully pumped for my son, 10 months, and ended up with enough milk to last past his whole first year. With my baby girl, I pumped for 5 months. I agree you should breastfeed if you can and you want to, I just feel no one needs to bully you into it. These psycho women told me my child was going to DIE if I didn't breastfeed it. I finally grew balls on the third day, after seeing my poor baby starving before my eyes and cursed them the hell out and banned them from my room. Very liberating.

Since I now of course, use formula to feed my daughter, I just am so ill with seeing all this filth about breastfeeding nazis trying to make others feel bad for their decisions!! Belittling their ability to parent! Oh, and a plethora of other insults...simply based on the method of feeding!

I think breastfeeding advocacy has gone way too far, and these psychos have entirely too much power and influence. I recently posted the links to a proposition to put warning labels on formula. Oh, and Massachusetts had recenty adopted, (and later rescinded) a BAN on formula!! Link: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/02/17/massachusetts_drops_ban_on_hospital_gift_bags_for_new_mothers/?p1=MEWell_Pos4

Finally, their governor came to his senses, thank God.

Extremists never accomplish anything positive. Humans are omnivores by nature. We are built to consume animal and vegetable matter. Of course, if one chooses to be a vegetarian, there is nothing wrong with that, and no one should try and force meat down their throat just because it's a fact that human beings are omnivores!! It's their choice, no matter what is "best". They still can live a healthy life eating vegetables. Yet, organizations like P.E.T.A. , link : http://www.peta.org/ , take things TOO far.

Here is a TRUTH. Formula, like meat, WILL always be sold! There are people who cannot breastfeed, or don't want to breastfeed, and there are people who like to eat meat, or NEED to eat meat. Exactly what purpose, other than being a busybody, does it serve to belittle someone's choice, and condemn it, when they are already in the throes of it!! Why the hell do these nipple nazis feel the need to "preach" boob gospel to a woman that clearly states "I want to formula feed my baby." Or, sees them purchasing or using formula!! Leave them alone!! I feel professional breastfeeding help should always be readily available to those who need it. But, it should not be "liberally applied" to everyone, because not EVERYONE wants to breastfeed!!

Why am I so sensitive about this subject? Well, mainly my own personal experience I shared with you. But, here are some other links that really have pissed me the hell off too:

Here is a favorite:
http://www.militantbreastfeedingcult.com/index_a.html

Here is some fun "facts", (more imflammatory diatribe) about their feelings on how bottle feeding/formula feeding mothers supposedly don't love their children, seen through the eyes of a columnist (I'm not the only human soul these people offend):
Link: http://www.spiked-online.com/Articles/0000000CACA0.htm

Oh, and here they are again, taking everything to the extreme. Everything is a cursade to these women! Do their children, whom they supposedly have this superior bond with through the eternal "magic" of their breasts, get any of their blessed attention? When they have the time for all this petitioning and stuff like this? Link: http://www.promom.org/3min/index.htm

I'll end my speech here, with this. The mark of a good mother should never be judged and weighted by a feeding method. I feel for other people who are accosted by these maniacs. Some of the best mothers I have known were bottlefeeders. Some horrible ones I've known have breastfed.

Where this all leads us 10-20 years down the road, only God knows. Afterall, who can really look in their kid's 4th grade class and tell who was breastfed? Breastfed kids get sick, just like formula fed ones. http://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/baby-illness.html contrary to what the Breast Polizei would have you to beleive.

Breastmilk has also turned out quite a few dummies too, as life and fate would have it. Besides, the 1-5 POINT, *possible* NOT GUARANTEED, difference in IQ breastmilk MAY provide, is negligible. Link : http://www.drgreene.com/21_797.html

It's called PARENTING, genetics, and being involved with your child. That's what makes smart kids. NOT what flippin' milk they drank as a baby. Wow, a lot of American geniuses were turned out during the 50's and 60's, when breasteeding was not the "norm". Carnation formula (homemade type) was. Wow. How did they ever survive with the lack of a possible five measly extra IQ points they *may* have gotten from breastmilk? The world may never know, but here is a link: http://www.wilderdom.com/intelligence/IQUnderstandingInterpreting.html so that you may more fully comprehend how nil 5-7 extra points on a standardized IQ test REALLY mean.

Common sense once again prevails (thank God, someone who really does their research based on FACTS) here, http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/hottopics/intelligence/clever.shtml

Most 6 month old infants are passing this simple IQ test for infants anyway, formula fed babies too!! Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/3962301.stm I just guess the breastfeds pick the toys up 1.3 nanoseconds faster than the formula fed group .

Ok, I'm once again dismounting my infernal soapbox.

Be Blessed, and have a wonderful day.