what are your views on breastfeeding, and why?
2006-10-20 13:16:58 · 23 answers · asked by Traditional Gal 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Breastfeeding is a very important choice that new mothers can make. It makes for healthier moms AND healthier babies.
Breastfeeding should be considered the norm and formula feeding the compromise. Breastmilk is a baby's birthright. There is a reason that a mother's body automatically makes milk. It is the perfect food for babies and will never be duplicated by man.
Breastfeeding in public should be something that people wouldn't even bat an eye at. It should be normal and we should see it every day. Babies have to eat. Moms and babies can't stay home all the time. You can't see anything if the baby is latched on anyway.
All mothers should at least TRY to breastfeed for at least the first few weeks. There are far too many benefits to ignore and, IMO, *CHOOSING* not to even try is pretty selfish. I understand that there are VERY RARELY reasons why a mom truely can't breastfeed, but everyone else really should make a commitment to at least TRY. When else in your life will you be able to give your child the gold standard for FREE?!
I'd love to see all mothers nurse for the first year, as recommended by the AAP. I'd love to see more mothers nursing until the child self-weans.
Breastmilk banks should be more common. Banked breastmilk should be available to ALL premies or sick babies and hopefully, eventually to any parents who want to pay for it.
2006-10-20 13:22:50 · answer #1 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 13⤊ 1⤋
I think breastfeeding is best... I breastfed my son for a month. We had some terrible problems and it was miserable for me! I was a first time mom. I knew everything there was to know about breastfeeding but it didn't help me one bit when it came to me and my son! Looking back on it now, I know where I went wrong.. I gave him a few bottles because I just freaked out.. I thought he was starving but now I know he was not. Giving him the bottles lowered my milk supply and that's why he never got the hang of brestfeeding. Once my supply was low I tried and tried to bring it back up but the damage was done. I was heartbroken.. I cried for days.. (FYI.. we had other issues too but that was the main one) I thought that giving my son formula was like giving him poison.. I mean that's what some people make it out to be. I really went through sort of a depression. I say all of that to say this, breastfeeding is best.. and all new mothers should try.. but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't work... and don't let someone make you think you're horrible for not doing it. My son is a healthy boy! And with my next child.. we will try again!
2006-10-20 16:07:33 · answer #2 · answered by cj2004 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think breastfeeding is a great way to start your child off with the best start. I'd love to breastfeed when I give birth (providing that I can). My only problem with breastfeeding is that some people find it offensive, when it shouldn't be, it's the most natural thing a mother can do for her child. If you were considering breastfeeding, then well done to you, and don't let anyone put you off, and good luck! x
2006-10-20 13:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by Amy D 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I feel that women should at least try to breastfeed. I think they owe their children the best chance at developing immunities and reducing risks for developing allergies and other problems. Breastfeeding has endless benefits to the baby, plus it burns about 800 calories a day so it helps the mom lose the baby weight too. However, conventional breastfeeding is not always possible for whatever reason. My daughter never latched on properly, and never got enough milk. I kept getting infections and it just was not working out, so I decided to pump exclusively, which worked out great because I was able to provide her with the nutrients, monitor her intake, and still burn the calories. It's really hard work, but so worth it. I know formula has come a long way, but breast really is best in my opinion. However, I do not feel that anyone has the right to judge a mother for not breastfeeding.
2006-10-20 13:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by gspmommy 3 · 9⤊ 0⤋
Every baby deserves human milk. Mothers who aren't medically able to breastfeed should have inexpensive access to banked breastmilk. Breastfeeding should not be hidden in a closet-- rather it needs to be done out in the open in order to normalize it. There needs to be more of an active effort to educate mothers about breastfeeding. There needs to be more medical support with regards to breastfeeding. Too many breastfeeding relationships are ruined by bad advice or lack of support. The WHO code needs to be implemented in the US so that formula companies will stop ruining breastfeeding relationships before they start.
2006-10-20 15:55:47 · answer #5 · answered by I ♥ EC 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding is great. The nutrients in breastmilk are far superior to those in formula. It's also really nice for night time feedings. You don't have to prepare or warm a bottle. It's already the right temperature.
That said, a breastfeeding relationship has to be beneficial to both mom and baby. There's nothing "wrong" with giving formula. It's great to try to breastfeed.
2006-10-20 13:46:13 · answer #6 · answered by CCTCC 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
When I was little I saw a woman just whoop out her breast and start breast feeding. I freaked out because I didn't know what she was doing. But now that I am a lot older,...it's natural. I don't see a problem, women have been doing it since the dawning of time, Why does now change anything. I would much rather see a woman breastfeeding her baby, than a baby being starved to death.
2006-10-20 13:27:40 · answer #7 · answered by Brittany W 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I think breastfeeding is good for both the baby and the mother. I enjoyed breastfeeding my sons after they were born because it made a special bond between 'us' and it made me feel good just knowing that there was something that only 'I' could give them to comfort and quiet them.
2006-10-20 13:26:22 · answer #8 · answered by Sue 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, breastfeeding is wonderful. It is so much more healthier for baby. The baby receives the mothers immunity, they are less likely to have allergies when they get older. It's a wonderful bonding experience for mommy and baby. And with pumping, daddy and others can still bond with baby while he/she is still getting all the nutrients of the breastmilk. It's also a very personal decision. I don't think any woman should be criticized for deciding not to breastfeed.
2006-10-20 13:24:55 · answer #9 · answered by Crystal 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Its great and so good for the baby. I cant even imagine giving my baby formula. I would honestly feel bad. I breastfed all 3 of my boys and Im planning on breastfeeding again when I have my 4th baby in March.
2006-10-20 13:46:17 · answer #10 · answered by Blondi 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋