My opinion: Most people know it's best, but some have no choice but to bottle feed. I have two kids (6 and 6 months). With my oldest, breast-feeding was no problem and he NEVER had formula. My daughter is both breast and formula fed. My supply is low because she had a hard time latching on properly at birth. Her little mouth was too small for the nipple and caused severe pain and scabbing of the nipples. So I had to supplement her while I healed. Because I did it that way, my full supply did not come in. I had enough to feed her but not to completley satisfy. It did make me feel like a failure because people kept saying breast is best. I know that and use both methods. I don't think people need to have it throwen into their face, sometimes it can't be helped. What's your opinion? This was a question in a parenting magazine.
2007-01-11 15:32:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
FYI: I'm not asking for myself. I thought this was an interesting question that was in a magazine, to use as a discussion topic.
2007-01-11 15:46:45 · update #1
I agree with you on it feeling like it is always thrown in your face. I too have to bottle feed, and it seems like everytime I turn around someone says "well you know, breast is best." I know that it is for the best but sometimes it just cant be helped. I feel for ya hun!
2007-01-11 15:59:17 · answer #1 · answered by theprincessdanie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's very good that the formula companies are doing that. Its a fact so there's nothing wrong with it. I'm sure they are just trying to inform everyone for their baby's best interest. I don't think however you should feel guilty at all. You are doing the absolute best for your child. Sometimes things don't work out the way we plan. We learn as we go and we think that the next baby will be even easier or more cooperative than the next. That's not true. I did breast feed all of my sons but they were all so different. I did also formula feed. I formula fed my babies at times just because sometimes it seemed like breastmilk wasn't satisfying them completely. They needed something to fill them up more. I think the saying "Breast is Best" is really out there alot now. You're doing a good job with what you are doing and you're trying and that's all the matters. I don't think your baby is going to be unhealthier than those that are completely breast fed. My neighbor across the street is nursing her son still and he's 3! I couldn't even get my son to go until 1! Sometimes I feel bad that I didn't breast feed my son as long as I had hoped. Everyone has their own choice. I love nursing not only because of it's benefits but because of the bonding too. It's great! You're not a failure! You're doing great!
2007-01-11 15:58:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I have to applaud the formula companies that put it on the label, because Breast feeding is best. However, you should not feel guilty about feeding both. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Its just that a lot of the younger women don't want to breast feed because they think it will give them breasts that hang to their knees. 30 years ago, half of the mothers got their breast tied up in the hospital to keep the milk from coming in and I think now the formula people want to remind us that breast feeding is better.
Don't take it personally. You're doing fine!
2007-01-11 15:40:54 · answer #3 · answered by Mightymo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the label is intended to be thrown in anyone's face or to make anyone feel guilty. More likely it's probably an attempt to appease groups like the La Leche League. The labeling doesn't seem to have affected sales of formula though, because companies can still afford to mail free formula samples and coupons to the homes of newborns.
You have no reason to feel like a failure. Good mothers weigh all options and make the best choices for their children.
I'm a nursing mother, but I recognize that nursing isn't an option for every mother. I don't criticize anyone who opts to feed their little ones formula.
2007-01-11 15:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by Andrea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you for asking the question I have been dying to ask my self. i too was unable to breastfeed. With my first son I developed severe post partum depression and I believe having it thrown in my face all the time was partially to blame for this. I get so sick and tired of having it thrown in my face all time in baby magazines and websites that i have almost quit reading them. They act like we should all be burned at the stake for not breastfeeding. I think this is so wrong. My second son didn't breastfeed either , and I realized am not a failure. S*** happens and I just need to be greatful that I have 2 healthy happy children to thank God for. I refused to let it get me down anymore, They can get on their high horses all they want, but they won't get to me anymore.
2007-01-11 16:13:50 · answer #5 · answered by Lucky 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are always exceptions. The reality of the situation, though, is that the majority of those who bottle feed do so for their convenience, and a little guilt trip is warranted.
2007-01-11 15:44:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can not stand it. I am on the wic program and i swear every time i go in there they tell me about breast feeding or give me a pamfelt on it. What is the deal. I know its whats best but i just cant do it.
2007-01-11 15:41:45 · answer #7 · answered by coliepollie22 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Actually, they are required to as a compromise with illegal practices in Africa and South America in pressuring new moms to use formula. google 'nestle boycott'
2007-01-11 15:53:47 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are just telling the truth.
2007-01-11 15:39:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋