formula vs breastmilk?

Question

i am noticing that here on yahoo answers...when a question is asked about formula or formula fed babies, the people who answer with a "breastmilk is better" answer always get thumbs down on their answer. why?

Answer 1

i dont know - i mean breastmilk IS better, its natural and nutritious, and reduces cholic, but some women cannot breastfeed, or have hep C, something like that and they HAVE to use formula.

Answer 2

This is not new. Statistically, formula is not as good as breastmilk. It’s just not, it even says so on the can. Anecdotally, there are, of course, people who are healthy that were fed formula. The question is, do you want to feel your child what’s best, or what’s adequate? Formula isn’t poison, it’s manufactured to the best of the corporation’s abilities, but it can’t ever come close to breast milk. I’m glad that there is formula. Moms that can’t nurse, who adopt children, etc, need a safe way to feed their babies. I hate the underhanded tactics of the formula companies. They are out to make a buck on the health of mom and child. Statistically, in every study of record, breast fed children are healthier, smarter, etc. Your child may not fit those statistics, but over all the science holds water. It just makes logical sense: milk is species specific, of course humans make the best milk for human children. If you can find a link to the story, maybe from the website of your local news channel, that would be great. To the lady who said that if you don't have a good diet you shouldn't nurse: actually, pretty much no matter what a woman eats her breast milk is perfect. Her body will sacrifice itself to make the milk. It's always good to eat healthy, but even if you don't, breast milk is still better.

Answer 3

The reason they get a thumbs down is because if the question doesn't address breastmilk, then there shouldn't be answers about breastmilk. I exclusively breastfeed, but I know that everyone does not. When a question is asked about formula, it should be answered concerning formula. If the baby's not drinking breastmilk, then there's no reason to address it.

Answer 4

I think it depends on the question. I feel that some people are only open to their opinions. I'll probably get a bunch of thumbs down for this. When someone asks a question about formula feeding because they are having a problem if someone answers "breast milk is best". they aren't answering the question.

I feel that breastmilk is best..its free, always available, quicker than preparing formula, etc.... but sometimes it just doesn't work out.

It is everyones decision.

I would vote a thumbs down on some of them and I did breastfeed. (as long as I could) my dr. told me to stop and switch to formula.

Answer 5

I think because there is the tendency of breastfeeding mothers (not all mind you) to condemn those who bottlefeed.

Breastmilk contains vital antibodies to help protect your child from illness. In addition breastmilk is specially formulated for your child thus breastfed children often experience fewer bouts with colic and ear infections. There is some evidence (though I don't know how accurate it is) that breastfed babies are at a lowered risk for SIDS.

With that being said many moms are unable to breastfeed or choose not to. They should not be condemned for the decision they make. I personally am a working mom who pumps. My son never did latch on properly. In addition, I am unable to produce enough milk for my son so I supplement his bottles with formula. While I wish I could provide him a diet entirely of breastmilk I do not feel guilty or "lazy" because I am unable to do so. I pump every two hours and he is getting approximately 20 to 24oz of breastmilk a day. I am fine with that. There are millions of babies worldwide who were/are raised strictly on formula and they are perfectly healthy.

Answer 6

Any answer which doesn't even make an attempt to answer the question deserves a thumbs down.

I am a lactivist and even I offer valid answers on the difference between formulas. Then I may add breast is best or that I do not advocate formula feeding as a good method to feed babies.

Same as questions about birth control when people say "abortion is wrong"

If you don't answer the question, as asked, you deserve a thumbs down.

Answer 7

ha, i don't pay attention to ratings. it's almost expected on forums when someone asks about formula, you'll get the requisite "Breast is best". Yes, that is true, but obviously the poster chose not to breastfeed, so ANSWER THE QUESTION. If you don't formula feed, it is unnecessary to make any comment that is not helpful. For the posters saying that women are taking "the easy way out" by formula feeding, please remove thy cattiness. You don't know WHY a woman chooses to formula feed and it isn't any of your business, just like you don't like it when people take you to task for WHY you choose to breastfeed for however long you choose.

BTW, I am a breastfeeder to a 7 month old, before some of you judge.

Answer 8

That's an issue abotu society in general, not just ehre on Yahoo Answers. Those who think one way are condemning (in general, but that statrement does not include everyone). So that those who think the other way become defensive. Either side then refuses to hear anythign other than what they want to hear.

Breastfeeding is not the best option for every mother. But it IS the best option for EVERY baby.

Now there are some who will read that and see the second part and take offense without taking into account that I've said the first part.

Answer 9

I think that people just get irritated when someone thinks that they are doing something wrong. Like if you got a great new dress and it was blue and all of your friends said purple is better you would get a little annoyed. Most people recognize that breastfeeding is best, but that does not mean that it is feasible for everyone. Some people feel like those who breastfeed look down on those who bottlefeed, but that is not the case. I know fast food is bad, but I dont look down on those who eat it. Whatever a mom chooses is her choice and people need to just quit being rude to the other moms on here.

Answer 10

I think because breastfeeding moms or people that say it is best look down on people that use formula and always go on about how great it is and how formula is so terrible and make formula baby moms feel bad, and if you see on here their are clear examples of breasfeeding moms pushing their info in a rude way instead of being kind about it. They judge you right away and have done on here so far


UPDATE 1 (Read this doubters)

I formula fed my child. I tried breastfeeding and it didnt work out. She is great. SHe hasn't been sick once and she is 13 1/2 months old. Only the sniffles once. She has never had an ear infection. SHE KNOWS OVER 15 words, Can point out correct items from flash cards, could put her neck up the day she was born and problem solves better than most in her age bracket. SHE has been told by her doctor that she is very intelligent but oh formula is supposed to stunt that right? Breastmilk makes children smarter and healthier right? Well that argument just got proven wrong. Formula is not as bad as it is made out too be, but should be the choice of the mother.I get thumbs down for that. Why? I don't think I should be looked down for that and I do not look down or judge breastfeeding moms

UPDATE:

SEE WHAT I MEAN?? I GET THUMBS DOWN FROM COWS ON HERE WHO DON'T EVEN KNOW MY STORY AND ARE ALL HIGH AND MIGHTY. SO TYPICAL. If they did it is a respectful way that would be one thing but as usual in the same standard answer and a thumbs down for me. Thats when I will judge you. When you don't even give a chance you just thumbs down right away. So you don't respect me you won't get it in return.


And thank you to TWENTY CAR. You answered respectfully and I appreciate it. I gave you a thumbs up

Answer 11

I guess some people don't think breastfeeding is the greatest thing in the world. Personally, I didn't breastfeed my daughter nor will I breast feed my son who is due in a week. I don't have the discipline of keeping good eating habits and such, but I do applaud mom's who do have the time and discipline to breastfeed.