Have you ever noticed?

Question

Have you ever noticed that mothers that breast feed seem to think that mothers that chose not to are the worst parents in the world. And mothers that go by the books and magazines and what is seen on their little TV shows always feel the mother that follows her instincts or "old school ways" are wrong. I must say.. I DID NOT BREAST FEED AND I AM DAMN GLAD I DIDNT MY SON IS HEALTHY DEVELOPING BEYOND HIS GESTIONAL AGE AND HAPPY I also feed him table foods just as our grandparents and parents did and we all survived!

My son was started on baby cereal as recommended by his Dr during his 2 month check up. He was on 2nd foods by the start of his 4th month and is now just turned 8 months {born a month early} is eating Graduate meals! I don't know why parents bash others for their beliefs we all go through the same things. If you dont agree with a way a parent is raising their child keep your mouth shut unless the child is in danger or being abused

Let me rephrase that breastfeeding comment so not to offend you ladies. Ive noticed it generally on here that the breast feeders seem to attack us non breast feeders. It has never appealed to me and I applaud those of you that are comfortable enough to whip a tit out when your child is hungry but some of us arent into it and shouldnt be judged for it.

when I said old school ways I did not mean alcohol in a bottle to help them sleep hell that wasnt even on my mind I was simply talking about doing what your insticts and parents did not what the "experts" claim is best

I dont need to defend my own answers or the way I bring up my 2 children. I was just wondering if other people out there have noticed the same thing I have.

To Ms.shauncy I too have a child now 13 that was born as a micro premature infant she was 1.7 at birth and 23.5 weeks gestation. had I followed and believed what dr's suggested after they sent her home with me Im sure she wouldnt have made it this far. She is now 13 and 80 pounds of attitude! My son was born a month early and is developing well beyond his birth age giving his sister a run for her money so to speak.

Answer 1

I am a breastfeeding mother, and I am proud of it. I never judge anyone about how they raise their kids. I raise my 2 boys according to how I feel what is best for them. I also had a son that was early. Three months early to be exact. He was 1 1/2 pounds at birth. He was a breastfed baby. I put him on table foods when I thought his tummy could handle them. I don't use the most expensive brands of diapers. In fact, huggies(the most expensive brand) makes my son skin break out in a rash. I don't go by the book. I wasn't going by the book when I decided to breastfeed. I was going by my maternal instincts. These mothers need to realize that the experts may know what is best for their own child, but they can't say what is best for everyone else's child. I know my own kids better than any expert think they know my kids. Obviously I know what I am doing because my preemie has no birth defects, down syndromes, or anything else from prematurity. His tummy adjusted very well to table foods. My son is now 2 years old. He is 32 pounds and at the gestation age of a child his age. He is not behind at all. Both of my kids are very healthy. If I had listened to the experts, my oldest son would be dead like they predicted him to be. If you feel you are doing what's best for your kids and the kids are benefitting from it, then I congratulate you on a job well done!

Answer 2

I bottlefeed and I understand your point, because I have witnessed some of this judgement as well. I don't breastfeed, because I can't breastfeed...I wish I could but I can't.

However, with that said, when I was pregnant I read a baby magazine one day that the month before had a mother's breast (no nipple shown) and a feeding baby on the cover. They had so many people write in commenting on what a pornographic picture it was and so forth. It was sickening to see how some of our society can view breastfeeding mothers.

It's like you can't win for losing and vice versa. You bottlefeed, and your judged by some for that. You breastfeed, and some people expect you to stay behind closed doors until your baby is weaned.

Another reason why you have to trust your own instinct, and look the other way when ignorant people try to judge you for simply doing your best.

Answer 3

I did not breastfeed my first, but I did my second child. I do not regret either choice, but am glad that I breastfeed my second and will do the same thing with my 3rd child that is due in May. Every mother has a choice by which way to feed their baby, so just respect it.

The mothers that get on my nerves are the ones that always down another mother because of the choices she makes in raising her child. We all want to raise our children is a safe and healthy environment, but some mothers out there don't know when to keep their mouths shut and keep their opinions to themselves.

Answer 4

Yes I have noticed this,my son was not able to breast feed due to medical reasons,but I did choose to pump my milk for 4 and a half months but I do not think that will make him any smarter,my brother is 36 years old and he was only ever given formula and he is an Actuary so that is some pretty good proof to me that even 36 years ago they had some pretty darn good formula!!To each there own,if someone I knew judged me because I choose not to breast feed,I would choose to find a new friend,and if it was someone I did not know,well,it I would not allow it to affect my life,they can deal with it!LOL!Great question btw,good on you!!

Answer 5

have you ever noticed that all moms who only used formula with thier children think that all breastfeeding moms are big arrogant know it alls? yeah-- just like what i said is complete b.s. what you are saying is too! dont make such a HUGE stereotypical statement.
first of all not all women who breastfeed think that moms who formula feed are damning thier children. i breastfed my daughter until she was five moths old and loved it... now she is a formula baby and perfectly healthy according to the doctors. and guess what... ITS OKAY!
its okay for a baby to have been an exclusive formula fed baby... there is nothing wrong with that.

some women preach because they want to feel superior to others out of there own insecurities or need to feel more powerful. others because they may just be a little over zealus.

and your comment on the tablefood... i know where you are coming from... but again its up to the mom to do what she thinks is best for the baby... whether it be according to tradition or doc's studies.


bottom line... motherhood is NOT a compitition! some of us do it some ways and others do it other ways. as long as children arent being hurt because of our ignorance or lack of care... why does it matter to anyone why or how another mother feeds her child?

Answer 6

Not all breastfeeding moms feel that way, but I can understand what you feel. I chose to breastfeed both of my kids, but I never looked down on anyone that I knew that chose to formula-feed. It's a personal decision, and no one should really judge others for what they think or know is right. Just be proud you are able to take good care of your kids; there are the few parents that don't even care enough to feed feed thier kids at all, much less formula.

Answer 7

I totally agree with you. I too did not breastfeed and I too am glad that I didnt for the same reason my daughter is 5 months old and is 20lbs 28in and about 3 months ahead development wise but if I would have breast fed she would have been attached 24/7. I also started feeding my daughter cereal at 2 months and stage 1 foods at 4 months and when she turned 5 months we have just started stage 2.

Answer 8

I breastfeed my son and i plan to do the smae with my next child. But i think there is nothing wrong with mothers bottle feeding their children. I think if something works for you than go for it. I have friends who didn't breast feed their children and i don't think any less of their parenting skills. Maybe you have just been meeting the wrong people.

Answer 9

I think how you raise your baby is your own choice and no one can tell you how to do it you just know how and what to do I do want to try to breast feed but If I cant of something like that dont chew me out and my mother in law can stay out of this one!
Im raiseing my baby my way and table foods I think thats great no since in keeping it away from them!

Answer 10

Because raising our children is the most important thing we will ever do: most women are strong in their beliefs and their ways. I always wonder though why as mothers we dont stick together and support each other.. why we have to attack other moms for doing things differently. Sometimes I find myself doing the same thing but I have to stop and remind myself.. there isnt one way to raise a child and we all have the same goal in mind.