Why are some people so against breastfeeding?

Question

I will give birth in May and have decided to at least try to breastfeed first. I'm not so gung ho that I'm against formula but I will try it for sure. Its annoying when some people who have never breastfed turn their nose up when I say I want to try it. They make it seem like a disgusting thing! Well one person in particular makes a point to say all 3 of her children were formula fed and they're fine. Im sure its her miseducation on the subject that makes her shun it but I have no time to be a teacher I'm gonna be a mom. I told her I want to try she still keeps discouraging it must I end a friendship over a breastfeeding debate?!

hey colleen if u can read it says clearly one person in particular not everyone in the world including u. so y do people not read questions but instead get touchy when its a topic they're sensitive on!

Answer 1

Don't do it in public. I think that is why so many people are against it.

Answer 2

I found this too i really wanted to breastfeed and had several books and leaflets but no one i knew could share their experience with me when i had my son (which i would like to add was the most happiest day off my life so far) i put him straight to the breast and he sucked three times and slept for 8 hours! it did get me down the first few days as i couldn't see how much he was having but i bought a breast pump and that was brilliant but i use the breast more now as i am lazy and cant be bothered with the hassle of sterilising which is another among many advantages of breastfeeding,At first every time i fed him i could feel my uterus contracting which was very pain full and my engorged boobs where too,but i had just pushed a baby through my crotch so what was a little more agony???!!!(not really selling this am i?!) BUT the power of the breast(bitty i call it) is amazing it makes everything OK it like heaven for my son and 6 months on i am still doing it and don't want to stop!! we have a very close bond but not to the point he is clingy plus the nutrients,antibodies and much more that are passed on is unmatched by formula(but you could do a formula feed now and again if your nipples don't feel up to it i have done this many times) Good luck xxxx

Answer 3

I understand how you feel but here in Cali its the opposite. Women who want to formula feed are thrown to the wolves. While I agree that breastfeeding is the best, I also think that its a mothers choice and she shouldnt be shunned for either one. You are making the right decision for you and your baby as your friend made the right decision for her and her children. I wish all women would at least try breatsfeeding. Some have this idea that it would be uncomfortable and weird to have their baby sucking on their breasts but its not like that at all. With my first I breatsfed for 3 months, my second only about a week then I had to pump because no matter what I did he didnt want my boob :(

You dont need to end a friendship.. just say this: I respect your decision to formula feed and I would like you to respect my decision to breastfeed. Leave it at that. Dont let the subject go back to that and if it continues to be a problem then maybe you need to distance yourself until she stops nagging you.

Good Luck and Congrats

Answer 4

Breastfeeding or not breastfeeding is entirely a personal choice. I don't know why anyone would be so childishly adamant about you having the same opinion as they do. My son was fed formula, and he did fine. He's now 25, and a big handsome strapping young man. But I would never try to tell someone else what to do in that regard. You do what YOU want to do. I see no reason to even discuss it further with her. Or anybody else for that matter. But if she keeps at you, just tell her it's your decision and you will make the right one for you.

Answer 5

It's definitely a culture thing. I grew up in America and I only knew one mother who breastfed her children in our neighborhood.
I moved to Europe when I was an adult. I had my children here and it is the complete opposite. People look down at you if you formula feed. They are very pro-breastfeeding.
I breastfed both my daughters for their first year.
But, it is also the same with circumcision. In America a lot of people think uncircumcized men are gross. Here it is just normal.
Different cultures have different ways of thinking. No one is right or wrong. You are the mother of your child. You should decide what YOU want for YOUR child.
Simple as that.
As far as your friendship goes, tell your friend you would rather not discuss breastfeeding or bottlefeeding with her. If she keeps bringing it up, then you might have to distance yourself from her.
Good luck!

Answer 6

Hi a LOT of people want to make breastfeeding a political venture so its not really about letting women chose anymore for their own baby or for their own health.

I think the women you have come across are some of thsoe women & its possible that they don't even realize that they are being like that.

In this day & age there are so many breast-feeding friendly places now that I would go out of your way to search the net & find them. Maybe just tell this person to mind her own business or you are sorry she feels this way.

Overall, the science agrees with breastfeeding. It is nothing worth to really get up & arms or that is just me being more laid back really.

I believe its just a woman's choice literally.

Answer 7

She should just accept your desicion - it doesnt affect HER in any way does it?

Just ignore her remarks and change the subject if you want to remain friends with her.

Breastfeeding was painful at first for me, but it is wonderful when you get into it.

Give it a go, thats all you can do! If you dont suit it, get some advice on going over to formula. Good luck!

Answer 8

My aunt is the same way. I breastfeed my daughter, and she thinks it's stupid (and she's a nurse). I think it goes back to the 70's and women's lib when everyone decided to start giving their babies formula so they could have more freedom. Of course now we all know that breastmilk is best, but there are those who just don't see the point in giving up the conviniency of formula feeding.

Answer 9

The breast or bottle debate can be a difficult and emotional discussion.

When you're pregnant it seems that everyone wants to give you advice. The bottom line on this one is that both the breast and bottle have pros and cons. Your choice to try to breastfeed is just that, YOUR CHOICE. No one can make it for you. It is a very personal preference. Just explain to your friend that it is your choice. Tell her you appreciate her advice, but are going to try to breastfeed.

Answer 10

Ignorance. There is a REASON women were created with mamary glands and the ability to produce milk. Our breasts, contrary to popular belief, are more than just decorations. My kids ended up being formula fed, but I at least TRIED breast feeding. I have a LOT of admiration for women who have the patience to do it EXCLUSIVELY. Really. It is NO ONE elses business if you choose formula or breast milk.
I wish you all the best, and congrats on your baby!

Answer 11

well, I'm going to have a baby in August, and I plan on breastfeeding as well, I find nothing wrong with it, the baby actually gets more nutrients that way...I guess people turn up their noses at that fact of breastfeeding because they truly don't understand....don't end a friendship over this...just tell her that it's your child and you'll feed it how you please....and if he/she don't like it then so be it...it's your child, you make the decisions, not the rest of the world...simple and to the point...