What are some of the most common reasons why some mothers do not breast feed?

Question

Curiosity came-a-knockin'...

Answer 1

I believe the #1 reason women don't breastfeed is lack of education and resources.

Only 2% of women cannot breastfeed, yet 30% start formula feeding at birth, and 65% are ff'ing by 6 months.

I think by normalizing breastfeeding, in the media, in the home, in public, more and more women would be comfortable with the idea. I think by making formula companies own up to the dangers of their product, and having formula available by prescription only would open mother's eyes to what is truly best for their child. I think by having an extended maternity leave would help the nursing relationship, and mothers wouldn't feel pushed to start weaning so early.

I think our culture in general is anti-breastfeeding. And many of us are raised in an area where it's seen as "gross" and "unnatural." It's a shame that so many parents don't know about or understand the benefits.

Answer 2

well with my first child i breast fed for 2 weeks and then he all of a sudden wouldnt take me so we gave him a bottle and he ate just fine...with my second she would eat constanly and my first born was only 19 months so i couldnt spend so much time feeding her because i had to care for my son also...with my third child i went in for a scheduled c-section and when he was born my milk supply was not there and he wasnt getting anything so i started giving him a bottle so he would get his nutrients...there can be many different reasons why a mother would choose bottle over breast and no matter what reason as long as the baby is getting a good iron fortified formula and growing good there is nothing wrong with eather one!

Answer 3

It can be painful, it takes a while to get established at it where both you and the baby are proficient. It ruins your breasts, it is not always convenient to pump or nurse when you are working. Formula is there, eyeing you. Covenient, carefree......

I breastfed all 3 of my kids for a full year each. I loved it but it was not always easy and I did have my times that I wanted to quit. In the end, I personally felt that the benefits outweighed any minor problems I had. My boobs may droop a little, but my babies were and still are so healthy!!

Answer 4

Now, im sort of veering off of your question a little, but I was the ultimate breast feeding natzi. I went to every length to breast feed and I couldn't supply for her, so I pumped and tried to supplement with formula and being so frustrated because she ended up not getting enough my doctor told me to give up... (I swear, he said, only breast or NOTHING, it wont work and you'll give up...) bad timing for a young girl who's world was crashing... so I stopped... I wont stop with my new baby... but i believe women are lazy (believe it or not, it was harder breast feeding at first then making a bottle), don't believe in the natural ways, think the breast is "weird" because they weren't raised knowing a breast is here for babies, they think it is a sexual thing only... those might be some :)

Answer 5

Some woman are not comfortable breastfeeding
Some woman are on certain medications that are secreted in breastmilk and may be harmful

Some woman don't want the hassle of breastfeeding and going back to work

Some woman want to share feeding responsibilties with their husbands/boyfriends

Some woman don't produce enough milk

Some woman get mastisis and it's too painful.. Clogged milk ducts..

Some woman/babies don't nurse properly so the mother quits early...

some women get public assistance and get free formula..

Answer 6

I would have loved to bf, however my poor daughter just couldn't latch on. She was spoiled in the NICU with bottles, by the time I was allowed to see her she wanted nothing to do with my breasts

Answer 7

Mom might be taking a medication that would be in the breast milk thats not good for the baby.

Answer 8

~It can be painful at first
~It takes a while to establish a milk supply
~You can not split feedings with anyone unless you pump, which can be a hassle.
~Pressure to quit nursing from complete strangers
~Formula is more convenient (for some)
~Leaking??? Need I say more

Answer 9

I know personally I just didnt want to, it doesnt mean I love my child less and it doesnt mean we havent formed a great strong bond I just didnt want to. I have formula fed him from day one and we are very close now. It really is a personal choice which is sometimes a touchy subject...

Answer 10

Personally I can't breastfeed because medicine I take would be in the milk.