We all know that it is better then formula... so why do formula feeding mothers give thumbs down to breastfeeding mom's for saying this (when they haven't made any rude comments about being better mom's or anything)? Is it because they honestly believe that formula is just as good as breastmilk? Or is it because they're defensive?
2007-09-03 08:55:25 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Guilt and defensiveness.
The moms I know who tried and couldn't aren't guilty or defensive about it. They know they did their best and are comfortable with it. It's the ones who make excuses that even they don't really believe who belittle and argue about breastfeeding.
2007-09-03 09:04:41 · answer #1 · answered by GranolaMom 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I think that it is guilt that people think they are not giving their baby the best. Actually they aren't, but that doesn't mean that they are bad moms. It is a scientific fact that breast milk is better, but that doesn't mean you can't raise a healthy baby on formula. One more thing, moms that feed formula are looked down on for not breastfeeding, moms that breastfeed are looked down on for breastfeeding any place where people are. If a breastfeeding mom chooses to feed in a public place, even with the baby covered she gets stared at and looked down upon. So neither mom has it easy, there is always some conflict no matter which way you feed your baby. Lets just all get along and raise our babies according to our individual convictions.
2007-09-03 09:18:26 · answer #2 · answered by howdesdoit 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar situation with my first son (now 2 years old). I was a SAHM for the first 8 months of his life, then after that I worked night shifts, so I was still there for him during the day (tired as could be, but still there.) He was breastfed from day one. He wouldn't take a bottle. I tried every kind you could imagine. I pumped and put breastmilk in the bottle. I tried formula. Nope, he wanted it straight from the source. I was his world. Which was fine. He is a momma's boy but doesn't need mommy as much now as he did. When I learned I was pregnant with baby 2, I was concerned about giving this baby the same head start in life as far as breastfeeding goes. I know I probably wont make it to that year mark with my 2nd son (2.5 weeks) but he has the same start in life as my first. Breast is best, even if it is for a short time. My youngest prefers to drink from my breast, but he will take a bottle if Daddy offers it to him. He hasn't had any nipple confusion. I have started to pump extra milk to freeze in preparation for when I return to work. (Employers must allow for time for women to pump) Don't worry too much about it. Try to breastfeed if you feel that is the right thing to do. Introduce the bottle a week or so after you have established proper latching in hopes that baby will take to it. I keep a can of unopened formula just in case he needs it. If things don't work out don't feel bad that you have to give baby formula. Good luck!
2016-05-20 04:35:52 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They just plain don't want to hear breast feeding milk is better for their babies. Sure it has something to do with a little guilt for one.
As the old "Wise Tail" go if you breast feed your baby your
breast's will sag, which is totally false. That's the one thing that always comes up sooner or later. It's like, what's with the perky breasts. Soon or later "Mother Nature" along with age with take care of that. Off to the plastic surgon to re-install new breasts. You either except yourself as you are or you don't. Me. I'd rather except myself as is. Don't need to change myself or ideas just to please other people.
I loved breast feeding! No bottle's to even think about. Who needs the added work? Not me at 2:00 AM feedimg time.
When all is said and done who can possibly argue about an healthier start for your baby. Yes, it takes some getting use to. Not a good enough reason for me in comparison to starting you baby off with their health in mind. We protect them more regarding their immune system.
It also comes down to self and appearance, not that even changes. Then there are husbands/boyfriends, but won't get into that.
If you are or have breast fed your baby(s) keep doning what you think is right. Dont't even give other people's oppinions a second thought.
We all have choices, and to hear someone say your choice is the "wrong" choice then there is no discussion. What's there to discuss?
2007-09-03 11:29:47 · answer #4 · answered by Eagles Fly 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly? I think they're responding to their own guilt (at least that's my OWN experience). They know that breastmilk is better..for God's sake, it's pounded into our heads the moment we get a positive test. Personally, I stopped breastfeeding when my daughter was 3 months, and I have to be honest, I've lashed out at breastfeeders before because of my own guilty feelings. It wasn't fair for me to do that, but that ol' motherly guilt is a powerful thing. It seems that bfeeders vs. nonbfeeders is going to be an age old battle that will never go away. We all just need to remember that we are all mothers who are doing the best we can, but still make mistakes. We shouldn't beat up on ourselves or anyone else for the choices we make.
2007-09-03 09:04:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Not all of them are. Nursing didn't work out for me and my daughter but I never denied the fact that breastmilk is better for the baby. It's scientific fact. I do get offended when someone implies that a formula-feeding mother is not as good of a parent as a BF mom.
I am sure some FF moms have heard it all and they do get defensive because they feel judged.
2007-09-03 09:00:51 · answer #6 · answered by RyleighsMama 2 · 7⤊ 0⤋
In my case my body did not produce enough breastmilk and we had to switch completely to formula after two weeks. It always felt like a personal attack and that I was not doing the best I could do for my baby because I wasn't breastfeeding.
2007-09-03 09:01:19 · answer #7 · answered by Doodles 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some people (not all of them) just can not accept the fact that they are giving their baby a substandard SUBSTITUTE and refuse to admit that breastmilk is indeed best, though NOONE-not even the formula companies-refute that breastmilk is best.
Some people (again, not all of them) choose to ignore the facts because if they admit that breastmilk is best, but that they chose to give the substandard SUBSTITUTE in lieu of what is best for baby then they are pointing out their failure in providing the best for their baby.
Now, there are some women who truly CAN NOT breastfeed for medical purposes (VERY LOW percentage of those that DO NOT actually CAN NOT) and of course for them and their children, formula is best because the baby must eat something. These women-atleast the educated ones-know that breastmilk would be best for their baby if it were not for whatever condition causes them to be unable to breastfeed or makes it dangerous for the baby to be breastfed. I think sometimes they get defensive, because they are being lumped together with the lazy and/or selfish women who just do not want to breastfeed and I can understand their defensiveness at the situation.
As for the rest of the women that CHOOSE not to breastfeed, I do not think that any of them honestly believe formula is just as good as breastmilk-if they do, they are in serious denial.
2007-09-03 09:23:02 · answer #8 · answered by StayAtHomeMomOnTheGo 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Formula is not rat poison! I don't judge breastfeeding mom's but stop trying to shove it down our throats.Why is it us Formula feeding moms are "the devil"? Please! There are women out there who due to physical problems such as chemotherapy,other issues, honestly cannot breastfeed. Who are breastfeeders to put them down for using formula? I tried it and darn it, it hurt. I didn't want to get used to it, so with my new baby I knew I wasn't going to breastfeed.The last thing I want to do is whip my breasts out in NYC for these perverts. I don't have to do anything that makes me uncomfortable.That is my decision and it's no one's right to judge anyone elses ways of caring for their child. He's My child, My breasts and My decision. My baby has gain 3 pounds since he was born, so evidently he's gaining weight. and do i feel guilty, Uh , no.So lay off!
2007-09-07 08:20:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally knew a woman who had a baby. She never breastfed her daughter because she didn't want her "**** to sag".
She was VERY VERY VERY defensive about her decision. And even attacked me verbally when I was pregnant and said I planned on breastfeeding. As in "What, formula's not good enough for YOU?? Do you think you're better than me or something??" And I had NEVER suggested that. I merely said "I'm planning to breastfeed".
2007-09-03 11:56:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think bottlefeeding moms get defensive because everywhere you go now, everybody is pushing big for breastfeeding. We all know that it is best, but when a mom chooses not to breastfeed for whatever reason, she is questioned about it, and hears comments about how she isn't doing the best for her baby etc. Choosing not to breastfeed is just that, a choice, and we need to support all moms no matter what feeding choice they make. Formula feeding is very nutritional as well, while it doen't have the added benefits of nursing, it contains everything needed for babies to grow strong and healthy.
2007-09-03 09:07:12 · answer #11 · answered by Kristine M 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋