Given all of the research into the countless benefits of breastmilk....

[CarlosHoney]

Will you?

• Breastfeeding protects your baby from gastrointestinal trouble, respiratory problems, and ear infections (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#0)
• Breastfeeding can protect your baby from developing allergies. (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#1)
• Breastfeeding may boost your child's intelligence (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#2)
• Breastfeeding may protect against obesity later in life (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#3)
• Breastfeeding may protect your baby from childhood leukemia (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#4)
• Breastfeeding may protect your baby from developing type 1 diabetes (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#5)
• Breastfeeding may protect preemies from infections and high blood pressure later in life (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#6)
• Breastfeeding may lower your baby's risk of SIDS (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#7)
• Breastfeeding helps you lose weight (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#8)
• Breastfeeding can lower your stress levels and reduce postpartum bleeding (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#9)
• Breastfeeding may reduce your risk of some types of cancer (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#10)
• Breastfeeding may protect against osteoporosis later in life (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#11)
• Related Links (http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html#related)


You're probably well aware that breast milk is best for your baby, but did you know that the benefits of breastfeeding extend well beyond basic nutrition? In addition to containing all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs in the first six months of life, breast milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;115/2/496) for the first six months. And scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding is good for your health, too.I'm breastfeeding, and I think it's the most wonderful gift that I can give Elias. The relationship that we have is so close, and I just feel so secure knowing that if anything happened (nataral disaster wise) that he would be fed. :bbmrgreen:

[LizabethDavis]

I think that I would like to try to breastfeed, but I don't know if a lot of different factors will allow me to or not.

[CarlosHoney]

As long as you get lots of education about it, and see a lactation consultant about any problems you might have, it's really not as hard as people make it out to be.

[rainbowtreat]

This is always a question that people are so adament (sp?) on. I worked with children for many years. I took many child development courses. The first thing comes down to the mom being comfortable with the idea of it. I was never comfortable with it. My kids were not breast fed. They are very healthy kids. My daughter was eating an 8 ounce bottle by the itme she was 6 weeks old. She was 20 lbs. by the time she was 4 months old. There would have been no way I could have kept her full. I would have been feeding her all day long. And I was a working mom.

As for some of the examples you posted, my kids are very smart. My son was talking full complete sentances before his 2 yr checkup and his doctor was amazed at how well he was talking with a sibling so close in age. My daughter aboslutly loves to learn and is a very smart little girl.

My kids very rarely had ear infections. Maybe with their first tooth coming in.

Alot of the others are for later in life. We will see. But over all my kids are as heathly as the next child. The have a very good immune system. They are sick about once a year if that. I think they got this from me. I am the same way.

I praise any one who is willing to even try breast feeding. My (ex) freind was a very young mother and breast fed all her kids, even her twins. I just didnt feel right with it. I dont think I have harmed my kids by not doing it. And if I have the luck of having another that one will be bottle fed as well.

We bonded just as good as a mother and child who did breast feed. And with a toddler and an infant it was alot easier to be bale to have some oen else do it once in a while.


Again HUGE praises to the ones who do do it.

[LaceyinPgh]

My mil is a breast feeding fanatic. She has flat out told me that her grandchildren will be breastfed and there will be no arguments about it. I have news for her, my boobies, my choice!!!!! :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen:

Personally, I was bottle fed. Everyone I know was bottle fed. All of friends except for one bottle fed their children. I have seen no ill effects anywhere as of yet. I am not comfortable with the idea of breast feeding. It isn't something that I want to try out. It isn't something that I feel I should look into. It isn't something I am going to regret. My best friend was bullied by a lactation consultant and nurse after she delivered her daughter. She was made to feel that she would be a bad mother for not breast feeding her daughter. She tried it for the 2 days in the hospital and cried every time. She said it made her feel degraded and dirty. On the way home she stopped and bought formula and bottles.

To me, if you want to breast feed, that is great. I have no problem with you doing it. Just make sure that you are discrete about it. Don't whip one of the girls out in the middle Pizza Hut. (I'm serious, it happened.) But, please understand that not everyone feels that breast feeding is a must. Don't be like my mil.

[CarlosHoney]

The first thing comes down to the mom being comfortable with the idea of it.I wasn't really comfortable with the idea of it until I actually gave birth. Due to sexual abuse as a child, I was never comfortable with anyone touching my breasts. Once the instinct took over, I just couldn't immagine fighting that urge to nurse my baby. My breasts were full of milk, and I felt so connected with him in that peaceful moment. I still do. :bbmrgreen:

My daughter was eating an 8 ounce bottle by the itme she was 6 weeks old. She was 20 lbs. by the time she was 4 months old. There would have been no way I could have kept her full. I would have been feeding her all day long. Not true. Elias is a BIG BOY. He eats his fair share. Your body produces whatever baby demands, and letdown is pretty heavy, so they get all they need.

[CarlosHoney]

To me, if you want to breast feed, that is great. I have no problem with you doing it. Just make sure that you are discrete about it. Don't whip one of the girls out in the middle Pizza Hut. (I'm serious, it happened.) But, please understand that not everyone feels that breast feeding is a must. Don't be like my mil.Like everything in life that someone is passtionate about, you want to really encourage others to reap the same benefits that you did. I think that the way Americans percieve their own bodies is really warped and sick. I guess I think it's sad that someone felt "degrated and dirty" because they tried to feed their baby the way that nature designed it..

I'm really pretty discreet. Carlo flips out if anyone can see the slightest shred of skin, and trust me, I don't really like flashing anyone.

I'm not posing to Playboy.. I'm feeding my baby! :bbmrgreen:

[MOB Karen]

I didn't do it. I didn't want to do it at all. Malachi was walking at 10 months and Amber was walking at 8 months old. They were both very quick at everything. It didn't affect their intelligence, they are both very bright. Both of them are getting ready to graduate from college with Bachelor Degrees.

I admire anyone who does it though, and I have encouraged Amber to do it if she chooses to. But if she doesn't, that's fine too. :D

[CindySue]

I attempted it with my 1st 2 and it just didnt work. I decided to try again with my 3rd and it was great. It was like we were naturals at it. He was strictly breastfed until he was 6 months and then part time for nearly 6 more months (well to be fair, he had breast milk, but a lot of times it was pumped.) I also nursed my youngest for about 7 months and then had to go back to work and couldnt find time to pump. If I have another, that one will be breastfed too. I was always discreet if I had to do it in public. I actually had a system down though that very seldom did I have to.
I understand it isnt for everybody. My sister tried and she coundnt because of medical reasons. I had friends that flat out refused to because they only saw their breasts as sexual. To each their own here. As long as the baby gets fed, I guess it really doesnt matter.

[mariaandmanish]

I plan on breastfeeding. For me, it is important. However, I do recognize that it is not always possible.. I know for my sister, she tried and tried and tried for days, but it just didn't work out for her. She did however, pump early on, so her son did get breast milk along with the formula. I hope that I can, because I really want that experience with my children.

[Kacie_bride]

I will defiantely breast feed. I can understand the views of people who do not though. I was as breast fed baby and so was my brother. I don't know what they would have done with me if my mother would not because I refused formula all together!

When it all comes down to the science of it, we are all animals. Mother Nature intended babies to be breast fed. Man made formula can never be as good as a mother's milk. I would encourage everyone to try, because at least at first they can get some colostrum.

Like I said, I can see why someone may not want to do it, but I think it really is the best thing for them. To each his own.

[CarlosHoney]

I will defiantely breast feed. I can understand the views of people who do not though. I was as breast fed baby and so was my brother. I don't know what they would have done with me if my mother would not because I refused formula all together!

When it all comes down to the science of it, we are all animals. Mother Nature intended babies to be breast fed. Man made formula can never be as good as a mother's milk. I would encourage everyone to try, because at least at first they can get some colostrum.

Like I said, I can see why someone may not want to do it, but I think it really is the best thing for them. To each his own.ITA!!!!! :bbmrgreen::bbmrgreen::bbmrgreen::bbmrgreen:

[Valmai]

I chose not to on both of my children and they both grew up fit, healthy and intelligent. I didnt like people trying to bully me into it and trying to send me on a guilt trip - i had no intention of doing it while i was pregnant and giving birth did not make me feel any different. I applaud those that do tho xxx

[ikkin510]

I plan on breastfeeding my children at least for a short time period. I am not one that would do it in public though. I don't care how covered I was, I just don't think I would feel comfortable. I would pump for those times I guess. I can't see doing it for a long period of time though. Maybe the first 3-6 months. Who knows, I could completely change my pov when the time comes, but this is what I feel so far.

[cowboysbride]

I won't be doing it. A woman I knew a long time ago breast fed and her son would WALK up to her and pull at them, she whipped them out and fed him, he sat up wiped his mouth and RAN off..........EWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I don't think our lifestyle would accomodate it, we farm and their will be times that I won't be present and the baby will need to be fed, sure you can pump and refrigerate it but then why not just give it a bottle, I wasn't breast fed and I certainly didn't suffer any adverse side effects.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, to everyone that isn't going to, I just hope that you do a little research and make an informed decision. That's all! :bbmrgreen:

[LaceyinPgh]

I think that the way Americans percieve their own bodies is really warped and sick. I guess I think it's sad that someone felt "degrated and dirty" because they tried to feed their baby the way that nature designed it.
The thing is that my friend made a choice. She felt that she would be uncomfortable breast feeding her daughter. But, she was all but berated by the hospital staff into thinking she would be a bad mother if she didn't breast feed her baby. When you are 21, just had a baby, and no one in your family is speaking to you because you also just got a divorce from the baby's father, than you aren't in the best place mentally. It wasn't fair of them to question or judge her decsion on what to do with her child.

To top it off, she was raised in an ultra conservative home. She was taught that as a woman, she should be ashamed of her body and that it should always remain covered. (Long sleeves, long skirts, socks, ect.) The body wasn't somethng that had practicality, it was a sinful thing. So, to share what is considered an intimate part of your body all of the sudden when you have been taught that even acknowledging that part of your body was wrong, could reasonably make you feel dirty and degraded.

[AllyM1]

I don't know whether I will or not. I just feel that a lot of times you will be in a place with your child where it's not going to be appropriate to whip your boob out. I will decide when the time comes.

When I was in high school I was at a basketball game andt here was a lady standing right beside the stands breastfeeding her baby... everything could be seen. I felt it was very inappropriate for her to be standing there feeding her baby. There are bathrooms and hallways she could have went into.

I dunno that's just my opinion... But like I said, I'm neither for it or against it.

[CarlosHoney]

She was taught that as a woman, she should be ashamed of her body and that it should always remain covered. (Long sleeves, long skirts, socks, ect.) The body wasn't somethng that had practicality, it was a sinful thing. So, to share what is considered an intimate part of your body all of the sudden when you have been taught that even acknowledging that part of your body was wrong, could reasonably make you feel dirty and degraded.That's what I'm talking about.. I think it's sad that anyone is raised this way. I don't think I'm any kind of supermodel, but my body is all I've got in life. It's taken a lot, but I'm comfortable in my own skin for once. I think that breasfeeding is actually what did it. Getting to a point where you just don't give a flying duck what anyone else thinks.. And just learning to stick to your guns.

I feel bad for your friend. The hospital staff should encourage mothers who want to breastfeed, but if you tell them that you're not going to, they really shouldn't give you a hard time about it. I'm sorry that there have been such negative people promoting breastfeeding in your life (and your friend's life).

Oh, Ally.. I always nurse in public with a cover. :bbmrgreen: But, there are federal laws protecting your right to breastfeed wherever you are. However, I refuse to go into a bathroom to feed my child. I don't ask anyone else to eat where you take a ****.

[LaceyinPgh]

Oh, Ally.. I always nurse in public with a cover. :bbmrgreen: But, there are federal laws protecting your right to breastfeed wherever you are. However, I refuse to go into a bathroom to feed my child. I don't ask anyone else to eat where you take a ****.
I believe your employer is also required to provide a place for you to comfortably pump breast milk when you return to work without penalizing you the time as well. I'm all for breast feeding. I just don't want to do it. I don't care that women breast feed in public places, as long as they are discreet. A baby has to eat and can't understand the idea of waiting til mommy finds a private place. I find it disgusting that people expect you to go into a public bathroom to feed a baby. Maybe if they ate a meal or two while sitting on a toilet they would change their mind.

[AllyM1]

I find it disgusting that people expect you to go into a public bathroom to feed a baby. Maybe if they ate a meal or two while sitting on a toilet they would change their mind.

I don't neccessarily believe a woman should have to go into a stall and sit on the **** toilet while her baby feeds, but why can't she not just go in there? Anyway, around where I live, many of the bathrooms have a special area that is designed specifically for this reason.

I don't want to be enjoying my meal in a restaurant and look over and see a baby feasting. I feel it innappropriate. I would say for those circumstances, maybe a breast pump would be better.

Like I said, I am all for breast feeding, I just find that for me, there are places where I would feel very uncomfortable breastfeeding a child. What do you do in those circumstances?

[CarlosHoney]

I believe your employer is also required to provide a place for you to comfortably pump breast milk when you return to work without penalizing you the time as well. I'm all for breast feeding. I just don't want to do it. I don't care that women breast feed in public places, as long as they are discreet. A baby has to eat and can't understand the idea of waiting til mommy finds a private place. I find it disgusting that people expect you to go into a public bathroom to feed a baby. Maybe if they ate a meal or two while sitting on a toilet they would change their mind.http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/clap.gif I SO agree with you Lacey. And yes, employers are required to provide an area for you to pump..

[CarlosHoney]

I don't want to be enjoying my meal in a restaurant and look over and see a baby feasting. I feel it innappropriate. I would say for those circumstances, maybe a breast pump would be better. I have an honest question for you. Do you not enjoy your meal if a baby is taking a bottle? Most restrooms in restaurants don't have a nursing area.. Most places don't, in fact.

Elias refuses to take a bottle. We had to stay at the same Hotel as my parents on our wedding night, because they were keeping Elias and he wouldn't take the bottle. They tried 4 different nipples.

Nowhere else in the world is there an attitude of "Eww! Gross... Boobies!" like there is here. I guess I feel like it's unfair that I can go to the mall and see girls in shirts cut so low that their belly button is showing, and I walk past Victorias Secret and see the pictures of the models in a thong and a bra, and one at Guess was so low cut that you could see the model's areola... but if I sit and discreetly nurse my baby, I get dirty looks. :bbmad:

[AllyM1]

It's not because it's a "boob" that I feel some places are innappropriate. I do agree that places should make it more easy for a woman to breast feed her baby to where she is not the show for the evening.

[MOB Karen]

You're right, the United States is very backward when it comes to nudity. We were taught, from a very young age, that it is wrong. When I was in Germany, there was total nudity on television. I mean total too. Their commercials had nudity, their television shows, even their news had it. When Americans first get over there, it is so funny to see because we are just not used to that over here. After a while, you get used to it. I think that's the key though. We aren't accustomed to seeing breasts exposed. None of us were raised that way, but if we were around it long enough, we would adjust to it. I know I did. :D

[CarlosHoney]

It's not because it's a "boob" that I feel some places are innappropriate. I do agree that places should make it more easy for a woman to breast feed her baby to where she is not the show for the evening.Ally, I'm not trying to pick on you. I just want to know why you think that a woman feeding her child is "the show for the evening"?

I know that me, personally, when I go out to eat I just want to get through the evening without a meltdown. I just want to eat my meal in peace, not get dirty looks, and have no one staring at me. I don't think that it's innapropriate at all to feed my baby when I need to, wherever we are. I'm not trying to flash anyone, and I'm not getting some kind of shameful, sexual gratification out of it.

Karen, I totally agree!! I think that Americans are WAY too uptight about that kind of thing. I think I'm a European trapped in an American's body.

[MOB Karen]

Karen, I totally agree!! I think that Americans are WAY too uptight about that kind of thing. I think I'm a European trapped in an American's body.


You would have been totally accepted over there, Carrie, to nurse your baby as you please. You would not have to cover up either. It's natural and beautiful over there to feed your baby. But here, we consider it lude and nasty, because we were taught that by schools, parents, TV, etc. We are what we were taught. We don't even realize that we are narrow-minded unless we see a country like Germany that is so open with nudity and sex too.

[CarlosHoney]

You would have been totally accepted over there, Carrie, to nurse your baby as you please. You would not have to cover up either. It's natural and beautiful over there to feed your baby. But here, we consider it lude and nasty, because we were taught that by schools, parents, TV, etc. We are what we were taught. We don't even realize that we are narrow-minded unless we see a country like Germany that is so open with nudity and sex too.Oh, I wanna go now!!! :bbmrgreen:

[Kacie_bride]

A lot of places around here actually have nursing areas in their own rooms, not connected to bathrooms in any way. I think this is a wonderful idea! I think these should be in more places.

[CarlosHoney]

A lot of places around here actually have nursing areas in their own rooms, not connected to bathrooms in any way. I think this is a wonderful idea! I think these should be in more places.Yeah, we went to Sea World and I was really depressed by the nursing room. It was a rickety old rocking chair in a bathroom stall without a toilet. :bbconfused:

At Six Flags they have a little gingerbread house where there's a refrigerator, couches, air conditioning, and play space for the little ones. That's awesome!!

[AllyM1]

Carrie-I know you aren't picking on me. I don't disagree with women breastfeeding at all... Maybe I wasn't too clear in my last posts.. sometimes when I'm trying to say something it doesn't come out right. What I meant by "show of the evening" is that you should know people gawk and stare. You are a woman who breastfeeds and I'm sure that you know how it is to have people stare at you. They are wrong for doing this, they shouldn't be so ridiculously rude. All I'm saying is I wish that there was a place where women can go to feed their babies without being in front of everyone. It's more for the mother not the patrons in the restaurant or myself. I think the bond and actions between a mother and her child are beautiful. I feel there is nothing wrong with breast feeding. And you said yourself you put a blanket over, which I think is great.. most women don't even do that. It's not a thing about being ashamed, because no woman should be ashamed of doing that.. I hope that makes sense.. lol...

Anyway, maybe I should write my legislature and suggest that places be required to have some place for a woman to breast feed and see how that goes. Like I said, I have nothing wrong with it.. I will probably do it myself... there are just places that I woudl feel really uncomfortable breastfeeding at.

[rainbowtreat]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rainbowtreat
My daughter was eating an 8 ounce bottle by the itme she was 6 weeks old. She was 20 lbs. by the time she was 4 months old. There would have been no way I could have kept her full. I would have been feeding her all day long.



Not true. Elias is a BIG BOY. He eats his fair share. Your body produces whatever baby demands, and letdown is pretty heavy, so they get all they need.

I have seen plenty of babies that were breast fed and have taken care of alot of them in daycare. Let me tell ya they eat alot more then bottle fed babies. Breast milk goes through them alot quicker. My daughter was a big big eater. I ended up having to put a tiny bit of cereal into her bottle at 7 weeks just to keep her full. The doctor didnt like it but she didnt degrade me for doing so. She just said to keep trying untill she could take it from a spoon. They dont want you giving babies any type of food untill they are 4 months old. I am telling you my daughter would not have survived on my breast milk. And in order for her too I would have been drained physicaly. Working all day and then up half the night with her. It would have killed me. What worked for your baby would not have worked for mine. She is a healthy 7 yr old now and people seem to think she is older some times. She has been just fine by not having breast mlik. And so has my son.

[Kacie_bride]

Quote:
I have seen plenty of babies that were breast fed and have taken care of alot of them in daycare. Let me tell ya they eat alot more then bottle fed babies. Breast milk goes through them alot quicker. My daughter was a big big eater. I ended up having to put a tiny bit of cereal into her bottle at 7 weeks just to keep her full. The doctor didnt like it but she didnt degrade me for doing so. She just said to keep trying untill she could take it from a spoon. They dont want you giving babies any type of food untill they are 4 months old. I am telling you my daughter would not have survived on my breast milk. And in order for her too I would have been drained physicaly. Working all day and then up half the night with her. It would have killed me. What worked for your baby would not have worked for mine. She is a healthy 7 yr old now and people seem to think she is older some times. She has been just fine by not having breast mlik. And so has my son.

There are more nutrients in breast milk and they would physically require less of it. However, I agree that babies that are not breast fed can turn out just fine. There are a lot of factors that go in to how a child will turn out!

I just need to edit and make it clear that just because they require less may not mean they want to eat less. I don't really know.

[rainbowtreat]

Breast fed babies eat more often. I worked in child care for about 7 or 8 yrs and alot of that time was in the infant rooms. The breast milk goes through them faster and there for the eat more often. It doesnt stay in they system as long leaving them feeling empty. As said before my daughter required alot of food as a baby. She just could not get filled up. You cant tell me that breast milk fills a baby up better because it doesnt. I have seen it many many times, have taken care of many many babies on breast milk and formula. I am not saying that the formula fills them up better ( in some cases it does though ) I am saying feeding my daughter enough to keep her full would have drained me.

I have seen cases too that the mother breast fed for a full year. My daughter was a very big child. I could not see feeding her this way. As a very new infant yes I can see this but not once they are a couple of months old. I just cant see this. But this is my view, my choice, already made and done. No way to change it now that they are 5 and 7 yrs old.

My doctor asked me at my first appointment if I was going to breastfeed. When I told him no he said well we have time to change that. ButI never heard another word. And after my kids were born the nurses didnt try to sway me one way or the other. They asked , I told them, they did as I asked.

My body, my child, my choice. I would never do anything to harm my kids. They are my world. I will not stand for any one trying to tell me I didnt give them a good start on life because I didnt breastfeed. ( no saying any one here has, just saying Iwould not put up with this) I love my children just as much as you all who have kids love yours. They are my world, I would gowithout to be sure they had what they needed. The formula did not harm them. Not getting breast milk did not harm them. They are healthy happy kids. And are striving and learning the best they can for their age, some out of their age limit.

[CarlosHoney]

Let me tell ya they eat alot more then bottle fed babies. Breast milk goes through them alot quicker.That is true.. Because the proteins in formula are harder to digest by the baby's system and keep them full longer. However, there are nutrients in breastmilk that they don't even understand. Like, they don't know what that particular nutrient helps. Formula works, I mean, it does the job. I was on formula after 6 weeks.... But it in no way can compare nutritionally to human milk.

[Orgirl1969]

This discussion is right up there with discussing politics. Zealots on either side of a point tend to tick me off. Not everyone is going to agree. There are arguments and good/bad with each side and why is it so important to impose your beliefs on someone else, particularly if they don't agree? If you want to breastfeed? Great. If not? Great. Just because someone breastfeeds doesn't make them a better parent. That's maybe one year of a child's life. I didn't and both my kids (13 and 18) are happy, healthy and have made excellent grades. The only medical issues that either have had has been that my daughter has had ligament reconstructions in both knees, not because she wasn't breastfed, but because she's an athlete and is 5'10.

I have no issues with my body. I don't view the twins just as a sexual object. I didn't find it dirty or degrading or disgusting, I just didn't want to do it. I'm an OR nurse and it just didn't fit in with my lifestyle or my job. I will say this: If I were to wear vamp lipstick and flashing earrings to a nice restaurant, I've got a pretty good idea people are going to stare at me. I know that going in the place. If I don't want people staring at me, I CHOOSE to dress or act appropriately. If you don't want people staring at you when you feed your child, you have a choice: Either leave if you are uncomfortable or stay home. Breastfeeding is a great mother/child bonding time, but it's a private matter, not something you should wear like a badge. And for that matter, I really don't want to pay good money for dinner to have a crying infant and then a breastfeeding mother sitting at the next table. An answer to that might be,"What about my rights as a mother? I have a right to feed my child." True. But what about my rights and the rights of the 50 or 60 other people to enjoy their evening as well? Family-type places are fine, but I personally don't feel children of ANY age should be at upscale restaurants until they can behave appropriately. That's JMO, and I don't mean to offend anyone.

I do find it interesting that some of the people on this thread that are so adamant about breastfeeding are doing the very opposite of what they are trying to accomplish. It sounded to me like the Pros were prosecuting the Cons just a little bit and that accomplishes nothing more than turning people off.

[CarlosHoney]

This discussion is right up there with discussing politics. Zealots on either side of a point tend to tick me off. Not everyone is going to agree. There are arguments and good/bad with each side and why is it so important to impose your beliefs on someone else, particularly if they don't agree? If you want to breastfeed? Great. If not? Great. Just because someone breastfeeds doesn't make them a better parent. That's maybe one year of a child's life. I didn't and both my kids (13 and 18) are happy, healthy and have made excellent grades. The only medical issues that either have had has been that my daughter has had ligament reconstructions in both knees, not because she wasn't breastfed, but because she's an athlete and is 5'10.

I have no issues with my body. I don't view the twins just as a sexual object. I didn't find it dirty or degrading or disgusting, I just didn't want to do it. I'm an OR nurse and it just didn't fit in with my lifestyle or my job. I will say this: If I were to wear vamp lipstick and flashing earrings to a nice restaurant, I've got a pretty good idea people are going to stare at me. I know that going in the place. If I don't want people staring at me, I CHOOSE to dress or act appropriately. If you don't want people staring at you when you feed your child, you have a choice: Either leave if you are uncomfortable or stay home. Breastfeeding is a great mother/child bonding time, but it's a private matter, not something you should wear like a badge. And for that matter, I really don't want to pay good money for dinner to have a crying infant and then a breastfeeding mother sitting at the next table. An answer to that might be,"What about my rights as a mother? I have a right to feed my child." True. But what about my rights and the rights of the 50 or 60 other people to enjoy their evening as well? Family-type places are fine, but I personally don't feel children of ANY age should be at upscale restaurants until they can behave appropriately. That's JMO, and I don't mean to offend anyone.

I do find it interesting that some of the people on this thread that are so adamant about breastfeeding are doing the very opposite of what they are trying to accomplish. It sounded to me like the Pros were prosecuting the Cons just a little bit and that accomplishes nothing more than turning people off.Well, we've been discussing politics, too. ;)

No one is trying to be a "zealot" here.. We're just all expressing ourselves. Thanks for your opinion, but I don't think that me eating at a restaurant, and my child doing the same is really going to offend anyone that badly. If someone really has a problem with it, they can turn their head and not look.

And, for the record, I do wear breastfeeding like a badge. I'm very proud of it..

Please don't put your guilt on me.

[StaceyMc]

As far as I'm concerned, if you want to breastfeed, I think it's wonderful. If I see someone breastfeeding in public, I think to myself "How beautiful" I did see someone like Ellen, the kid was raising all kinds of hell in my office and the next time I looked into the waiting room, she was breastfeeding him - he was standing at my window talking to me right before that. To me, that's a little much, but to each their own.

If you don't want to breastfeed, for whaterver, reason, I think that's wonderful too. It's your child and you have the right to raise him/her the way you want, without someone constantly "on you" about not breastfeeding.

I think in all of this discussion, we're forgetting a percentage of people who want to breastfeed, but can't. My sister wanted to breastfeed. She worked with a nurse and lactation counselor in the hospital. My little nephew didn't want any part of it. It was a 45 minute to 1.5 hour struggle to get him to take the breast. It was breaking my sister's heart and she just couldn't continue to put him through that. The nurse even told her that he wasn't getting enough and she was probably going to have to use a bottle as well. She decided to just use formula after that. She felt bad, but she knew that she had to do what was best for the baby. My grandmother said she had the same problem with her son - she just couldn't produce enough for him.

My nephew is a beautiful, healthy, almost 4 month old, whose mother had to adjust her choices because of her body.

[MOB Karen]

Stacey, the same exact thing happened to my grandbaby. He could not get enough breastmilk, so Crystal had to revert to the bottle. She tried for about 2 weeks, but he was just never satisfied. Then when she switched to the bottle, he was content and happy. And he is now the brightest, smartest, healthiest almost 4-year old little boy in the whole, wide world. lol :D

[CarlosHoney]

I completely understand women who really honestly couldn't, but the percentage of women who couldn't breastfeed for a genuine medical reason is very small. More often than not, bad information, or a lack of information, is what makes moms quit doing it.

For instance, my mom started breastfeeding me. After 6 weeks, she developed a nasty case of Mastitis. I know how awful it is, I had it. She didn't know what was going on (flu-like symptoms, painful breast, very high fever) so stopped and started me on formula. If she had the correct information, she would have taken some antibiotics and kept nursing. With Mastitis, the only way to help it is to nurse, nurse, nurse that breast. She didn't know what happened until I explained it to her.

On the other hand, my DH's counsin's wife tried for 3 months. She did everything in her power, and her DD still wasn't gaining properly. So, then they started supplimenting, which killed her supply.

There is a difference, and I symplathise with those women. I've talked to many many women about this and this is the typical response: If she really couldn't for medical reasons, they typically respond with sadness and grief over the loss of that relationship with their child. When a mother choses not to, I ususally get a very defensive response, laden with guilt.. and when I talk to a mother who got bad advice, she's pissed.

Look, man, to each their own. But I don't like analogies like hooker red lipstick and trashy clothing being compared to me feeding my child. I don't like being called a zealot (If you wanna see a zealot, check out the lactivism forum at www.mothering.com) (http://www.mothering.com%29)..

I guess, to me, I just don't understand one thing. This is an honest question, and I really want to know what the resoning is here:

If you are willing to get pregnant, and give up your body to share with this child for 9 months, and start really taking care of yourself to give that baby the very best, then why not give up your breasts for a year to also give them the very best? I mean, I don't see what it would hurt to try.

I'm not saying that you're a bad person for not breastfeeding, but no one can reasonalby compare formula to breastmilk. It does the job, but breastmilk is just better. That's coming from a medical standpoint.

[Kacie_bride]

I just don't think anyone on here is imposing beliefs on anyone. This is just a discussion of many that we have on here. It is something we do on this board and generally it does not get out of control. I believe that for the most part we are respectful of everyone's opinions. I respect everyone on this board and their opinions, even if they differ from my own. This happens in friendships and all types of relationships. It is just the way it is. I don't think anyone has been a zealot on any of our recent poll discussions. This is one reason that I love this board so much. We can disagree, have our discussions, and then go on to the next post and talk about our wedding colors.

:hug:

[Valmai]

I chose not to breastfeed because i wouldnt feel comfortable with it - as simple as that! I chose to get pregnant, which i thoroughly enjoyed even tho i was quite ill through out, but i feel it was my choice to then use formula and one which i dont regret at all. xxx

[Orgirl1969]

Don't get me wrong, I think breastfeeding is great for mothers and their children. And as a nurse, I know full well that breastfeeding is best all the way around. I was eclamptic with my daughter and couldn't breastfeed because of all the medications I was on postpartum and unfortunately, I couldn't take any meds to control the letdown for the same reason. I did try with my son, and I don't know if my previous problem didn't let me produce enough, but he was almost 9 pounds and even though I breastfed constantly (that's no joke), he lost a full pound and 1/2 in less than 2 weeks because he wasn't getting enough to eat. My pediatrician put him on formula because he wasn't doing well even though he encouraged me to continue trying. I did until I went back to work in 8 weeks. No regrets.

I wasn't accusing anyone of being overzealous, it was just my STUPID perception that others on this thread were trying to make people feel guilty by not breastfeeding. :bbredface: I'm sorry for that. I certainly don't want anyone turned off to breastfeeding because, again, I DO think it's best, it just really didn't work for me. I do agree that public places should make some more effort in encouraging private places for nursing mothers. I wouldn't want to feed my child in a restroom either, ICK. I guess my point in this was that if you choose to breastfeed in public, that's ok, just don't get upset when people stare a bit. I certainly wouldn't gawk myself but taken as a whole, it never ceases to amaze me just how rude people can be and they have no qualms about staring at anyone for any reason. I think you have the right attitude about it, if they don't like it, don't look! :bbmrgreen:

CarlosHoney, you are right. If you want to see a true zealot-for-a-cause, check out her link. Seemed they were almost militant! My apologies to any and all and have a great day...

[CarlosHoney]

Don't get me wrong, I think breastfeeding is great for mothers and their children. And as a nurse, I know full well that breastfeeding is best all the way around. I was eclamptic with my daughter and couldn't breastfeed because of all the medications I was on postpartum and unfortunately, I couldn't take any meds to control the letdown for the same reason. I did try with my son, and I don't know if my previous problem didn't let me produce enough, but he was almost 9 pounds and even though I breastfed constantly (that's no joke), he lost a full pound and 1/2 in less than 2 weeks because he wasn't getting enough to eat. My pediatrician put him on formula because he wasn't doing well even though he encouraged me to continue trying. I did until I went back to work in 8 weeks. No regrets.

I wasn't accusing anyone of being overzealous, it was just my STUPID perception that others on this thread were trying to make people feel guilty by not breastfeeding. :bbredface: I'm sorry for that. I certainly don't want anyone turned off to breastfeeding because, again, I DO think it's best, it just really didn't work for me. I do agree that public places should make some more effort in encouraging private places for nursing mothers. I wouldn't want to feed my child in a restroom either, ICK. I guess my point in this was that if you choose to breastfeed in public, that's ok, just don't get upset when people stare a bit. I certainly wouldn't gawk myself but taken as a whole, it never ceases to amaze me just how rude people can be and they have no qualms about staring at anyone for any reason. I think you have the right attitude about it, if they don't like it, don't look! :bbmrgreen:

CarlosHoney, you are right. If you want to see a true zealot-for-a-cause, check out her link. Seemed they were almost militant! My apologies to any and all and have a great day...Thanks!! I just see it like someone staring at me because of my race, religon, whatever. People with small mind will find a reason to ostracise you and make you feel bad... At mothering, I've been flamed BIG TIME for sudjesting that if your kid pulls up your shirt that you might want to use a cover. Believe me.. I'm no zealot. :bbmrgreen:

Oh, and you're right. Never trust a man with more hair products than you...

[hummingbird521]

I chose not to breastfeed my children. As simple as that.

[Orgirl1969]

Thanks!! I just see it like someone staring at me because of my race, religon, whatever. People with small mind will find a reason to ostracise you and make you feel bad... At mothering, I've been flamed BIG TIME for sudjesting that if your kid pulls up your shirt that you might want to use a cover. Believe me.. I'm no zealot. :bbmrgreen:

Oh, and you're right. Never trust a man with more hair products than you...

I wouldn't let the staring bother you anyway. It's been my experience that people who stare or speak rudely because someone is different usually have a few skeletons rolling around in their closets that they like to keep hidden, you know what I mean? Take the surgeons I work with for example: Some look down their noses at people because they have family or financial issues, when a good portion of them are the most socially, financially and emotionally dysfunctional bunch of people I've ever met. Keep your chin up and stare right back!!!:bblol:

[CarlosHoney]

I wouldn't let the staring bother you anyway. It's been my experience that people who stare or speak rudely because someone is different usually have a few skeletons rolling around in their closets that they like to keep hidden, you know what I mean? Take the surgeons I work with for example: Some look down their noses at people because they have family or financial issues, when a good portion of them are the most socially, financially and emotionally dysfunctional bunch of people I've ever met. Keep your chin up and stare right back!!!:bblol:Oh, I do. Anyone that wants to say something can kiss my :realmad:!!!!!!!!!!!

[StaceyMc]

but the percentage of women who couldn't breastfeed for a genuine medical reason is very small. More often than not, bad information, or a lack of information, is what makes moms quit doing it.

I've talked to many many women about this and this is the typical response: If she really couldn't for medical reasons, they typically respond with sadness and grief over the loss of that relationship with their child. When a mother choses not to, I ususally get a very defensive response, laden with guilt.. and when I talk to a mother who got bad advice, she's pissed.

Let me clarify. My sister had a lot of information and did a ton of research while she was pregnant. She did not have bad information, nor did the hospital staff push her to just give him formula. They did everything in their power to keep the breastfeeding going.

I can also tell you if you ask my sister, you won't get any of your responses, i.e., sadness and grief, guilt or pissed off. You'll hear, "I tried, I just couldn't" She's actually very happy that her husband gets the chance to bond with the child while feeding. Heck - I've even bonded with that sweetheart while feeding him.

[CarlosHoney]

Let me clarify. My sister had a lot of information and did a ton of research while she was pregnant. She did not have bad information, nor did the hospital staff push her to just give him formula. They did everything in their power to keep the breastfeeding going.

I can also tell you if you ask my sister, you won't get any of your responses, i.e., sadness and grief, guilt or pissed off. You'll hear, "I tried, I just couldn't" She's actually very happy that her husband gets the chance to bond with the child while feeding. Heck - I've even bonded with that sweetheart while feeding him.That's cool. I just always feel sad when someone was unsuccessful because of misinformation. I'm glad that she tried, and I'm glad that you got to bond with the little darling.

Carlo would give him some expressed milk, but he just won't take the bottle now! :bbmrgreen:

[rainbowtreat]

I do feel that this is a subject that Carrie is very strong about. She just wants the best for her baby. As do we all. I would never do anythign to harm my children or not do something that would help them. They are my life. I choice to get pregnant and love every min. of each one. I would love to have the chance to do it again. But breast feeding just was not for me. I have had the training in child development, I have had the talks with others. #1, I am not comfortable with it. I just didnt want to do it. My kids were nto harmed because of it either. If you choose to great, if you choose not too, fine no issues should be thrown at you for doing either. It is a choice, none of us are set out thinking I am not going to breast feed and this means my kids wont succeed or be heathly. We all have a right to our own choice as with any thing else we decide in life. I am sure people may notlike my choices in life but it is my life and all of ours lives. And no matter the choices we should not feel that we are going to be bashed for them.

[CarlosHoney]

I don't want anyone thinking that I'm trying to bash or bully them. I'm really not.. I guess I'm just looking for the motivating factors at this point. I understand that it's a personal decision and all that, but I mean, other than that, why? Because of your schedule? Discomfort with your body? A hard time nursing previous children?

I just can't really accept that someone just doesn't research, doesn't think anything about it and just makes that decision. I'm just curious.

[rainbowtreat]

I hope you didnt think I was saying you were bullying or bashing. That is not what I intened. I was just stating that this is something you feel very strong about and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Others may feel as strong about no breast feeding ( but I hope not ) and I am sure they would state ( or try to becasue there are none ) facts just as you have. You are doing what feel good for you.

As stated I knew all about it. Just could not bring myself to do it. I knew I had another choice. So I went that way. It does not make me a bad person ( not saying you have said this because you have not ). It does not make you a bad person becaue you wish to make every one aware of the good points of breastfeeding. Some just have a hard time with debates and can take it personel it something is said that may make them look bad. As in any debate. Keep up what your doing Carrie. I am sure there will be woman who had no idea of all this that will make a choice to breasfeed.

[CarlosHoney]

Keep up what your doing Carrie. I am sure there will be woman who had no idea of all this that will make a choice to breasfeed.Awww!!!!!! That is so sweet, and makes me so happy!!

Thanks!!! :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen: :bbmrgreen: