Comments on: freeSpeech: Lori Leibovich

Mother Speaks About Pressures To Breastfeed

[d22551]

This is to slackerlnc1 Wow so formula feed children have a urge risk of dying. My best freind is a Doctor and she has never conveyed that statistic to me or anybody else. Well I am 39 years old and I was formula fed yes I have bee sick and no I am not a genius but I am not dead. Get your facts straight.

[slackerinc1]

To the person who said someone was breastfeeding too long if their child could lift up their shirt: that is an ignorant comment which goes against both the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (who says to breastfeed at least a year, and as long afterward as mutually desired: couldn't your babies manage to lift up a shirt by six to nine months old?) and the World Health Organisation (who recommends a minimum of two years of breastfeeding).

[slackerinc1]

mimip5, great post.

Mrs. B, you are wrong. Formula fed babies have a greater chance of dying for all kinds of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with contaminated formula. It is like the analogies mimip talked about: if people were to replace other natural biological substances (like insulin) with a cheap substitute that came in a can, you can be sure they would have a greater chance of dying. And if they didn't die, they'd be more likely to have other problems, which is just what we see with formula fed children. (Of course, according to the formula feeders you'll see posting online, their kids are superhuman geniuses who have never been sick a day in their lives--don't believe it.)

[talithas]

For those moms who have successfully breastfed, congratulations! Celebrate your experience and help other mothers enjoy the rewards of breastfeeding too.

For those women who, despite good information and support, were not successful meeting their breastfeeding goals, you too should celebrate your commitment to what is best for you and your baby. Don't feel guilty but proud of your efforts. I'm sure your love for your child will come through your bottle feeding relationship. Share your story so others can understand the path you've walked and gain compassion.

For those mothers who failed to breastfeed because of bad information or lack of support, don't feel guilty, help change things! Join with other women who are working to make sure all new mother have good information and support. Know that you did your best with what you had, and what mother can say more?

For those mothers who knew breastfeeding was best and chose not to do it for selfish reasons, maybe you should feel guilty.

[talithas]

I learned about the importance of breastfeeding during my pregnancy and sought out information and support before my birth. I ran into difficulties immediately, but because of my preparation, got the help I needed. My daughter and I enjoyed a wonderful breastfeeding relationship and I am still proud of the work I did to make sure she got what she needed.

I am now a childbirth and breastfeeding educator and have worked with hundreds of women helping them breastfeed. I have seen some amazingly heroic efforts along side some half hearted attempts to breastfeed. I know that different women have different motivation levels, different health, psychological, environmental or familial challenges. I've seen women give up for no apparent reason, and others succeed past all expectations.

In the nearly ten years that I have been working to educate and support mothers, I have never intended to make anyone feel guilty. I work to empower them with information so they can make the best choices for themselves and their family. But motherhood is so full of opportunities for us to feel we are failing, that it is no wonder women sometimes feel guilty about past choices. Sometimes guilt is inappropriate and we need to accept our limitations and forgive ourselves. Other times guilt tells us where we can improve.

[katietoo1]

I'm glad to have learned the benefits, and they are many, of breast feeding. I'm glad I got to breast feed my son. I take medication for a seizure disorder and was afraid nursing might actually be harmful to my child. Luckily, it was not. It's important for women to know the differences between children who were breast fed and those who were bottle fed before it is too late to make that choice. The information is good, the delivery is terrible. Women who can't breast feed should not be forced to feel inadequate. If they know what their options are, the choice is theirs. And we can't ignore the word "choice". I agree with Ms. Leibovich, even though I am an advocate for nursing. Lay off--some women just CAN'T, and they shouldn't feel like bad mothers.

[midmimom]

jakesmom05 - how about not being judgmental of long term breastfeeding relationships? Like so many people have stated here, breastfeeding relationships are personal. There have been studies done on long term breastfeeding - there are many benefits. Again, I'll refer those who are curious to the Le Leche League. They encourage long term breastfeeding and have great information on the topic.

[midmimom]

I have to mention that there have been scientific studies done that link an availability of free formula samples given in hospitals to failure in breastfeeding success among women who possess a desire to establish a breastfeeding relationship. Free formula undermines breastfeeding.

[midmimom]

robotip - Thank you for clarifying your situation. Your original post was much less detailed. It is obvious that you have done everything to help improve your son's situation. I simply wanted to suggest to those who may not have known that there are many avenues to relieve the symptoms of reflux. Each baby's case is different and requires different methods of treatment depending on the situation.

Fortunately many cases of reflux are outgrown or managed with simple lifestyle changes. My wish is that your son's condition continues to improve as he ages. I'm sure he will receive nothing but the best care from both his doctors and his loving parents.

I just want to stress that this situation is particularly unique and required special treatment. This is one of the rare instances when we should be grateful for modern medicine. I simply want to express my desire for more women to become fully educated and supported throughout their pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding experiences. Usually, with a little loving support from experienced mothers and/or professionals successful breasstfeeding is possible.

[beff2]

Twelve years ago when my daughter was born, my plan was to breastfeed only. After 2 months of breastfeeding my daughter had not gained one pound. Now that was guilt. I supplemented with formula immediately the next month and used formula until she was a year old. Today, she is a healthy 12 year old. It can happen on formula.
FYI,AIDS can be passed from a mother's breastmilk to her child. Thankfully, formula is available to those who want it and need it.