Comments on: Breast Feeding Issues – Volume II

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:23:00 +0000

First of all, gov. programs have a vested interest in promoting breastfeeding – it’s a heck of a lot cheaper for them than providing formula thru WIC.

I like to say “breast is best, but formula is an excellent alternative for those who aren’t able to breastfeed.” And that can be for a myriad of reasons. I know many moms who do either, and my approach is that they are doing what works for THEM.

I tried to nurse my firstborn, but it didn’t work out too well. I also have inverted nipples, and furthermore, my daughter was not a good latcher or a regular eater. I also went back to work after 6 weeks, at which point I decided it wasn’t worth it anymore, and she went on formula from then on. I was luckier with my two youngest, since I was a stay-at-home mom by then, but also, Julia in particular was a great, natural nurser. I still struggled with sore nipples (for 3 months!), but it was easier to deal with at that point.

Anyway, I suppose this issue will always be controversial, but I also think that MOST people accept the “do what works for you” approach.

By: Brighton

Brighton — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 23:11:00 +0000

I agree, all four of mine were very different in their nursing habits and lengths that they continued with it.
Why can’t we as a society accept that all babies, like breasts are unique??

By: Texas Mammie

Texas Mammie — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 23:28:00 +0000

7 babies. Wow.
Well, back in my day…oh, well.
I had smallish boobies(B cup)back then, and when my oldest daughter was born, I just assumed that I wouldn’t be able to breast feed. Not much info back then. Stupid idea, I know. Small boobies, small areolas, but I didn’t realize had huge nipples. I hadn’t seen too many.
So I got the shot to dry up the milk, but I still leaked a little.
The next year, when I had daughter #2, I had already decided not to BF because my kids were so close in age, it would be a real time constraint problem. So I got the shot again, and again I leaked.
In fact, I was a milk factory. I could have fed a tribe. So I got a second shot to dry it all up.
I look back now and see all of that wasted time and money – buying, mixing and warming up formula because of lack of info.
My friend did the classic no-no. She didn’t think she needed a breast feeding class. When she had her daughter, she had a horrible experience with breast feeding. She found out she had inverted nipples, that she was supposed to ‘toughen up’ the nipple and a whole lot of other things she could have done to make the experience better.
Same with my daughters. The didn’t think they needed the classes offered and both could have by-passed the problems they encountered.
I don’t get the controversy. Get the facts, try out different ideas. Find out what works for you both and stick to it.

xoxo
The Other, other Dana
and p.s. ALL moms feel guilty.

By: WHW

WHW — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 01:44:00 +0000

I really wish I could post a response….:>)

By: mommaobrienx7

mommaobrienx7 — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 17:27:00 +0000

Love this post. After 7 children I have learned that each baby is different, each situation is different and each mom is different. I myself, believe moms should do what works for them and what feels right. Bottle or formula, the baby is getting what they need nutritionally.

I do believe that nursing mothers should get more support and encouragement and have long believed that there should be more rights afforded to parents so that they can stay at home with their children longer. It sucks that the most important job there is in the entire world is so disvalued.

Anyhoo, my comment doesn’t do justice to your post. It’s one of my favorites!