Better health

By Daphne B

August 3, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

I think that women do not breastfeed more because they feel it is time consuming. I breast feed both of my children and I am a working mother. It was the most wonderful thing. Yes it was time consuming, but they are my children so time was not an issue. I just had to put other things on hold. I breatfeed both until they were close to 1 year old. They had some formula during that time, but that was only because my supply became lower once I went back to work. I think all women need to try it and work at it. Don’t give up. It is a great way to connect to your baby and be close.

By Sarah

August 3, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

How anyone can say with a straight face that bottle feeding is just as good as the breast is beyond me.

Breast it Best!

We should do what is best for our children and not what is convenient.

By Miranda

August 3, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

I think it’s choice - so no one should condemn women for either choice. But if doctors/researchers want women to breastfeed they really should encourage it. When I went to visit a pediatrician’s office before my son was born, they sent me home with a bag containing Enfamil formula. And even my ob-gyn sent me home with the same bag of goodies containing formula. I did breastfeed because I really wanted to and because I got a lot of help from the lactation consultants at Northside Hospital - they were FABULOUS!!!! It’s tough getting started (no one tells women that) but I found it much easier than formula once I got going.

By jct

August 3, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

While I believe breast is best, I don’t think any woman (mother) should be berated for the choice that she makes for her children.

There are many reasons that a mother may choose to feed her child the breast or formula. No one has the right to second guess her choice.

By lori

August 3, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

For some women, it is not just a matter of giving up because of the “inconvenience.” Not all women are able to breastfeed as easily as others, and it makes me CRAZY when women assume that you are not breastfeeding because you are too lazy to do it. When my daughter was born, I tried desperately to nurse her, but my milk never came in, and she became severely dehydrated. She developed breasfeeding jaundice to such a severe level that she had to spend a week in the ICU of Scottish Rite. Even there, one of the doctors had the nerve to tell me that I should not “give up” on breastfeeding, even though my baby was lying there with an IV in her head, hooked up to all sorts of machines. My daughter is now a healthy, happy, energetic 19-month-old, who seems no worse for the wear from having been fed formula. There are enough pressures on moms today without making them feel like failures if breastfeeding does not work.

By annemarie

August 3, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

oops i bottle fed two children for convenience — it was hard enough adjusting to having a child much less trying to do something i found to be most inconvenient — they were and still are the healthiest of children/people - in fact it was breast fed/stay at home mom babies who were sick all the time when my children were small — oh and i was a stay at home mom too — but i do find women who kill themselves —no sleep — feedings so frequently they have massive physical problems — just so they can say they are breastfeeding — are a tad over the top — but hey better them than me and great for them but great for me too —

By DYJ

August 3, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I took a BF class, I read about it, I spent time on the La Leche website and had the LC’s at Northside helping me with breastfeeding my daughter. I thought I was prepared. Nothing prepares you for BFing for 90 minutes and your baby still becoming dehydrated and having to go to the Ped. every day to be weighed to make sure they gain enough of the birth weight they lost. I know for some women it’s easy and natural and works very well. But for some it’s not easy and can end up stressful because they feel pressure to make it work. I breastfed my daughter for 10 weeks but I had to suppliment the whole time because I never produced enough to keep her healthy. I had a lot of guilt giving up after 10 weeks but I had encouragement that 10 weeks was better than nothing and that I had to do what worked for me and my child. I don’t berate anyone for the choice they make.

By jsmom

August 3, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Some women choose not to BF after a few weeks, some women medically cannot BF, but what drives me absolutely insane is women who dismiss BF as “gross” or tell me that they don’t have to because we don’t live in ‘that kind of society’. If you have researched your decision and come to an educated decision as to your feeding choice, then I support your decision.

The sad thing is if more women had GOOD support from doctors then they would BF longer. Teaching women that if you can’t pump at work, your body will adjust and your caregiver can FF while you are at work and you can still have a nursing relationship when you are with your child. Too many pediatricians reach for the formula as the magic cure all for any problem that arises in infancy.

But the recurring theme is that we as women are our own worst enemy. Breastfeeding support needs to be support- beating people upside the head!

By kitty

August 3, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

It takes LESS time to breastfeed than it does to bottle; you never have to worry about overheating, you never have to worry about the electricity going out, you don’t have to wash bottles are put nasty RUBBER nipples into your developing babies mouth; your child will have less illness, etc. I breastfed four children, and I would do it all over again. My kids were rarely sick, did well in school, the benefits are endless to both mother and baby. For the mother, its lower risk of breast cancer as well as osteoporosis, among others. I can’t see why anyone would bottle feed. My kids were breast fed for over a year, I breast fed one child thru the entire pregnancy of another, and my last child stopped nursing at the age of 3. Nothing is more important than your childs health and bonding, not your job, housework, nothing. Its only for a short period in your life and the benefits are more than I can list here. My best friend had several preemies, one who spent much time in the nic unit; he went home at 3lbs, with a monitor and she successfully breastfed her baby. Formula is good only for rare occasions or circumstances, it shouldn’t be a fall back because of “inconvenience” - although I’ve never heard of “breast-feeding” jaundice, I’m sure that in the writers instance there were extenuating circumstances; however, be sure that bottle feeding does cause issues such as maxifallial problems in child-hood, and lower testing scores than fully breastfed. That being said, you are not a “failure” if you don’t breastfeed, but why wouldn’t you?

By kitty

August 3, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

It takes LESS time to breastfeed than it does to bottle feed; you never have to worry about overheating, you never have to worry about the electricity going out, you don’t have to wash bottles are put nasty RUBBER nipples into your developing babies mouth; your child will have less illness, etc. I breastfed four children, and I would do it all over again. It was MUCH easier than bottle-feeding, my milk was always there, perfect temperature, etc, this was especially good at night, pick up the baby, stuff them next to you, give them the breast and go back to sleep, worked like a charm, I loved it! I AM lazy, so breastfeeding made my life much better. My kids were rarely sick, the benefits are endless to both mother and baby. For the mother, its lower risk of breast cancer as well as osteoporosis, among others. I can’t see why anyone would bottle feed. My kids were breast fed for over a year, I breast fed one child thru the entire pregnancy of another, and that child weighed 8lbs at birth, then for a few months after that, I was nursing two at the same time,and my last child stopped nursing at the age of 3. Nothing is more important than your childs health and bonding, not your job, housework, nothing. Its only for a short period in you and your baby’s life and the benefits are more than I can list here. My best friend had several preemies, one who spent much time in the nic unit; he went home at 3lbs, with a monitor and she successfully breastfed her son. Formula is good only for rare occasions or circumstances, it shouldn’t be a fall back because of “inconvenience” - although I’ve never heard of “breast-feeding” jaundice, I’m sure that in the writers instance there were extenuating circumstances; it does happen, but rarely, however, be sure that bottle feeding does cause issues such as maxifallial problems in child-hood, more ear infections and dental caries [as many women tend to put their child to bed with a bottle]breastfeeding is the best choice. I can’t stand to see a bottle or pacifier in a childs mouth [looks like a plug] and that sucking on plastic or rubber, can’t be healthy - remember what you eat today affects you tomorrow. That being said, you are not a “failure” if you don’t breastfeed, but why wouldn’t you? For what reason other than the mothers present health issues? I highly recommend breast-feeding - Good luck to you who choose not to, your kids will be in the doctors office more often, and formula is so expensive, and if you like bottle washing and spending more money on plastic bottles and nipples, then bottle-feeding is for you. If a bomb or storm devastated your city, and there were no electricity or running water. Guess what? breastfed babies would not suffer as bottlefed whose parents would have the worry of looking for formula and just how would they heat it up? We take much for granted in this world, and if we just use common sense, as women, we would know that aside from illness, there really isn’t any other choice.

By NICK

August 3, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

How could anyone not drink from the t**?

By kate

August 3, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

I saw the comment that the writer made regarding the “stay/at home, breast fed babies being sicker” - how ridiculous is that? Well it’s a bunch of bunk. I’m 52 years old and breast fed all my children for well over a year and stayed at home - my kids never suffered ear infections and rarely had a cold or otherwise. I know a lot about breast feeding and I can tell you that breast fed children by far suffer less illness than bottle fed. This is a scientific fact. Leading people to believe that some formula from pastuerurized cows milk from penned up pesticide,grain fed cows and whipped up in a lab and fed from a chemically made rubber nipple would make a child healthier than a child breast fed from a healthy mother? Breast feed if you possibly can, its the easier, cheaper and healthier choice. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, they are uninformed.

By Andrea

August 3, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

I feel very fortunate that I was able to successfully breastfeed my daughter for over a year. I realize that I am very lucky to have a job where I could pump twice a day in my own office while continuing to do work. I think people like my sister deserve more credit than I do—-she is a bartender and cannot pump at all while at work, but she is still breastfeeding her son at six months of age.

I am so glad that I have been able to breastfeed my daughter. It has brought us both many benefits.

To me, breastfeeding seems so much more convenient than bottle-feeding. With breastfeeding, the food source is right there, ready to go, whenever you need it. The time it takes to clean bottles, mix formula, and warm the bottles seemed like too much work to me.

Overall, I think we really need to support each other in whatever decision we make. I give a lot of credit to any mom who at least tries breastfeeding and gives their child any amount of breastmilk. We all love our children and are doing the best that we can as mothers, so let’s not make others feel bad for whatever choices they had to make.

By parentof4

August 3, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

All my children are BOTTLE fed. Do I feel bad about that, NOPE. The first one could not latch on, so being “even-steven” on this one idea all had the bottle. I did not do it out of convience or anything of the sort, just did not feel right breastfeeding. My children did not suffer and our bonding was still great. Also it beats having to wake up all the time feeding them, when he had HIS turns waking up.

I also did not like the idea a leaking just because the child was crying. I mean I would cry too, when someone threw a toy in the are and it just happens to hit me. But your body does not read that as distress for being hurt, it reads it as the baby is hungry AGAIN.

By Formula is okay!

August 3, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Lori & DYJ’s comments show why everyone needs to stop beating up on women who aren’t breastfeeding (or breastfeeding exclusively). I agree that people who don’t breastfeed just because it’s “gross” are ridiculous. At least give it a shot. Both of my children were breastfed until they were almost one, but I never had enough supply for either, and had to supplement with a little formula. Big deal! But even complete strangers liked to give me lectures about how terrible that was. Yes, much better to quit completely or let them get dehydrated and/or malnourished! Everyone should relax, new moms do the best they can.

By Jennifer

August 3, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

BF was pretty easy for me. No cleanup, no bottles cluttering the countertops, no packing icepacks for bottles in the diaper bag, no heating process for nighttime feedings, no running to the store for formula… I wouldn’t call myself lazy but I won’t do things the hard way if there’s a better way. It took my milk 5-6 days to come in so I had to supplement with formula due to jaundice issues, but I still nursed before each bottle feeding to let my boobs know they would be feeding babies.

I’m all for doing what’s best for you and your family, but please don’t dismiss BF because you think it’s gross or because it’s easier to bottlefeed. I thought it was gross but once you have the baby, that’s why you have boobs! There not there just to look pretty.

By Pat

August 3, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Breastfeeding is like raising kids - it’s not always easy. With the first one, I received a little support from my doctor- zero from my family (back in the 1970s). Still we ran into problems (plenty of milk but the little darling liked to bite and it became an issue) so I had to stop when she was little more than two months old. She still thrived and was a healthy child. My second was a breeze by comparison and he graduated from breast to cup at 9 months. Another healthy baby. But, breast or bottle, it’s the time Mom spends with baby that matters - not the mater of delivery. If she’s thinking of feeding her child as a chore, instead of a bonding time, than it doesn’t matter what kind of nipple is in his mouth. Women have to make the decision that works for them and their children and the rest of the world should mind their own business.

By Jennifer

August 3, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Just had to add that the “leaking” thing doesn’t happen to everyone. I never had that happen. I used the breast pads but I never had dripping boobs because of a baby crying.

By michele

August 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I have bottle fed ALL my children & don’t apologize for it. My children are rarely sick, not overweight/obese & have great vision. I did what was BEST for MY children. I don’t impose my views on others & don’t appreciate when hard core breastfeeders critize me for not doing what they think I should do.

FYI I don’t BF because of the numerous medications that I take & they are passed on in breastmilk.

By MOT

August 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I am a walking, living breathing experiment:

I gave birth to ten kids (all the same dad we have been married 34 years in November).

I nursed them all the first was only 6 months after that most of the rest were a year.

I never had a problem. I never knew what a sore cracked bleeding nipple was until #9. I had developed gestational diabetes with him. His blood sugar was low at birth and without permission the nursery gave him a bottle of formula. He never did learn how to suck correctly after getting it so quick and easy from the bottle. Six weeks into nursing, I couldn’t take the pain and bleeding anymore. I talked to the dr. and he said take him off and wear nothing but a loose top for 24 hours and let things heal then start back.

I did, when I put him on to nurse, my milk had dried up!!! So he had to go on the bottle for good. I was so sad to lose that time with him. But that is not all because his immune system didn’t get built up throuhg nursing, he was sickly. When I took him in for his first vaccinations, he was running a fever so they wouldn’t vaccinate him. He got bronchitis which then went into whooping cough. He was in the hosptial for 8 days! I have NEVER had sick children other than a few colds. This experience taught me that for some children breastfeeding can make a difference. He has also been so needy emotionally, I feel becuase we never got to have that special bonding that nursing provides. He has always needed more hugs and love shown to him than the others.

With # 10, when my milk started drying up around five months, I was NOT going to let that happen again, so after consulting a lactation specialist who recommended increasing the good fats, I continued till she was nearly a year. She has been good and healthy.

One of my daughter in laws tried each way with their four: one- bottle one- breast one- both one- bottle since that was the best easiest and it didn’t make any difference.

They all have awful allergies, they all are extremely smart children (the oldest at six reads the sports section at breakfast!)So she is another walking talking lab experiment.

It is such an individual thing based on the make up of a baby and the mom.

I do think that all should try it and give the babies that all important colostrum. After that, do what feels right and that emotionally and physically you can do. Not all moms are emotionally cut out for nursing, they will pass on that angst to the baby if they nurse or try to nurse for long, unless they change themselves.

Not all moms are physically cut out for nursing. Some due to health or mainly diet reasons can’t produce a rich healthy milk and etiher have cranky ill babies, or not enough milk at all. Many times caffeine hinders: caffeine reduces the fluids in your body, act as a dehydrator. Plus other bad foods hinder, many are unwilling to give it up for the baby.

So I say let the moms choose what they are 1)able, 2) comfortable with. Forcing someone to nurse who can’t or does not want to is not good for anyone.

Is the best way breast YES! Of course. But only when all the circumstances are right.

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Breast feeding is too time consuming and requires that you actually participate. Bottle feeding is much easier and can be done by the child’s nanny. I had both of my children bottle fed as I did not want them physically attached to me for any length of time past their births. It’s much easier, more convenient and less time consuming just to have the child bottle fed.

By lori

August 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Hey Kitty, look it up - I didn’t make it up. It’s what the doctors at Scottish Rite diagnosed her with. And the fact that you’ve never heard of “breastfeeding jaundice” proves my point that women are never told about the bad things that can happen to your baby if you are unable to breastfeed effectively. I warn every expectant mother I know about the horrors of severe jaundice and that they need to be supplementing with formula, regardless of what they are told about how “terrible” it is for their child. Guess what, it would have been a lot more terrible for my child to have all of her blood exchanged for new blood because of the jaundice, which was almost required.

By Reluctant

August 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I wanted to breastfeed my girls and tried desperately, but couldn’t. With my first I breastfeed for a month and a half before my milk completely dried up. With my second it only lasted a month. I read all the books, went to the classes, and met with a LC before my daughters were even born and still couldn’t feed. I hate it when people say I just didn’t try hard enough, especially when they have no clue what I went through. But that’s an assumption that a lot of people want to make when I pull out a bottle.

By Nicole

August 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

My daughter is 7 months today. She is lucky to get a little bit of solids each day but ONLY to keep her from becoming constipated and me having to give her Baby Lax every few days. Has this affected my supply…No, she still eats a full meal at the breast even after her oatmeal or veggies. I have found that most women I know who have had BF issues are ignorant on BF. You need to read, ask questions, and READ again so that you know what to expect and problems that arise. No, BF is not easy in the beginning, but knowledge is power and having the power allowed me to keep BF when my supply dropped b/c I knew of supplements I could take to boost my supply and they worked. Once the supply came back, no probs. It shocks me when people don’t try, or they use the “it didn’t work for me” cop-out. It CAN work, you just have to not stress, be knowledgeable and understand that there are bumps in the road for everyone. Be patient! I plan on stopping in 2 months, teeth coming in could potentially make me stop sooner. I love BF b/c it’s easier than bottle feeding, no cleanup involved, no worries about is she getting enough, too much, is it warm enough, BUT I want to go camping and that means I will be away from her for a few days and think 9 months is pretty darn good. So for selfish reasons I will not make it to a year :( Kudos to you that do! She is the happiest, healthiest baby one could ask for. She sleeps 10-11 hours feeds every 4-5 hours during the day, has had no illness, no ear infections; and believe me, if any child should have gotten sick b/c of germs and dog kisses it’s her! From day one nothing has ever been sanitized or cleaned before going in her mouth and I thank BF for her health! To those who find it disgusting, get your head checked!!! And Annemarie’s comments are absurd at best.

By BlueMoon

August 3, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Ladies-

Breast milk is far better for the children than ANY formula and every statistic on the matter will tell you that.

Doctors have their area of expertise and nutrition isn’t it.

There’s no reason to attack people on here for their personal choices though and I’m not sure I really understand what people on here are trying to prove by doing that. You don’t have to attack people to let them know that formula fed babies are 65% more likely to develop: asthma, diabetes, cancer, etc. It’s just a known fact. Yes, some people have bottle fed and the kids are just fine but you are in the minority of those that have.

There are just natural antibodies in the breast milk that help children live a more healthy life - at least starting out. Enfamil is one of the worst supplements you could possibly give anyone. It’s the babies version of Ensure.

By Katie

August 3, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Its not fair to assume those mothers who aren’t breastfeeding it are doing it for convenice only. My daughter spent a week in the NICU and they only way to get her to eat was with a specail bottle made for preemies who couldn’t suck breathe and swallow, an essential pattern to eating. After we finally got her home she was STILL not strong enough to suckle fromt he breast, so I pumped for six weeks to make sure I got those first six weeks in, then it was on to formula. Why? BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT THEY’RE EATING IT MATTERS IF THEY’RE HEALTHY!!!

And as far as convience is concerend, sure, its harder to bottle feed, but those are the mommies who actually get out of bed in the middle of the night to make their babies a bottle, the mommies who spend extra hours scrubbing the bottle and making formula. But those babies are SITLL getting fed adn with just as much love and admiration as those babies who are breastfed.

To all those mommies who berate other because of their choice or cirumcstance to not breastfeed, I hope you have another, and I hope you are forced to bottle feed them. Take a look from the other side of the fence, and maybe, just maybe you’ll be a little kinder.

By BlueMoon

August 3, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

To Lori-

And I’m not saying this to be mean, but please look at your own diet. It’s the baby’s too. It never hurts to see a nutritionist because chances are, you wouldn’t need to supplement with formula if you consulted with someone.

And let me reiterate, doctors don’t know squat about nutrition. They can fix a heart valve, but rarely can they tell you what truly effects your health and that is everything you put in your body and on it. What’s in our food and the vital foods we don’t eat will have a bigger effect on the child than any formula.

By Amy in the ATL

August 3, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I breastfed my first daughter for 6 months and my second for 5 months. Both were such big eaters I couldn’t keep up, so I gradually transitioned them to formula and then to whole milk. Breastfeeding is definitely cheaper and can be more convenient than formula, so long as you can breastfeed without having to pump. When I went back to work and had to pump during the day, it became quite difficult, especially since I was trying to get all of my work done early to get home early to spend more time with my girls. All moms have the right to decide what works best for their families without having to endure the judgement of the self-righteous “breast is best”-ers. Same thing goes for all other aspects of the mommy wars, like working vs. staying at home. Can we drop all this silliness and work together on improving things we all care about, like education and healthcare?

By childless and scared of you folks

August 3, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

The breastfeeding nazis need to understand what a disservice they are doing to their cause. I am childless, but hope to have children one day. I have severe polycystic ovarian syndrome and have to take daily medication to control the symptoms. I think I would like to try breastfeeding, but does it make sense to pass this medication onto my future child? Probably not. Would you have me stop taking the medication, cause myself health problems and become unable to parent in any way, shape or form? These will most likely be my two options. Quite frankly I dread not being able to enjoy my child for defending myself against people who most likely will not know my situation or try to understand.

A friend had double mastectomy at 28 and has 2 very healthy children who were no breast fed for obvious reasons. THey are both loved, healthy, and well adjusted. Although I have not lost my breasts, due to a medical issue I may not be able to breast feed in the future and I dread the judgement I will get.

The most powerful thing women can do is support each other and not judge. I wish the BF’s would learn there are many reasons that women do not or cannot breast feed and to get to know those that they judge for casting aspersions.

By Charisma

August 3, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

When my boys was a coming up i fed them from my brast the baby botles was to expensive so i just had to feed them the way God made me to and i think i did right by them they didnt turn out lite like my sisters boy who didnt get fed like them on account of my sister had what you call soured milk and it made the baby sick so she had to get food stmps and get soome cnaned milk and stuff and he turned out lite and he goes with a boy and i reckon its on account of the way he was brung up he got what hewnated and he was fed on the can milk and nt on the breast like a real baby so he gorwed up to be lite and i think thats what does it so if you dont feed your boy with the breaste he will be lite and you will have to watch him be lite and be fancy with a boy when he goes with it and it will tear your heart out i want to toop my sisters boy and get him right but he aitn going to have it because he is lite and thats what happens if you klet them get can milk

By southern44

August 3, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

I tried to BF my first child but after 3 weeks of sore and bleeding breasts and being unable to produce enough milk I stopped.

With my second child I was able to successfully BF. When I went back to work at 3 mos she BF when I was home and took a bottle while I was at work.

It was great not having to carry around bottles and formula when we went out. She was not in and out of the Ped’s office nearly as much as my son. Go figure…

By Leigh

August 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Breast feeding is too time consuming and requires that you actually participate. Bottle feeding is much easier and can be done by the child’s nanny. I had both of my children bottle fed as I did not want them physically attached to me for any length of time past their births. “It’s much easier, more convenient and less time consuming just to have the child bottle fed.

Evidently Hunter needed to have kids as part of her pre-nup. Sugar, do you even hug your kids??? You sound like a “Mommy Dearest” wanna be since it is all about you and NOT the kids.

By KoolAid House

August 3, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

To each his own. However, I breast fed and think it’s the best thing to do. You guys with nannies are missing so much.

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Leigh, no the kids were not part of the Pre-Nup; but yes they were a compromise. I didn’t want them, my husband however wanted “an heir” — so I agreed, however on the stipulation that I can hire a full time nanny to take care of their menial needs and that I can regulate my time and involvement with them according to my own schedule. He agreed, so we had our first. She was a girl; he wasn’t happy so we agreed on one more, a boy. Now he is happy, I am happy, the kids seem happy enough, and the nanny is happy to have a job. Its win/win/win/win.

By Nicole

August 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I think Hunter had kids to show off, not to care for! Hunter, why didn’t you just babysit instead of having kids, you could have just sent them home at the end of the day to loving parents who WANT to participate in their child’s lives! I see too many kids everyday who have parents who do the “hands off” approach but give their kids the world (material possessions). Your kind of people make me sick and raise some pretty screwed up kids/ adults that everyone else has to deal with b/c your backbone is just not strong enough.

By leigh

August 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Childless…you bring up a valid reasons not to BF and you should not let anyone beat you up when you have kids and don’t BF. I honestly believe that you can be as close to your child bottlefeeding as when BF. With the exception of Hunter’s comment/attitude, it does not mean you don’t love your children any less than a mother that BF’s.

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Nicole, I resent that. My kids are well adjusted, socially accepted individuals. The simple fact of the matter is that I am just far too busy with my own life to spend every waking moment dealing with the trivialities of children; so I have a full time nanny who takes care of them. They are clothed, fed, sheltered and cared for 24/7 and never want for anything. A child should be so lucky as to live their life.

By tina

August 3, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I had my first child at 35 second at 40. I am a 44DDD. I must use the footbal hold to breastfeed because my breast are huge. Trying doing that in public. 1st baby was a preemie weighing 3 lbs. I pumped for her. Next one was 5 lb boy who wanted to eat every 90 minutes. I still ended up with mastitis. So he ended up being bottle fed. He is now 3 and the height of a 5 year old. Healthy as a damn horse and eats as much as one. Not a ounce of fat on him. Both kids health and highly intelligent. The 8 year old showed the baby how to download cartoon network videos. Now he knows how to download Beyonce. Go figure!!!

By Nicole

August 3, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Whatever you say Hunter. I just hope that in old age your children throw you in a home for the loving staff of a nursing home to look after so that they don’t have to deal with the trivialties of an old person!

By Leigh

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Nicole, I would not let Hunter watch my pets, muchless my kids.

As a society we can only hope that the nanny has a warm and loving heart because it is obvious that Hunter does not.

By Randi

August 3, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

KITTY - I am sorry but a 3 year old should not be getting milk from the breast, that is close to incest and nasty!

By Leigh

August 3, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

LOL, right on Nicole!!

What goes around, comes around!

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

How can you say I do not have a warm and loving heart? You don’t know me. Yes, I am guilty of not being a “hands on” parent. Yes, I admit that I would rather spend the day at the spa than at a little league game. Does that make me heartless? No. If one of the children were to die I would attend the funeral, and would probably cry a bit. I am not maternal, thats just a fact. Some women are nuturers, some aren’t. I am not. Does that make me heartless? Not at all.

By .

August 3, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Come one, everyone, doncha get it? Hunter isn’t real…duh. It’s either pretending to be holier-than-thou or switching personalities to be Paris Hilton’s mom. Ignore it.

By annemarie

August 3, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

dear kate — it wasn’t bunk — the children that were breastfed while i was bottle feeding did indeed have ear infections, strep when they got older and some colic (horrors) as infants — my kids were at the doctor for check ups 99.9% of the time — you don’t need to get mean about it — i even said great for breastfeeding and great for me bottlefeeding

By Charisma

August 3, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

If you dont fede your boy from you then he might end up lite like my siters boy and go with a boy and dress fancy and that aint right so you have to breasted fed the boy to make sure he turns out right and with the girl i think the same if you wnt her to have kids if you dont then you can get can milk but it aint rigt to get it from the store if the milk is there and there was one woman i know who fed her girl goats milk on account of he coult not drink regular milk and he drunk goats milk and he got scares so bad he was going through a diaper every minute it was bad had aint never seen scares as bad as that boy got on goat milk and i dont kjnow how come i guess its goats and i aint never drunk none of it myself but i knowed this woman that give it to her boy and he got the scares real bad from it and he was having to drink it and get the scares and it was bad and i reckon thats what it does to you so if you get the milk and it aint right then dont get goat milk unless you wnt your boy to get the scares then it will give to him and youw ill need lots of diapers that girl i knowed had to get lots of dipers when her boy got the scares from the goat milk and it give him scres so bad but my sistres noy got the can milk and he turned out lite and he goes with a boy and i dont know nothing bout it sexcept that there was the can milk and she didnt never woop him when he needed it and he turned out lite and he goes with a boy so if thats what you want then you do it and you might get a boy who is lite and dresses fancy and then if its goat milk then he migt get the scares when he is fancy but i dont know just about what i seen

By Lisa

August 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Many people to do not account for differring circumstances. My first child had reflux so very bad that the only way to keep food down was (at one week old) begin feeding her rice cereal. I was made to feel by the “breast moms” that I was a horrible person. My second child simply had no interest in breast feeding. After 2 weeks of crying (him and me both)and consulting with the lactation “experts” I decided to do what was best for my son and feed him with a bottle.

Don’t be so easy to say mothers are horrible or uncarying just because they do not breast feed. THAT IS RIDICULOUS!!

P.S. My 11 and 8 years olds are now very healthy and intelligent individuals. Very active outdoors.

By !!!

August 3, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Oh Christ, if you are going to troll at least come up with a new bit.

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I want some of whatever it is Charisma is smoking….

By Leigh

August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Hunter, your own words make you sound cold and heartless. It warms us all to know that you would at least attend your childs funeral and shed a tear or two.

In all honesty it sounds like you had children only to make your husband happy therefore enabling you to continue living a life of luxury.

That’s pretty cold and heartless and so extremely selfish.

By Alecia

August 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Well I am pregnant with my second child now, but with my first child I had complications so I was unable to breastfeed even though I tried.

After reading all these comments I am going to really try and breastfeed this time around but if it does not work I will not feel guilty if I have to resort to bottlefeeding. As long as I am a good mother and I am doing the best I can for my child that’s what really counts.

By GirlsMom

August 3, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

My first wouldn’t latch on…no matter what I tried. The lactation consultants at NH even gave up and had me feed her formula. I ended up pumping for her instead and supplementing with formula for about 3 months until I gave up.

My second also wouldn’t latch on…would just scream like I was killing her. I started pumping with her as well, and she had nothing but breastmilk to drink for her first 15 months. It was a win/win situation for us…she got the benefits of breastmilk, I saved TONS of money on formula, kept weight off while eating like a horse, and was able to fit my pumping into three 30 minute sessions a day that I could easily fit into my work schedule. I had lots of extra in the freezer and everyone was happy.

Even though I didn’t feel forced to breastfeed (my oldest did just fine on formula) I knew that breastmilk was the best option for my daughter and I was fortunate I was able to work out a way to do it, even given our initial difficulties.

The only downside was that when I tried to wean her at 15 months, she refused to drink any milk or formula. I guess I spoiled her.

By Jess

August 3, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

I would have LOVED to BF. My milk never came in either, and I wasn’t about to risk a dehydrated ICU baby. Once I gave him formula he drank as if he was dying of thirst! Making formula and sterilizing bottles is certainly no picnic and I had constantly beat myself up about not being able to BF. If someone wants to judge me for that is their problem, I have a healthy happy, smart kid!

By michele

August 3, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Hunter-

You would “cry a bit” if one of your children died? You must be heartless because one of my babies did die 7 years ago at the end of the month & I STILL cry!

By .

August 3, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Like I said, Michelle, Hunter is not real. It is just a troll who likes to pretend to be a holier-than-thou prig or a socialite prig. It’s only goal is to upset your sensibilities. Don’t waste your metabolism over it…

By Tracey

August 3, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

My son has had severe reflux for 18 months and is allergic to dairy, rice and soy milk s . Breastfeeding him has been the BEST thing for him.

Ladies - don’t give up if your milk doesn’t come in after 4-5 days - you can get meds to help it come in - and use galactologues (oatmeal, beer, etc.) to make your supply go up. DON’T rely on your pediatrician - go to La Leche (laleche.org) and search the internet and YOU CAN HAVE a successful breastfeeding relationship.

By James Etheridge

August 3, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, all of you “bottle babies”! If you are old enough, you can remember when it was “breast only”, or you would starve to death. It is a bunch of crap to expect a woman to hide herself and baby when she is breast feeding. I assume all you women know why you came into this world equipped with breasts. Well, some of you anyway. Most of today;s women think their breasts are solely to fill out a bathing suit…

By James Etheridge

August 3, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, all of you “bottle babies”! If you are old enough, you can remember when it was “breast only”, or you would starve to death. It is a bunch of crap to expect a woman to hide herself and baby when she is breast feeding. I assume all you women know why you came into this world equipped with breasts. Well, some of you anyway. Most of today;s women think their breasts are solely to fill out a bathing suit…

By MOT

August 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Have y’all heard about the group that encourages to nourish the whole family through nursing, no matter the age from hubby to teens to pre-tees to toddlers and babies? I can’t remember if the older kids actually nurse or the mom pumps and gives it in a cup.

They teach interseted families how to re-establish milk supply and keep up with the family. Their premise is that it is the best way to help your family be healthy with good nutrition!

I wish I could find where I first read that but I can’t now. Though you can google and find that there are some as old as ten being nursed and other articles on older children still nursing and then there are sites about nursing husbands. Though you have to be careful, some are erotic. But there are seriously some couples out there trying to get lactation going so the husbands can nurse!!!

Can’t believe it!!!

By Jess

August 3, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Hi “James” first of all you have no clue and second of all there was a thing called “wet nurses” for people in exactly these circumstances. Luckily its 2007 and our babies don’t need to starve to death.

By Hunter

August 3, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

MOT, that is the most disturbing piece of liberal propoganda I have ever read. How dare you insult the moral fabric of America by posting such evil liberalist idealism. Nursing your teens and husband? I bet that is on Hilary Clinton’s agenda if that demon-crat is elected POTUS. How dare you - it is liberal idiots like you that bring about terrorist attacks by demoralizing America and causing the decay of our once great civilization with your lack of honest, virtuous moral values. Shame on you and you will surely burn in Hell with the rest of your liberal ilk.

By leigh

August 3, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Alecia, that is the right attitude to have. All any of us can do is try and not beat ourselves up if BF doesn’t work. Good luck!

By momof1

August 3, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

No mother should be judged for not breast feeding. I belive the reason most women do not is due to lack of support. We’ve become such a politically correct society that normal bodies and bodily functions are shunned. If men breastfed the children, there’d be private lactation facilities on every corner and they would be allowed to stay home from work for at least 1 year.

By bay bay

August 3, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

sounds like the breastfeeding debate is as heated as a religous or political debate…..Republicans vs. Democrates, Breastfeeders vs. Bottlefeeders…..when will it end, and we just make sure we raise law abiding citizen for the future!!!

we know the benefits of it, but its not for everyone, i’d like to know of those who breast fed, how hard was it for your child to actually become somewhat independent from you, rather than mommy mommy mommy every 20 minutes? breast feeding can be a bonding experience, but can it also be an enabling crutch for children?

By dad

August 3, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Although I was willing to help in any way needed, my wife breast fed all 3 of our children. From hubbies perspective, it saved me many a nights sleep since my turn never came.

By LAL

August 3, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I really wanted to breastfeed, and I did try in the hospital, but with both of my children, the nurses at Northside insisted they needed formula as a supplement while waiting for my milk to come in. I feel this really made it harder, because as soon as babies see how much easier it is to get formula from a bottle, they don’t want to bother with the breast anymore. I even went home with a pump and pumped for a while, determined to give my children what was best for them, but then I was on a cycle where I was either pumping, feeding, changing diapers, soothing a crying baby, or washing bottles all day and night. Something had to give at that point. So I don’t judge anyone for using formula. My sons are both intelligent and healthy kids despite my shortcomings.

By Charisma

August 3, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I give my boys what it was that the good lord give me to give them and i reckon they came up right and they are good boys and now they got boys of there own and my sister give her boy can milk and he aint right he turnd out lite and he goes with a boy and then this other old gal i knowed give her least one some goat milk on account of he didnt take good to the regular kind and she didnt get the food stanps like my sister so she couldnt buy the can milk which is why my sisters boy turned out lite and goes with a boy but she couldnt afford the can milk and her husband was a preacher over to the baptist church and he didnt want his boy lite so he told her to get goat milk so she went over to this mans house up in cleveland and got some goat milk he had a bunch of goats used to call him the goat man on account of his goats and he spent some time on them goats and he had a horse to but aint nobody drunk the horse milk so i dont know what it does to you but the goat milk when that boy was brung up is what he had and it come from that old boy down there in cleveland that we called him the goat man on account of he had so many goats and he had a horse but he didnt milk the horse and i reckon he died a few years back now, in 93 i think it was and he was a right good man and he was right with the lord so i know he went to heaven and i know i will see that goat man one day when i get there and i know he was right with the lord and i didnt go to his funeral or nothing on account of he was down in cleveland and i aint nary drove a car not once in my 84 years i tell you not a single once and my boy was not here to take me and i usually get my least boy to take me and him and his wife she is a good gal she will help me she is taching me the computer that they give me and how to get the email and tho get the spiders webs and stuff and get on here and talk to people like this you know and i reckon they would of took me to his funeral but they was gone to out of town on vacation to go somehwere down in florida and get some sun on them my boys wife tells me she needs the sun light on account of her skin is too white and i said well you aint got nothing to be onry baout and i told her i was ok and she is teaching me the computer and they give their boy the brast and he is a good boy and he aint fancy nor nothing like my sisters boy cause i tell him that meemaw will woop the tar out of hjimn if he starts acting fancy and gets lite and goes with a boy that aint right and i wont have it and he saiys he aint fancy and he likes to go with girls and i tell him hes a good boy and hes almost 8 now and he is a good boy and he aint the last bit lite and he is a good boy amd im proud of him but my siters boy sure turned out lite and he goes with a boy so she aint going to have not nary a grand boy and thats what she done to herslf with the way she brought him up

By Nicole

August 3, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Hunter, don’t you have a spa date to be at? What a whack job!

By Alie

August 6, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Kitty and all, don’t be too quick to judge when you see a bottle. My son was born full term but less than 5 lbs and severly hypoglycemic. He had to be given formula right after birth for his health. I tried breast feeding for weeks and weeks, all while pumping. I met with several lactation consultants but he just didn’t want to breast feed. So I pumped for 9 months. When I was feeding from a bottle out in public I would get bad looks from moms. Little did they know it was most likely breast milk. I did have to suppliment but 85% of his intake was breast milk. I worked hard for 9 months for his health and yet I got nasty looks that I didn’t deserve. So don’t judge too quickly when you see a mom with a bottle. There is a good chance that it could be breast milk.

By the way, my son is over 2 and very healthy. No ear infections, no reason for antibiotics and only a few colds.