Breast is not best, language, guilt and lactivism musings

[Pramaholic86]

Well by saying FF mums are putting their children at risk, it is underming them IMO You can't expect to make those sort of statements and not offend?

 

[Dragonfly]

There are risks to formula feeding.

 

[MommaAlexis]

I think everyone missed the point of the thread entirely. The way BF and FF are marketed at the moment in some countries makes FF considered the common option. We were discussing what marketing tactics woukd work to ACTUALLY promote BF and not make FF the #1 option. If you don't want to discuss the marketing idea behind it, you're definitely in the wrong thread.

 

[freckleonear]

I think everyone missed the point of the thread entirely. The way BF and FF are marketed at the moment in some countries makes FF considered the common option. We were discussing what marketing tactics woukd work to ACTUALLY promote BF and not make FF the #1 option. If you don't want to discuss the marketing idea behind it, you're definitely in the wrong thread.

This. The "breast is best" message makes it sound like formula is the normal option and breastfeeding is extra, like a private tutor hired by pushy parents.

 

[lhancock90]

Can somebody please explain to me the risks of FF?

 

[creatingpeace]

I think everyone missed the point of the thread entirely. The way BF and FF are marketed at the moment in some countries makes FF considered the common option. We were discussing what marketing tactics woukd work to ACTUALLY promote BF and not make FF the #1 option. If you don't want to discuss the marketing idea behind it, you're definitely in the wrong thread.

This. The "breast is best" message makes it sound like formula is the normal option and breastfeeding is extra, like a private tutor hired by pushy parents.

Hmmmmmm I do not understand saying something is "best" how it makes it an option. Like a tutor? I think it says exactly what is says "it is BEST". Nothing to red into there... Here in Canada...no ONE who gives birth in a hosp or goes to prenatal classes can come out feeling like formula is a good option...leads to severe guilt as previously mentioned. Here in Canada I feel that the marketing of formula always mentions breast is better...yes even formula makers promoting their products indicate that WHO supports breast feeding over formula. I find it hard to believe that Canada is so progressive over other countries?

 

[alette]

If I had carried on bf I would have gone down the road of PND, when you physically cant stand the thought of your baby being near you and you flinch every time he cries it wasnt worth carrying on, within a couple of days of ff I was happy and relaxed and so was he

That's what happened with us, but I switched to EPing instead. I was starting to resent LO and couldn't bear to put her on my breast again. Every time she cried I panicked because I knew she was probably hungry and that meant pain. I probably would have gone with formula except is is really expensive ($147/month) and smells like soured milk, which scared me quite a bit. It also scared me that it says right on the container that the powdered formula is not sterile. I got a Medela PISA from the hospital ($240 - insurance covered it) and haven't looked back!

 

[Dragonfly]

https://www.infactcanada.ca/RisksofFormulaFeeding.pdf
https://suite101.com/article/the-risks-and-disadvantages-of-formula-feeding-a85064
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2812877/
https://kellymom.com/nutrition/milk/infant-formula/
https://www.infactcanada.ca/misinfo.htm
https://infactsecure.com/wbwresources/bfi-risks-english.pdf

 

[freckleonear]

Can somebody please explain to me the risks of FF?

https://www.infactcanada.ca/RisksofFormulaFeeding.pdf

Edit: too slow!

 

[creatingpeace]

Am I supposed to be reading the articles in all those links you posted?

 

[lhancock90]

I've only skimmed some of the risks, they aren't risks IMO, the chance of being affected by one of those in the list rises when you FF but BF babies can also suffer with those complaints. Risk is the wrong word.

 

[Pramaholic86]

^^ this, it's similar to saying EBF is 'wierd' or 'strange' rather than 'less common' it's bound to provoke a reaction.

 

[Dragonfly]

^^ this, it's similar to saying EBF is 'wierd' or 'strange' rather than 'less common' it's bound to provoke a reaction.

yeah but I dont care what any one else thinks what I do.

What words better than risks then?

 

[freckleonear]

I've only skimmed some of the risks, they aren't risks IMO, the chance of being affected by one of those in the list rises when you FF but BF babies can also suffer with those complaints. Risk is the wrong word.

So smoking doesn't increase the risk of lung cancer because you can get lung cancer even if you don't smoke?

 

[lhancock90]

I've only skimmed some of the risks, they aren't risks IMO, the chance of being affected by one of those in the list rises when you FF but BF babies can also suffer with those complaints. Risk is the wrong word.

So smoking doesn't increase the risk of lung cancer because you can get lung cancer even if you don't smoke?

Smoking isn't needed to live. If BF and other options fail then FF is. Completely different situations.

 

[SnuggleMum]

I've only skimmed some of the risks, they aren't risks IMO, the chance of being affected by one of those in the list rises when you FF but BF babies can also suffer with those complaints. Risk is the wrong word.

How would you word it? Smoking increases the risk of cancer, that doesn't mean non smokers don't get cancer. formula increases the risk of x, y and z, but doesn't mean exclusively breastfed babies aren't affected. I'm not sure how else it could be worded?

 

[lhancock90]

So what are the risks of breastfeeding?

I know you are gonna disagree with me but it my case PND

I've only skimmed some of the risks, they aren't risks IMO, the chance of being affected by one of those in the list rises when you FF but BF babies can also suffer with those complaints. Risk is the wrong word.

How would you word it? Smoking increases the risk of cancer, that doesn't mean non smokers don't get cancer. formula increases the risk of x, y and z, but doesn't mean exclusively breastfed babies aren't affected.

I would simply say is gives you a better chance of avoiding x, y and z. I think demonising FF to promote BF is wrong.

 

[creatingpeace]

I am too busy being a Mom to argue this nonsense...

 

[Ozzieshunni]

I think that people over interpret everything everyone says.

 

[katiekittykat]

I think that people over interpret everything everyone says.

Which is the crux of the matter as far as I can tell. The vast over interpretation of the 'breast is best' slogan. And the remarkable ability of some people to be able to start an argument in an empty room lol