breastfed babies result in better behaved children?

[Tiff]

It seems to me that you're looking for an argument

This is the debate section? Surely we shouldn't have to tiptoe in here as much as the rest of the forum? Just wondering.

There is a huge difference between a debate and an argument.

Arguing your point for the sake of arguing isn't constructive to any conversation/debate. You are right, you have to "tip toe" less in here, but there still are guidelines in which to post.

 

[AppleBlossom]

It seems to me that you're looking for an argument

This is the debate section? Surely we shouldn't have to tiptoe in here as much as the rest of the forum? Just wondering.

Why do they waste money on these pointless studies, seriously?

They're bored? I'll bet there are some very smart people who don't think its pointless. Just because you don't like the outcome doesn't mean its without meaning to society.

But it is pointless why not do something worthwhile instead. I'm not opposed to breastfeeding, quite the opposite infact. I'm sure that life experience is more valuable to parents than some sap in a white coat. My LO was FF for the most part and as well as being far advanced for her age, she is also very well behaved compared to most children and I often get comments telling me such. All that study is really doing is trying to make FFing parents feel bad (as usual) Just don't see the need tbh. Bur obviously there are a very select few BFers out there who thrive on studies like this in order to feel superior (and before anyone jumps on me, I'm not saying ALL BFers, just a handful)

 

[Lightworker]

I cannot fathom the notion that certain studies are pointless. As mothers surely we NEED to make INFORMED decisions about how to raise our children. The information we rely on stems from (amongst other things) studies like these. Another study was also being bashed on here for being pointless and I just don't get it. How can one condemn information on childrens' wellbeing and deem it "pointless"? Mind boggling TBH.

 

[AppleBlossom]

Not all studies are pointless. Don't think I said that anywhere... Studies into things like preventing SIDS etc are very helpful. But why keep bringing out studies like "FF babies are more likely to be unhealthy/stupid/asbo kids" Why not just settle for Breast is best and leave it at that? We all know that's a fact, do we really need people going around shoving study after study about what damage their children will endure if they choose to FF?

 

[mrsthomas623]

Not all studies are pointless. Don't think I said that anywhere... Studies into things like preventing SIDS etc are very helpful. But why keep bringing out studies like "FF babies are more likely to be unhealthy/stupid/asbo kids" Why not just settle for Breast is best and leave it at that? We all know that's a fact, do we really need people going around shoving study after study about what damage their children will endure if they choose to FF?

Well said.

I have not looked through the whole thread but I don't think people are denying that there are many benefits to BFing. Most of us just believe their behavior is a result of parenting and not what they drank during their first year or so of life.

 

[Lightworker]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

 

[AppleBlossom]

I know that. But there have been countless other studies to say that FF babies are less likely to do well in school/be less intelligent than BF babies.

 

[Lightworker]

No one is shoving the study in anyone's face. Should science and research stagnate just to as not to offend people's sensitivities? "Oh yeah, lets not study that because we might upset some people." These areas of study are CRUCIAL in order for parents to remain informed and accountable. If the study is to be dismissed lets have some proper reasons why eg poor methodology etc. Not just instant dismissal on the basis of "you're making me feel bad."

 

[Kalah]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

Yes I've noticed a lot of people do this, take one thing and turn it the wrong way around, especially with breastfeeding!! It is fact that breastfeeding makes children smarter and healthierthan that SAME child would have been otherwise. That is the KEY part most people miss. Formula doesn't do any harm, it just doesn't have the same benefits that breast milk does that's all.

 

[AppleBlossom]

Ok well whatever. I'm bored now, been here long enough to know that this particular kind of debates always end up with the same conclusion. Enjoy!

 

[Tiff]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

Yes I've noticed a lot of people do this, take one thing and turn it the wrong way around, especially with breastfeeding!! It is fact that breastfeeding makes children smarter and healthierthan that SAME child would have been otherwise. That is the KEY part most people miss. Formula doesn't do any harm, it just doesn't have the same benefits that breast milk does that's all.

I disagree to your bolded and underlined part about being smarter

Mainly because I have seen breastfed babies that are behind milestones rather than formula fed babies. I do believe that breastmilk has antibodies that formula doesn't have, and while it wasn't the route for me I have nothing against breastfeeding. In fact, I love seeing all the "I have breastfed for x amount of months" Makes me happy.

But to say that its fact that breasfed babies are smarter is something I personally don't understand. Unless I'm just in the area where its the exception, not the rule? I dunno.

 

[ryder]

I dont have anything against bfing, considering I did it for 6 months! But I agree... its completely uncalled for for people to claim bf babies are smarter/healthier blah blah blah... it just gets a little old, and a little ridiculous! Im not sure why bfing moms think they are superior and their children are superior.... Back to my comment about people being bfing snobs... Claiming your kid is going to be smarter then someone elses because you bf, or better behaved etc, is just ridiculous.

 

[mrsthomas623]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

Yes I've noticed a lot of people do this, take one thing and turn it the wrong way around, especially with breastfeeding!! It is fact that breastfeeding makes children smarter and healthierthan that SAME child would have been otherwise. That is the KEY part most people miss. Formula doesn't do any harm, it just doesn't have the same benefits that breast milk does that's all.

But the bolded part is not a fact because there is no way to prove it, unless you and Doc Brown hop into the Delorian and feed that exact same child differently. They can only assume that it may have made a difference.

I agree with that last part, though (and I FF)

 

[Kalah]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

Yes I've noticed a lot of people do this, take one thing and turn it the wrong way around, especially with breastfeeding!! It is fact that breastfeeding makes children smarter and healthierthan that SAME child would have been otherwise. That is the KEY part most people miss. Formula doesn't do any harm, it just doesn't have the same benefits that breast milk does that's all.

I disagree to your bolded and underlined part about being smarter

Mainly because I have seen breastfed babies that are behind milestones rather than formula fed babies. I do believe that breastmilk has antibodies that formula doesn't have, and while it wasn't the route for me I have nothing against breastfeeding. In fact, I love seeing all the "I have breastfed for x amount of months" Makes me happy.

But to say that its fact that breasfed babies are smarter is something I personally don't understand. Unless I'm just in the area where its the exception, not the rule? I dunno.

I get that response quite often, and I'd be happy to explain it to you
I learned about this in a psychology course while learning about the brain. Breast milk helps myelination occur more efficiently. Myelination is basically when a myelin sheath is formed around the axon of neurons throughout the brain. This myelin sheath insulates the axon and makes information travel faster and also keeps the connection from breaking so the information makes it to where it's going. This whole process results in higher intelligence.
Myelination does still occur if you formula feed though, just not as efficiently. That's why I always make sure to include that the intelligence boost is only relative to each child. A breast fed baby can have a low IQ, but it will be higher than it would have been if that child had not been breast fed but still had every other factor of their life exactly the same.

 

[moomin_troll]

my inlaws were all breastfed and then are the most bratty, bad temptered nasty people ive ever met.

i agree that its how ur bought up and lets face it every child has tantrums ect its apart of growing up. it doesnt have a thing to do with how ur fed.

my son was bf for a week n then bottle fed and hes so well behaved and friendly

 

[Kalah]

Appleblossom- the study says Breastfed babies are less likely to have behavioural problems. It does NOT say FF babies are stupid etc. That kind of comment is indicative of a misunderstanding/misinterpretation of the report. Even though we know breast is best, that assertion needs to be legitimized by accomoanying evidence. Before this no one attributed behaviour to BFing and it is a new development. ALOT of mothers want to know the consequences of their choices and these studies help them.

Yes I've noticed a lot of people do this, take one thing and turn it the wrong way around, especially with breastfeeding!! It is fact that breastfeeding makes children smarter and healthierthan that SAME child would have been otherwise. That is the KEY part most people miss. Formula doesn't do any harm, it just doesn't have the same benefits that breast milk does that's all.

But the bolded part is not a fact because there is no way to prove it, unless you and Doc Brown hop into the Delorian and feed that exact same child differently. They can only assume that it may have made a difference.

I agree with that last part, though (and I FF)

While I personally can't prove it (I'm no scientist ) it is something that has been studied and proven to be true. I don't know what experiments where done but it's similar to the way other things that can't be done can still be proven true.

 

[Kalah]

I dont have anything against bfing, considering I did it for 6 months! But I agree... its completely uncalled for for people to claim bf babies are smarter/healthier blah blah blah... it just gets a little old, and a little ridiculous! Im not sure why bfing moms think they are superior and their children are superior.... Back to my comment about people being bfing snobs... Claiming your kid is going to be smarter then someone elses because you bf, or better behaved etc, is just ridiculous.

Please don't misunderstand me, I'm only saying my baby will be smarter than she would have been if I had FF. Not that she will be smarter than anyone else's baby. I definitely am not claiming to be superior to anyone.

ETA: Just want to make sure no one is misunderstanding the tone I say any of this with either, I know that can be hard just reading it on screen. I'm just saying all this in a very conversational, informative, calm nice way =) I enjoy a mature debate

 

[Lightworker]

Ok well whatever. I'm bored now, been here long enough to know that this particular kind of debates always end up with the same conclusion. Enjoy!

Thanks!

 

[Tiff]

I guess I still don't get it. The comment about the Dolorean made me giggle, but its entirely true! Unless you can go back in time, FF your baby and then test the differences there's no way to prove it. Therefore it cannot be fact. There can be studies, assumptions and theories, but not fact.

Just my 2.5 cents.

 

[Kalah]

On a side note, I wanted to add in case anyone reading this didn't already know: Children under 2 need a diet higher in fat than older children because of this myelination. In case anyone was wondering why that was