GMTV a Midwife says "promoting Breast Feeding is bad"

[BlackBerry25]

Doesn't every carton and tin of formula have instruction on? Is that not enough information?

Are you for real?

I breastfed and now formula feed. Here I was harrassed continuously to breastfeed by my nurses, so much that I just stopped answering the phone. There are breastfeeding segments in our prenatal clinics but no mention of formula at all. No mention of bottles.

They teach stuff about diapers and that seems simple enough to me, but obviously some people haven't done it before and need some practice.

People are in this thread saying, I formula feed and I def. could have used some direction in the matter, and you are pretty much saying we are stupid and should be able to read a can.

It doesn't tell you about bottle options, nipple flows, different types of formula, how much your baby needs to eat at what age, how many times through out the day, etc.

 

[AppleBlossom]

To me it wasn't pushiness that put me off, it just wasn't for me. Grace was too greedy and it wasn't coming out quick enough for her so she would scream and I would sit and cry at every feed. I think for me people who are so adament that BFing is the one and only way you should feed your child are offensive to people who FF. As long as your baby is fed and is happy and healthy does it really matter whether it is formula or breastmilk?

 

[BlackBerry25]

I cannot believe the level of bitch in this thread. I cannot even read the whole thing because I am honestly going to chuck my computer off my balcony. Some of you are acting disgusting and superior to people who choose to formula feed.

WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO IF IT IS A COMPLETELY FINE WAY OF FEEDING YOUR CHILD?!

 

[AppleBlossom]

And i agree wendy, the idea of changing a nappy seems pretty straight forward but those who have never done it before do often struggle the first couple of times before they get the hang of it. Same with FF from the reasons you stated.

Nobody should be made to feel inferior because they chose to do something differently to other parents.

 

[asacia]

I cannot believe the level of bitch in this thread. I cannot even read the whole thing because I am honestly going to chuck my computer off my balcony. Some of you are acting disgusting and superior to people who choose to formula feed.

WHAT DOES IT MATTER TO YOU WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO IF IT IS A COMPLETELY FINE WAY OF FEEDING YOUR CHILD?!

To answer your question above, yes it was a genuine question. A poster then highlighted a few of the things that they don't mention that she would have found useful to be told. One of them wasn't something I'd come across, so I thanked her for pointing it out. It was a genuine question, I got a genuine answer - I certainly didn't mean to imply that FF'ers aren't intelligent.

I've used bottles for my son when unable to breastfeed him directly, and I've given formula at work, but I've not prepared formula feeds, hence not having a great deal of knowledge about it. From what I've read on the back of tins in passing, I thought it was sufficient information, but I stand corrected. I'm sorry I didn't word my question well enough, or explain in enough detail what I meant, and I apologise for causing offence.

 

[BlackBerry25]

Oh you aren't the only one with the attitude problem, just the first one was directed to you.

 

[BlackBerry25]

Personally, I am happy to live in a country that has options. Thank god for that!

 

[ryder]

As long as your baby is fed and is happy and healthy does it really matter whether it is formula or breastmilk?

Of course, Bex... Dont you know that weère supposed to force ourselves to do something we are uncomfortable just to make the BFing brigade satisfied

 

[AppleBlossom]

I don't like being told what to do, call me a brat if you will! lol but I am not ashamed of the fact that I FF (although I don't use formula anymore) I wanted to FF because it was best for me and my baby. There's nothing more too it. Grace was much more contented on formula because I knew she was getting as much as she wanted. I would never judge anyone who breastfed because that is their decision and I am willing to respect that so why can't people be the same with formula feeders? If formula was some kind of poison then ok, fair enough. But it filled my child up and she is happy and healthy just as babies who are BF are. So I don't see what the problem is

 

[asacia]

As long as your baby is fed and is happy and healthy does it really matter whether it is formula or breastmilk?

Of course, Bex... Dont you know that weère supposed to force ourselves to do something we are uncomfortable just to make the BFing brigade satisfied

I think there aren't that many women who FF because they are physically unable to feed a baby, and I don't think there are many who FF because of emotional reasons. I also don't think anyone has any problem with those ladies FF'ing. I certainly don't.

What I have a problem with is the lack of support for BF'ing. The fact that FF'ing is almost seen as the norm. The fact that women aren't given enough help and information during pregnancy, and immediately after delivery. The fact that you usually only hear about problems with breastfeeding - not many stand up and say that they breastfeed and it is wonderful.

I want BF'ing to be the norm, for there to be adequate help and support for women. It can sometimes be the easier option to give Formula when there are breastfeeding problems. My Midwife insisted that I buy formula, and I often sat crying in the middle of the night, having expressed only 10ml, thinking I should just give in and use the formula. It was only because I had the right help and support that I didn't give in, and I'm glad I didn't. I'd have missed out on so much.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[Vickie]

I think points have been made and it is great to express your opinion, but some of these step over the line and are downright rude.

asacia asked a question, and while maybe it wasn't phrased in the best possible manner she has since apologized, which has basically been ignored

This is a no win thread. BF will tell you that they are the ones in the minority and that they face criticism because they BF and FF will say the same. Can we all not support one another? I mean we have enough pressures from the outside world from family, friends, physicians and even strangers telling us what we're doing wrong.

 

[Jem]

I don't like being told what to do, call me a brat if you will! lol but I am not ashamed of the fact that I FF (although I don't use formula anymore) I wanted to FF because it was best for me and my baby. There's nothing more too it. Grace was much more contented on formula because I knew she was getting as much as she wanted. I would never judge anyone who breastfed because that is their decision and I am willing to respect that so why can't people be the same with formula feeders? If formula was some kind of poison then ok, fair enough. But it filled my child up and she is happy and healthy just as babies who are BF are. So I don't see what the problem is

I agree, I FF and did with my daughter too and refuse to be made to feel bad about it. As long as your baby is healthy does it matter how they get their milk???

 

[ryder]

I dont think any of my posts were directed at asacia... They were directed at other people.

 

[Pyrrhic]

BF should be in your face during pregnancy as that should be the 1st choice method of feeding for everyone.

Thats not really fair though is it? Some women are not able to breastfeed for whatever reason and they should be aware of all the options just as you are of all the options for giving birth.

Yes, but you don't know that you won't be able to BF until after pregnancy. So I think Blah's point was that during pregnancy, women should look to try and BF.

That is exactly the kind of pushy attitude that really pisses people off.

Women dont have to BF... And just because SOME people think it is "best for baby"... it isn't. The best thing for a baby is that they have a loving home with all their needs met. Formula is just as good for a baby when a baby is being loved and cared for.

I've said it before, but one thing that really bothers me about this board is how judgemental and pushy women are about bfing.

This seems to be a never ended debate. Why cant people just accept others choice?

I was just trying to explain what I thought Blah meant

 

[asacia]

I mean we have enough pressures from the outside world from family, friends, physicians and even strangers telling us what we're doing wrong.

Talking of strangers, a woman once stopped me outside the supermarket, when LO was about 8 days old, and started asking loads of questions. They started off normal, how big is he, how old is he. Then she asked about how he was fed, why was I expressing, how were my nipples etc! It was very strange! She then went on to give me some advice on how to get him to breastfeed. I just wanted to do some shopping!!

 

[ryder]

I know what blah meant... which is why you both got the reply you did

 

[Vickie]

I've had strangers ask me too how Hannah was fed. And when I told them she was FF I got nasty looks and one woman even told me "well that's why she's so big"

 

[ryder]

Iève had that comment too vickie... Jaswmine is by no means fat, she is tall now and she is very active and in good shape... But people think she is huge etc.

Toms mom used to always comment on how big Jasmine was. SILs girls were both bf and were underweight most of the time. So She always said how big and chubby Jasmine was. Which always made me laugh because Jasmine was always on the 50th percentile of the charts.

 

[Pyrrhic]

I know what blah meant... which is why you both got the reply you did

Well, I use formula now and I agree with you that Mums should feel supported no matter what their choice, and should never be made to feel bad for their choices. Everyone always has their child's best interests at heart.

The only reason I originally posted in here is because GMTV are a very biased program and I think with new Mums it's important they get support in what choice they make, but are also allowed to feel good about their choices. Things like a national morning TV show should either just not talk about these things, or present both POVs to help Mums get correct information.

 

[BlackBerry25]

As long as your baby is fed and is happy and healthy does it really matter whether it is formula or breastmilk?

Of course, Bex... Dont you know that weère supposed to force ourselves to do something we are uncomfortable just to make the BFing brigade satisfied

I think there aren't that many women who FF because they are physically unable to feed a baby, and I don't think there are many who FF because of emotional reasons. I also don't think anyone has any problem with those ladies FF'ing. I certainly don't.

What I have a problem with is the lack of support for BF'ing. The fact that FF'ing is almost seen as the norm. The fact that women aren't given enough help and information during pregnancy, and immediately after delivery. The fact that you usually only hear about problems with breastfeeding - not many stand up and say that they breastfeed and it is wonderful.

I want BF'ing to be the norm, for there to be adequate help and support for women. It can sometimes be the easier option to give Formula when there are breastfeeding problems. My Midwife insisted that I buy formula, and I often sat crying in the middle of the night, having expressed only 10ml, thinking I should just give in and use the formula. It was only because I had the right help and support that I didn't give in, and I'm glad I didn't. I'd have missed out on so much.

I hope that makes sense.

Well I think this board is an accurate representation of a community, and I think most would say they did not breastfeed for a valid reason, so I don't really understand your narrowminded opinion.

This is a world wide forum, and here in Canada we have a lot of support for breast feeding moms. They helped me right at birth, they have clinics for during your pregnancy and afterwards, the lactation nurse came right to my bed and helped me with my latch.

Anyways, I don't think anyone has to explain their reasons for choosing how to they feed their own babies. The main point is they are fed in a healthy manner. Most of your opinions so far have been against formula, not asking for more resources for breastfeeding moms. I was pointing out, as was others, that there are pretty much NO resources for formula feeding moms. But you think reading a can is enough. How would you like it if I said "Well popping your baby on your tit, isn't that simple enough?"