I don't agree with this ....

[xLaura]

Ok I'm not getting into the breast V bottle debate, everyone has there own opinions so please if your just going to lecture on the benefits then please don't as that's not what this thread is for ....
Anyway my point being is that nowadays everyone just 'assumes' your going to breast feed, which fair enough doesn't bother me, however thinking about this further I've noticed that all formula milk adverts on tv are for 'follow on' milk and never for first infant milk. Also whilst just browsing the mothercare website I came across a formula starter pack, which the first thing it says is 'breast milk is best formula should only be used after consultation with your doc or midwife'

Now I totally understand the benefits of breast feeding, however at the end of the day shouldn't it be our decision as to how we choose to feed our own child? Without being made guilty if we decide to choose formula? Recently I've had 4 friends who all wanted to breastfeed and all ended up having to bottle within a week due to different reasons meaning they couldn't, however 3 of my friends were completely devastated that they couldn't breast feed and felt a failure, I never understood this at first but thinking about it now I can see why they felt like this as all society is trying to get us to breast feed as it seems to be expected of us. Surely this isn't right? It's our baby so it should be our decision what we choose to do?
Does anyone else feel like this or am I just seeing too much into this?
And once again PLEASE DON'T comment on the debate of bottle V breast cause ano how heated those get and that's not what I want.

So you only want responses if we agree with you? Ok. Won't respond but I don't agree with you.

Ohhh Gawwwwwwd .... its started

To be fair, I didn't read your first post as that at all. Just that you've made your decision, and don't want this thread to just be full of women telling you it's the wrong decision. Like I said, it's not a decision I can understand, but as long as you know the implications of the decision, then it's your prerogative to choose to feed LO however you want. That's not to say that women who choose to FF without knowing the implications don't have that prerogative, but I would argue that if you only have half of the info, how is that an informed choice? If someone just says 'BFing is icky', then I think it's fair enough to challenge that perception.

I never even said I that I wasn't breastfeeding, I was just making a point about how people just assume I am. Like you assuming I'm not.

 

[special_kala]

Breast feeding desperately needs more support so of course the media should be normalizing it.

You know formula exists. There is a whole aisle full if it in supermarkets

 

[Chezzz]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

 

[patch2006uk]

I never even said I that I wasn't breastfeeding, I was just making a point about how people just assume I am. Like you assuming I'm not.

Apologies, I got you mixed up and thought you (as OP) were also the author of this post:

I'm with you on this OP
And considering you said you get the benefits of breast feeding you shouldn't be made to feel bad for the choices you make for your baby!

I'm gonna formula feed and I'm proud. Who cares. It's my baby!!

I've bolded the line that made me assume you were going to FF.

Would have paid more attention, but I have a wriggly toddler 'helping' me to type. I see now it's pretty clear that's not a post from you, given it references the OP

FWIW, I tend to assume that most people want to at least 'try' to breastfeed, but I know from stats and accept that most won't make it past the first 6 weeks. There are girls I know through facebook, mostly from school, who FF from birth, but my real-life friends mostly tried to initiate BFing but ran into struggles and ended up formula feeding or expressing for a while and then swapping. Once babies are born, I tend to assume that they'll FF. It's a pleasant surprise, and relatively rare, to meet another BFing mom, especially after those very early weeks.

 

[special_kala]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

That's not always true. A shocking amount of teenagers don't even know what breasts are actually for and a lot of women don't understand breastfeeding, the supply and demand aspects, how hard it is, how it can hurt and how wonderful it can be.

If formula companies were allowed free rein the already poor breast feeding rates would drop very quickly.

 

[overcomer79]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

 

[patch2006uk]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

But not many women in certain areas consider it a realistic option. It's something that 'posh' women do, not people from council estates. You'd also be surprised at how many people don't think BFing is actually enough to sustain a baby longterm. Many women in the 60s and 70s were taught that breastmilk isn't adequate after 6 weeks/4 months/6 months (I've heard various random times given).

Formula is culturally normal. Bottles are the symbol on nappy change rooms. Babies with bottles are often portrayed on TV shows. There is an advert now showing a bottle being warmed in a bowl of hot water as a short hand for how 'we all use energy everyday'.

The fact is, a tiny amount of women are actually breastfeeding for any length of time, especially exclusively. If breastfeeding was anywhere near the majority infant feeding method, then I'd agree that penalising those who formula feed because of medical reasons or just because of work commitments or whatever, is massively harsh. But the fact is that breastfeeding has a lot of ground to make up.

I think the policies of the NHS are wrong. As I said, posters and midwives forcing a nipple towards a newborn baby are not good enough 'support'. There needs to be investment in BFing services and support networks, training so GPs don't suggest a top up if LO gains 2oz one week rather than the 'average' 7oz. HVs who don't suggest a formula bottle to help baby sleep through.

However, keeping formula companies on a tight lead is absolutely the right policy IMO. Just look at their conduct in countries where there isn't any protection, and you'll understand why they need to be kept in check by law. Even here, they try and get around the legislation.

 

[special_kala]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

That could be because you don't have q system like the NHS.

It's in the governments best interests to get people to breast feed as then their not footing the bill. Formula fed babies tend to be more expensive for the NHS

 

[patch2006uk]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

There are similar laws now in New York (I believe) and a few other places. Some hospitals are 'baby friendly' and so don't push formula. Honestly, the conditions in the USA for new moms are atrocious. I, too, think moms who work and breastfeed a 6 week old baby are superwomen. It's such a shame that the country doesn't see new babies as worth the investment of a few month's maternity leave

 

[special_kala]

I would love to see the day that there is a boob on changing room doors

 

[overcomer79]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

That could be because you don't have q system like the NHS.

It's in the governments best interests to get people to breast feed as then their not footing the bill. Formula fed babies tend to be more expensive for the NHS

Not all...I pay for my baby formula and my kids are still pretty healthy.

 

[special_kala]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

That could be because you don't have q system like the NHS.

It's in the governments best interests to get people to breast feed as then their not footing the bill. Formula fed babies tend to be more expensive for the NHS

Not all...I pay for my baby formula and my kids are still pretty healthy.

Statistically

 

[overcomer79]

Good thing we don't have those "laws" in the US...many women go back to work at six weeks. Working and breastfeeding moms are superheros. Just my two cents.

There are similar laws now in New York (I believe) and a few other places. Some hospitals are 'baby friendly' and so don't push formula. Honestly, the conditions in the USA for new moms are atrocious. I, too, think moms who work and breastfeed a 6 week old baby are superwomen. It's such a shame that the country doesn't see new babies as worth the investment of a few month's maternity leave

I breastfed both of my babies for a month. My job some days doesn't allow me to sit down and plus I work with hazardous chemicals but at least they got it for a month . I'm proud of those months.

 

[patooti]

I would love to see the day that there is a boob on changing room doors

I def see graphics of a stylised babe at the breast on nursing room doors in NZ.

 

[xpatchx]

My neice is a midwife and is campaigning to get formula adverts completely banned. Now i tried bf with DD and failed miserably. Im going to try this time and I will put a lot more effort into it... But once I had to stop bf'ing DD I was lost. Noone professional had any advice as they weren't ALLOWED to advise me on what formula to use or how to use it. I had no idea what formulas were what and when to swap. Obviously bf is cheaper. Its "natural" as its made to feed the baby. I get that - but some cant or just dont want to breastfeed! My neice drives me crazy with her petitions. If she wants to advise her pregnant ladies not to formula feed thats up to her but to BAN advertising leaving mums who cant breastfeed lost? Not fair!

 

[Sharkey]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

But not many women in certain areas consider it a realistic option. It's something that 'posh' women do, not people from council estates. You'd also be surprised at how many people don't think BFing is actually enough to sustain a baby longterm. Many women in the 60s and 70s were taught that breastmilk isn't adequate after 6 weeks/4 months/6 months (I've heard various random times given).

Formula is culturally normal. Bottles are the symbol on nappy change rooms. Babies with bottles are often portrayed on TV shows. There is an advert now showing a bottle being warmed in a bowl of hot water as a short hand for how 'we all use energy everyday'.

The fact is, a tiny amount of women are actually breastfeeding for any length of time, especially exclusively. If breastfeeding was anywhere near the majority infant feeding method, then I'd agree that penalising those who formula feed because of medical reasons or just because of work commitments or whatever, is massively harsh. But the fact is that breastfeeding has a lot of ground to make up.

I think the policies of the NHS are wrong. As I said, posters and midwives forcing a nipple towards a newborn baby are not good enough 'support'. There needs to be investment in BFing services and support networks, training so GPs don't suggest a top up if LO gains 2oz one week rather than the 'average' 7oz. HVs who don't suggest a formula bottle to help baby sleep through.

However, keeping formula companies on a tight lead is absolutely the right policy IMO. Just look at their conduct in countries where there isn't any protection, and you'll understand why they need to be kept in check by law. Even here, they try and get around the legislation.

Would like to point out to you that just because I was brought up on a council estate that doesn't automatically mean I wouldn't formula feed my baby!!!
For the record I will be breast feeding from the outset & will be damned proud of It! Get your facts straight before coming out with comments like that....

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

Im a bottle feeder. I honestly just dont have this strong feeling towards either, I dont really care what's advertised or anyone else feeds? Surely I cant be the only one who really doesn't care what other people do or dont do? I dont care what I see on TV or what is meant to be better or not? Seriously? I really am not bothered, I cant be the only one not fussed?

 

[special_kala]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

But not many women in certain areas consider it a realistic option. It's something that 'posh' women do, not people from council estates. You'd also be surprised at how many people don't think BFing is actually enough to sustain a baby longterm. Many women in the 60s and 70s were taught that breastmilk isn't adequate after 6 weeks/4 months/6 months (I've heard various random times given).

Formula is culturally normal. Bottles are the symbol on nappy change rooms. Babies with bottles are often portrayed on TV shows. There is an advert now showing a bottle being warmed in a bowl of hot water as a short hand for how 'we all use energy everyday'.

The fact is, a tiny amount of women are actually breastfeeding for any length of time, especially exclusively. If breastfeeding was anywhere near the majority infant feeding method, then I'd agree that penalising those who formula feed because of medical reasons or just because of work commitments or whatever, is massively harsh. But the fact is that breastfeeding has a lot of ground to make up.

I think the policies of the NHS are wrong. As I said, posters and midwives forcing a nipple towards a newborn baby are not good enough 'support'. There needs to be investment in BFing services and support networks, training so GPs don't suggest a top up if LO gains 2oz one week rather than the 'average' 7oz. HVs who don't suggest a formula bottle to help baby sleep through.

However, keeping formula companies on a tight lead is absolutely the right policy IMO. Just look at their conduct in countries where there isn't any protection, and you'll understand why they need to be kept in check by law. Even here, they try and get around the legislation.

Would like to point out to you that just because I was brought up on a council estate that doesn't automatically mean I would formula feed my baby!!!
For the record I will be breast feeding from the outset & will be damned proud of It! Get your facts straight before coming out with comments like that....

If you look at the statistics, more middle class mums breast feed, more middle aged mums breast feed.

I live in the most deprived area in my town and it has the lowest breast feeding rates also.

It's not personnel its based on trends and statistics

 

[xpatchx]

We all know breast feeding exists though :s

But not many women in certain areas consider it a realistic option. It's something that 'posh' women do, not people from council estates. You'd also be surprised at how many people don't think BFing is actually enough to sustain a baby longterm. Many women in the 60s and 70s were taught that breastmilk isn't adequate after 6 weeks/4 months/6 months (I've heard various random times given).

Formula is culturally normal. Bottles are the symbol on nappy change rooms. Babies with bottles are often portrayed on TV shows. There is an advert now showing a bottle being warmed in a bowl of hot water as a short hand for how 'we all use energy everyday'.

The fact is, a tiny amount of women are actually breastfeeding for any length of time, especially exclusively. If breastfeeding was anywhere near the majority infant feeding method, then I'd agree that penalising those who formula feed because of medical reasons or just because of work commitments or whatever, is massively harsh. But the fact is that breastfeeding has a lot of ground to make up.

I think the policies of the NHS are wrong. As I said, posters and midwives forcing a nipple towards a newborn baby are not good enough 'support'. There needs to be investment in BFing services and support networks, training so GPs don't suggest a top up if LO gains 2oz one week rather than the 'average' 7oz. HVs who don't suggest a formula bottle to help baby sleep through.

However, keeping formula companies on a tight lead is absolutely the right policy IMO. Just look at their conduct in countries where there isn't any protection, and you'll understand why they need to be kept in check by law. Even here, they try and get around the legislation.

Would like to point out to you that just because I was brought up on a council estate that doesn't automatically mean I would formula feed my baby!!!
For the record I will be breast feeding from the outset & will be damned proud of It! Get your facts straight before coming out with comments like that....

Completely agree. I grew up on a counsil estate when my mother and father split up and my mmm lived on benefits. I was also in care so considered one of the "not normal family kids" and it doesnt automatically mean I will formula feed. Thats nothing to do with the breast vs bottle denate... Thats quite stereotypical... But then obviously facts are facts I guess if they find that?

 

[New2Bumps]

Agree with the other ladies, it's the law not to make money from formula, whereas follow on milk is not marketed as a breastmilk substitute so they can get away with it. Infact, there's no need for follow on milk at all and all stages of formula are very very very similar!
I actually have found that shops aside, ppl assume everyone is formula feeding and that bfing is a bit of an uneccary faff - I guess it depends on area? I wanted to bf last time and couldn't but did express exclusively and found ppl had that attitude of 'why put yourself through that'. Plan to bf this one if I can, and hope I find that opinion is different when I get into it.

I wonder if sometimes we pick up on the opinions that touch a nerve though? Maybe if you wanted to bf you wouldn't have noticed the formula things and with me I wouldn't have noticed the wierd attitude to bfing around my area!?