I don't agree with this ....

[sevenofnine]

Considering breasts make milk, I don't see anything wrong with assuming first that you'd breastfeed. It makes sense, doesn't it, since we literally produce milk... and it's free? So I wouldn't consider it "pressure"... that would be like saying you're pressuring me to walk because I have legs. (When really I would just be assuming you would, because that's just what legs do!)

I'm not saying at all that people don't have legitimate reasons to formula feed (even if it's just simply that they want to!) but I don't like how formula companies have used less-than-truthful tactics in their advertisements. They should be kept in check.

Lastly, it is very clear that more support from doctors, etc., is needed all over the map, whether you breastfeed or formula feed!

 

[staralfur]

Lastly, it is very clear that more support from doctors, etc., is needed all over the map, whether you breastfeed or formula feed!

Agreed!

Any new moms that struggle with breastfeeding should check out the Breastfeeding forum under Baby Forums...it completely saved me because my doctors were useless.

Haven't spent much time in the Formula forum but I assume it's just as helpful for FF moms who are struggling - it's clear that many girls don't feel like they get much support from their doctors so I'd check it out!

 

[PepsiChic]

I read pages 1-9 and then stopped.

My opinion:

breast is best....thats about the only true thing written on tins of formula! I dont think by having it on the tin its shoving anything down anyones throat...I mean after all, you still bought the formula so that one line hasnt phased you enough to put it down and stick baby on your breast.

Points/rewards - why should you be rewarded for feeding your child? breastfeeding parents dont get rewards for doing the exact same thing just by a different method. As far as Im aware you still get points for buying baby bottles, the different teat flows, cleaning supplies and sterilizers.

Hospitals - should not have to supply formula if that is how you choose to feed your baby..they dont pay you to breastfeed, so why should they pay for you to formula feed? thats a little one sided! Not to mention, NHS proveds "free" health care, you pay very little in taxes towards it, if they start supply formula...expect a huge tax increase...theres a lot of hungry babies in those hospitals!


Reading this you'll think im 110% pro breastfeeding, your wrong. I fully support breeastfeeding, and think that it should be tried before picking formula, however, if its not right for you then formula is the way to go! I breastfed my son untill he was 4 months old, I then combi fed, and then switched to formula only by 6 months.....my supply completely failed me, and I got little to no support in getting thecorrect latch o increasing my supply.


I also want to mention that here in the US...you are given MULTIPLE free formula samples and bottles to take home with you from the hospital...they also offer to take and feed your baby for you so you can get some rest....but to get help if you choose to breastfeed? I had to ask 4 times to 3 different nurses to remind them that i was going t o breastfeed and need to see a lactation consultant, even then she only stopped by the room 10 minutes before we were leaving the next day, gave me a small 2 page leaflet on positions and left.

So yes there were signs up saying "breast is best" and yes it was printed on the tins of formula they gave me....but they are so used to people choosing bottle over breast that its just all handed out automatically and I felt more pressured into just giving up straight away and switching to formula...luckily I didnt, and althought i still "failed" because I didnt make it to the 12 month mark...Im still pleased I tried and did what I could, and now when I look back on it, I dont feel ashamed to say that my son drank formula. Its the best alternative to breast milk!

 

[Sparklerose]

I read pages 1-9 and then stopped.

Points/rewards - why should you be rewarded for feeding your child? breastfeeding parents dont get rewards for doing the exact same thing just by a different method. As far as Im aware you still get points for buying baby bottles, the different teat flows, cleaning supplies and sterilisers

You don't get points for 'feeding your child' you get points for money spent in that particular supermarket. In the same way if you buy bananas for older children you get points.

There is no justification for not giving them. It's just one more way of trying yo make mothers feel guilty for their choices. It's totally out of order.

As for breastfeeding support there are hours dedicated to it in ante natal classes, midwives don't shut up about it, there are groups for it, people who come to your house to support you doing it - what more do people need?

 

[nov_mum]

I think mentioning it in classes is more about people feeling better about their choices than providing actual info. As pointed out, it's on the tin and I wouldn't want to pay for classes that have someone read off a tin what I could and then charge me for the pleasure. Formula tins all have toll free numbers too so there is probably better access to info than Breast feeding to be fair.

 

[LeeLouClare]

For three months I tried to breast feed my son. HV told me I was having supply issues. I didn't have the support I needed, the HV pushed formula and I stopped. I wanted to solely breast feed and now I'm a stronger person this time around I will and ignore the silly HV for pushing on weight and crap.

And for me there was no support at all, not at the hospital or at home with the HV or any groups.

 

[staralfur]

As for breastfeeding support there are hours dedicated to it in ante natal classes, midwives don't shut up about it, there are groups for it, people who come to your house to support you doing it - what more do people need?

I think you'll find (or not, if you choose to not breastfeed) that before you have your baby everyone is praising breastfeeding and you think you'll have this whole great variety of support but A LOT of people find that it's just not there when they actually need it.

The nurses in the hospital were pretty impatient with getting our latch right and more than one said "Oh we might just have to supplement with some formula." I went to see a doctor when my LO was 5 days old because she was clusterfeeding and no one told me what that was. So I thought I had no milk for my baby and was in a panic. Instead of saying "she's just building your supply" I was again told that I should supplement with formula.

I never contacted LLL because I got enough support from this forum, but when my mom was trying to breastfeed me someone told her to "just power through the pain" when I had a bad latch.

There absolutely, without a doubt needs to be more breastfeeding support. The advice that I was given by numerous health professionals was damaging to my breastfeeding experience and I can only imagine how many others went through what I did, and how many gave up because of it.

 

[bubbles]

I read pages 1-9 and then stopped.

Points/rewards - why should you be rewarded for feeding your child? breastfeeding parents dont get rewards for doing the exact same thing just by a different method. As far as Im aware you still get points for buying baby bottles, the different teat flows, cleaning supplies and sterilisers

You don't get points for 'feeding your child' you get points for money spent in that particular supermarket. In the same way if you buy bananas for older children you get points.

There is no justification for not giving them. It's just one more way of trying yo make mothers feel guilty for their choices. It's totally out of order.

As for breastfeeding support there are hours dedicated to it in ante natal classes, midwives don't shut up about it, there are groups for it, people who come to your house to support you doing it - what more do people need?

If a mother feels guilty about the way she feeds her child because she misses out on store points, she needs to look at her deeper issues.

Yes you hear of breastfeeding support groups, counsellors, lactation consultants etc but they are few and far between. There were no groups when I had my son, all the support I got was a telling off by the midwife for not holding him properly or waking him after a very long, hard, drug filled labour. The NHS tend not to provide or promote the services you mentioned as it all costs, plus its all contradictory when you have GPs spouting outdated advice along with myths.

I've met a lot of mothers, both formula and breast feeding, and never once have I had a mum who CHOOSES to formula feed say they felt support was needed. Most will sit there and say how easy it is, how they can get some "me" time and go out drinking.

 

[NoodleSnack]

Every formula tin has instructions on the side. It's not a skill in the same way as BFing. I agree that maybe they should give out the WHO information on how to safely prepare bottles, but it really doesn't need going into any further than that IMO.

Actually there are practical informations that would be good for us to have: like whether we can keep it in the fridge, best way to make it (I only found out there could be bacteria in it after internet research), bottle types, nipple types, storage of equipment after sterilizations etc. but most importantly, I wanted to hear about other people's experience. I got shut down when I asked if I should have bottles and formula just in case BF doesn't work out in the first few days.

Those classes should be about providing information, there should not be a topic banned from group discussion as was the case with FF. As a FTM, I have questions about both methods, the so-called instruction on the tin is no where enough.

On the other hand, I do agree about the no advertising, I think people should get their info from people who works in the profession - Midwife, gp etc, but it becomes a problem when the guidelines don't allow them to discuss FF openly, but only negatively with the mother to discourage her.

Most of the safety info would actually be covered by the WHO leaflet tbh. Although I do agree that more focussing on WHY it's important to store formula safely once prepared would be helpful. So many seem to think formula is sterile and totally safe, however it's prepared and stored

The stuff about bottles and teats is again going to be so dependent on each baby. I don't see how getting recommendations from a group would really help with that, as what suits one won't suit another.

When I started looking at the bottles and teats, they come in different shape, cuts and so on - that's where it would be good to hear many different views so that we can work out what's the most likely to work. Everything is dependent on each baby and woman, so if we use that reasoning, general information/recommendations would be pointless in a lot of cases - from bottle to diaper to wraps.

The fact is that there is an active suppression of information regarding formula feeding (at least in NZ) in the ante-natal classes and other official parenting leaflets and birth professionals. I support the government encouraging Breast Feeding because we know it to be the better option, but the suppression of information on FF is just a step too far - my ante-natal teacher came out and said before the BF class that she could not talk about FF except to say how it is inferior to BF, to me that's just wrong.

 

[staybeautiful]

I read pages 1-9 and then stopped.

Points/rewards - why should you be rewarded for feeding your child? breastfeeding parents dont get rewards for doing the exact same thing just by a different method. As far as Im aware you still get points for buying baby bottles, the different teat flows, cleaning supplies and sterilisers

You don't get points for 'feeding your child' you get points for money spent in that particular supermarket. In the same way if you buy bananas for older children you get points.

There is no justification for not giving them. It's just one more way of trying yo make mothers feel guilty for their choices. It's totally out of

But if you buy your bananas from a particular supermarket and get points for doing so, then you get further discounts and offers on shopping at that supermarket. If points were given for formula then that particular shop is effectively taking advantage of new parents who have to buy formula, and incentivising the purchase of formula because (shop depending, obviously) a lot of these schemes work on a "the more you spend the more discount coupons you get" basis. Parents from poorer families could well feel that they'd be better buying formula because they'll be getting money back eventually. You may also find that some parents would change their baby's food every time an offer changes, so they're buying what's cheapest rather than what their baby's system is used to/most compatible with.
Statistically, disadvantaged mothers are more likely to not bf at all or even want to attempt it, and the govt DOES need to encourage women from these groups.
If advertising was allowed it would be so much harder to increase BF rates point blank, never mind long term BF rates.

As far as the guilt thing goes, its not about finding another way to make mums feel guilty. A mother should never feel guilty for doing the best she can for her baby, whether that is feeding formula or feeding at the breast. It's about being confident in YOUR decision. If you're not confident in it, its not fair to blame policies that are put in place for good reasons.

 

[NoodleSnack]

I think mentioning it in classes is more about people feeling better about their choices than providing actual info. As pointed out, it's on the tin and I wouldn't want to pay for classes that have someone read off a tin what I could and then charge me for the pleasure. Formula tins all have toll free numbers too so there is probably better access to info than Breast feeding to be fair.

But that's not the case, most of the women in my class have already decided to BF, but we just want to know about FF just in case. I asked about forceps delivery just in case as well, and she was willing to talk about it, I'm not confused that she's encouraging me to get a forceps delivery or it would make me feel better about that option, I just want to get the information to be prepared. I have different leaflets about breastfeeding given to me from the class and my MW, on which also contain the information for LL group and others who I can contact for help, but I don't think they should leave out discussion on BF because of that, so in the same way, I don't think they should leave out discussions regarding FF because there's information on the tin about how to prepare formula.

There are problems that arise during FF as well (possibly more reflux, too much iron causing constipations, wrong size teats causing too high/too low flow etc) - those information aren't on the tin just as there aren't enough information about the problems with BF. At the end of the day, I think information should be freely available, birth professionals shouldn't be constraint to not talk about certain topics just because we take a line against it. If it's bad, say it's bad, but still be open about it.

And if talking about FF in classes is about making people feel good about their choice, then actively trying to not talk about it is about making people feel bad about their choices. That is essentially what the OP is complaining about, that FF mums are marginalised for their choices.

 

[FlowerTots13]

I agree with OP, but I don't find that it's in my face as such.
I haven't even considered BF to be honest, but that's MY choice. And if someone wants to BF or FF then let them be. It's their baby, their choice. You don't see people judging people for using other products to the norm?
IMO from what I've heard from my midwife/advice I've been given, Midwives are going to support BF and try to encourage you as it's the 'natural' way, just like they'll encourage natural birth if you've had no complications. I told my MW yesterday I'm FF, and she still had to give me the leaflets on BF.
My sister BF her first, and FF her second. She lost weight quicker with her second then her first, her first is more 'sicky' then her second, and her first has always been 'over weight', where as her second has always been on the correct line. So I think when they make claims about weight loss for the mothers, and health and obsesity in the child, they should state it isn't always the case. It's each to their own.

I don't quite understand that the government ban advertisement of FF, but SOME people on benefits get free milk tokens. So that's an easy 'escape' route for SOME mothers that are on benefits, surely? Wouldn't it be easier for the government to say "you've got breasts, use them!" Then hand out free milk tokens? Then until proven that they 'cant breast feed' then be given the tokens to make sure the baby is being fed correctly.
I've always been curious to why the government/law bans this, but encourages it on the other hand? Hmm...

 

[Saphira]

PepsiChic, hope you don't mind if I comment on some of your paragraphs that caught my eye, and I mean to do so in respect.

breast is best....thats about the only true thing written on tins of formula! I dont think by having it on the tin its shoving anything down anyones throat...I mean after all, you still bought the formula so that one line hasnt phased you enough to put it down and stick baby on your breast.

I don't really understand what you mean by the last sentence - why would it make someone want to put it down and try to BF when it hasn't worked out and supply's dried up anyway? Or the various other reasons, all just as valid as the next. I don't particularly get the point in having lines such as "breast is best" on formula personally as baby's got to get fed, why do moms who've resorted to FFing for whatever the reason have to be continually reminded they're only doing the mere second best? What's best is what works best in that family's situation. There are so many reasons why formula is in fact best for some babies while there are also so many reasons why breast is best for others. Depends entirely on that family's circumstances.

Hospitals - should not have to supply formula if that is how you choose to feed your baby..they dont pay you to breastfeed, so why should they pay for you to formula feed? thats a little one sided! Not to mention, NHS proveds "free" health care, you pay very little in taxes towards it, if they start supply formula...expect a huge tax increase...theres a lot of hungry babies in those hospitals!

I'm not sure.. I see what you're saying, for parents who've decided to start baby on formula to bring in their own would be a good idea especially since the hospital probably won't have the brand they'd use. But, in cases of BFing starting out rocky or not working out altogether I believe formula needs to be there and available. Also to the moms who've decided beforehand to FF because you don't know their situation, maybe baby's come earlier than due date and they were caught unprepared. So many things can happen.. and sure, dad could run out and get a box but there are those extreme cases, like mine, where baby's born days before Christmas or right on Christmas and everything's closed for days. Heck, this year I think the stores are closed for 4 days straight. So, hospitals should be stocked with formula.

I also want to mention that here in the US...you are given MULTIPLE free formula samples and bottles to take home with you from the hospital...they also offer to take and feed your baby for you so you can get some rest....but to get help if you choose to breastfeed? I had to ask 4 times to 3 different nurses to remind them that i was going t o breastfeed and need to see a lactation consultant, even then she only stopped by the room 10 minutes before we were leaving the next day, gave me a small 2 page leaflet on positions and left.

I had a similar experience here in Germany. While the nurses were prepared to FF my baby while I slept the first time in at least 2 days, they were completely unprepared or willing to spend some time with us to give BFing a better shot. I get it, they see so many new babies and moms through the years and maybe it all becomes robotic for them. Maybe they don't see us as desperate for help in getting BFing to work. Maybe they just don't have the desire to put the time in, or see their responsibility as caring for the babies only, I don't know. They're probably overwhelmed with work so such matters get pushed far aside. I do know the lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at was away until the next week so I'd expect more help from the nurses at that time especially.

 

[Lina]

Formula is already available at hospitals and given when breastfeeding fails so I don't get it when people say it isn't. That is simply not true, if anything there is zero support for breast feeding.

Also, if you have made a conscious decision to ff then you can be reasonably expected to provide it yourself. You have three quarters of a year to prepare, there is simply no excuse, especially when you have a dozen magazines packed!

 

[Saphira]

Formula is already available at hospitals and given when breastfeeding fails so I don't get it when people say it isn't. That is simply not true, if anything there is zero support for breast feeding.

Also, if you have made a conscious decision to ff then you can be reasonably expected to provide it yourself. You have three quarters of a year to prepare, there is simply no excuse, especially when you have a dozen magazines packed!

I'm not sure if you are replying to me, but if so, I wasn't saying formula isn't provided at hospitals. I said I think it should remain that way. Maybe at some hospitals it's not provided, I have no idea, but mine did so I can only speak from that experience.

True about having a lot of time to prepare but some people don't tend to think ahead, it's in many's nature. Baby shouldn't be punished because of that. It's only reasonable, in my opinion, to have formula stocked and available for all as regardless if mom chose to formula feed from the start or not, it wouldn't work if staff said, no your baby can't have any from the hospital since you decided to FF beforehand.

 

[Koukla]

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Also, with the folder of info I got at my last appointment, there was a list of "20 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby!!" Not only was there nothing about risks or benefits of formula feeding, nor how to prepare and store bottles safely, but some of the things on the BF list were total BS, such as:

"Nighttime feedings are quick and easy!" Really? I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as tired feeding baby from my boob as from a bottle- possibly even more tired, since nobody will be able to get up and feed baby but me. The baby will eat for just as long, and probably more often, than with formula.

"Breastfeeding is economical- there is nothing to buy." This assumes the woman is a SAHM, since those of us who have to go back to work after 6 weeks need a pump and storage bags, bottles and nipples; even those not working probably need breast pads and nipple cream.

"Going out is simple- nothing to pack by the baby!!" Last time I checked, going out with a baby still requires diapers, wipes, powder/cream, medicine, extra clothes, pacifiers, and any other number of things. Adding a bottle and formula isn't going to make a huge amount of difference. This one is just plain stupid.

"Breastfeeding makes a mother feel proud- your baby is growing because of something only YOU can give them!!" Well, way to make women who can't physically breastfeed feel bad about themselves. Whether I breastfeed or not, I'm going to feel proud that I gave my baby LIFE. To me, milk pales in comparison to that. Plus, it seems hypocritical to claim that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, then turn around and say it's an accomplishment. Either everyone should be able to do it, or it's something to be proud of because not everyone can do it. It can't go both ways.

To be fair, some of the things on the list were totally valid- but it's obvious they threw a bunch of BS "reasons" in there to inflate the list up to 20. To me, that also seems like pressuring. I'd be more impressed if they gave a printout from the WHO or something.

 

[Kel127]

I just wanted to respond to some of your points as a mom who has both formula fed and breastfed.

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Also, with the folder of info I got at my last appointment, there was a list of "20 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby!!" Not only was there nothing about risks or benefits of formula feeding, nor how to prepare and store bottles safely, but some of the things on the BF list were total BS, such as:

"Nighttime feedings are quick and easy!" Really? I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as tired feeding baby from my boob as from a bottle- possibly even more tired, since nobody will be able to get up and feed baby but me. The baby will eat for just as long, and probably more often, than with formula.
Lifting my shirt, and latching baby on and going back to sleep as baby nurses, just easier and less tiring then getting out of bed, making a bottle, and having to stay awake as you hold the bottle to feed your baby.

"Breastfeeding is economical- there is nothing to buy." This assumes the woman is a SAHM, since those of us who have to go back to work after 6 weeks need a pump and storage bags, bottles and nipples; even those not working probably need breast pads and nipple cream.
I am a working mom who pumps. I spent alot less money on a pump, 2 bottles, and cheap ziplock baggies then $15-$20 every 3 days on a can of formula.

"Going out is simple- nothing to pack by the baby!!" Last time I checked, going out with a baby still requires diapers, wipes, powder/cream, medicine, extra clothes, pacifiers, and any other number of things. Adding a bottle and formula isn't going to make a huge amount of difference. This one is just plain stupid.
Again to me, sitting down and latching baby on is much easier then trying to make up a bottle. And if your baby who is picky and requires it warm it is a hassle to find a place to warm up the water for you.

"Breastfeeding makes a mother feel proud- your baby is growing because of something only YOU can give them!!" Well, way to make women who can't physically breastfeed feel bad about themselves. Whether I breastfeed or not, I'm going to feel proud that I gave my baby LIFE. To me, milk pales in comparison to that. Plus, it seems hypocritical to claim that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, then turn around and say it's an accomplishment. Either everyone should be able to do it, or it's something to be proud of because not everyone can do it. It can't go both ways.

To be fair, some of the things on the list were totally valid- but it's obvious they threw a bunch of BS "reasons" in there to inflate the list up to 20. To me, that also seems like pressuring. I'd be more impressed if they gave a printout from the WHO or something.

I would write more, but I am at work pumping, and just don't have the time!

 

[Sparklerose]

Kel, did you read the post you responded to? Because you didn't answer it.

 

[Kel127]

Kel, did you read the post you responded to? Because you didn't answer it.

See the pink writing below her points!

 

[aliss]

I just wanted to respond to some of your points as a mom who has both formula fed and breastfed.

I'm delivering at a hospital in the US that is now baby-friendly, so to the best of my knowledge, they don't provide formula unless it's an emergency situation. I understand if you've chosen to FF it's not unreasonable for you to have to bring your own- at the same time, however, hospitals not providing it does make it seem like they are shoving BFing down the mother's throat. Would it be considered acceptable if hospitals stopped providing disposable diapers, because they aren't as good for the environment as cloth? Or if they stopped serving coffee to patients because caffeine is a stimulant? At what point should the hospital not be allowed to push their own preferences on patients?

Also, with the folder of info I got at my last appointment, there was a list of "20 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby!!" Not only was there nothing about risks or benefits of formula feeding, nor how to prepare and store bottles safely, but some of the things on the BF list were total BS, such as:

"Nighttime feedings are quick and easy!" Really? I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as tired feeding baby from my boob as from a bottle- possibly even more tired, since nobody will be able to get up and feed baby but me. The baby will eat for just as long, and probably more often, than with formula.
Lifting my shirt, and latching baby on and going back to sleep as baby nurses, just easier and less tiring then getting out of bed, making a bottle, and having to stay awake as you hold the bottle to feed your baby.

"Breastfeeding is economical- there is nothing to buy." This assumes the woman is a SAHM, since those of us who have to go back to work after 6 weeks need a pump and storage bags, bottles and nipples; even those not working probably need breast pads and nipple cream.
I am a working mom who pumps. I spent alot less money on a pump, 2 bottles, and cheap ziplock baggies then $15-$20 every 3 days on a can of formula.

"Going out is simple- nothing to pack by the baby!!" Last time I checked, going out with a baby still requires diapers, wipes, powder/cream, medicine, extra clothes, pacifiers, and any other number of things. Adding a bottle and formula isn't going to make a huge amount of difference. This one is just plain stupid.
Again to me, sitting down and latching baby on is much easier then trying to make up a bottle. And if your baby who is picky and requires it warm it is a hassle to find a place to warm up the water for you.

"Breastfeeding makes a mother feel proud- your baby is growing because of something only YOU can give them!!" Well, way to make women who can't physically breastfeed feel bad about themselves. Whether I breastfeed or not, I'm going to feel proud that I gave my baby LIFE. To me, milk pales in comparison to that. Plus, it seems hypocritical to claim that breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world, then turn around and say it's an accomplishment. Either everyone should be able to do it, or it's something to be proud of because not everyone can do it. It can't go both ways.

To be fair, some of the things on the list were totally valid- but it's obvious they threw a bunch of BS "reasons" in there to inflate the list up to 20. To me, that also seems like pressuring. I'd be more impressed if they gave a printout from the WHO or something.

I would write more, but I am at work pumping, and just don't have the time!

I agree with you completely with your responses. I have also formula fed my 1st and breastfed my 2nd. Both were up every hour at this age, yet I am fully rested with my 2nd and was a zombie with my 1st (and I can't even nap these days b/c of toddler). The breastfeeding hormones and never getting out of my bed (and sometimes just turning sideways) makes sleeping wayyyyyyyyyyyy easier than getting out of bed and properly preparing bottles. Sleep hormones exist for both mother and baby when breastfeeding. It's not a bunch of BS, it really is true.

As for leaving the house, it's a heck of a lot easier, I'm not sure how many people who have done both exclusively can possibly say that there's no big deal in that department. Dr. Brown bottles spilling everywhere in the cup holder or trying to find somewhere to warm a bottle properly. It's easier if you cut corners but if you actually try and follow safe hygiene standards (which most of us broke anyways due to practicality), it's much more of a pain.

With all due respect Koukla, because that is your opinion and you are entitled to it, but I think if you had actually done formula exclusively with 1 child and breastfed 1 child exclusively and could compare it, you'd have very different responses.

Just thought I'd share my experience (with both) since many girls choose formula because they want to choose what would be easier overall for a convenient life. I found formula to more difficult and way more expensive. I can just pump a bottle for occasional use if I want. Even my hospital grade medela double electric was $3/day ($90/month) compared to $200+ a month for my son's specialized allergy formula.