Refreshing talk today with HV's regarding BFing

[LoraLoo]

Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but i feel like i got lots of support for BF In hospital they were very keen to make sure she was latched on properly and got m to buzz them when feeding her so that thy could check. If she wasnt on properly they would make sure she was. When my nipple split open after a few days they showed me different positions to hold her in to help, gave and reccomended me cream. They were always checking on me that it was going ok. When the HV took over from the MW she was great too, when i worried baby was gaining enough weight they reassured me and pointed me in the direction of the baby group for bf mums (i chose not to go)....i think they got it spot on

 

[Ashley8806]

FF isn't just about making bottles and sterilizing. Knowing how much to start with, what kinds are good for colic or other issues, knowing about different types of bottles for things like colic also, knowing how to warm a bottle so you don't burn baby (i.e. microwave vs putting the bottle in hot water), different feeding schedules as baby usually doesn't feed as often with formula as they do with bf - these are just some of the things that should be explained to moms who decide to FF.

Although I know things are different there than they are here, I think it's great that they are starting to give information on both sides. It is important for FF moms to feel like they have support as well, and for moms who have not decided how to feed their LO to have both options explained to them, rather than a biased decision.

 

[indy and lara]

Hehehe, L I felt the teacher in you come out then

.

She is never far below the surface! Just as well as one of these days I will have to go back to work!!!

 

[Laura2919]

I agree you should be proud, breastfeeding is an achievement but I dont like it when people try to put words into peoples mouths! I posted why my girls were formula fed, it wasnt a choice I wanted to make it was taken out of my hands. Nobody is saying people are forcing us to BF and we like hearing all the good breastfeeding does.

Nobody on here has said breastfeeding should be swept under the carpet we have said that parents should be given a choice and there should be information available for both exactly the same.

but that same statement is true for bfers too...i say bfing is best and some take that as formula is poison and they made a bad decision. i never look 'down' on someone who ff, but i do sometimes wonder if they would have tried/continued if they had more support...which is why *I* do not think formula info should be handed out unless it is req'd...this does not mean i think those who ff are 'bad' parents which is often assumed when a bfers says that.

I bet they would but the thread wasnt going that way at all. I have my reasons for choosing FF and I dont feel bad because there is nothing to feel bad about. But I cant stand it when you get one person who assumes that this thread is going to turn sour because people are discussing the benefits of breastfeeding.

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

I agree you should be proud, breastfeeding is an achievement but I dont like it when people try to put words into peoples mouths! I posted why my girls were formula fed, it wasnt a choice I wanted to make it was taken out of my hands. Nobody is saying people are forcing us to BF and we like hearing all the good breastfeeding does.

Nobody on here has said breastfeeding should be swept under the carpet we have said that parents should be given a choice and there should be information available for both exactly the same.

but that same statement is true for bfers too...i say bfing is best and some take that as formula is poison and they made a bad decision. i never look 'down' on someone who ff, but i do sometimes wonder if they would have tried/continued if they had more support...which is why *I* do not think formula info should be handed out unless it is req'd...this does not mean i think those who ff are 'bad' parents which is often assumed when a bfers says that.

Why can't there be a balance between supporting mothers and giving out information on both? No one can make an informed choice unless they are presented with all the information. Its about empowering patients and giving them the choice. And yes some women presented with all the facts will choose FF. The bf mothers I worked with had limitless information and support. The ladies that wanted to ff (after reading info on BF) or were FF had non-exsistant support. And its wrong, as a student nurse I want to help families not dictate to them x

 

[Tasha]

as a student nurse I want to help families not dictate to them x

This really made me smile, you must be a great student nurse and one day will be an amazing qualified nurse

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

Thanks hun. I've found if you dictate to families( especially when it comes to their children) then they tend to shut down. Whereas if you listen to them and try to work with them then you get further x

 

[leighbaby]

Thanks hun. I've found if you dictate to families( especially when it comes to their children) then they tend to shut down. Whereas if you listen to them and try to work with them then you get further x

((There is a book called 'how to talk so kids will listen, and listen so kids will talk' which gives great ideas about getting kids (and adults too ) to be as open as possible and more importantly gives tips on how to listen effectively too without putting words in people mouths, it is pretty good, though alot of the ideas will make you think 'ooh, I already do THAT '))

 

[Eternal]

I didnt get ANY support breastfeeding at all nor did i get any advice about FF.

I think there should be information for both, there are dos and dont for both and surley people should be made awear of the best way of doing things whatever their choice.

 

[aliss]

Not to mention more support for pumping. Nobody could explain pumping to me at the hospital or even the lactation consultant. Really a shame. #1 reason we didn't continue BF was because I didn't pump properly and honestly didn't know any better.

 

[fantastica]

Not to mention more support for pumping. Nobody could explain pumping to me at the hospital or even the lactation consultant. Really a shame. #1 reason we didn't continue BF was because I didn't pump properly and honestly didn't know any better.

Agreed. It was the same for us.

 

[LoraLoo]

I agree you should be proud, breastfeeding is an achievement but I dont like it when people try to put words into peoples mouths! I posted why my girls were formula fed, it wasnt a choice I wanted to make it was taken out of my hands. Nobody is saying people are forcing us to BF and we like hearing all the good breastfeeding does.

Nobody on here has said breastfeeding should be swept under the carpet we have said that parents should be given a choice and there should be information available for both exactly the same.

but that same statement is true for bfers too...i say bfing is best and some take that as formula is poison and they made a bad decision. i never look 'down' on someone who ff, but i do sometimes wonder if they would have tried/continued if they had more support...which is why *I* do not think formula info should be handed out unless it is req'd...this does not mean i think those who ff are 'bad' parents which is often assumed when a bfers says that.

Why can't there be a balance between supporting mothers and giving out information on both? No one can make an informed choice unless they are presented with all the information. Its about empowering patients and giving them the choice. And yes some women presented with all the facts will choose FF. The bf mothers I worked with had limitless information and support. The ladies that wanted to ff (after reading info on BF) or were FF had non-exsistant support. And its wrong, as a student nurse I want to help families not dictate to them x

But as parents, we make thousands of choices for our children...from what clothes to put on them, to what school they will go to. I mean, i researched the schools myself, I didnt expect a Health Visitor to come to my house loaded with Ofsted Reports and talk me through which was the best option I just think parents need to take more responsibility for their own children, instead of expecting everyone else to run around doing the work for them....jmo

 

[aragornlover8]

I agree you should be proud, breastfeeding is an achievement but I dont like it when people try to put words into peoples mouths! I posted why my girls were formula fed, it wasnt a choice I wanted to make it was taken out of my hands. Nobody is saying people are forcing us to BF and we like hearing all the good breastfeeding does.

Nobody on here has said breastfeeding should be swept under the carpet we have said that parents should be given a choice and there should be information available for both exactly the same.

but that same statement is true for bfers too...i say bfing is best and some take that as formula is poison and they made a bad decision. i never look 'down' on someone who ff, but i do sometimes wonder if they would have tried/continued if they had more support...which is why *I* do not think formula info should be handed out unless it is req'd...this does not mean i think those who ff are 'bad' parents which is often assumed when a bfers says that.

Why can't there be a balance between supporting mothers and giving out information on both? No one can make an informed choice unless they are presented with all the information. Its about empowering patients and giving them the choice. And yes some women presented with all the facts will choose FF. The bf mothers I worked with had limitless information and support. The ladies that wanted to ff (after reading info on BF) or were FF had non-exsistant support. And its wrong, as a student nurse I want to help families not dictate to them x

But as parents, we make thousands of choices for our children...from what clothes to put on them, to what school they will go to. I mean, i researched the schools myself, I didnt expect a Health Visitor to come to my house loaded with Ofsted Reports and talk me through which was the best option I just think parents need to take more responsibility for their own children, instead of expecting everyone else to run around doing the work for them....jmo

I think this, again, boils down to "putting a lot of trust in the average person." There are a lot of mothers who do tons of research on everything from bibs to pacifiers to bottles to schools. There are a lot of mothers I know who do not do a lot of research on any of those things. Those are the moms more likely to make bottles the wrong way and put their babies in danger. I also imagine they would be the least likely to ask for help. I don't see the harm in providing formula feeding information to those people.

I think it also just comes down to not treating formula feeding like it's a dirty secret that women should be ashamed of. Having information upfront would serve in a way as giving support. I really don't see how simply giving information could be viewed as promoting formula over breastfeeding, especially when the medical culture in the UK (from what I've seen on these boards) really prioritizes breastfeeding in the first place. That's just my opinion on the subject anyhow.

 

[LoraLoo]

I agree you should be proud, breastfeeding is an achievement but I dont like it when people try to put words into peoples mouths! I posted why my girls were formula fed, it wasnt a choice I wanted to make it was taken out of my hands. Nobody is saying people are forcing us to BF and we like hearing all the good breastfeeding does.

Nobody on here has said breastfeeding should be swept under the carpet we have said that parents should be given a choice and there should be information available for both exactly the same.

but that same statement is true for bfers too...i say bfing is best and some take that as formula is poison and they made a bad decision. i never look 'down' on someone who ff, but i do sometimes wonder if they would have tried/continued if they had more support...which is why *I* do not think formula info should be handed out unless it is req'd...this does not mean i think those who ff are 'bad' parents which is often assumed when a bfers says that.

Why can't there be a balance between supporting mothers and giving out information on both? No one can make an informed choice unless they are presented with all the information. Its about empowering patients and giving them the choice. And yes some women presented with all the facts will choose FF. The bf mothers I worked with had limitless information and support. The ladies that wanted to ff (after reading info on BF) or were FF had non-exsistant support. And its wrong, as a student nurse I want to help families not dictate to them x

But as parents, we make thousands of choices for our children...from what clothes to put on them, to what school they will go to. I mean, i researched the schools myself, I didnt expect a Health Visitor to come to my house loaded with Ofsted Reports and talk me through which was the best option I just think parents need to take more responsibility for their own children, instead of expecting everyone else to run around doing the work for them....jmo

I think this, again, boils down to "putting a lot of trust in the average person." There are a lot of mothers who do tons of research on everything from bibs to pacifiers to bottles to schools. There are a lot of mothers I know who do not do a lot of research on any of those things. Those are the moms more likely to make bottles the wrong way and put their babies in danger. I also imagine they would be the least likely to ask for help. I don't see the harm in providing formula feeding information to those people.

I think it also just comes down to not treating formula feeding like it's a dirty secret that women should be ashamed of. Having information upfront would serve in a way as giving support. I really don't see how simply giving information could be viewed as promoting formula over breastfeeding, especially when the medical culture in the UK (from what I've seen on these boards) really prioritizes breastfeeding in the first place. That's just my opinion on the subject anyhow.

But it IS provided, its in the pregnancy book you get at the booking in appt (in UK), failing that its also available online, and the info is there if asked. As i have said before, Ive both FF and BF, so i dont see it as a dirty little secret. But come on, I was 16 and had my first baby, I managed to make up a bottle without poisoning her, its on the tin for heavens sake. Surely all parents must read that?

 

[Tasha]

Really they cant all hun, because my friend use to put formula powder in first and then add water, when you are having say nine ounces then probably the powder would go up to one ounce meaning that she was probably using eight ozs of water to nine scoops

I use to work in a nursery and you wouldnt believe the amount of parents who didnt research. And as I said the guidelines changed between Naomi-Mae and Kaysie Blossom, I didnt research FF then because I had done it all before (and was BF for a while) and so it seemed pointless, I know that is nieve but I just didnt even think of guidelines changing in a short time.

 

[LoraLoo]

Really they cant all hun, because my friend use to put formula powder in first and then add water, when you are having say nine ounces then probably the powder would go up to one ounce meaning that she was probably using eight ozs of water to nine scoops

I use to work in a nursery and you wouldnt believe the amount of parents who didnt research. And as I said the guidelines changed between Naomi-Mae and Kaysie Blossom, I didnt research FF then because I had done it all before (and was BF for a while) and so it seemed pointless, I know that is nieve but I just didnt even think of guidelines changing in a short time.

So what would have made her more likely to read a leaflet than a tin

 

[aragornlover8]

But it IS provided, its in the pregnancy book you get at the booking in appt (in UK), failing that its also available online, and the info is there if asked. As i have said before, Ive both FF and BF, so i dont see it as a dirty little secret. But come on, I was 16 and had my first baby, I managed to make up a bottle without poisoning her, its on the tin for heavens sake. Surely all parents must read that?

I don't see the point in getting aggressive over this? I was just offering my opinion on the subject.

I just think that the inability for HVs to give much information even when asked in and of itself makes it seem like a dirty secret. I hardly would see it as promoting formula feeding, especially considering that many women have already decided that they do not want to breastfeed by that point, in spite of all of the information given to them at that point regarding the subject.

 

[LoraLoo]

But it IS provided, its in the pregnancy book you get at the booking in appt (in UK), failing that its also available online, and the info is there if asked. As i have said before, Ive both FF and BF, so i dont see it as a dirty little secret. But come on, I was 16 and had my first baby, I managed to make up a bottle without poisoning her, its on the tin for heavens sake. Surely all parents must read that?

I don't see the point in getting aggressive over this? I was just offering my opinion on the subject.

I just think that the inability for HVs to give much information even when asked in and of itself makes it seem like a dirty secret. I hardly would see it as promoting formula feeding, especially considering that many women have already decided that they do not want to breastfeed by that point, in spite of all of the information given to them at that point regarding the subject.

At which point was i aggressive?

 

[Tasha]

Really they cant all hun, because my friend use to put formula powder in first and then add water, when you are having say nine ounces then probably the powder would go up to one ounce meaning that she was probably using eight ozs of water to nine scoops

I use to work in a nursery and you wouldnt believe the amount of parents who didnt research. And as I said the guidelines changed between Naomi-Mae and Kaysie Blossom, I didnt research FF then because I had done it all before (and was BF for a while) and so it seemed pointless, I know that is nieve but I just didnt even think of guidelines changing in a short time.

So what would have made her more likely to read a leaflet than a tin

I dunno, she may of read it but thought it wasnt that important, but a leaflet spelling out what can happen if you do it that way, if you dont sterlise, keeping formula too long, making up feeds in one go etc would have made her not do it

 

[LoraLoo]

Really they cant all hun, because my friend use to put formula powder in first and then add water, when you are having say nine ounces then probably the powder would go up to one ounce meaning that she was probably using eight ozs of water to nine scoops

I use to work in a nursery and you wouldnt believe the amount of parents who didnt research. And as I said the guidelines changed between Naomi-Mae and Kaysie Blossom, I didnt research FF then because I had done it all before (and was BF for a while) and so it seemed pointless, I know that is nieve but I just didnt even think of guidelines changing in a short time.

So what would have made her more likely to read a leaflet than a tin

I dunno, she may of read it but thought it wasnt that important, but a leaflet spelling out what can happen if you do it that way, if you dont sterlise, keeping formula too long, making up feeds in one go etc would have made her not do it

Maybe... i suppose i just find it difficult to understand in this day and age when there is so much info available to EVERYBODY, at the press of a key or turn of a page x