Refreshing talk today with HV's regarding BFing

[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.

At which point was i aggressive?

I may just have read into it, as I'm not having the greatest day today. But I just felt like some of the language like "come on" and "surely they could have read it" sounded as if I was being belittled? I really didn't mean to offend. I just know how quickly these things can get heated.

 

[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?

I may just have read into it, as I'm not having the greatest day today. But I just felt like some of the language like "come on" and "surely they could have read it" sounded as if I was being belittled? I really didn't mean to offend. I just know how quickly these things can get heated.

You didnt offend me, i just wasnt sure how any of that post came cross as aggressive Never mind...it wouldnt be a good debate unless people had conflicting opinions

 

[Tasha]

I guess not everyone has internet, and some people wont go and look for information. Yes parents should take responsiblity but some wont and therefore HCP's need to make sure they are informed, not for the parents sake but to protect the child as much as possible.

 

[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.

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?

Yeah what pregnancy book lol? You must of clearly missed my posts because I all got was my green notes and a pack about breastfeeding that had a short dvd and some paperwork printed from the internet.
Not all information is on the tin. Thats such a short sighted view!

 

[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?

Yeah what pregnancy book lol? You must of clearly missed my posts because I all got was my green notes and a pack about breastfeeding that had a short dvd and some paperwork printed from the internet.
Not all information is on the tin. Thats such a short sighted view!

Its on every tin how to make a bottle of formula up. If you dont know how to store it etc...ask . All the information in the pregnancy book is also available online. There really isnt any need to be so rude....

 

[Laura2919]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

 

[LoraLoo]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

Because FF shouldnt be seen as an equally 'good' option as BF imo It should be a 'last option' I feel. That, as someone who has FF and BF, is my honest opinion. I know its some peoples first choice, and thats up to them, but if they want to go against the guidelines and recommendations then i think that it is their responsibility to research it. I do appreciate that are many reasons people cant or wish not to BF.

 

[Laura2919]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

Because FF shouldnt be seen as an equally 'good' option as BF imo It should be a 'last option' I feel. That, as someone who has FF and BF, is my honest opinion. I know its some peoples first choice, and thats up to them, but if they want to go against the guidelines and recommendations then i think that it is their responsibility to research it. I do appreciate that are many reasons people cant or wish not to BF.

So what about those who have tried to BF and it didnt work for them and now want the info on FF..

So if a mum chooses to FF and doesnt have the correct information and adds one too many scoops of formula or leaves the bottle out too long and gives the baby a bad tummy who then is screaming in pain, I suppose thats ok because she didnt choose to BF.

What complete tosh

I am sure everyone knows the benefits of breastfeeding. What if they cant breastfeed? they have had cancer, they are on some form of medication. Would formula be suitable in those circumstances. You cant pick and choose what people choose because of guidelines. Guidelines say a baby should be weaned from 6 months yet jars of food are available from 4 months

Its a GUIDELINE not the LAW

 

[LoraLoo]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

Because FF shouldnt be seen as an equally 'good' option as BF imo It should be a 'last option' I feel. That, as someone who has FF and BF, is my honest opinion. I know its some peoples first choice, and thats up to them, but if they want to go against the guidelines and recommendations then i think that it is their responsibility to research it. I do appreciate that are many reasons people cant or wish not to BF.

So what about those who have tried to BF and it didnt work for them and now want the info on FF..

So if a mum chooses to FF and doesnt have the correct information and adds one too many scoops of formula or leaves the bottle out too long and gives the baby a bad tummy who then is screaming in pain, I suppose thats ok because she didnt choose to BF.

What complete tosh

Then she asks

 

[Ashley8806]

This was not supposed to be a BF vs FF debate. We all know "breast is best". Some moms don't want to BF though, not because they can't, not because of medical issues, they just simply do not want to. Does that make them any less of a mom because of their decision? No it does not. Simply providing the information on both options gets rid of that idea that FF moms are not any less than BF moms, and that support and information is available.

 

[Laura2919]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

Because FF shouldnt be seen as an equally 'good' option as BF imo It should be a 'last option' I feel. That, as someone who has FF and BF, is my honest opinion. I know its some peoples first choice, and thats up to them, but if they want to go against the guidelines and recommendations then i think that it is their responsibility to research it. I do appreciate that are many reasons people cant or wish not to BF.

So what about those who have tried to BF and it didnt work for them and now want the info on FF..

So if a mum chooses to FF and doesnt have the correct information and adds one too many scoops of formula or leaves the bottle out too long and gives the baby a bad tummy who then is screaming in pain, I suppose thats ok because she didnt choose to BF.

What complete tosh

Then she asks

But she can only ask if she knows she is doing wrong. If she thinks its ok and she is doing everything right she wont ask

 

[LoraLoo]

Not being rude, just simply saying that its not all on the tin. How to store formula, how long to keep bottles, the guidelines constantly change! You assume that everyone got a pregnancy book. Why should we look it up, why cant there be leaflets about both.

Because FF shouldnt be seen as an equally 'good' option as BF imo It should be a 'last option' I feel. That, as someone who has FF and BF, is my honest opinion. I know its some peoples first choice, and thats up to them, but if they want to go against the guidelines and recommendations then i think that it is their responsibility to research it. I do appreciate that are many reasons people cant or wish not to BF.

So what about those who have tried to BF and it didnt work for them and now want the info on FF..

So if a mum chooses to FF and doesnt have the correct information and adds one too many scoops of formula or leaves the bottle out too long and gives the baby a bad tummy who then is screaming in pain, I suppose thats ok because she didnt choose to BF.

What complete tosh

Then she asks

But she can only ask if she knows she is doing wrong. If she thinks its ok and she is doing everything right she wont ask

Ok, point taken there!

 

[Tasha]

Lora people HAVE asked and been told they can not discuss it with them. That is why aiden's mum said it is such a refreshing attitude. What about mum's who had there milk ducts cut for whatever reason, lots will already feel guilty enough and then she asks for help/info and to be told they cant discuss it, yes she can research but why should she (or any mother) be made to feel worse than they did before they spoke to the HCP?

 

[Tasha]

Oh and

Just felt a bit left out so thought I would add some in

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

Not all mothers choose to bf also a babies health could be effected if a mother has wrong information. Who are we to say a mother shouldn't be given info? And why should a struggling ff mother be denied support? I.e. Bottles that reduce colic. X

 

[Laura2919]

Oh and

Just felt a bit left out so thought I would add some in

Next time dont leave it out

 

[Blah11]

the bottles that reduce colic thing is again, brand promotion so no, shouldn't be allowed. General info on sterilising, not to make bottles in advance etc should be given out once a mother has made that decision but not to every mum antenatally IMO.

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

I agree this isn't a BF v FF debate and there is a wide range of reasons women don't BF. X

 

[indy and lara]

Oh and

Just felt a bit left out so thought I would add some in

^^^ I hate the bloomin smiley. It is the one thing I would change about BnB. It winds me up everytime I see it, even when it is not directed at me.

...and breathe.....

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

But then HV's suggest infacol what's the difference its still a brand? X