Underhand tactics - formula companies

[leelee]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

That is certainly very true in the case of my friends.

 

[bambino156]

Also, I think that both bf mums and ff mums get a lot of flack. But i'm inclined to say that I think ff mums get it a bit worse. Yes I can fully understand that alot of bf mums probably get told to put 'em away when out in public, told to not be selfish for 'hogging' the feeding times, getting rude looks and snide remarks from some people too. But I doubt anybody has ever told a bf mum that she is going to make her child ill now and in later life by bf, this to me, takes it to a whole other level!

 

[bambino156]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

That is certainly very true in the case of my friends.

Yep its representative of where I live too.

 

[Rach27]

I have to say the middle class / older mum / first time mum observation as it's the opposite in my experience. All the girls at NCT were the above and none of them now BF (a couple did a combination up to 3 months but all chose formula). I can see why it's more likely but simply hasn't been the case here.

 

[bambino156]

I have to say the middle class / older mum / first time mum observation as it's the opposite in my experience. All the girls at NCT were the above and none of them now BF (a couple did a combination up to 3 months but all chose formula). I can see why it's more likely but simply hasn't been the case here.

Thats interesting, 3 out of the 4 of my NCT mum friends bf and completely fall into every category I mentioned, the 4th friend doesn't bf but thats down to her lo's health problems. Just purely out of curiosity rach27, did ff get mentioned at all at your NCT classes?

 

[Rach27]

Thats interesting, 3 out of the 4 of my NCT mum friends bf and completely fall into every category I mentioned, the 4th friend doesn't bf but thats down to her lo's health problems. Just purely out of curiosity rach27, did ff get mentioned at all at your NCT classes?

The breastfeeding specialist who took one class told us she wasn't allowed to teach us about FF although I think they gave us a leaflet. I remember thinking it was odd we couldn't even discuss it. We were told to talk to our midwives about it.

 

[New2Bumps]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

That is certainly very true in the case of my friends.

Yep its representative of where I live too.

Well this is me and I wanted to bf but couldn't for a number of reasons. Expressed for a month though.
BFers need to realise the huge gap between those who want to bf and couldn't and those who never wanted to.
Women are not stupid. Women form an opinion over whether they wish try to bf or not very early on and it's not influenced by advertising imo for the huge majority. It's really not a big deal and bfers need to stop hitting everyone else in the world over the head with their big stick!

 

[bambino156]

Thats interesting, 3 out of the 4 of my NCT mum friends bf and completely fall into every category I mentioned, the 4th friend doesn't bf but thats down to her lo's health problems. Just purely out of curiosity rach27, did ff get mentioned at all at your NCT classes?

The breastfeeding specialist who took one class told us she wasn't allowed to teach us about FF although I think they gave us a leaflet. I remember thinking it was odd we couldn't even discuss it. We were told to talk to our midwives about it.

We had a bf specialist attend every class, ff didn't get mentioned once by us, the group leader of bf specialist, we didn't get any leaflet about ff either. I know that they are probably restricted also when it comes to talking about ff, I just wondered if feeding advice varied from class to class because I know alot of what we learnt, not just about feeding, was reflective of the group leaders opinions/views on things.

 

[bambino156]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

That is certainly very true in the case of my friends.

Yep its representative of where I live too.

Well this is me and I wanted to bf but couldn't for a number of reasons. Expressed for a month though.
BFers need to realise the huge gap between those who want to bf and couldn't and those who never wanted to.
Women are not stupid. Women form an opinion over whether they wish try to bf or not very early on and it's not influenced by advertising imo for the huge majority. It's really not a big deal and bfers need to stop hitting everyone else in the world over the head with their big stick!

Erm, not sure how to take this. Was it aimed at me been as you quoted me or am I just reading it wrong?

 

[Rach27]

They weren't allowed to promote FF. And they came out with all the stats...only 2% of mothers can't BF...if it hurts, you aren't doing it right...Though when I was having diffculty, my NCT teacher told me she has never agreed with latter as she has alwats experienced some pain with BF.

 

[Rach27]

Well this is me and I wanted to bf but couldn't for a number of reasons. Expressed for a month though.
BFers need to realise the huge gap between those who want to bf and couldn't and those who never wanted to.
Women are not stupid. Women form an opinion over whether they wish try to bf or not very early on and it's not influenced by advertising imo for the huge majority. It's really not a big deal and bfers need to stop hitting everyone else in the world over the head with their big stick!

Eh?? Who was that aimed at? More judging an entire population

 

[hivechild]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

That is certainly very true in the case of my friends.

Yep its representative of where I live too.

Well this is me and I wanted to bf but couldn't for a number of reasons. Expressed for a month though.
BFers need to realise the huge gap between those who want to bf and couldn't and those who never wanted to.
Women are not stupid. Women form an opinion over whether they wish try to bf or not very early on and it's not influenced by advertising imo for the huge majority. It's really not a big deal and bfers need to stop hitting everyone else in the world over the head with their big stick!

Seriously? I thought we'd already been over this.
This kind of generalization doesn't help anyone, anywhere.

 

[Dragonfly]

Well this is me and I wanted to bf but couldn't for a number of reasons. Expressed for a month though.
BFers need to realise the huge gap between those who want to bf and couldn't and those who never wanted to.
Women are not stupid. Women form an opinion over whether they wish try to bf or not very early on and it's not influenced by advertising imo for the huge majority. It's really not a big deal and bfers need to stop hitting everyone else in the world over the head with their big stick!

Eh?? Who was that aimed at? More judging an entire population

Indeed it dosnt and some formula feeding mums like yourself need to realise that not all breastfeeders are like this.

 

[Dragonfly]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

none of them for me . But I can understand that . I would also add the family influence in there to. Weirdly I know many people that are them and dont breastfeed. I got told when I asked when someone was unemployed why didnt they breastfeed !"why I get free formula from healthy start".

 

[bambino156]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

none of them for me . But I can understand that . I would also add the family influence in there to. Weirdly I know many people that are them and dont breastfeed. I got told when I asked when someone was unemployed why didnt they breastfeed !"why I get free formula from healthy start".

lol, erm is breastfeeding not free?

 

[Dragonfly]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

none of them for me . But I can understand that . I would also add the family influence in there to. Weirdly I know many people that are them and dont breastfeed. I got told when I asked when someone was unemployed why didnt they breastfeed !"why I get free formula from healthy start".

lol, erm is breastfeeding not free?

I know lol but they more interested in getting what they are entitled to from the government than anything else, More stubbornness and the fact that they woulnt give up social lives which means going missing for days drinking and leaving baby with someone. Perhaps that is in the category of undereducated.

 

[OmarsMum]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

Well I'm all those but it didnt work for me. Had difficulties (baby couldnt latch on , traumatic birth, no milk, expressing didnt work, etc), so went to FFing with an open mind & moved on. It's not common among those I know to exclusively FF. In fact I'm the only one who did it. Even when it comes to ppl I dont know & health providers, I got judgemental looks. The only one who supported my decission was my DH & MIL. My mom cried for days when it didnt work out, if she had milk I guess she would have BF him herself

 

[funkyfish586]

I totally agree that it is probably an area thing as to what is the 'norm' and what is more 'acceptable'. I recently read that you are more likely to breastfeed if you are: having your first baby, aged 30 or above, middle class, university educated and have friends who breastfed. Of course I know that this isn't always the case, but I believe this is probably very true. So the way I see it is, if you live in an affluent area with lots of successful women, that have more than likely been to uni to get their career and have probably decided to have children later as a result of said career, then it is probably an area where bf is commonplace.

here it is very forced to BF ( well in my experience) with my first i stayed in hospital for 3 days whilst several MW pressured me in to doing it, he just wouldnt latch due to my flat nippes it was horrible i was made to feel like a failure eventually i begged them for a bottle & i finally fed him. When i got home i managed to get him to latch & i did it for 6 weeks. This time around my Little girl latched straight away & i have been dooing it exclusivly for 18 days

with regards to the age thing etc none of its true for me im 22, second baby, i guess middle class didnt go to uni & believe it or not have no friends who have a baby! I dont think bf or ff should ever be judged x

 

[bubbles123]

It entirely depends, IMO, on what your family/local community is like, rather than factors like education etc. I come from a BF'ing family (we're a mix of working class and middle class), my friends BF'ed whatever their ages... so to me that's normal. FF isn't. I only discovered that most people FF when I had LO. I honestly thought most people would BF, especially given the huge level of Bf promotion antenatally. I was surprised when I went to my first baby group and saw most people FF'ing... I was SO worried before I went that people would see me FF'ing and judge me. Even though most people FF'ed at my group I still avoid feeding LO in public at all if I can help it, as to me it's not normal. It really does depend on your own experiences growing up I think no amount of advertising etc would have had any effect on me - BF was just what you do where I'm from.

 

[polo_princess]

Ladies im going to move this over to the News & Debate section now to allow the discussion to continue since people are still interested and adding their input.

Normal forum rules still apply