So today one of my coworkers (who had a baby a few DAYS after I did) said she doesn't understand the difference in FF or BF, she said either way you're feeding them and BF is harder because you have to pump.
While I see no problem in formula feeding I will go the extra mile so that my child can have what is I beleive is best for them. There is nothing wrong with formula, but breast is best if you are able to. Even if it's only for a few weeks or months...
Not to mention formula is damn expensive!!!
What do you ladies think? Being physically capable to BF would you simply choose not to for convenience?
Re: No difference in breastfeeding?
I agree with you. I would never choose formula just for convenience sake. Honestly, and I may get flamed for this, but I think people that make that choice are selfish. I completely understand and am fully sympathetic to mothers that are unable to breastfeed and would never criticize anyone who couldn't. But I do think that if you're able, you should, even if just for a few weeks or months. IMHO
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I will go a step farther and say that I believe that almost all women "that are unable to breastfeed" are able to breastfeed, but are unwilling/not educated enough to do what has to be done to make it sucessful. Breastfeeding is hard, one of the hardest things I have ever done. It's is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I have a hard time understanding why any woman wouldn't at least try or at the very bare minimum give their baby colostrum.
I see women on the bump (and in real life) day in and day out that put more effort into researching what type of stroller or crib to buy, than they do on how to feed their baby. I try not to, but I judge.
Everyone's going to have their own opinion about the pros and cons of FF vs. BF and if it's selfish to FF, etc. You could debate that with someone until the cows come home.
But the simple fact that they are different...that to me is undeniable. Whatever your feelings about what's right for you and your baby, to say there's no difference between the two is flat out incorrect. Breast milk is a completely different substance and the method of "delivery" is completely different as well.
I dunno why she's saying it's harder because you "have to pump" - that's not entirely true. Granted a lot of women choose to pump, but, you can BF your kid without pumping ever.
Besides, formula prep takes forever. Whipping out your boob takes 2 seconds!
This, and I TOTALLY agree. I know too many people who just gave it up because 'it was too time consuming'. I think it's amazing selfish to just quit. If you can't it's not your fault, but our society is so lazy that it's become unacceptable to breastfeed your child. I love breastfeeding in public while educating others, with a cover of course for those bashful's sake, haha.
Bev, I totally agree with you. Infact, I had just blogged on this. BFing was really really hard for me. But now that I have gotten past how hard it was, I can't imagine not doing it.
Agree.
I breastfeed and supplement w/formula because of supply issues; I'd give anything to breastfeed/pump exclusively and am always looking for ways to increase my supply but no judgments here either way