Kinda random: What do you consider to be EBF?

epphd

DS gets only breastmilk.  He did have 1.5 days of formula supplementation when he was born due to jaundice and weight loss, but not a drop since.

He gets about 5 bottles of expressed milk per week (and rarely finishes more than 1 ounce), usually during the night so I can get some rest.

From some other posts I've read, because DS gets an occasional bottle, he is not "EBF."  WTH?  The vehicle for the BM matters?

So, when you read the phrase "EBF," or use it, what does it mean to you?  That baby ONLY ever eats from the boob, or that he only eats breastmilk?

If it is the former, then what is the acronym I (or an EPer, for instance) would use?  EBMF?

Discuss.

*I.Choose.This*

I take EBF to mean they only get breast milk, not that it matters if it comes from the bottle or the boob.

Boizmom

To me it means he only eats at the breast...but that's because my baby only eats at the breast.  He has yet to take a bottle of pumped milk or formula and I don't plan on it (pumped milk) for a long while.  I really really pray I don't have to introduce formula to him...I had to with my older two and I want to go strictly breast milk this time around.

Anyhow...if you want to say that you EBF even though he does get pumped milk in bottles, I don't care.  I don't really care about all these "titles" in the first place.  As long as you are doing what you need to do for you and your child that's all that should really matter.

Nennifre

I say I'm EBFing. But I do pump so that when I'm gone, DS can still drink breastmilk. When I am present, I only ever nurse him.

Smootchy

*I.Choose.This*:

I take EBF to mean they only get breast milk, not that it matters if it comes from the bottle or the boob.

I think this...

but not sure

NiniJ55

When I am asked if I am BFing - I always say yes even though I am pumping not nursing.  I consider my son EBF since he only gets breastmilk.  I don't think the "vehicle" of delivery really matters - IMO of course.

LaNegrita

wow..never really thought about it. i think that EBF is when LO gets exclusively breastmilk...no matter how it gets in there. i guess maybe if you bottle feed it could be changed to EBMF exclusively breastmilk fed (and not BREAST fed).

epphd

I mention it because on other boards there is a definite distinction between all breastmilk from the boob, versus breastmilk from boob and bottle.  And there is a subtle understanding that only BM from the boob is "really" EBF.  At least that's how I've read it.  I could be a bit defensive though

littlemaybaby

Very interesting question.

My LO gets one bottle of BM per day and I consider myself in the EBF category.

I know there are some people who consider EBF as only from the breast, but I agree with you that this seems kinda silly.

Honestly though, I consider EPers in the EBF category as well.

To me, any baby that doesn't get formula is EBF.

CJ2008

*I.Choose.This*:

I take EBF to mean they only get breast milk, not that it matters if it comes from the bottle or the boob.

this! If LO never gets formula I think thats EBF. It came from the boob at some point, whether it takes a detour through a bottle or not, I don't think that matters. 

*I.Choose.This*

epphd:

I mention it because on other boards there is a definite distinction between all breastmilk from the boob, versus breastmilk from boob and bottle.  And there is a subtle understanding that only BM from the boob is "really" EBF.  At least that's how I've read it.  I could be a bit defensive though

 

This seems super judgey to me to say babies who drink expressed BM are not EBF, I think if you are pumping or nursing you are getting them the breast milk whatever way you can and if you want to say you EBF you have every right to. Who the heck cares anyway?  Seems like some people just want to say I EBF but you pumpers dont count? For whatever reason not everyone can nurse exclusively, IMO this does not make one method of feeding any better/worse than the other.

Ivana_Stolichnaya

Boob or bottle...if it's breast milk then I say it's EBFing.  I'm not sure why they added 'EPing' because I see that as breastfeeding...sue me.

woolgathered

I love you all, you know that... but can I have a badge that just says, "I FEED MY BABY?" :P

mrs.moo

I exclusively pump (meaning I don't feed from the breast due to latch issues), but due to a low supply I have to supplement 2 bottles a day of formula. If you ask me if I breastfeed, I answer yes. Breastfeeding is really important to me and I'm really proud of myself for sticking it out despite several setbacks. IMO, I breastfeed.

CTri17

I take EBF meaning DD only gets BM. I pump 1 bottle a day so that DH can feed her and have time with her.

If that means I'm no longer an EBF'er then I don't want to be

But really I think it's good for DD to get used to having a bottle so that when we go out she doesn't freak out.

itkatydid@gmail.com

*I.Choose.This*:

I take EBF to mean they only get breast milk, not that it matters if it comes from the bottle or the boob.

IMHO, This.

ibis

For the purposes of using the Bump boards, I interpret EBF as mostly or only fed at the breast, maybe with some bottle feedings of BM - as opposed to pumpers who EP.

The only reason I think it matters is because people who feed baby at the breast will have different experiences and questions than people who only pump. Like most online acronyms, it's just a shorthand way of letting people know the context of your question or comment. 

jonnygurl76

Boizmom:

To me it means he only eats at the breast...but that's because my baby only eats at the breast.  He has yet to take a bottle of pumped milk or formula and I don't plan on it (pumped milk) for a long while.  I really really pray I don't have to introduce formula to him...I had to with my older two and I want to go strictly breast milk this time around.

Anyhow...if you want to say that you EBF even though he does get pumped milk in bottles, I don't care.  I don't really care about all these "titles" in the first place.  As long as you are doing what you need to do for you and your child that's all that should really matter.

 

this is all well and fine if that is what you believe in, but if you don't attempt to have your LO take a bottle soon, he may never take one.  do you plan to never be apart from your LO for the entire time he breastfeeds??  this seems a little extreme to me.....what if you run out to the store and get stuck in traffic?  i know a couple that never gave their LO a bottle and the mom broke her leg--you can imagine the mayhem that took place while she was in the hospital--their baby wouldn't take a bottle. 

 

vmm0016

I personally don't think it matters if it is in the bottle or the boob; you are EBF.

epphd

woolgathered:

I love you all, you know that... but can I have a badge that just says, "I FEED MY BABY?" :P

I think this is a GREAT idea - seriously!  EBF, EBMF, EP, FF, whatever

I do agree with Ibis that acronyms can provide context for questions, (and in this way, EP, BF, and FF would probably be adequate to cover the spectrum) but I have seen posts that implied that if you give an occasional bottle then you are not EBF.  As though it is somehow "lesser" than EBF, for lack of a better word. Again, I could totally be projecting a certain amount of defensiveness here.

cinderellabella

What if I nurse, pump, and give formula? She gets milk at home, formula when we're out and about.

llc730

I have the badge that I EBF and have always considered this to mean that my baby is only fed breastmilk. The idea that LO eats only from the breast seems incredibly unrealistic to me. This would mean that the only people who are actually EBFers are SAHMs who are NEVER away from their LOs for a feeding. Are there actually that many people out there in this situation that there be a need for the acronym? Just IMO.

mooeta

I think EBF is breastmilk only no matter how the baby gets it.  Otherwise what are working moms?  I'm not an EP because she eats at the boob at nights and on weekends when we're together, but I don't have a wetnurse at daycare so she drinks expressed milk.  I personally think making a destinction between babies who are lucky and have moms that can have them directly on the boob vs moms who have to give some pumped milk is stupid and judgey.  I'm sorry I have to go back to work at 6 weeks but that doesn't mean I'm not breastfeeding.  I can relate to pumpers and boob feeders. 

Temp785382312506150

IMO, it doesn't matter to me whether the breastmilk comes from a boob directly or from a bottle. If your LO has never had formula, I consider it EBF.

epphd

Mikes_Wife06:

IMO, it doesn't matter to me whether the breastmilk comes from a boob directly or from a bottle. If your LO has never had formula, I consider it EBF.

So I would not be an EBFer since I had to supplement for ~6 feeds? just curious. typing w/ 1 hand since lo is latched on

Mrs.Kass-Bass

*I.Choose.This*:

I take EBF to mean they only get breast milk, not that it matters if it comes from the bottle or the boob.

This.

jenny1980

I would say if a baby isn't getting formula (outside of the type you're referencing--a few feedings near birth for medial reasons and the like), the mom is EBFing. I say that because I would still apply that label even after solids are introduced (ie: a six+ month old can still be EBF).

I tend to assume that most or all of the babies meals come directly from the breast as that seems to be the context used on the Bump (and I really haven't heard 'EBF' outside of the Bump). We also give DD the occasional bottle of pumped milk and I'd say we EBF.

Isn't it crazy how much guilt/pressure/etc. there is surrounding breast feeding? I have a couple parenting books that made me feel like I was depriving DD of crucial bonding because she gets a bottle a couple times/week. It's nuts.