The AAP is a resource, not god.

pumpkinwife07

"And people say it's all about choice. But The AAP says "Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition.  Given the documented short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding, infant nutritionshould be considered a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice."

The AAP is full of information, stats, and facts. I do NOT believe for a second that feeding your child formula is a public health risk. The AAP also recommends people vaccinate. Many in this country choose not to. Talk about a public health risk. Lets see a record number of whopping cough outbreaks, and oh lets not forget about the increasing numbers of measles and mumps. In my opinion, vaccinations should not be a lifestyle choice. One parents decison not to vaccinate can effect my children's health. What my child drinks for the first 12 months of life has no impact on anyone else. The AAP also recommends not using crib bumpers. People still do. The AAP also recommends no blankets or toys in the crib until age one. People still do it. No juice or TV until age 2. I know plenty of parents to let their once EBF baby drink apple juice and watch tv before the magic age. The list goes on and on. So, while I agree that the AAP is an invaluable source, we all have a CHOICE as parents. Good parents educate themselves and make a decision that's best for their family. And, as long as a mom has her childs best interest in mind, I really don't care what she feeds him/her, whether she works, what kind of diapers she uses, or when she starts solids. Also, I've been called anti-breastfeeding by a few on this board. That is NOT the case. I think breastfeeding is wonderful. I'm actually not anti-anything. I'm pro-doing whatever makes mommy and baby happy.

hansonam446

 

Ok we get it. Don't judge FFing moms. Are you done now?

tokenhoser

Being pro- "making mommy happy" is absolutely anti-breastfeeding when you come here to tell us how awesome not breastfeeding is.

blush64

Formula feeding is OK and I think everyone agrees babies can grow healthy and happy with formula.  This doesn't make formula nutritionally equal to breastmilk. Everyone woman should decide what to do and be happy with her decision. She should not be made to feel bad for her decision. However, that doesn't mean pretending that breastmilk is the same as formula.

EDIT I do agree with PPs, it doesn't seem there's much point to the post.

mcanant

I am sorry that on my original post yesterday about my brother yelling at me for nursing in public, you took offense when people mentioned my SIl being jealous or not caring that I BF and she does not. I get that we all do what we need to stay sane. But some of your comments are hurtful to those who have worked very hard to BF. I agree with what others have said - BM is the only natural option for babies. Formula is a substitute, unnatural, and no one can dispute this fact. We all work hard to pick and choose what we think the best options are for our kids. We may chose to formula feed and then feed only organic solids. We may EBF then feed regular food, not organic. We pick and choose what we deem is most natural and healthy for our children. And that is ok! Both choices are fine! But you are on a BF board. There are mamas on here who have cried numerous tears, suffered through a lot of pain, dealt with threats of low birth weight, jaundice, and other scare tactics from doctors who beat down their choice to EBF. I have gone with my FF friend's babies, and they DO NOT go through that.No one is saying supplementing is wrong. Hell, most of the time if you are doing both methods, its a matter of necessity.You are putting in twice the effort to FF and BF because you VALUE the importance of any BM. No one is saying that FF is wrong. But you are on a board where BFing is going to be the preferred method of feeding. I am sorry you were so offended and I will be the first to say my SIL is not jealous that I BF. She simply did ever want to nurse and she thinks its gross. More often than not, i will get more looks and stares BFing in public that a mom that pulls out a bottle (and yes, we get it, you don't now if its milk or formula so don't judge). Hopefully you accept that no one here is out to crucify FFers. We all just struggle with a lot of emotional, mental, and physical challenges when we BF and the last thing we need is to be criticized for trying to feed our babies in public, or have to defend ourselves 20x over about why we waste our time having a baby attached to us.

mcanant

Oh, and one more thing. Please do not attack those who choose to not vaccinate. That is also a choice that most parents make with a lot of education. Don't throw out things like whopping cough (which did you know there is now evidence the vaccine is now 85% ineffective for the current strain and a new vaccine is coming out with the new strain in it) without thinking about why people make that choice. I bet those who do not vax can write up multiple posts like you have about one's decision to FF. I respect both sides of that discussion. I don't want to start a vax war on the BF board, but it's the same matter- you control and decide what goes into your babies body. And you decide what is right and that is something everyone needs to accept as long as you are not abusing your child. We all accept/respect that people FF. We all wish everyone accepted/respected those who BF.

sooner1981

mcanant:

Oh, and one more thing. Please do not attack those who choose to not vaccinate. That is also a choice that most parents make with a lot of education. Don't throw out things like whopping cough (which did you know the vaccine is now 85% INEFFECTIVE for the current strain) without thinking about why people make that choice. I bet those who do not vax can write up multiple posts like you have about one's decision to FF. I respect both sides of that discussion. I don't want to start a vax war on the BF board, but it's the same matter- you control and decide what goes into your babies body. And you decide what is right and that is something everyone needs to accept as long as you are not abusing your child. We all accept/respect that people FF. We all wish everyone accepted/respected those who BF.

You are ignorant.  That is all.

mcanant

That is not fair to attack someone on this topic either. I clearly said that is another choice that parents make and have to live with it. I am not going to comment any more on the vax issue. I have my own beliefs on that issue, as does the mother that lost a child to a vaccine curable illness, as does the mother whose child had devastating effects from a vaccine. I was pointing out to the OP that it is not fair she is attacking those who BF and threw in another controversial topic and put her two cents in. This is not the appropriate place to debate the vax issue and most likely not the most appropriate place to be discouraging or putting down BFers. That was the point I was trying to make. This has been going on for two days and I wish we could all just get along before Thanksgiving! This board is too valuable to those who come to it for advice and comfort when dealing with BF issues.

pepomntpat

So, give some BFing advice instead of chastising those of us who are giving BFing advice. I have never seen you offer BFing advice.Granted I don't read every single post and reply, but I read a lot of them and I've seen a lot of posts from you. Not once have you offered advice, except to say go ahead and give formula.

I also vaccinate my child and didn't use crib bumpers. So, I pretty much follow the expert advice from the AAP.  

pumpkinwife07

It is your choice and every mother's choice to decide how she feeds her baby. The choices are pretty clear. You can EBF, EP, use both, or EFF. And, while this is a breastfeeding board not everyone on here EBF. A good number - maybe half or even more - suppliment. There are also a good number of women on here who see formula as posion, so maybe there should be an EBF Anti-Fornula board for those.

The struggle with breastfeeding is real for women - trust me I get that. But you have the choice. You get to choose whether you want to live with the pain, anxiety, tears, jaundice, low birth weight (and other things you mentioned). If it's all too much and it effects your relationship with your child then maybe it's time to take a hard look whether EBF is worth it. I've said this a million times and I'll say it a million more happy mommy = happy baby. If a mother is miserable and downright depressed over feeding her baby, something isn't right. Love doesn't come from a boob or a bottle.

You can try with all your might, but not everyone is going to accept breastfeeding. Sorry. You can't change everyone in the world. I happen to think smoking is pretty dumb and would I like everyone in the world to stop? Yes. Is it going to happen. No.

Your brother was way out of line. And, again I'm very sorry you had to deal with that. I hope whatever you decide to do on Thursday brings you some peace to the ordeal.

sooner1981

mcanant:

That is not fair to attack someone on this topic either. I clearly said that is another choice that parents make and have to live with it. I am not going to comment any more on the vax issue. I have my own beliefs on that issue, as does the mother that lost a child to a vaccine curable illness, as does the mother whose child had devastating effects from a vaccine. I was pointing out to the OP that it is not fair she is attacking those who BF and threw in another controversial topic and put her two cents in. This is not the appropriate place to debate the vax issue and most likely not the most appropriate place to be discouraging or putting down BFers. That was the point I was trying to make. This has been going on for two days and I wish we could all just get along before Thanksgiving! This board is too valuable to those who come to it for advice and comfort when dealing with BF issues.

If you had said "it is my choice not to vaccinate my children," I would have disagreed with you, but I wouldn't have commented.  However, you had to wade in and assert that the pertussis vaccine is only 15% effective, which is completely and utterly NOT TRUE.  I will not stand idly by while you spread blatant misinformation about a life-saving vaccine like the pertussis shot.  Sorry--no can do.  Two unvaccinated babies have died from pertussis already this season at our local hospital, and I will not have you telling moms not to bother with this shot by presenting false information.  Just not gonna happen.

This is an exerpt from the latest review of the pertussis vaccine's efficacy from March 2012:

?This updated review included six efficacy trials with a total of 46,283 participants? The efficacy of multi-component (= three) acellular vaccines varied from 84% to 85% in preventing typical whooping cough (characterised by 21 or more consecutive days of paroxysmal cough with confirmation of B. pertussis infection by culture, appropriate serology or contact with a household member who has culture-confirmed pertussis) and from 71% to 78% in preventing mild pertussis disease (characterised by seven or more consecutive days of cough with confirmation of B. pertussis infection by culture or appropriate serology)."

pumpkinwife07

Oh and I didn't throw in a controversial topic. I was making a point that just because the AAP says something doesn't mean we all follow it. We're given information and make our own decisions from there.

And, I'm pretty sure the dTAP has a higher success rate than that. Check out this story.
https://shotbyshot.org/pertussis/bradys-story/

mcanant

Ok well I can remove my comment if it's offending you. That is what my doc just told me last week, also why a majority of the outbreak in CA has been with people who HAVE been vaccinated. They are working as quickly as they can to update the vaccine.  I didn't say I am against vaccinations. I was making  appoint that AAP changes their stance on things every few years. This is the same for which vaccinations to receive, how to feed your child, for how long, etc. Sorry if it wasn't well worded but I wasn't trying to make you mad. I can remove that part I just didn't like that OP decided to throw that topic into the discussion. That's not fair.

 

Let me know if it's appropriate to remove parts of a post.  I have seen before where people tried to do it and people got upset

sooner1981

mcanant:

Ok well I can remove my comment if it's offending you. That is what my doc just told me last week, also why a majority of the outbreak in CA has been with people who HAVE been vaccinated. They are working as quickly as they can to update the vaccine.  I didn't say I am against vaccinations. I was making  appoint that AAP changes their stance on things every few years. This is the same for which vaccinations to receive, how to feed your child, for how long, etc. Sorry if it wasn't well worded but I wasn't trying to make you mad.

I don't believe for a damn second that your doctor told you that.  And if he did, you need a new doctor.  There is ZERO evidence of that false statistic that you gave.  The reason that people who have been vaccinated as children are getting pertussis is that they discovered a few years ago that a second booster was needed around puberty to confer substantial adult protection--so they started recommending the Dtap booster for adults.  Older children and adults who have had the booster are NOT getting sick.  I just don't appreciate misinformation being spread about vaccines and other matters of life and death.

ETA:  I would appreciate you removing that "statistic" from your post--since lots of moms read these posts, and I wouldn't want you to feel guilty for your post possibly causing a woman to not vaccinate her child against a potentially-fatal disease based on false statistics.

mcanant

Can someone who is not sooner1981 let me know if it's ok to remove it? I don't want to be in trouble by the moderators.

And I think if you feel that strongly about the matter is fine, but to put me down, and blame a potential child's death on me because of a post is ill-timed as well. If you get all of your education off this message board, then you are not being responsible.  As always with any medical advice, do not take everyone's opinion as gospel. Besides saying sorry if I offended you, I can do nothing else.

sooner1981

mcanant:

Can someone who is not sooner1981 let me know if it's ok to remove it? I don't want to be in trouble by the moderators.

And I think if you feel that strongly about the matter is fine, but to put me down, and blame a potential child's death on me because of a post is ill-timed as well. If you get all of your education off this message board, then you are not being responsible.  As always with any medical advice, do not take everyone's opinion as gospel. Besides saying sorry if I offended you, I can do nothing else.

I am just saying that words have power.  And you know they do, or else you wouldn't have chosen those specific words to "bolster" your anti-vaccination message.  And I chose my words carefully too, as I can't handle people spreading blatantly false messages where new, impressionable mothers hang out.  You certainly didn't offend me.  I just call it like I see it.  That is all.

mcanant

Estwd2:

pumpkinwife07:

Love doesn't come from a boob or a bottle.

Also, the constant debates about who is judged more, FF or BF moms, are kind of silly. That's a "whose cross is heavier" debate and no one ever wins. Moms are judged. Period. Let's put away the score sheets. If you feel judged, then you feel judged. No need to pile on with, "But we're judged MORE!"

 

AMEN. Happy Thanksgiving. 

krissi813

First of all, pumpkin, it is "supplement," not "suppliment." Second, you need to learn the difference between "affect" and "effect"."  Third, if the point of your post was that the AAP is a resource and not God (by the way, since you were talking about one God and not multiple gods in the subject, the "g" should have been capitalized), why did you mention the AAP's stance on vaccinations and then completely agree with it?! You say that the AAP endorses breastfeeding but that doesn't mean breastfeeding is right, but then you say it recommends vaccines and that you agree.  

Ummmm, learn how to make a point. You should have just stuck with the crib bumpers. 

hansonam446

OP, there's this thing called the quote button. You should try it out sometime.

ILoveRunning

I can't believe that I am going to wade into this mess, but here I am.  To the poster saying that pertussis is not effective.  Take a look at this article (sorry not clicky)-

 https://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2012/09/why_babies_are_dying_of_whooping_cough_.html

I am pretty sure what your pedi was talking about was the fact that the length that the new pertussis vaccine is effective for is less than what it was with the old.  Unfortunately the CDC is just now accounting for that fact.  In the future, children will have to get their boosters at a younger age to make sure there is no lap in protection.  

 Pumpkinwife, I am a long-time poster on the BFing board.  I have been nursing my son for over two years now.  When someone asks a question about supplementing because of an issue, I will often respond to their question, but also expand upon alternative solutions.  Why?  Because it is often pretty apparent that they do not want to supplement, but feel that it is their only option.  If it looks like other options exist, I will point them out.  Why?  Because I was once in the position of having to supplement, but was given extremely good advice that led me continue my nursing relationship.  If I can help one other person achieve their goals by giving advice, then I feel that my time spent on here is worth it.  That being said, if someone comes out and gives an outline of information that leads me to believe that they have good information at hand, I will give them advice on how to make supplementing and BFing together work for them.  Also, I almost always urge the poster to consult with their pedi (or to find a new one) and an IBCLC.  If it looks like they need emotional support, I urge them to contact their local LLL or hospital BFing support group.  

My number one goal is to support women who want to EBF, without giving them grief if they can't, because I remember feeling like a failure once before and would never wish that feeling on anyone else (and fyi, I don't think that not breastfeeding is a failure, just that many people who want to breastfeed and can't end up feeling that way, which sucks).  Formula is 100% fine in my book, and I do not care if a person chooses to EBF/EP or FF or both.  I just want to be here, giving my best advice, for those who need help.  Please feel free to stay, but realize that your attitude is combative and hurtful, and creates animosity and tension in what is otherwise a supportive community.  

pumpkinwife07

Krissi813 - perhaps you missed the point because you were playing the part of grammer police. Anyway, my POINT is that just because the AAP recommends something doesn't mean you have to do it. the AAP recommends EBF for the first six months. Your baby isn't going to turn into a frog if you don't do it. The AAP also recommends you don't use crib bumpers. Most don't, but some still do. Their babies will also likely survive. Get it?

jcsumm0

1.  I DGAF how other people feed their babies.  However, on a BREASTFEEDING board, I am going to give advice that supports BREASTFEEDING.

2. Please stop saying "happy mom=happy baby."  Of course, sometimes that is true, but what if watching TV all day and never reading my baby a book makes me happy?  What if leaving her with a babysitter and getting drunk every night makes me happy?   Sometimes, a mom has to make decisions that are not easiest for her, but are best for the baby.  That's part of being a parent.

pumpkinwife07

"Please stop saying "happy mom=happy baby." Of course, sometimes that is true, but what if watching TV all day and never reading my baby a book makes me happy? What if leaving her with a babysitter and getting drunk every night makes me happy? Sometimes, a mom has to make decisions that are not easiest for her, but are best for the baby. That's part of being a parent."

Come on. You can't honestly tell me the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the health of the mother. Yes, there are things you have to give up to be a parent. But, becoming a depressed mess and feeling like a failure over feeding your baby is just plain sad to me. There are options. We should support a mother the best we can, but also let her know it's ok is she needs to do something differently.

jlsimon56

I can't say I've spent much time perusing the AAP suggestions, but surprisingly we have followed all the ones listed.  EBF for 6 months, no crib bumpers, no TV, no juice, etc.  I really hope there is a large trophy in the mail headed my way.  I obviously win.  ;-)

RMama2012

Do you go to the infertility board and insist they would be happier if they adopted? And vice versa? Do you go to the Natural Birth board and encourage they get EPIs and call them judgemental for deciding/trying not to?? Do you tell SAHMs to work? I mean really, WTH is the point with all your nonsense. Everyone agrees there is judgement on both sides and we're all just trying to make the best decisions for our children and ourselves. You're not changing anyone's opinions by these posts.

pepomntpat

pumpkinwife07:

"Please stop saying "happy mom=happy baby." Of course, sometimes that is true, but what if watching TV all day and never reading my baby a book makes me happy? What if leaving her with a babysitter and getting drunk every night makes me happy? Sometimes, a mom has to make decisions that are not easiest for her, but are best for the baby. That's part of being a parent."

Come on. You can't honestly tell me the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the health of the mother. Yes, there are things you have to give up to be a parent. But, becoming a depressed mess and feeling like a failure over feeding your baby is just plain sad to me. There are options. We should support a mother the best we can, but also let her know it's ok is she needs to do something differently.

You are assuming that every mother who has a challenge is a depressed mess. How is that not judgmental? 

ncbelle

Guess I missed some fun but totally this... 

 

tokenhoser:

Being pro- "making mommy happy" is absolutely anti-breastfeeding when you come here to tell us how awesome not breastfeeding is.

 

As has been pointed out...this is the breastfeeding board.  Therefore when someone posts about having problems or feeling like they need to supplement, they are going to get pro-BFing answers.  I'm not sure why that is surprising or difficult to understand.  

The vast majority of BFing problems are both temporary and can be fixed.  No formula isn't "bad" but if a woman wants to breastfeed and is having trouble, formula should be the option of last resort...because she WANTS to BF.  So if she asks me for advice, I'm not going to suggest formula...because that undermines what she wants. 

bpv101283

hansonam446:

nbsp;Ok we get it. Don't judge FFing moms. Are you done now?

This.

Sigh.

bpv101283

Maybe a bit off topic. I don't care. These responses from Pumpkinhead are getting on my nerves. She seems to have had a bad experience or something, and not able to see any other side. I would have quit if it wasnt for this board.  Reading about other women going through similar situations I was going through helped me get through the rough patches.  I donated all the free formula I was given, so in those hard times I would stop staring at it.  I cannot speak for everyones situations, but I really do believe formula is not the answer in every case.  Growth spurts, distracted nursing, painful latch, nursing strikes, all can seem like a mountain, when really a little more information and pushing from other breastfeeding moms can get us past that hump.  I hate when someone recommends formula right away.  It can destroy the breastfeeding relationship and hurt the chances of ever returning to ebf.  Thats the thing though, it is not important to me who FF or who supplements or who doesnt as long as it is what the mother wants, and healthwise it is ok.  There are women who desperately want to breastfeed and are doing ok, and they have one little issue, and supplementation is thrown at them as a solution.  Its not always a solution.  Someone posted just the other day that the hospital told them to supplement at 2 days old because their baby was 9 lbs.  That is not, in my opinion, a useful or pro breastfeeding solution to the problem.  Nursing on demand and milk coming in is the solution.  Allowing the mothers body to do what it was designed for is the solution.  So maybe people push a little on this board on how to increase supply, but that is because it is a breastfeeding board.  If someone is supplementing and ok with that and tried everything, and still needs to, Who cares.  Thats wonderful.  Taking care of our babies needs is first and foremost. But of course people with a wealth of information are going to try to help those that are desperately hoping to breastfeed and they are being told to supplement with formula immediately when its not always necessary.

And whatever, say what you want. But I think more people are helped on here than judged.

krissi813

pumpkinwife07:

Krissi813 - perhaps you missed the point because you were playing the part of grammer police. Anyway, my POINT is that just because the AAP recommends something doesn't mean you have to do it. the AAP recommends EBF for the first six months. Your baby isn't going to turn into a frog if you don't do it. The AAP also recommends you don't use crib bumpers. Most don't, but some still do. Their babies will also likely survive. Get it?

Hahaha. The word is "grammar," not "grammer." This is too easy.

 

krissi813

And anyway, pumpkinwife, I actually agree with your point. I actually just started supplementing because I switched to EPing during the day and I refuse to stress over how many ounces I pump versus how many my baby needs during the day. I mix formula and breastmilk in DS's bottles and I do not feel guilty about it. The majority of mothers on this board are way too hard on themselves, but that is only because they want to do the best they possibly can for their babies.

Again, I completely agree with your point. I just don't think you are going about making your point in the best way. 

sschwege

RMama2012:

Do you go to the infertility board and insist they would be happier if they adopted? And vice versa? Do you go to the Natural Birth board and encourage they get EPIs and call them judgemental for deciding/trying not to?? Do you tell SAHMs to work? I mean really, WTH is the point with all your nonsense. Everyone agrees there is judgement on both sides and we're all just trying to make the best decisions for our children and ourselves. You're not changing anyone's opinions by these posts.

Well said!  This just pretty much sums this up.

This is a BREASTFEEDING board, what do you expect?   

jlh2716

OP, why are you stillbitching about this? We all get judged. I get crap all the time for BFing, CDing, and bed-sharing; I don't lose myshit over it. If a mom is that sensitive to peer judgement, then she needs to sac up and get over herself, or she's in for a really rough ride as a parent.

And FTR, no, I don't think the AAP is God.

Mrs JillB

pumpkinwife07:

"Please stop saying "happy mom=happy baby." Of course, sometimes that is true, but what if watching TV all day and never reading my baby a book makes me happy? What if leaving her with a babysitter and getting drunk every night makes me happy? Sometimes, a mom has to make decisions that are not easiest for her, but are best for the baby. That's part of being a parent."

Come on. You can't honestly tell me the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the health of the mother. Yes, there are things you have to give up to be a parent. But, becoming a depressed mess and feeling like a failure over feeding your baby is just plain sad to me. There are options. We should support a mother the best we can, but also let her know it's ok is she needs to do something differently.

How long did you BF? You seem awfully hung up on pushing formula on people. I've found that when people aren't confident in their own parenting decisions, they tend to harp on other's decisions.

So...... how long did you breastfeed?   

blu-eyedwife

jlsimon56:

I can't say I've spent much time perusing the AAP suggestions, but surprisingly we have followed all the ones listed.  EBF for 6 months, no crib bumpers, no TV, no juice, etc.  I really hope there is a large trophy in the mail headed my way.  I obviously win.  ;-)

Me TOO!

I guess jlsimon56 and I can link arms and judge whoever the f?ck we want?

 

pumpkinhead4

bpv101283:

Maybe a bit off topic. I don't care. These responses from Pumpkinhead are getting on my nerves. She seems to have had a bad experience or something, and not able to see any other side. I would have quit if it wasnt for this board.  Reading about other women going through similar situations I was going through helped me get through the rough patches.  I donated all the free formula I was given, so in those hard times I would stop staring at it.  I cannot speak for everyones situations, but I really do believe formula is not the answer in every case.  Growth spurts, distracted nursing, painful latch, nursing strikes, all can seem like a mountain, when really a little more information and pushing from other breastfeeding moms can get us past that hump.  I hate when someone recommends formula right away.  It can destroy the breastfeeding relationship and hurt the chances of ever returning to ebf.  Thats the thing though, it is not important to me who FF or who supplements or who doesnt as long as it is what the mother wants, and healthwise it is ok.  There are women who desperately want to breastfeed and are doing ok, and they have one little issue, and supplementation is thrown at them as a solution.  Its not always a solution.  Someone posted just the other day that the hospital told them to supplement at 2 days old because their baby was 9 lbs.  That is not, in my opinion, a useful or pro breastfeeding solution to the problem.  Nursing on demand and milk coming in is the solution.  Allowing the mothers body to do what it was designed for is the solution.  So maybe people push a little on this board on how to increase supply, but that is because it is a breastfeeding board.  If someone is supplementing and ok with that and tried everything, and still needs to, Who cares.  Thats wonderful.  Taking care of our babies needs is first and foremost. But of course people with a wealth of information are going to try to help those that are desperately hoping to breastfeed and they are being told to supplement with formula immediately when its not always necessary. And whatever, say what you want. But I think more people are helped on here than judged.

hey did you really mean me or pumpkinwife? maybe i should change my name!

bpv101283

pumpkinhead4:

bpv101283:

Maybe a bit off topic. I don't care. These responses from Pumpkinhead are getting on my nerves. She seems to have had a bad experience or something, and not able to see any other side. I would have quit if it wasnt for this board.  Reading about other women going through similar situations I was going through helped me get through the rough patches.  I donated all the free formula I was given, so in those hard times I would stop staring at it.  I cannot speak for everyones situations, but I really do believe formula is not the answer in every case.  Growth spurts, distracted nursing, painful latch, nursing strikes, all can seem like a mountain, when really a little more information and pushing from other breastfeeding moms can get us past that hump.  I hate when someone recommends formula right away.  It can destroy the breastfeeding relationship and hurt the chances of ever returning to ebf.  Thats the thing though, it is not important to me who FF or who supplements or who doesnt as long as it is what the mother wants, and healthwise it is ok.  There are women who desperately want to breastfeed and are doing ok, and they have one little issue, and supplementation is thrown at them as a solution.  Its not always a solution.  Someone posted just the other day that the hospital told them to supplement at 2 days old because their baby was 9 lbs.  That is not, in my opinion, a useful or pro breastfeeding solution to the problem.  Nursing on demand and milk coming in is the solution.  Allowing the mothers body to do what it was designed for is the solution.  So maybe people push a little on this board on how to increase supply, but that is because it is a breastfeeding board.  If someone is supplementing and ok with that and tried everything, and still needs to, Who cares.  Thats wonderful.  Taking care of our babies needs is first and foremost. But of course people with a wealth of information are going to try to help those that are desperately hoping to breastfeed and they are being told to supplement with formula immediately when its not always necessary. And whatever, say what you want. But I think more people are helped on here than judged.

hey did you really mean me or pumpkinwife? maybe i should change my name!

Lol I don't know anymore!!! Sorry!!!