This last question is the most divisive. If I refuse to answer, I get a lecture on the benefits. If I say yes, then I get lectured on how long I should do it for. If I say no, then I get lectured on how I'm the worst mother ever and should be summarily shot.
Let's get some facts straight first. Yes, breast feeding is best. The milk provides antibodies that the baby can't make yet, it is nutritionally optimal, and it further bonds the mother and child, among other benefits. However, formula has advanced tremendously and will meet your baby's nutritional needs without problems. Formula provides the added benefit that anyone can feed the baby, making it easier for Dad and other family members to bond with the baby. Also makes it easier for Mom to leave the baby and get some sanity time. This is not trivial and can improve overall family life, which is also beneficial for the baby.
But lets say that you believe breastfeeding is the clear best option. The reality is, breast feeding is not easy. Among my friends, I have seen all sorts of cases where the answer is not nearly as cut and dry as yes or no. One friend never had milk come in. Another tried breast feeding but the baby never took to it, even with the help of a consultant. She pumped as much as she could and supplements with formula. Yet another had her milk stop when she returned to work after three months. Another had a big baby who needed extra food. They ended up supplementing too.
Let's get some facts straight first. Yes, breast feeding is best. The milk provides antibodies that the baby can't make yet, it is nutritionally optimal, and it further bonds the mother and child, among other benefits. However, formula has advanced tremendously and will meet your baby's nutritional needs without problems. Formula provides the added benefit that anyone can feed the baby, making it easier for Dad and other family members to bond with the baby. Also makes it easier for Mom to leave the baby and get some sanity time. This is not trivial and can improve overall family life, which is also beneficial for the baby.
But lets say that you believe breastfeeding is the clear best option. The reality is, breast feeding is not easy. Among my friends, I have seen all sorts of cases where the answer is not nearly as cut and dry as yes or no. One friend never had milk come in. Another tried breast feeding but the baby never took to it, even with the help of a consultant. She pumped as much as she could and supplements with formula. Yet another had her milk stop when she returned to work after three months. Another had a big baby who needed extra food. They ended up supplementing too.
But in any event, it is nobody's business but the parents and doctor involved. How can you form an opinion about someone's fitness as a parent from this one factor?
And yet almost everyone has an opinion, and is almost militantly vocal about it. Especially the pro lactation police.
My question is, why the obsession? Why is it such a big deal? We make decisions about our babies all the time - which products to use, who takes care of them, where they go to daycare and school. We do things that have much more impact on their lives - discipline them, read to them, integrate them into society. So why is what we feed them under such scrutiny?
My question is, why the obsession? Why is it such a big deal? We make decisions about our babies all the time - which products to use, who takes care of them, where they go to daycare and school. We do things that have much more impact on their lives - discipline them, read to them, integrate them into society. So why is what we feed them under such scrutiny?
So I will ask here once. Please stay out of my bra. What I do with my breasts is my business. My baby is healthy and happy, and that's all you need to know.
