Breast is definitely best
May 13 '00
Yes, bottlefeeding is acceptable in today's society - but that doesn't mean that it's wrong to say that people *should* breastfeed. I realize that there are a small percentage of women who are unable to breastfeed for physical reasons or because of medications they must take, but breastfeeding is still best. If you choose to bottlefeed (I'm not talking about being physically unable to breastfeed but am talking about deciding to bottlefeed because of work, misinformation, lack of desire, etc.) then it is a *choice* that you made. Choices have consequences, and some are the consequences of formula-feeding are the increased risk of health problems. I believe that part of this is because of the way society views breastfeeding. When health risks are mentioned in the news, formula-feeding is portrayed as the norm (e.g. "Breastfeeding reduces the risks" as opposed to "Formula-feeding increases the risks").
I by no means consider myself a militant breastfeeder, although I do consider myself a VERY strong supporter. I'm currently breastfeeding my first child (she's 4 months old) and I love it. At times, formula would be more convenient, I suppose - I could go out without having to make sure I'd pumped enough for her to eat, I could let my husband get up in the middle of the night with her. I don't consider those good enough reasons, though. We have a family history of allergies and asthma, and breastfeeding is one way to reduce the risk that my daughter has those problems. I also love the closeness that we have. And for those who say that breastfeeding makes the father less able to bond - you should see my husband with our daughter. There's no denying that bond. He strongly supports my decision to breastfeed, and simply bonds with our little girl in other ways - he holds her, plays with her, cuddles her - just as much as I do.
I think everybody *should* breastfeed, even though I may offend some of those who feel that I shouldn't say that because of making bottlefeeding mothers feel guilty. If you're physically unable to breastfeed - then by all means - you don't want to starve your child, and formula is the best way for you to feed your baby. For the others - it is a choice, and no one can make you feel things - if you feel that you made the best choice, then you shouldn't feel guilty.
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Epinions.com ID:
Kerowyn
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Member: Melissa Rowan
Location: West Virginia
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 5 members
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