More than just Mom's Choice
Feb 04 '00 (Updated Aug 29 '00)
I'm disturbed to read the opening lines to many of the epinions in this debate. So many seem to start with, "Breast is best IF mom chooses to do so." or " I did my best, but...." I'm not happy with the fact that breastfeeding seems to have become an unattainable or undesired goal.
Everyone realizes there are women who are not physically able to breastfeed. But look at the actual numbers. It is a tiny percentage who fall in this category. And as much as people like to try to make the claim it happens, I have never seen anyone condemn a woman in this category. However, I feel if a woman is physically capable of breastfeeding, that is what she should do for her baby. Breastmilk is not just better for babies with moms who desire to breastfeed them. It's best for all babies!
Many people feel they fall into the category not capable of nursing, but are mistaken. They say, "My milk didn't seem to be enough to fill him up." That is a huge misconception. Supplementing with formula will only sabotage the supply. If a baby is allowed to nurse often, supply will build. It's supply and demand. Even every two hours is common in some babies.
Some moms formula feed for their own convenience. They want more sleep and mistakenly believe that if a formula fed newborn sleeps through the night that means he does not need nutrition at night. Wrong! Formula simply does not digest fully and may just be sitting there in the gut making the baby feel full. The fact that he does not wake to eat is not healthy. They may want someone else to help with feedings, or even be afraid nursing will ruin their breasts. All this does not change the fact that formula is lacking so many things your baby needs. To nurse or not is not a choice to be made without careful consideration. It should not fall into the category of what color to paint the nursery or what theme you want your comforter set to be.
Even if the baby does not seem to want to latch on, that can still be overcome, and fairly simply in most cases. Lactation consultants can help many problems. There are also breast feeding books to read and many other sources of information, including the internet. Cracked nipples can happen, but never last, and are no reason to give up. Using a good cream such as Lansinoh will make it pass more quickly. I didn't believe it would pass myself, but in a short time, it was fine. And yes, they do bleed sometimes and this is normal. It won't hurt the baby.
"I had no support." I really don't have a lot of sympathy for this because it has become so cliche. Women throughout history have breastfed. Until recently, they didn't think of it as heroic and expect to be pat on the back every step of the way. In most other cultures, breastfeeding is not seen as some big undertaking, but simply the norm, as it should be. All mammals breastfeed. Why do women suddenly seem to feel they can't do this without "support"? I didn't grow up around breastfeeding. I never turned to anyone with help with difficulties. I helped myself by educating myself. My husband and people around me probably would not have cared one way or another what I chose, but I did this for the good of my baby, and nobody else. It may sound harsh, but it's my opinion. I see no reason to not reveal my true feelings on this subject, especially here where we are supposed to be allowed to do that.
"I had to work". Guess what? So did I. For 10 months when I was still in the military while my son was breastfeeding, I pumped and froze milk. This was not an easy task with my job. I had no set "coffee" breaks or anything of that nature. I stole what time I could and if I didn't get a chance at work, I pumped extra at home after his feedings and while he slept.
I've found that when a woman wants to breastfeed, her problems should she have any, will be overcome. When her heart is not set on it from the beginning, she will grasp any excuse and these problems will do her in. "A baby will sense if mom is unhappy with breastfeeding", they say. I don't buy it. Formula will not suddenly make personal problems disappear! Plus, there are many unpleasant tasks of parenthood (think diapers, night waking). Should they all be stopped because mom is unhappy?
"I was depressed". Breastfeeding releases prolactin which relaxes women. I have countless friends who had severe PPD and still nursed. It gives a feeling of well being, and personally I think that feeling is long lasting. They do have medication for depression safe for nursing moms.
If a mom makes the decision to formula feed out of her own convenience, there are many things her baby will miss out on. A few of them are: Helps prevent breast cancer later in life for baby girls who receive breastmilk, and also in the breastfeeding mother. They will have an optimize IQ, meaning giving them the IQ they were meant to have, not guarantee genuises! It contains immunities to diseases and aids the immune system. It's more digestible than formula, unlikely to cause constipation, reflux, diarrhea, vomiting. The development of the thymus gland occurs in breastfed babies and not in formula fed babies. It maximizes the facial development, creating a stronger jaw, less TMJ and straighter teeth (than if formula fed, not a guarantee!) Fomula may cause a disease called NEC in premature babies and it's deadly. Breastmilk decreased risk of ear infections, Type I diabetes, bacterial meningitis-that's reducing risks, just as a car seat reduces risks of injury. Crohn's disease and SIDS are more common in formula fed babies. Even some types of childhood lymphomas are less common in breastfed infants. It also helps the mother in many ways. She has less risk of post partum hemorrage, faster return to normal of uterus, increased weight loss, and as mentioned, less risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Breastfed babies also have less risk of ulcerative collitus, food allergies and a myriad of other problems.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends babies receive breastmilk for at least 1 year and the World Health Organization recommends at least 2. To me, the most important thing as a parent is the best interest of my children. I want to care for them the best way possible. I feel that if you are educated in the differences and choose formula for a reason that is purely for yours or your families' convenience, you are only short-changing your child.
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Member: Tami
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