Jenna,
The point of this is not that anyone is threatened by formula-feeding
moms - why would another mom be "threatened" by that? Please explain if
you don't mind, because I am curious as to what you mean... I have
never felt threatened by somebody who fed a baby differently than I
did. also, nobody is claiming that breastfeeding is "the only way" -
just stating the facts that is *is* the best way for babies when it is
possible, and that it is unfortunate that it is possible for most women
and then some of them have their breastfeeding sabatoged by these
formula marketing strategies, or by receiving false information or
misconceptions from a doctor, friend, or relative. Of course
breastfeeding is not the only way to feed an infant - a baby whose
mother dies shouldn't be starved! Also, it is not about thinking that a
breastfeeding mother's experience is the "standard to which others are
judged." I have written this over and over, but this is not in any way
about judgment! This is about getting the correct information out there
and removing obstacles (like the formula marketing in hospitals) to
help women to know the truth and get real support. Now, breastfeeding
is the standard way of feeding a baby - but that is just a fact that it
is the normal way, and many people do not see it as such... another
barrier to successful breastfeeding. But just because a mother cannot
do what is the standard, that doesn't mean she is judged or that people
are being "closed-minded." It is easy to pull out phrases like
"intolerant" and "closed-minded" to try to shut the door on meaningful
conversation, because those are emotionally-charged words. Yes, a few
comments here have come across as ru8de toward formula-feeding moms,
but the overall tone here has not been one of judgment... it has been
one about education. Also, the main point of this site is the free
samples in hospitals and the many posters' opposition to it for the
reason that it hurts breastfeeding in many instances. The others of
this site are also using the emotionally charged words intended to
elicit a knee-jerk emotional response... using words like "choice" and
"freedom" to try to make people think that their rights are being
infringed upon. But is it really a right to receive a sample of formula
from the hospital? No more than it is a right to expect a sample of
something in a grocery store. The main point here is that people can
still choose formula just as easily without being given samples by the
hospital. If they really need samples in order to make their decision,
they can write to the company to request them.
By Erin
Barb,
I agree that longer maternity leaves are sorely needed in the US, and
that this would surely help to increase breastfeeding rates. I wonder,
though, if you are aware that the formula industry (which pays for your
work on this website) has tried to sabotage women's successful
breastfeeding after maternity leave ends? The state of Montana recently
passed legislation to promote better lactation support for state
employees; the formula industry sent lobbyists all the way from Atlanta
to argue against it.
By songbh
I
can't believe how nasty some of these comments are! I breastfed my
babies for more than 12 months each and I am not threatened by other
women who have different experiences. I am not closed-minded enough to
think that my way is the only way and that my experience is the
standard by which other women should be judged.
By Jenna
"I’ve long been an advocate of breastfeeding."
Nice. How long have you been a shill for the formula companies?
By Rattling the Kettle (.com)
It
is the formula companies' unethical practices and the misconceptions
and misinformation that is being given to moms that is being berated
here, NOT the moms who are using formula. I have nothing against the
moms... it is the lies being given about breastfeeding that I (and many
other posters) have a problem with.
By Erin
Thank
you for this posting, Barb - I wholeheartedly agree that guaranteed,
paid maternity leave is a real solution that will help women breastfeed
longer in this country. And it's a far better use of time that berating
formula-feeding moms who are doing the best they can.
By olivia
And
of course you leave out the fact that the AAP's breastfeeding board
tried to change their recommendations to mirror that of the WHO's, but
was squashed by pressure from the formula companies.
By Kay
Thanks
for the clarification TK. It helps to have the guidelines from the
American Academy of Pediatricians, the American Academy of Family
Practice Physicians and the World Health Organization. Having these
organizations provide us with clear cut recommendations has been
enormously helpful in advising moms on the benefits of longer
breastfeeding.
By barb
Thanks
Barb, I'm in favor of it too. When I returned to work with my first
child, I was traveling between offices and scurring to find a safe,
clean and inviting place to pump during the day. The stress really took
it's toll and my milk production fell off quickly. While I tried to
continue to breastfeed, I need to supplement a lot quicker than I
liked.
By Carol
A
clarification.
I'm sure as a medical professional, Barb knows that the recommendation
is *exclusive breastmilk* for six months, and continued breastfeeding
for a *minimum* of 12 months (AAP) or 2 years (AAFP, WHO).
By TK
