Thread: is this disrespectful?

Originally Posted by Mark

Let me start by saying that I do not find these statement offensive. However...

I do not agree with this. If your numbers are right and only 36% of mom's breastfeed by six months, I do not think mothers should ask for formula. I can understand not calling them "Breastfeeding Support Bags" but having them ask may imply that the hospital is of the belief that all mother's should breastfeed. I do not think they should give their opinion to be honest. If the mother wants to know about breastfeeding, then they can chime in.

As Steve said, I tend to keep my comments to myself unless I am asked for them. I do not give people my opinions over and over and over again so I don't want others to do that to me either.

Sorry but I don't agree with this either. If a mother does not want to breastfeed they should not be made to feel they have to at least try. It is their choice and one that they should make.

As mentioned, I don't find this offensive. I just think it is wrong to restrict someone based on their choice. Offer both options if they like and that would be fine. But not saying a word until the mother speaks up is like saying we want you to breastfeed but if you bother us enough about it we will give you the formula. That doesn't sound so good that way to me.

By encouraging are you telling a non-breastfeeding mother that they should breastfeed? If so, did they ask for that opinion? This goes back to my comments above about keeping my opinions to myself. If you are asked about breastfeeding then sure go for it and talk all about it. But if you notice a mother not breastfeeding I don't think you should just start talking to them about it. What if someone saw you breastfeeding and told you to stop because formula was better? You wouldn't like that either.

When I say "you" I am not pointing the finger at you Kaytee. I don't know who said what so I am generalizing here.

the reason for not offering it unless asked for is due to breast feeding rates being so low. Whether a woman chooses to do so or not is up to her 100% BUT scientific proof shows its best for babies 9for all the reasons we all know) less chance of obesity, higher IQ points, healthier children. Of course this is geneal its just shows that breastfed children get sick less often then formula, not individual child, but groups. Like if you have 10 formula fed, and 10 breastfed, 2 kiddos from the formula fed group will never get sick, but 4 of the breast fed group will never get sick. 2 formula fed kids will get VERY sick often, while onle 1 in the breastfed group does. type of things. Nothing is a guerentee.
By not offereing formula unless asked for, it does encourage mom to nurse. If she is dead set against not doing it for whatever her reasoning is then by all means give that woman some formula cause that baby has got to eat!! lol
So we need to figure out a way to get formula rates down and breastfeeding rates up. Formula is the norm, but it really shouldn't be. Formula is the best thing to give a baby if breastmilk is not available.

I think that if a woman gives birth, an LC should go to her room after the child is born and say "have you decided to breastfeed?" if mom says no, she should say "ok, as long as you know benefits and risks associated with the two then I will make sure that a nurse brings you some formula to feed your baby" she then can go over how much, how often ect ect. I don't think that puts pressure on mom. As long as its done with tact of course!
And the hospital should be wanting mom to breastfeed. Not formula feed, but you are right in that she should not be made to feel bad about her decision.

as far as the should try, I wish I could say it. there are too many reasons why mom might not want to try (sexual abuse comes to mind) but I do agree that its best for baby, so if a woman is able to physically and mentally give breast then she should. My opinion of course n one elses.

By encouraging are you telling a non-breastfeeding mother that they should breastfeed?

the specific one that got slammed was a mom came on and said her 100% ebf baby was running a temp. and had a stuffy nose. Another mom posted the above statement.

I have had all my babies at different hospitals and they always asked before delivery "are you planning to breast or bottle feed?" no pressure either way really. I think that's perfectly acceptable. IMO the hospital and nurses shouldn't share their opinion either way until ask for it.

Originally Posted by Kaytee

By not offereing formula unless asked for, it does encourage mom to nurse. If she is dead set against not doing it for whatever her reasoning is then by all means give that woman some formula cause that baby has got to eat!! lol

No, that is not encouraging, that is forcing. If the mother doesn't speak up because she thinks the hospital is pro-breastfeeding she may say nothing. It is not their place to make these assertions.

Originally Posted by Kaytee

So we need to figure out a way to get formula rates down and breastfeeding rates up. Formula is the norm, but it really shouldn't be. Formula is the best thing to give a baby if breastmilk is not available.

Do you think it is ok for doctors to force you to get your kids vaccinated? Vaccinations are the norm too but forcing parents to have their kids vaccinated is just as bad.

Originally Posted by Kaytee

I think that if a woman gives birth, an LC should go to her room after the child is born and say "have you decided to breastfeed?" if mom says no, she should say "ok, as long as you know benefits and risks associated with the two then I will make sure that a nurse brings you some formula to feed your baby" she then can go over how much, how often ect ect. I don't think that puts pressure on mom. As long as its done with tact of course!

This did not happen for us. When our daughter was born a nurse came into the room and asked if we are going to breastfeed. My wife said no and she started going on and on and on about the benefits and why formula is evil yadda yadda yadda. I had to throw her out of the room. That is so wrong it is unbelievable. If they asked the question "are you planning to breastfeed or bottle feed?" then I would be fine with that as long as when the answer is bottle feed they don't go off on a rant about the pros and cons. Simply go back, get the appropriate support bag, and leave it at that.

Originally Posted by Kaytee

And the hospital should be wanting mom to breastfeed. Not formula feed, but you are right in that she should not be made to feel bad about her decision.

The hospital should have no say on this. It is not law, there are no rules. They need to keep out of it to be honest. If formula feeding was so wrong then it would not be approved by the FDA and parents would get arrested every day. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding and although I will give you the benefit that breastfeeding may be better, it still is the choice of the mother. Period.

Wow......wow......wow.......

Where to start?!?!?!?!!?!?

Firstly Mark and Steve i agree with you 110%

I guess my biggest thing is this post

So we need to figure out a way to get formula rates down and breastfeeding rates up. Formula is the norm, but it really shouldn't be. Formula is the best thing to give a baby if breastmilk is not available.

But honestly i don't feel like running in circles......


Here's the bottom line ladies and gents......as is for every situation. Everyone has the right to an opnion. HOWEVER, Formula is a way to feed babies. Whether the choice is for WHATEVER reason the mother has. And now with the omegas etc, my child is NOT going to not be as smart as your (general) child because he and she was formula fed. Luke is the brightest, not to mention most musically inclined child i know (no biased...)

The world is a changing place. Mothers want to get back to work faster and for whatever reason is, formula is on the rise. But that doesn't mean we go a head and make those figures smaller just because people say breastmilk is better.

Breastmilk.........Formula.......ITS FOOD. IT PROVIDES OUR KIDS WITH THE NURISHMENT THEY NEED. Most importantly IT IS THE PARENTS CHOICE....NO AND'S....IF'S....OR BUTS ABOUT IT!

Originally Posted by PhilBilly

Bennett was extremely anemic when first born so the first thing that he got was iron rich formula but after that he was breastfed for about 3 months. I actually fed Bennett before Vic did. They just handed me a 2oz bottle and said give him this right away so I did then they yelled at me for giving him the whole thing. I gave it to him and he kept sucking it down so I figured that he needed it.

My mom fed Isabella before I did too. I had to pump and dump until the next day. She breastfed like a champ though.

Originally Posted by Fallon

I have had all my babies at different hospitals and they always asked before delivery "are you planning to breast or bottle feed?" no pressure either way really. I think that's perfectly acceptable. IMO the hospital and nurses shouldn't share their opinion either way until ask for it.

Both hospitals did that we me and each time an LC came to see if I had any issues. My friend gave birth at the same hospital (in Cali) and FF and an LC came to see her too but just to explain how many ounces to give at a time, the difference between milk and soy based, and answer any questions. Each talk was geared towards our choice even though they were different. Neither of us were given any attitude about our choice. I think that would be fine.

Originally Posted by Fallon

I have had all my babies at different hospitals and they always asked before delivery "are you planning to breast or bottle feed?" no pressure either way really. I think that's perfectly acceptable. IMO the hospital and nurses shouldn't share their opinion either way until ask for it.

Originally Posted by jenilouise

Each talk was geared towards our choice even though they were different. Neither of us were given any attitude about our choice. I think that would be fine.

Absolutely. I agree 1000%. There is nothing wrong with education and providing the mother is interested in learning about breastfeeding, then it is nice that there are people on staff to help with that. If she is asked appropriately and says no thanks, then that should be it.

Kaytee (or anyone else for that matter), I think it would be awesome if there were a thread or even an article that talks about the benefits of breastfeeding. Giving factual information that can help other members or visitors make a choice they are happy with would be really good to see. As long as there is nothing in the thread about negativity toward formula feeders, I really would like to see that here. hint, hint

LOL Hey Sophia never sleeps I may write that for you.

These are the types of things we need here. Not that the world will change and everyone will listen to us but having stuff like that will really go far (I believe). I look forward to seeing stuff like that and I certainly don't mind writing some myself as I think of something I know a lot about.