The main problem I have with the "breast is best" trend (and yes, this is simply a trend -- remember the "formula is best" trend of the 60's?) that has been going strong for about the past ten years or so is the fact that some new moms and their infants are unable to breastfeed. Thus, yet another thing for moms to feel guilty about.
I breastfed two of my four babies. Of the two who were fed formula: one I was unable to breastfeed after her first week of life, and the other I chose not to breastfeed. When I chose not to breastfeed my fourth baby due to medical reasons, I was horrified at the way I was treated by the nurses and the lactation consultant at the hospital where I delivered. They were so unwilling to respect my choice, no matter what or how legitimate the reasons.
I feel very strongly that breast is NOT necessarily best. Whatever works for a mom and her infant IS best. I think if we all could agree to that, then we'd all get along when it comes to this issue. I think it's so ridiculous how we moms can be so polarized on such a trivial issue. I mean, our kids are most likely going to live on this planet for HOW MANY YEARS? -- eating and drinking and smoking God knows what, and we're so focused on what they're fed for their first one?!? Let's get off our soapboxes, ladies!
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The main problem I have with the "breast is best" trend (and yes, this is simply a trend -- remember the "formula is best" trend of the 60's?) that has been going strong for about the past ten years or so is the fact that some new moms and their infants are unable to breastfeed. Thus, yet another thing for moms to feel guilty about.
I breastfed two of my four babies. Of the two who were fed formula: one I was unable to breastfeed after her first week of life, and the other I chose not to breastfeed. When I chose not to breastfeed my fourth baby due to medical reasons, I was horrified at the way I was treated by the nurses and the lactation consultant at the hospital where I delivered. They were so unwilling to respect my choice, no matter what or how legitimate the reasons.
I feel very strongly that breast is NOT necessarily best. Whatever works for a mom and her infant IS best. I think if we all could agree to that, then we'd all get along when it comes to this issue. I think it's so ridiculous how we moms can be so polarized on such a trivial issue. I mean, our kids are most likely going to live on this planet for HOW MANY YEARS? -- eating and drinking and smoking God knows what, and we're so focused on what they're fed for their first one?!? Let's get off our soapboxes, ladies!
January 3, 2009 - 9:17pmThis Comment
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