AlphaAlpha

Mon, May 31, 2010 : 10:08 a.m.

The links you cite, are riddled with flaws. Additionally, your interpretation of them is as well. To cite just a few examples: 1. The Joan Wolf, the 'academic' cited in the first link, is a political scientist with no medical background. 2. Your second link clearly states there is a lower IQ is associated with 'formula'. Even a small difference is profoundly important. 3. Your third link (an actual study) includes these words, which you somehow did not include above: "RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a reduced risk of being at risk of overweight for ever breastfed children (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.96) compared with those never breastfed [...] Breastfeeding continues to be strongly recommended..." Strike three. Sensing a pattern of deception, willful ignorance, or just simple trolling, resources could not justified to investigate your remaining links. Multinational companies such as the formula makers 'invest' significant sums buying research studies which will support their claims that 'formula' is 'no different' than real food. Perhaps you have been or are a recipient of such funding. It would explain a lot. Good luck.

Klayton

Sun, May 30, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.

@AlphaAlpha The "virtually no difference" that my pediatrician mentioned (who happens to be an expert in this topic and trains all the pediatric residents at UofM) was that there is not enough iron in breast milk and that mother's who are breast feeding should be giving their babies iron supplements and testing for iron levels. Believe me, I am no dummy, I was very worried about not being able to breastfeed my child (and even considered a milk bank) because of all the so-called "benefits" I heard about in the media and from organizations that promote breastfeeding. Therefore, I did a lot of research. I talked to pathologists (who study the antibodies that come from breast milk) and pediatricians. And I read many research studies. What I found was that the research studies were small (mostly case studies, some only had 9 or 10 participants) and the conclusions were weak ("there may be a link" or "there seems to be an association"). I am a researcher myself, so I know those terms mean that there was very very little evidence in one direction and there were problem many other factors that were not isolated. The pathologists told me (3 of them all said virtually the same thing) that the antibodies that are "touted as beneficial" are antibodies for the mother's genetic make-up and NOT the babies. Therefore they have not seen any studies that have found these antibodies to be beneficial for the babies, just the mom's health (warding off colds and such). I also ran across a very well known researcher from McGill who has studied Breast feeding for 20+ years...after all this time, he has found only ONE conclusive link (children who are breastfed tend to be about 3 percentage points higher in IQ). What is interesting is that he is also the one who says that about research on breastfeeding being "better", "For all the other claims, there have been studies that show an association between breastfeeding and better health, which are championed, and studies which show no link, which are largely ignored." Here is a link to an article where he is quoted: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article6718276.ece Here is another link of a researcher who found no direct evidence of health benefits in breast feeding in a study of 50 women in 2010. He found the same evidence as Dr. Kramer from McGill (the small increase in higher IQ); http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/pregnancy/bottle-better-than-breastfeeding Here is another article from the AMA that concludes "There are inconsistent associations among breastfeeding, its duration, and the risk of being overweight in young children. Breastfeeding continues to be strongly recommended, but may not be as effective as moderating familial factors, such as dietary habits and physical activity, in preventing children from becoming overweight." This seems to echo what other researchers have found...since Breastfeeding tends to happen among healthier, more educated, upper-middle class mothers, it is very difficult to find any conclusive link (because these families to take their vitamins, eat better, take better care of themselves). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11368697 Here is another long-term study of over 1000+ children that found Breastfed children actually had an increased risk of developed allergies and Asthma... http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/325/7366/675/b Here is another study from the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal that found breastfed children reduced the effect that a vaccine had on the children. http://journals.lww.com/pidj/Abstract/publishahead/Inhibitory_Effect_of_Breast_Milk_on_Infectivity_of.99301.aspx And finally, I believe this psychologist sums up the "myths" about breastfeeding being better in her article (the bottom line---mother's who breastfeed tend to be more educated and in general make healthier choices for themselves when pregnant and for their children during their lifetime----studies have not been able to separate lifestyle choices from breastfeeding benefits) http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/child-myths/200905/casing-breastfeeding-what-can-science-tell-us While I have also read many studies that tout the benefits of breastfeeding (they almost all are causal (very loose relationship) and not direct...leaving many factors in question). I am a skeptic now that I have done my research. And I look forward to reading more on the topic in the future. I will be happy to change back to my earlier belief that breast is best...but need to see the concrete evidence to support it.

AlphaAlpha

Sun, May 30, 2010 : 7:51 p.m.

So, you were 'formula' fed?

Me Next

Sun, May 30, 2010 : 12:16 p.m.

I respect your right & obligations to delete my comment. I appreciate the whole deleted, as to keeping pieces could lead to a mis-communicated message. Thanks for notifying me. My fault. This article presents evidence of a survey, but the conclusion is theory & not medical evidence. Skewing facts are not helpful. The fact is, in the absence of a competent person supervising, medical supervision to detect defect, contamination, normal growth, & bonding results in equally healthy infants & breast fed or formula or even mixed is not an important factor. The fact is Our Gov. can refuse to pay for formula so long as there is no medical contra-indications. In which case it would be a life-sustaining product. Formula in general is not a right. I expect this post will be removed also, but it's necessary for the complete thought about this article. The financial attention in this article had a thread that I detected & followed throughout the article. Constitutionally money after listed/enumerated tax is Legally Private Property. Buying products is Individual Right by Rule of Law. I forget sometimes & communicate as with my associations. I realize some readers would have mistakenly connected the 1rst name with the last name. I must explain; The "financial drain" scam of pre-WWII Germany was not true & was social engineering to collect the country's wealth for Government discretion. A War machine that spent over $100 million dollars & cost us @ $1/2 million to stop. Words & phrases like, i.e. "our mothers". The survey was one sided to call it "medical evidence". Other Medical Communities would have given different results. I can testify formula fed child just as healthy & in some cases healthier than breast fed. Having wide exposure to both - this is theory not fact, & outside public funding, Free Individual's choice alone. The 1rst name has a different meaning in my associations from the last - a cruel genocidal man or government.

AlphaAlpha

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

"However, I still do not think there is any solid medical evidence that Breast feeding is BETTER than formula feeding.." With all due respect, and irrespective of what you think your pediatrician may have said, there is very much data web wide supporting the contention that 'formula' is an inferior substitute for fresh, natural, human milk. 'Virtually no difference' = different. Data abounds.

Sandy Castle

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 8:11 p.m.

Thank goodness we can all make the choices that are right for us. I have two wonderful teenage daughters that were never breastfed. They are highly athletic and it's been years since they've visited a doctor for anything other than sports physicals. I chose not to breast feed. I was provided with the information and support at St. Joe's, but I wasn't interested in breastfeeding. It totally repulsed me. It doesn't bother me to witness other women breastfeeding and it makes me happy that they, like me, can make the choices that are right for them. I felt that this article was trying to make the bias judgment against society, but it seems like a hop, skip and a jump to the blame shifting to the women themselves, as you can see from a number of the posters on this blog. Hopefully the author finds success in reaching the women out there who feel unsupported and need help asserting their right to choose breastfeeding.

Klayton

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

@Mommaof2 I could be a case study for the opposite of this study. I cannot breastfeed (due to double mastectomy), and have a 3 year old that was formula fed (total cost for 1 year of formula=$100!!! of course I used many gift cards and coupons but it was not an expensive venture for us and we did not have to buy a breast pump). My daughter has NEVER had an ear infection (although I have many as a kid and I was breastfed), NEVER had the flu (honestly---she's had three fevers--all when she was getting her teeth), no allergies (although my husband is high allergic to many foods including nuts), and no breathing issues (although my parents both have asthma and they were breastfed). My daughter slept 6 hours at a time from week 1, and was rarely fussy. She was also two weeks late at birth and a bigger baby (although now she is tiny only 3% in weight so no obesity issues there either) Now, my next one could be the complete opposite. I guess my point is that I believe more strongly in the power of genetics (and healthy birth and full term babies) than in the power of Breast milk. Like I said earlier, even my pediatrician told me that there is virtually no difference between breast milk and formula today. Again, I think it is a wonderful choice that we have, but we should not mislead or guilt those who choose not to breastfed by telling them untruths that their babies will be sicker or weaker or obese.

Klayton

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 1:33 p.m.

I have no problem with mother's choosing to or not to Breastfeed. However, I still do not think there is any solid medical evidence that Breast feeding is BETTER than formula feeding...As a matter of fact, all the toddlers I know that have developed Asthma, lots of ear infections (had to have tubes) or are overweight were Breastfed for long periods of time (almost a year for a three of them). I know Breastfeeding is supposed to ward off these problems, yet over and over again I see breastfed babies with flus, infections, allergies, and breathing problems???!!! I find this confusing and would like to see the actual research that proves a conclusive LINK (not "may be linked" or "seems to show benefits"). And Formula has iron as well. Again I make zero judgment on the choice women make, but I really don't believe one is better than the other.

AlphaAlpha

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 11:01 a.m.

Hello stunhsif - While no single study is broadly numerically accurate due to assumptions etc; it's indisputable 'formula' is an inadequate substitute for human milk, as you know. There are zero reliable studies stating otherwise. In reality, the true number is probably much greater than 900. The brain needs essential fatty acids for proper growth and development. There is no known substitute for EFAs. Until just recently, 'formula' (in the states) was completely lacking in EFAs; tiny amounts are now 'allowed' by the FDA, but the amounts and quality are sadly lacking. Good sources of EFAs are unrefined fish oil, flax oil and hemp oil (has no THC), as well as the traditional cod liver oil, all available at places like Arbor Farms, in the supplement area refrigerator. The fresh oil in bottles is superior to the capsules, and less expensive. Appropriate amounts are easy to determine; masking the unique flavor is an ongoing opportunity in creative cuisine. Everyone can benefit from EFA supplementation. Googling omega 3 health might be useful. Good luck.

stunhsif

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 9:34 a.m.

I question the validity of the study and how they come up with 900 plus more deaths because of formula versus breast fed babies. No question that breast milk is better. That is how mammals of all kinds feed their babies and that is what breasts are for. My wife tried to breast feed our son ( now 21 months old) for two weeks at birth and it just didn't work. She got help, got training and my son just would not take to breastfeeding. I certainly wish he had breast fed because I've spent about $2000.00 on formula and now we are giving him two bottles at night ( because he still gets up twice a night) of the formula for babies his age( cannot remember what it is called). Can anyone give data on whether or not it really is beneficial to feed 21 month old's this stuff. He eats his fruits and veggies but I just want to ensure that he is getting enough of all that good stuff for his brain?

proudtobeme

Sat, May 29, 2010 : 6:44 a.m.

@bunnyabbot thank you for making me feel guilty for not "getting help" which by the way I never said I didn't try to get help. I felt like I had the flu for 3 weeks,I was miserable. Once I stopped breastfeeding I felt 100% better. I am tired of feeling guilty for making a tough decision. I did what was best at the time and that is the best I can do. I'm also tired of people making mothers feel like bad mothers because they bottle fed their babies. There are various reasons why people do not breastfeed. I think the best thing that people can do is try to educate but not JUDGE them.

KerryAlanna

Fri, May 28, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.

krc - actually the average age around the world to wean is around 4 years old. I realize that that is not culturally accepted here in the US. However, lactase - the enzyme used to digest milk sugar - production begins to decrease after age four, so it seems nutritionally logical to breastfeed until around that age. :o)

krc

Fri, May 28, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.

Katie, I see you took your name off! Just as an aside, I stopped breastfeeding my 2 year old because she started asking for it. "Nurt? Nurt?" she would say. I'd tell her "Not now." One of my sisters-in-law di not do this. She BFed her son for 4 years. It was quite disconcerting to be at a gathering in her house when the boy would saunter in, casually lift her blouse and have at it. In a room full of company! There IS a limit.

teaset

Fri, May 28, 2010 : 6:55 a.m.

Yes, this topic can be contentious, but I am grateful anytime someone takes time to tout the benefits of breastfeeding, simply because it might get the message to someone who needs to hear it.

AlphaAlpha

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:42 p.m.

Of all possible topics for inclusion in every school curriculum... feeding the young might deserve some priority.

AlphaAlpha

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:31 p.m.

So it's known, there are a number of human milk banks around the states, where pasteurized human milk is available...the milk is free, but there can be a processing fee which some insurance companies will cover when medical need is established. An easy way to establish need is to cite that 'formula' contains inadequate amounts of the essential fatty acids.

Middy Matthews

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 8:32 p.m.

I would have happily breast fed and tried and tried. I was not producing enough milk to feed my child. Breast feeding is not always as simple as making a choice. I breast fed as much as I could and supplemented with formula. There are a lot of sides to this story.

mommaof2

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.

mother to many - I agree with many of your sentiments. Milk banks and donations make me apprehensive due to the fact that milk can pass diseases, but as long as it is regulated like blood donation, I agree Kate Boyd - Your comments make me sad, but I respect your right to free speech. Whipping out your "boob" 10 -12 times a day, 50 - 60 minutes at a time, is a wonderful experience and one of the most selfless things I have ever done. If you actually particapated in it and gave an educated opinion based on experience, I probably wouldn't even made addtional comments regarding your post, but now that you say you haven't.. and then formulating an opinion.. Your just trying to emanate negativity. So.. be unhappy, just don't share it, when you don't have experience in what you are talking about.

mothertomany

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 1:55 p.m.

I think Barbara's ariticle points out how much we, as a society, need to widen women's ability to choose to breastfeed. I am currently nursing a one year old and have nursed many of my other kids, including some of my adopted kids. I have also donated breast milk to other adoptive moms. Like all moms, I am daily concerned with what I feed my kids. I'd like to 'choose' that my school kids only received organic food from the school lunch line - but they don't. So I can advocate that we, as a community, keep moving toward healthier choices for our kids. How could we make breastfeeding a more sustainable choice? 1.Get dads more involved in knowing the research and supporting the choice, seeing moms bodies as beautiful in their ability to feed the baby, etc... 2. Get pediatricians involved in helping moms immediately, because they have the most contact with them. They should know to treat mastitis pronto so women don't stay sick. They should know how to help women get a letdown to a pump, or where to get help, etc... 3. Make donating breastmilk easier and more common, so that those of us with ample supplies can give milk to babies and moms who would use it and we'd all feel safe. I'm sure there are other practical suggestions out there.

A2K

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.

do you even HAVE children? "Boob"? Tell us how you REALLY feel! No *Praise Science!* I don't have kids - just know many, many people who do and a whole extended family full of MDs/Pediatricians. I frequently do tell people exactly how I feel, but I guess my rather lame attempt to inject some brevity rubbed you the wrong way - However, the "Holy Mommy Brigade/Cult of the Parent/Give me a Medal I Reproduced" club rubs me the wrong way and is quite tiresome.

Jake C

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.

Obviously this is a contentious issue, but I don't think anything in the opinion piece was incorrect. Breast milk (which can include pumped bottles, not just breastfeeding) gives babies additional nutrients (and more importantly, antibodies) that helps keep them healthier during the critical first year. Are there valid reasons for choosing to use formula over breastmilk? Of course, moms who have health complications from breastfeeding can choose to use formula if the alternative would result in a greater health risk to their baby and themselves. And if you truly can't find 15 minutes every 3-5 hours to pump or feed because of your job or other circumstances, obviously that's an issue too. But the main point is that too many moms are still being told that formula is just as good (or like in the past, better) than breastmilk. It's not, regardless of the corporate money behind the advertising and free samples and marketing materials being pushed on new moms. Formula serves a very useful purpose and it can have some nutrients that breastmilk lacks (like iron and vitamin D) but it's not an equivalent product. Likewise, moms don't need to feel guilty if they don't feed their babies breastmilk for every meal, or not at all, as long as they're aware of the possible side effects. As long as an infant is getting breastmilk once per day or so, it's getting most of the essential nutrients it needs.

krc

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:59 a.m.

I had trouble getting my first daughter to latch on but finally I was successful, and nursed her for 4 months. My son, who came along next, for 6 months. Third child, 11 months. Fourth and last, 2 years (this was in the 70s). I'm all for breastfeeding, but there really are mothers out there who have legitimate reasons not to. Not many teen moms do and I applaud those that can. Some moms have the type of job that won't allow time for pumping, for instance, waitressing. My 30 yr old daughter has been nursing her baby for 7 months now. She has a very understanding boss, and he even has a freezer where she can store the pumped milk. I've been watching him since he was 4 months old. She keeps me supplied with her milk so that I very, very rarely have to give him formula. To each their own, I say. Don't condemn the choices moms make on this issue. Kate Boyd, do you even HAVE children? "Boob"? Tell us how you REALLY feel!

krc

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

I had trouble getting my first daughter to latch on but finally I was successful, and nursed her for 4 months. My son, who came along next, for 6 months. Third child, 11 months. Fourth and last, 2 years (this was in the 70s). I'm all for breastfeeding, but there really are mothers out there who have legitimate reasons not to. Not many teen moms do and I applaud those that can. Some moms have the type of job that won't allow time for pumping, for instance, waitressing. My 30 yr old daughter has been nursing her baby for 7 months now. She has a very understanding boss, and he even has a freezer where she can store the pumped milk. I've been watching him since he was 4 months old. She keeps me supplied with her milk so that I very, very rarely have to give him formula. To each their own, I say. Don't condemn the choices moms make on this issue. Kate Boyd, do you even HAVE children? "Boob"? Tell us how you REALLY feel!

tracyann

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:35 a.m.

I agree that breast milk is best. I tried to breastfeed my child for 3 months and it just didn't work out. I just wasn't producing. I tried to pump and it leterally took an hour to get an ounce. He was latching correctly and I tried to feed at regular intervals but seriously, nothing worked. He was always fussy and always seemed to be hungry even after feeding. It was after I noticed a reduction in the number of wet diapers that I decided that enough was enough and switched to formula. He was more content, more satisfied after feeding, and the wet diapers increased. My son is now 7, very healthy and rarely gets sick. I was disappointed that breastfeeding did not work out for me but I refuse to feel guilty about formula feeding.

mommaof2

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:34 a.m.

I should be a case study for this article. I have two children. Barbara was my lactation consultant for both kids. The delivery for my son was pretty tough on my physically. I tried and tried to breastfeed, enlisted Barbara for help and unfortunately, it was just the case where it just didnt work for me. My daughter was born 3 years later and I wanted to make a valiant effort and again, enlisting the help of Barbra. 5 months later my I am still nursing my daughter. When my son was 5 months old and formula fed he already had been sick once, and had 2 ear infections (which are common when bottle feeding). He is a healthy kid now, but has an intolerance to dairy. My daughter has not been sick once since she was born even though I have a 3 year old germ factory at home. I think the important part here is follow the research and make an informed decision. Babies who are breastfed overall do not get as sick as babies who are formula fed. Yes it is your choice, but make sure you making the choice based on research. Yes, formula fed babies are okay. My son.. is okay.. but what is the better choice based on research. Why should you not choose the best option for your children starting day #1. If you cant for health reasons, then you have an alternative to fall back on. I did.. and I didnt feel guilty. It is a very personal choice.. just make sure that it is made based on knowledge and research.

Gina

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 9:34 a.m.

@Kate Boyd - uh, my son never had a single drop of formula, and I worked a full time job AND went to school full time as a pre-law undergrad. Nothing about breastfeeding prevented me from working or learning, or doing ANYTHING I wanted to do. My son got the best food possible when I was away from him, and my health was exponentially increased by staying committed to nursing. Society telling women that they shouldn't be bothered with breastfeeding (you know, because waking up at 3 am to make a bottle is so much more fun) is one of the reasons so many women don't make it.

CLX

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 7:32 a.m.

I am amazed that everyone thinks that every woman has the type of job that allows pumping at work and a place to store the milk. That type of classism is one of the reasons why women are so sick of being lectured about breastfeeding. And I don't think legislation is going to magically change that. I am also disturbed that no one needs an explanation of exactly how babies die from being bottle fed. Needing a script for bottle feeding? Are you kidding me? Of all the things that we should be concerned about, this tops the list? Men and women put their babies in real danger all the time - guns in the house, animals that attack babies, unsanitary conditions, smoking - and this is really what we want to attack? I might add that babies and moms die from home births, but I am guessing that this same group would find those deaths acceptable. Paternalism is paternalism, regardless of the source.

gerald brennan

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 5:54 a.m.

Obviously, breast-feeding is best for babies. This is a lifestyle choice. Your choice is your own and does not require justification to anyone else. But let's not pretend that the benefit to babies is debatable here. Barbara's article was excellent.

AlphaAlpha

Thu, May 27, 2010 : 5:12 a.m.

Perhaps it is time for 'formula' to be sold by prescription only?

bunnyabbot

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 11:44 p.m.

@proudtobeme and others who felt they didn't get help, its your baby, you should be proactive, it seems if they didn't call you back then you should keep calling and calling until you get the answers you want. period. you aren't a pest or an idiot for asking. If the doctors office isn't being much of a help find one that will help. additionally to barbara, some mothers are proactive and others are not, some think that if the baby doesn't latch on the first week they should give up, some moms truely cannot breastfeed, as you said, some don't produce enough milk and mothers of multiples often have to supplement a diet of breastmilk with formula, some babies can't suck strong enough to get enough milk at first, they might latch on, but don't get much and it might be 2 or 3 months until their mouth muscles are strong enough. Most mothers would want to pump in order to gauge better how much milk the baby might actaully be getting in a sitting (and to relieve themselves). and yes, some new parents want the easy way out, measure some water and a scoop of powder, shake and thats it (they give the baby tap water and don't sterilize the bottles and they give a baby a bottle thats been sitting out or been fed off of for hours, full of bacteria, yuck) but how hard would it be for these people to read a book about the subject? Some people can be givin the resources, a person to walk them through it and they still will do what they want to do. Also, as others have said, they have to return to work, while I know many who have taken their pump to work and are able to have a privacy to pump in and then keep the bags of milk in a cooler until they get home, most do not have this luxery. Speaking of pumping, many cannot afford the good machines, bags, tubes etc as an upfront cost. as far as the actual formula goes I would think the old adage of you get what you pay for is the key, know whats in it and don't cut it with water, many babies get "water poisoning" from drinking diluted formula. as I have seen in A2 most people don't mind a woman breastfeeding and I have never heard a man complaining about seeing a boob, makes most mens day

bunnyabbot

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 11:43 p.m.

@proudtobeme and others who felt they didn't get help, its your baby, you should be proactive, it seems if they didn't call you back then you should keep calling and calling until you get the answers you want. period. you aren't a pest or an idiot for asking. If the doctors office isn't being much of a help find one that will help. additionally to barbara, some mothers are proactive and others are not, some think that if the baby doesn't latch on the first week they should give up, some moms truely cannot breastfeed, as you said, some don't produce enough milk and mothers of multiples often have to supplement a diet of breastmilk with formula, some babies can't suck strong enough to get enough milk at first, they might latch on, but don't get much and it might be 2 or 3 months until their mouth muscles are strong enough. Most mothers would want to pump in order to gauge better how much milk the baby might actaully be getting in a sitting (and to relieve themselves). and yes, some new parents want the easy way out, measure some water and a scoop of powder, shake and thats it (they give the baby tap water and don't sterilize the bottles and they give a baby a bottle thats been sitting out or been fed off of for hours, full of bacteria, yuck) but how hard would it be for these people to read a book about the subject? Some people can be givin the resources, a person to walk them through it and they still will do what they want to do. Also, as others have said, they have to return to work, while I know many who have taken their pump to work and are able to have a privacy to pump in and then keep the bags of milk in a cooler until they get home, most do not have this luxery. Speaking of pumping, many cannot afford the good machines, bags, tubes etc as an upfront cost. as far as the actual formula goes I would think the old adage of you get what you pay for is the key, know whats in it and don't cut it with water, many babies get "water poisoning" from drinking diluted formula. as I have seen in A2 most people don't mind a woman breastfeeding and I have never heard a man complaining about seeing a boob, makes most mens day

annarbor28

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 10:38 p.m.

As a doctor, I can say unequivocally that breastfeeding is far superior to bottlefeeding. it is not a lifestyle choice, it is a choice as to whether to give your child the milk that is best for a baby, and that is specifically produced for babies. It is a rare woman who cannot nurse due to health reasons. I have seen many woman really work at the nursing, to get it right for a baby. There is no way that anything produced in a factory even approaches breastmilk. Yes it can be a struggle to balance work and nursing, but it is possible with the right commitment to your child's well-being.

ToddAustin

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.

I have to admit I was pretty shocked by the comment that some women choose not to breastfeed because they find it 'uncomfortable'. I didn't think that personal comfort is what you sign up for when you choose to have a child. I can certainly understand how medical circumstances could interfere with normal feeding and require the use of formula as a last resort, but the use of it as some sort of 'lifestyle choice'? Really? Isn't the baby you just had your lifestyle choice and everything that goes along with making sure s/he is as healthy as possible? Any business that either makes it impossible for a staff member to pump or who forces customers into the bathroom to feed their child ought to be shamed into waking up or sued out of existence. Perhaps we've been lucky. We're discreet and use a nursing cover when in a public area and no one has ever said peep to us. Our experience at U-M Hospital was radically different that what was described at St. Joe's here. We were given extensive support, with repeated visits from nurses with lactation skills upon request at every feeding until our baby was properly latched on and nursing. In the course of about 26 hours, we received patient and thorough help on the order of six times. We went home confident that we would be able to help our baby to nurse successfully and, indeed, we did.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 7:56 p.m.

I guess what I hope for is a breastfeeding supportive culture that isn't also a formula feeding discouraging culture.

proudtobeme

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 7:38 p.m.

I breastfed my first child for 6 months. My second was not so easy,I gave up after a month because I kept getting blocked ducts,infection,fever,I felt like I had the flu for 3 weeks straight! It was not worth it to me,at the time,to continue. I was miserable. So I switched to formula. Now every time I read an article about breastfeeding I feel incredible guilt because my second child has all sorts of issues-asthma,allergies,acid reflex,etc. I can't help but think it's my fault and "what if" I would have continued? I don't think anyone should have to feel guilty about the choice they made that they felt,at the time,was the right thing to do.

KerryAlanna

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.

Artificial baby milk, made in a laboratory from the breast milk of a cow or ground soy beans, is not equal to living human milk. I know that is not what many doctors, and certainly the formula companies, would have us believe. But there are over 100 ingredients in human milk that are completely absent from artificial "formulas". The 900 deaths/year is truly not an accurate number, as this is just infant deaths. Feeding human infants/children substitutes increases the risk of other illnesses that will decrease life spans - type I diabetes, type II diabetes, asthma, allergies, 17 types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Ten years ago when my milk supply was dwindling and I didn't know any better, I turned to "formula" for my 9 1/2 month old. I did the best thing I knew to do at the time. If we lived in a breastfeeding-supportive culture, however, I probably would have known better and been given better information/support. Breastfeeding is not always easy, but that doesn't mean it isn't the best thing for our children. I'm glad that women are finding at least some more support. And if you are a breastfeeding mom returning to work and cannot afford an electric pump, please contact your local WIC office; if you qualify for the program you will receive food, support, AND your own double electric pump. For keeps.

AllyGirl23

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 5:56 p.m.

I personally tried to breast feed my baby however I never received any help. My daughter was born at St. Joes in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti the Lactation Consultant came by one I told her the problems I was having and she just nodded didn't say anything then left the room no help at all, I asked my nurse if she would be back and the nurse said that she would be, she never showed back up, I asked the nurse about my problems and she was unable to help at all. Once I got out of the hospital it wasn't any better my OB/GYN has a Lactation Consultant on call and I asked for a consult they said she would contact me, never heard anything. If this is true that 911 babies die each year why aren't they more willing to help? Maybe this isn't all true, maybe it's not the big of a deal.

Barbara Robertson

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.

First of all, to those of you who were upset by my words, I am sorry. This is not my intention. I am glad for those of you who made an informed decision to formula feed. To clarify, there is a huge difference between bottle feeding your baby breastmilk and bottle feeding your baby formula. You are also right, it can be very hard to return to work and continue to breastfeed. You are also right that it hurts sometimes. There are also women out there who truly cannot breastfeed. What concerns me the most are all of the families who don't have accurate medical information, that want to keep breastfeeding but don't have the proper support or information. Once all of this becomes common knowledge and we become a breastfeeding culture again, then all of those families who choose to formula feed or stop breastfeeding will do it as a true choice. Right now, I am glad there are people who feel they were given all of the facts. I do worry that you were the exception, not the rule. For the moment, I will continue to share with all of you the recommendations for infant feeding in the World. The American Academy of Pediatrics in 2005 recommended that human babies should be breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. They also say babies should be breastfeed for at least one year. You can find the link to these recommendations in my previous blog.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.

@Jen Eyer I think this is a real feminist issue though. People sometimes use the public health aspects of this to shame women who choose to bottle feed. And since usually women make that choice because they don't want to give up their careers and perhaps their financial independence (both things which tend to give women more power in our society), it becomes quite a thorny issue. But really, I am all for public policies which make it easier for women to return to work and/or for men to choose to be primary caregivers for infants. Anything that makes that easier is ok for me. Good policies would be: *require employers to give long paid maternity/paternity leaves *require employers to give lactating women a private space to pump *provide new parents with support in finding a solution that works best for them (which might turn out to be bottle feeding). But even then, some women will still bottle feed because the risk of harm is very low and the convenience is high.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.

I am all for creating a society where the choice to breastfeed is supported. But the choice to bottle feed should also be supported. Seriously, 900 deaths is a low rate. It is lower than the rate of deaths to children from automobile accidents (which is slightly higher at around 1000 per year) - all of which can be prevented by not allowing children to ride in cars. But there are good reasons to transport kids by car, reasons which are greater than the risk of death. The same is true for bottle feeding. I can appreciate the view that even one death is too many but that isn't a realistic view.

A2K

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 3:17 p.m.

Sorry, but breastfeeding IS a lifestyle choice: breastfeed 6-12 times a day, at 20-50 minutes or so a pop...that's hours and hours spent with a kid on your boob - time you can't be at work, or doing other tasks. If you don't have the time/money, you don't have the time/money for this.

treetowncartel

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.

Good to see the my way or the highway crowd contributing and advancing the discussion. It is not an excuse it is called a decision. I thought people around here were all about having the right to choose.

CLX

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.

Treetowncartel, you've identified the number one reason that I too often dread reading the parenting articles on this site - too many columns are written by folks with a specific focus and a vested interest in one way of doing things. I also find it interesting that this article comes on the heels of the article about the mommy wars - this is a hot button issue, for sure. Here is the part I disagree with the most: "..mothers themselves are not to blame." Gee, thanks. I knew I was too stupid to make an informed choice. Apparently, if we were properly informed, it would be clear that there is just one choice. I breastfed because it worked for us as a family; many friends did not, and I truly believe they made the right the decision for their families. I also seriously question an infant death being linked to formula, unless it was an allergy problem. There is no explanation, as usual, just a bold fact meant to - what - scare us? Haven't women had enough of constantly being told how to be a "good" mother? It's just replaced we rejected a generation ago about being a "good" wife.

Jen

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

Any death is unacceptable. Also, if women need to return to work, they can pump their breast milk and even send it to day care with the baby, as long as they specify that it is breast milk due to health standards. There is really no excuse not to use breast milk when it can be bottled.

treetowncartel

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.

Our children were fed breast milk for the first few months and then we switched to formula primarily because of reason number 1 mentioned by Woman in Ypsilanti. I'm curious as to whether there were any co-morbidities or chronic conditions with these 900 deaths a year that are the direct result of not breastfeeding. When I was a kid one of the mothers in the neighborhood breastfed her kid till he was like 4. They must have saved a ton of money on grocery bills. Oh, and I do appreciate the fact the bias in the article is identified in the tag at the end, which I assume is also a plug. Good job at following your business plan.

Catie

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.

Woman in Ypsilanti - 911 preventable infant deaths is a LOW RATE? I'm sure the parents of those 911 babies would disagree and would say that formula feeding (not bottle feeding) can indeed be dangerous. What this article is trying to convey is that we need to create a breastfeeding supportive society, so those 911 babies will not die. Now, that is not saying if 100% of women breastfeed, there will be no infant deaths, just like if 100% of babies were in car seats, some will still die in traffic accidents. However, if the 400 children who died in car accidents due to not having a car seat had one, that's 400 children alive, just like those 911 who die each year from not being breastfed would be alive today if they received breastmilk.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, May 26, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.

900 deaths a year is still a pretty low rate. Bottle feeding is not dangerous. Even with car seats, more children die every year in traffic accidents yet no one is suggesting that we stop putting children in cars. The decision to bottle feed vs breast feeding is a very personal one and people usually have very good reasons for their choice. The main one among women I know who bottle feed is that they need to return to work. The second reason is that they found breast feeding uncomfortable. I am very supportive of efforts to make things better for breast feeding working mothers. But there is also something to be said for recognizing that people have real, legitimate reasons to bottle feed.