I just love the comments...the majority of which have just gone and done exactly what the article was asking readers to look beyond...personal experiences.
Basically anyone who has trouble breastfeeding and is encouraged to continue or persevere makes out they are bullied by 'nipple nazis' and have guilt because of switching to formula.
I don't get it. If breastfeeding was only for those who found it easy even less of us would be breastfeeding!
Breastfeeding is normal, but it's a skill and one with less mystery surrounding it if we all saw more mothers breastfeeding and had more babies within our immediate circle.
Some people don't prioritize breastfeeding. So what. They shouldn't care then when they switch to formula, but if you do prioritize breastfeeding, why not try and persevere?
I just love it when dads start using berating terms to describe breastfeeding advocates...yeah because men know so much about breastfeeding and the emotional issues associated with success or failure.
Thanks for posting this article.
I think we as a society need to be more supportive and sympathetic to people experiencing bf difficulties and offer sound support and advice on how to overcome these obstacles. I think to tell a mother who is beside herself, sleep deprived etc... when her child is hungry to persevere without reason why is unhelpful and contributes to further issues IMO.
I do agree with you Arcadia in relation to if you choose to bf or ff then be confident in your decision, however many people aren't - as I wasn't and I did consider relactating not long after switching my DD to formula but I lacked confidence and support to do so. I wasn't of sound mind to even consider picking up the phone and call the ABA to talk through what to do. The LC I was referred to gave my DH a whole heap of pamphlets to read about relactating - didn't bother to come in and chat with me & talk through what to do or even show me correct attatchment etc... I think the government needs to act now and offer more funding in relation to bf education and support (whether that be in schools, hospitals, local government). Most people know that breastfeeding is 'normal and best' but it seems to be the initial issues faced when commencing bf. Most people I know have had some sort of issue but have been able to overcome it with the right support and advice. The ones that choose ff after bf IMO are the ones that have been let down.
I had low supply and was told by both ABA and the LC and Midwives to just keep trying, or I wasn't feeding enough. In the end an emotional wreck. Nothing I did improved my supply so in the end had to go to formula, but was not support at all in that regard from any of these places.
I think another issue is, the assumption that all boobs are created equal. They are like any other organ somtimes they are just plain dodgy, I encounted that opinion of "oh well everyone else can do it you must be doing something wrong". Was very heartbreaking. When I did everything I was asked, and still no more milk, I was kind of shrugged at becuase noone knew what to do.
It is true women need support with BF, there also needs to be more support for those that cant. I felt pretty abandonded when I couldnt feed, like I hadnt tried hard enough when I was at the point of exhaustion and I think Arcadia this is where people are coming from with the remarks especially the men. My husband was beside himself watching me go through with this and probably would say the same things.
I think the main problem is that we don't want to take ownership of using formula. I have seen it time and time again, and was in that place myself so also talking from experience, that often women seeking help are also seeking the comforting words "is it ok to use formula". We are grown women, we don't need anyone's permission to do so, just like we don't need permission to use cloth or disposable, sleep bubs in a cot or to buy a certain pram.
I will always stand by that it is not the ABA's place to give support for formula use. There are MCHN's that can assist, as mine did when I have to use formula top ups. I honestly believe many people think the ABA is a general baby feeding advise service, but it is not, it is about breastfeeding. I am sure there would be a stream of complaints it any councillor was quick to say, "ah thats ok, just grab a tin of formula". The ABA is really in a no win situation.
I have been to hell and back to breastfeed both my girls, unfortunately with some top ups in the early days. I got there though, I doubt I would have if everyone around me was saying "grab a tin, its ok". (Well my MIL was, but I was using her anti BF stance as my driving force to make it work).
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