Early findings about link to obesity & formula

[Kazmar]

I did explain myself..... I think if others are allowed to have their opinions on their right to FF I think Im allowed to my right to talk about Bf.
Im not going to bother though, as it is off topic and people are taking what Im saying out of context.

Hollye- There is an option its just some dont take that option. There's fruit instead of chips etc

[MantaRay]

People should have the right to choose, I don't think anyone denies that. But I think that part of the problem is that too many mothers who wish to bf give up due to lack of support/information and ease of access to formula. It does make sense to throw more resources into providing good support and information for breastfeeding mums (and education to pregnant women and the community in general so that the first time you know anything about bfing isn't after your baby is born). And to consider reducing the availability of artificial baby milk. The low rate of bfing in Australia atm IS costing our community - we know that ff babies have more doctor visits and more hospital stays, that they are more likely to be obese during childhood, to have juvenile diabetes and a range of other, some very serious, illnesses. We know that working parents of ff babies have more sick days. It does cost the community. So no, we shouldn't stop people buying artificial baby milk altogether, but we should consider putting more resources into things that will help those who wish to bf, to overcome problems and do so.

[Kazmar]

People should have the right to choose, I don't think anyone denies that. But I think that part of the problem is that too many mothers who wish to bf give up due to lack of support/information and ease of access to formula. It does make sense to throw more resources into providing good support and information for breastfeeding mums (and education to pregnant women and the community in general so that the first time you know anything about bfing isn't after your baby is born). And to consider reducing the availability of artificial baby milk. The low rate of bfing in Australia atm IS costing our community - we know that ff babies have more doctor visits and more hospital stays, that they are more likely to be obese during childhood, to have juvenile diabetes and a range of other, some very serious, illnesses. We know that working parents of ff babies have more sick days. It does cost the community. So no, we shouldn't stop people buying artificial baby milk altogether, but we should consider putting more resources into things that will help those who wish to bf, to overcome problems and do so.

You worded it much better then me
And its exactly what I was trying to say.
Sorry if anyone took affense. But IMO and I truly believe with all my heart, if education was there and support. BF bubs would be more common and artificial baby milk would only be there for those who truly need it.

[butterfly_warrior]

I've always wondered why articles such as this inspire guilt in those who have no choice but to formula feed. Now that I find that I'm in that position, I think I know.

We all know breast is best... it's pushed everywhere...

I was going to breastfeed, I was determined... but then I found myself with an early arrival who couldn't suck, a really stressful time in hospital, supply never really establishing and then finally a severe arthritis flare which meant I needed to begin medication where I had no choice but to formula feed.

And I felt guilty because the best I could do was to give Samuel dribbles of breast milk for two weeks. I felt like I was giving him the worst possible start - he was premature, he needed breast milk... I didn't have any worth mentioning.

One day, someone said something that finally broke through the fog of guilt. How dare I give my baby formula and not let him starve. Shocking, but it finally got through to me.

Yes, breast is best, but there are some where it's just not an option. And then it comes down to the question of is it better to give your baby formula or let your baby starve?

Sure, there may be health problems down the track from being formula fed... but at least by having formula there is actually going to be a down the track.

I still have moments, but while I am not necessarily giving my baby the best start in life, I am at least ensuring that he has a life and isn't starving to death - as that's where we'd be without formula.

Please, those of you who are upset by such articles when you had no choice but to formula feed, try to see it that way... I think of this as an indication of what we may need to look out for in Samuel in the future. Something that we can take steps to avoid later in life by encouraging a good diet and being physically active from very early on.

BW

[MantaRay]

Well said BW.

[Kazmar]

[alioops]

BW - That is exactly why I dont feel guilty giving Em a bottle. Even at 18 months I know that I have to get it into her however she will take it, and she wont drink her formula from a cup. I feel more guilty for giving up before asking for help with Sarah, because she COULD BF.