10 things breastfeeding advocates should stop saying

[Jellyfish]

Interesting thoughts, definitely understand most of them.

In regards to the convenience comments Tinks (which I personally don't see falling under any of the above points but wouldn't want to offend unintentionally so am trying to clarify), is breastfeeding not convenient? Would it be better for people to say "I found breastfeeding convenient because..."? I just don't see how denying its convenience helps anyone or how highlighting some of the benefits of breastfeeding detracts from formula feeding. What is it about those comments that is offensive and how would it be better to phrase them?

[Mad Scientist]

Interesting thoughts, definitely understand most of them.

In regards to the convenience comments Tinks (which I personally don't see falling under any of the above points but wouldn't want to offend unintentionally so am trying to clarify), is breastfeeding not convenient? Would it be better for people to say "I found breastfeeding convenient because..."? I just don't see how denying its convenience helps anyone or how highlighting some of the benefits of breastfeeding detracts from formula feeding. What is it about those comments that is offensive and how would it be better to phrase them?

I think it's more that many people do actually believe that ff is more convenient than bf (I don't agree but anyway). Many people have made comments about ff mums being lazy and taking the 'easy' way out by ff when in reality bf can be extremely convenient...once you and baby get the hang of it
I think it's the intent of the comments rather than the phrasing most of the time (and no I don't mean comments being taken the wrong way!!) some women will say outright that ff mums are lazy. Others say it in a roundabout way. I think the best thing to do is just not comment unless it's brought up. Each to their own and all that jazz

[BellyBelly]

Interesting that it been posted in the formula section Do you think this may foster more of the us vs them attitude? Not all breastfeeders read this forum too, myself included.

[Tinks]

Which section should it have been posted in Kelly?

I'm always getting into trouble for posting threads in the wrong area, I actually thought that since this was related to FF it should be posted here. I'd love it if you could move it to a more suitable section.

It had nothing to do with Us v them. Why is there always an us v them???

[BellyBelly]

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...t-best-120301/

This was posted in 2009.

[Catastrophic]

Hmmm Kelly - I can't understand the need to post that in here? I might be missing something tho.

[BellyBelly]

1. “Everyone can breastfeed if they try hard enough.”

>> I always post that not everyone can breastfeed, interventions cause breastfeeding issues and there are psychological issues to consider.

2. “Formula is poison.”

>> I don't call it poison but I do post articles that show increased risks of using it. Its not poison.

3. ”Moms should be smart enough to see through formula marketing.”

>> I never say this either - thats why we get so heated about Nestle here as they take ADVANTAGE not that mums are too stupid to understand. Marketing is designed to prey on feelings and emotions so you buy.

4. “Breast is best.”

>> See my last posted post in this thread, from 2009, its always been my stance.

5. “Formula-feeding moms are lazy.”

>> Never said that.

6. ”Moms who use formula don’t love/value their babies as much as moms who breastfeed.”

>> Always say that no mother would ever want to hurt her babies, we always make decisions and choices that we think will be best for them at the time.

7. “Take some fenugreek!”

>> Only as part of other suggestions (including seeing an IBCLC) if someone asks for suggestions to produce more milk.

8. “You could have breastfed if _____.”

>> Never said it either.

9. “You’ll be able to breastfeed. It comes naturally, so don’t worry about it.”

>> Never, it doesn't.

10. “Facts don’t hurt. You make yourself feel guilty.”

>> If anything I do say that we create our own feelings, but thats my own belief about everything in life not just feeding. I dont pull it out especially for feeding discussions.

[BellyBelly]

MN - one of the points of the article is people say breast is best. That doesnt happen here and as a whole, its happening less, and the ABA actively dont use that phrasing and educate as to why they dont.

[Floweryfields]

Kelly, you seem to have interpreted this as a direct post at yourself, or the site, which I didn't, don't know about anyone else. I thought the original post was a pretty good summary of how women who ff may view the way bf is portrayed by society in general, not just you or your site.

[Catastrophic]

Hmm, ok.


haha Fair call N2l!

[Mad Scientist]

I hope not Kelly. I think it's just giving awareness. I think if it was posted in the bf section it would be more inflammatory to be honest even though the intent is perfectly good. It would be lovely to have a list from bf mums too.

[mel_cur]

Interesting that it been posted in the formula section Do you think this may foster more of the us vs them attitude?

There IS already.

[delphmoon]

Interesting that it been posted in the formula section Do you think this may foster more of the us vs them attitude?

Interesting it is YOU that makes the comment Kelly. Where else is this post meant to go? This is a formula feeding SUPPORT group after all isn't it. I find this post empowering to the FF mother..is that such a bad thing?

For the first time I was enjoying reading through a thread relating to FF without the usual banter between FF's and others not so keen on FF and then wham- your comment. Thanks for drawing attention to the 'divide' (in a thread that was actually supportive and smooth) when you could have been supportive and said 'interesting post' or something.

Dissapointed!

[delphmoon]

Thanks Tinks for taking the time to post this. Empowering and true

[Purple Penguin]

Thanks for posting this Tinks

[Tinks]

Interesting it is YOU that makes the comment Kelly. Where else is this post meant to go? This is a formula feeding SUPPORT group after all isn't it. I find this post empowering to the FF mother..is that such a bad thing?

For the first time I was enjoying reading through a thread relating to FF without the usual banter between FF's and others not so keen on FF and then wham- your comment. Thanks for drawing attention to the 'divide' (in a thread that was actually supportive and smooth) when you could have been supportive and said 'interesting post' or something.

Dissapointed!

Interestingly enough, I logged out of BB and found THIS.

Visiting BF mothers can access the forums but FF mothers can't?

I am also disappointed Kelly.

[Floweryfields]

Interestingly enough, I logged out of BB and found THIS.

Visiting BF mothers can access the forums but FF mothers can't?

I am also disappointed Kelly.

Do I understand right that the link is to a locked page? So the FF support area is locked to those who aren't signed in? Was this always the case?

[Jahzara]

I LOVE this article !

Thanks for sharing Tinks