I'm not sure why this is in the FF thread, either, because this is actually a very useful thread for everyone, and could be in the general BB&F section.
There are BFing 'advocates' and there are BFing advocates - there are people who are better off keeping their traps shut. I have never come across an ABA counsellor, or anyone in any of the ABA groups I've been part of who has even thought these things, and anyone who does think these things is best left off the Christmas card list.
When I was having BFing establishment issues with DS I didn't even tell MYSELF that 'breast is best', let alone think it appropriate to 'should' anyone else!
I take the points to actually mean that saying these things UNDERMINES breastfeeding, breastfeeding establishment and breastfeeding retention. How can they help anyone? If anyone had told me any of these things to try to ensure I'd stick at breastfeeding, I'd have probably thrown a punch.
So, you can lump all of us breastfeeders together in a deluded attempt to justify your own decisions, or you could just share the post with everyone, have a good roll of the eyes with an "I know, can you believe people say these things?" and know that you don't have to answer to anyone but your children. You make your decisions based on the best information you have at any given time.
I have no time for people who give prescriptions based on their own values in life - better to use your energy just living your life and being constructive about things, instead of wedging negativity and doubt into others.
In fact, I believe this thread belongs in a more generalised area because it would be a good message for a much wider audience, including people who thought they were doing some kind of community service by perpetuating these ideas. Isn't it better to take your issues with certain 'breastfeeding advocates' to those 'breastfeeding advocates'?
By using the term 'breastfeeding advocates', many people do believe that there is only one sort. I'm continually surprised by how many people I come across who don't realise that ABA breastfeeding counsellors and MCHN's are two very different things! At least I haven't read the term 'nipple nazi' in relation to ABA for a while - thank goodness, cos that was driving me batty, as I've never known a bunch of less judgmental and more helpful people in my life.
Judgment has no place in mothering and mother support. So, I, too, condemn these inane and counter-productive statements. Real breastfeeding advocates have far bigger fish to fry, like the wider system that lets mums down and leaves them high and dry with very little ongoing support (and gives them a big Baby Bonus thinking they've solved all parenting obstacles...).
Anyone who values or is encouraging breastfeeding doesn't need to do it at the expense of formula feeding mums - it can stand on its own merits, when you know what you're talking aboutEven ABA says that 'breast is for baby, not baby for breast' - so when it's not working and you've given it a red hot go with great support, it's not working.
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