Breastfeeding

Hello everyone!
I'm sure this isn't an original idea, but I wanted to start a discussion about breastfeeding and give our thoughts and opinions without ruffling any feathers, so to speak!  I completely support a mother who chooses to breastfeed, but I honestly don't see major benefits in it.  All of my children are very healthy and are quite precocious in thier development.  I made it a point to breastfeed in the beginning since I've read that the cholestrum is the best for your baby, but I never got past 3 weeks which is why I admire women who go the distance with this.  I do notice that so many women (in my experience) do not know enough about breastfeeding and thier babies don't benefit by it at all.  I know of one baby who, (JUST MY OPINION!) lay 'dormant' for about 2-3 months because he wasn't getting proper feedings.  Sleeping all the time!  2oz of breastmilk every 4 hours?!?  I believe this caused the baby's delay in sitting up (8 mo.) and crawling (12 mo) and walking (18 mo).  I realize this is all in the normal parmiteres, but it wan't only his physical development, also social.  But that is an isolated incident, I hope! and of course I am not a doctor!  I just want to know the long term benefits that you all have researched, because my oldest is almost 8 and so far she is perfect!  ;o)  Please don't take this as an attack on anyone, its just a discussion that maybe we can all learn from.

[clevelandlady]

HI everyone...I have 3 children,a 10 yr old dd,9 yr old ds,and 4 yr old dd.I bottle fed my first 2,but the last i breastfed for about a yr...and i didn't notice a difference in growth rates and development in any of them.They were  all right up there in the growth charts.I think it's just a personal preference,and you should do what you feel comfortable with.I liked breast feeding because there were no bottles to clean...lol...but i also liked bottle feeding because its more convienent in public places...just my 2 cents...lol..have a great day ladies !!

[ni]

It is VERY weird that you brought this up.  I was just sitting in my baby's nursery reading "what to expect the first year" and I was reading about breastfeeding.  I have read in all of my pregnancy books that breastfed babies do have advantages and here are some of them:  

1.  Breast Milk contains 100 essential ingredients that cannot be duplicated with cows milk.

2.  Breast Milk Fights Infection, improves immune system and may offer protection against sids.

3.  Breastfeeding appears to slightly increase a child's IQ (possible up until young adulthood) due to the fatty acids that are in it.

4.  It keeps diaper rash away and is a perfect match for a baby's sensitive digestive system and easily handled by baby because it sooths the digestive process.

MOTHERS BENEFIT AS WELL---Pregnancy weight can be lost quicker if you breastfeed.  I have TWO friends that are smaller than what they were before they got pregnant....boy are they tiny now!

I could never see myself breastfeeding in the past...I am going to TRY it.  I know formula is much easier and provides more freedom for the mother...which I am trying not to think about.

Gina

[mooshes92301]

The one thing that I did enjoy about breastfeeding was the closeness I felt to my baby.  I definitely think everyone should at least try it, but to definitely not feel bad if it doesn't work for them.

[hther]

I have no living children so obviously have never been able to  breastfeed, but I keep seeing the developmental side being brought up on this topic. Is there one? I always heard and read (always wanted to B/F if my pregnancies would stick) that it is most beneficial to their developing immune systems and to provide nutrients that cannot be duplicated by some manmade formula. I never knew of any benefits as far as completing milestones faster than the next baby. Any links or knowledge that can be shared? Thanks!

[blondie72]

This is a touchy subject to a lot of ppl.  I personally agree with everything Nina said.  I have a niece and 2 nephews who were bottle fed and I feel they are very slow (and this may not be because they were bottle fed) but I breastfed my daughter for 15 months and I honestly feel this is why she is so advanced.  Her kindergarten teacher said on the achievement tests they took in May she would not be surprised if my daughter scored at a 3rd grade level.  I have a 3mo old niece now who is bottle fed a lot but also breastfed a lot and is showing advancement already.  It has been proven that breastfed babies do have higher IQ's than bottle fed babies.  I am not saying bottle fed babies are dumb or slow by any means though.  I do plan on nursing again.  My daughter who is 6 yrs old is already aware of this.  She know the baby will take my time away from her.  It is your choice to feed your baby how you want.  I admit I have looked at ppl who bottle fed before with disgust but you know what like I said it is YOUR choice.  I am sure I got the same looks for nursing in public.  Good Luck in whatever you decide.

[chaisemom]

I tried to breastfeed ds but was unable to b/c he would not latch on so we had to go with the formula. He spat (is that a word????) up and cried so much that we switched to soy milk, he still was fussy but didn't spit up as much and he was on that for a year. I would like to try and breast feed again next time but I had a breast reduction done due to the fact that I could relate to the song "do your boobs hang low" and I'm not sure if I will be physically able to next time.
My doc wanted me to try some other type of formula but due to the high price of it, we could not afford it so we invested in lots of baby gas drops, which helped. I don't know if I been able to breast feed if it would have made a difference in DS's ability to digest.

[mooshes92301]

lol...i've heard that women who have breast augmentation can breastfeed.  If they can, then I don't see why you can't!

[Kassimom]

First I want to address Chaisemom-With a breast reduction, your chances of being able to nurse are significantly reduced due to the fact that they REMOVED breast tissue. HOWEVER, this is very definitley something your plastic surgeon SHOULD HAVE discussed with you before hand. I myself have had aumentation and since none of my tissue was disturbed (they went in UNDER my muscle), I was given the green light to nurse. The problem arises mostly when they have to reposition your nipple.

Now on to the nursing issue- First of all, everything Nina said is correct and in my opinion, very good resons to at least attempt breastfeeding. Another couple of benefits I wanted to point out were these:

When you deliver your baby, your body knows your babies   gestation (amazing, huh?) and thus custom porduces milk to YOUR babies specifications. For example, if you deliver a baby prematurely, your body produces milk higher in essential antibodies to make up for your babies non-existent immune system. If you deliver your baby at 40 wks, your body will produce milk with antibodies, but not as much as it would for your preemie because your term baby simply dosn't require them.
Formula cannot provide this benefit.

As you nurse your infant, your body also is aware of your babies gorwth (age) and thus preoduces milk according to YOUR babies needs. The milk you make at 3 weeks will be different than the milk you make at 6 mos. Another benefit lacked by formula. They have yet to produce a formula that will adjust to the baby's needs.

A long term affect of nursing is that it has been proven that breast fed babies are more likely to not be obese children. The thought behind this is that a breastfed baby is more likely to turn away from the breast when full while bottle babies are "encouraged" to finish the bottle so no formual goes to waste. And parents tend to think in only ounces when feeding their baby. A baby may only want 2 1/2 oz but the parent makes a 4oz bottle and thinks the baby needs that whole 4 oz.

My own experience with breastfeeding has been that EVERY breastfed baby I knew had fewer allergies and NEVER had an ear infection (this includes my DD) and those were just the obvious beneifits.

As for the convenince, yes you are tied down to baby for awhile, but for myself, I LOVED this. So for a few months I can't go out? Big deal! My baby is only a baby for those few months and I have my whole life to go out.

As for the baby who "never slept", please do not attribute this to breastfeeding. Alot of babies have trouble sleeping for long periods when they are born...it's called being a newborn.

I am not a nursing Nazi who feels every woman MUST breastfeed. It is a VERY personal choice. But I also hate to see anyone make the assumption that since the babies they see all grow the same then breastfeeding isn't that beneficial. After EVERYTHING we know now about breastfeeding (and the benefits are mostly LONG term benefits and ones not imeeditaly obvious-but there non the less), it is my opinion that to feel there is no benefit to nurse over formula feeding might be a tad irresponsible.

(Disclaimer: I am NOT saying it is irresponsible NOT to breastfeed! I am a big advocate of happy mommy is best mommy, not breast feeding mommy is best mommy! My point is that it is slightly ireesponsible to say that breastfeeding is no better than formula feeding just because the benefits aren't obvious to you as an observer.)

[nanakay]

i bf my ds for about a month, at which time he was draining both sides and wanting a bottle too. so we had to switch to formula and he is actually way more advanced than (in my opinion..clearer speech, earlier walking like that) about 90% of his friends.  however i will try again i think maybe i didn't drink enough water when trying to bf.
i have a friend that wasn't able to continue breastfeeding she bf her dd for about 3 weeks but, apparently they tested her milk and she had no fat in her milk, so her dd was loosing weight instead of gaining. i thought that was weird.

and to the one that mentioned the "one" brand of formula that was too expensive, just incase that happens again did you know you can ask your doctor first of all for a sample of it to see if it will even help(the formula companies give doctors free samples all the time and they are usually glad to give it to you) and secondly if it does work for your child you can ask the doctor to write a letter to your insurance company explaining the reason your child NEEDS this formula and sometimes the insurance will cover the cost or at least part for you. (we have friends that have twins that that happened to the only formula the twins could handle was like $22 for a 14oz can, could you imagine buying enough formula for 2 chldren at that price.)
~nanci

[mooshes92301]

I agree that breastmilk is best and designed for your child, BUT I believe that formula has made great advances.  I have noticed that everyone has an opinion about the growth and health of children on breastmilk vs. formula and I have come to the conclusion that it is really the individual child and not what it is fed.  My children were formula fed (with the exception for the first few weeks) and have never had a ear infection.  It is a personal choice and I'm sure it is an incentive to keep breastfeeding with all of the positive studies about breastfeeding.  I wonder if Einstein was breastfed...lol

[platinum]

Regarding the expense of formula, in many areas there is a program called WIC (Women Infants Children) that provides free formula to families needing it.  It is income based but I know of quite a few people that have "good/high" paying jobs and they receive the benefits.  They provide Similac Advanced and other varieties of formula based upon need, cereal and juice as the baby gets older.  Once the baby turns 1 they receive milk, cereal, eggs, cheese and other foods up until the child turns 5.  Just wanted to put a option out there for those that may need it.

[Kassimom]

As I pointed out, the studies are in the long term and benefits of it are obvious as opposed to formula.

But that's niether here nor there. As I stated, what is really best for baby is what is most comfortable for mommy, and if she can't, doesn't want to, or won't nurse, then she is making a decision that WILL affect her own happiness and thus will make her baby happier! A mommy who is nursing because "everyone" thinks she should, is NOT going to be happy. And as the saying goes, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

Actually, Einstein was considered retarded when he was a child because he was "slow" and didn't talk until he was about 4 yrs old. (Back to our "talking too late" discussion LOL) But I am not sure if it is known whether or not he was breastfed. Genius is considered genetic. Anyone for some Nobel Peace Prize winning sperm? LOL

;)

[blondie72]

WELL SAID ON ALL KASSIMOM!!!!!!!!!!!  SO YOU ARE HAVING A BOY.  HAVE YOU DECIDED FOR SURE ON A NAME OR WILL IT BE A SECRET NOW???  TALK TO YOU SOON.

[Danasel]

I am a firm believer that everyone should give breastfeeding a try.  But I hate when people are made to feel guilty for choosing not to breastfeed.  Breastfeeding is extremely difficult for most in the beginning!  It is painful, tedius, and very demanding on the mother.  I couldn't get my baby to take a bottle for 3 months!!!  I began trying at 3 weeks.  Sometimes he would take it, sometimes he wouldn't.  Therefore I could never leave him for very long.  Also, I received no help for the nighttime feedings.  I think it made my husband feel useless too.  

HOWEVER, in my opinion that time is brief compared to the lifetime benefits of breastfeeding.  I won't mention all the benefits I noticed as I read previous posts.  The one that stands out the most to me is the hormonal benefit to the mother when she breastfeeds.  This is something I was completely unaware of until I tried breastfeeding.  There is a hormone that is released when the baby suckles, that relaxes both mother and baby.  When I first started breastfeeding, I noticed it IMMEDIATELY!  I would be very tense because it was difficult to teach the baby to latch properly and it was also painful.  Once he latched on, and my milk let down, I was totally and completely relaxed!  I mentioned it to my mother who said there must be a reason for that.  We looked it up in a book, and sure enough it is caused by a particular hormone.  I can't remember the name of it.

Also, it is SO much easier once you get passed that initial difficult period.  I find it easier to breastfeed no matter where I am.  There are times when it can be uncomfortable to nurse in public, but I have gotten over that.  I cover up, so nobody has to see my breasts, but I breastfeed wherever I am.  It is the most natural thing in the world and if someone has a problem with it, is there problem.  In other cultures, it is perfectly acceptable to breastfeed in public.

Anyway good luck to all those moms who plan to try breastfeeding!!

[mooshes92301]

See, that's my question!  Long term benefits as far as what?  Benefits that last into adulthood?  I don't know how much I buy the higher IQ thing (a few IQ points couldn't make much of a difference unless it was on the line of retardation, which has nothing to do with formula or breastmilk anyway!) But I do understand the obese thing, although my children are not.  I read somewhere that a person lays down their fat cells as an infant and if you are overfed as an infant then the potential is there for obesity later on in life.  But you can overfeed a breastfed baby as well as formula fed, right?  I read about what kassimom said about overfeeding when you feel that the baby should take the whole bottle (understood!) but when your baby doesn't want any more, regardless of where it is coming from, they turn away and that's it.  But I do know that when you bottle feed your baby you are concerned with the oz. that he/she gets.  Its all so confusing and I COMPLETELY agree that you have to do what makes you happy!

[Still_AndiJ]

Good lord, the benefits to breastfeeding are publicized everywhere. Despite what may have been said, this was definitely an attempt to start a debate. If you want to deny this, look back at the pushing and prodding to get one started. I do not think everyone should or can breastfeed, but attempting to say the 2 are equal is ridiculous! If they are so equal, why are formula companies scrambling to synthesize compounds found in breastmilk? Here are a few links from reputable sources to follow and read the benefits (for mom and baby):

http://www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb_for_printer.cfm?article_ID=ZZZJ535AH4C&sub_cat=1

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8910.html

http://www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding/print-bf.cfm?page=227

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020700.asp

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/LVAugSep97p90NB.html

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBMarApr96p36.html

http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/breast_bottle_feeding_p2.html

http://www.lalecheleague.org/NB/NBMayJun95p68.html

http://www.conceptionstore.com/breasbentomo.html

http://www.conceptionstore.com/breasbenofbr.html

I could go on to post a hundred more of these, but I think you will all get my point. The benefits of breastfeeding aren't things that some breastfeeding Nazi's made up in their basement and spread trhrough the streets. These are some of the most respected organizations that support and list the benefits of breastfeeding. The first link is from the American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the foremost authorities on infant health.

Andrea

[Missy04]

First off let me say I breastfed my daughter for a year against the majority of my family being against it and thinking it was disgusting. I constantly had to defend my position to them.  Everyone finally came around but I constantly had to prove to them through literature why I felt breastfeeding was best.  I am a big advocate of breastfeeding and encourage new moms to at the very least try it out. I think ultimately you can't compete with mother nature and that most definately breast milk is best.

However, I also sometimes wonder about some of the claims made when debating formula vs. breast milk.  For example, I have a girlfriend who breastfed exclusively both of her children for the first year, her oldest son has the worst allergies and asthma and now they are dealing with speech issues, her second child is healthy as can be and both of them are highly intelligent.   This is probably just a fluke but her and I wonder if the medical community sometimes says things to get women to do what they feel is best. I also have other friends whose children were breastfed and they have chronic ear infections, allergies, etc and they also wonder if all of the breastfeeding claims are true.  

Obviously there is some scientific proof about breast milk, i.e. scientists can literally break down breast milk and find nutrients that man made formula does not have, the benefits to mom, and there are many other scientific studies that have actual proof, which is why I choose to breastfeed and am such an advocate. But, I too often question some of the claims being made that may not be so easily proven. Such as, everyone always comments about how intelligent my 3 year old is but I don't know that I can really say it is because of the breastfeeding.  I think it also has A LOT to do with the home enviornment and I am not sure they can really scientifically prove whether intellegence is related to breastfeeding, their home life, or simply genetics and I think the same thing with obesity especially since finding the so called fat gene, and also I think gentics and enviornmant play a role in whether you will have allergies or asthma.

As has already been said I think ultimately the mother has to make the decision that is best for her and the baby and she should do what she feels is right for her and what she is most comfortable with regardless of scientific claims or media hype.  

[mooshes92301]

Good Lord is right!  I expected for Andrea to get defensive!  I don't think anyone said that the 2 are EQUAL.  No one else was starting a debate either.  Obviously there are great advantages to breast feeding, but my point that I was trying to make is that it could possibly be the individual child rather than the breastmilk or formula.  I read in the links Andrea provided some things that I never heard of, only because I didn't investigate.  There are studies shown that children might not get a certain lukemia, or that the immunizations will take better.  That's great.  Thanks for answering my question and trying to making me look like and idiot at the same time, Andrea.

[hther]

The one who says they didn't want to ruffle any feathers....get's their feather's ruffled...hmm?

[mooshes92301]

That's a good point.  There is so much breast cancer awareness these days that if something as 'simple' as breastfeeding can somewhat prevent it, then its definitely worth the try.

[kck]

I breastfed my daughter for 8 months.  Since I had to work, she was bottlefed with nothing but breast milk when I was not available.  I did so for 2 reasons....1-the long term benefits I read about, and 2-bonding.  I looked forward to nursing her especially after being at work all day. The only reason I stopped at 8 months is because it was becoming more difficult to pump every day at work.
With that said, my daughter did have many ear infections as a baby and continues to have them with almost every cold or sickness she gets.  So I am not a firm believer that breastmilk prevents ear infections.
As far as language development, I am a teacher and have read tons of research on language development and IQ issues.  Research indicates that language development has more to do with parenting, simply talking to children constantly, and most of all READING to them.  Of course, breastmilk may help in some ways, but I believe that talking to my daughter, explaining things even before she was old enough to respond, and reading to her in utero and everyday thereafter is what developed her language.  Shortly after her first birthday, she could speak in some complete sentences.  Some children are still working on their first word at that time.  At her 2 year checkup, I was told by the dr. that she had the vocabulary and speaking skills of a child of 3 or 4.  I am not trying to brag in any way, just to explain that I feel this was due to me and other family members/caregivers spending time with her, talking to her constantly, and reading to her all the time.
Even still, because of the research in favor of breastfeeding and the bonding it provided, I will breastfeed my next child (due in 3.5 weeks) if I can.
There is no shame in formula feeding.  I just hope that women don't do it solely for selfish purposes (not to assume that any of you did/do).  Some people cannot breastfeed due to baby not latching on, working long hours, etc.  Breastfeeding is definitely worth trying, even if only for a short time.

[Kassimom]

Well put AndiJ.

Also I wanted to point out to everyone who is saying "I see no difference". You are observing the differences in casees of maybe a few children. The studies that PROVE breast is best are done over YEARS and covering THOUSANDS of babies. Not just two or 3 kids.  Yes, when observing a feww children, you may notice that as infancts they develop at the same pace. Some children have allergies, period. Some children are born "slow", period. Breast milk is not a miracle fluid that will make a retarded child normal.

The studies speak for themselves. Breastfeed or don't. It's a personal choice. But please don't make the choice based on the opinion that you see no difference in formula fed babies and breastfed babies.

As for the comment "so it aids in a few IQ points, big deal" sorry but I have to disagree with you on that. ANYTHING I can do to boost my child in his life, I will go above and beyond to do it. And if breastfeeding him MAY boost his IQ a bit, and MAY prevent allergies later, or MAY lower my own chances of breast cancer (so I can be with my children longer) then you will defintly find me whipping it out proudly and serving it to my child.  I don't need gaurantees on that issue. If my body produces it in accordance to my child's growth, then I trust it enough to give it to him. Formula is made by a factory.

Oh and ONE more benefit to mention is that breastmilk is easier to digest than formula. Have you ever compared a bottle of breastmilk to formula? Formula is thick (and gross I might add) while breastmilk is thinner and has a sweeter taste.

[Kassimom]

OMG I went throught the same thing with my DD! I nursed her for 2 yrs and had people coming at from everywhere from teh beginning telling me not to. I even had one neighbor who woudln't allow her own DD in the room while I nursed because she thought it was disgusting.

My in-laws refused to even hold her (I guess they thought the health benefits of nursing were contagious! LOL). I was told everything from "Every time I get sick, she'll get sick" (well, duh, even bottle fed babies get sick when their mommies get sick) That I can never know she is getting enough (HHHmmm....wet diapers and weight gain tel me all I need to know) Breastmilk is not enough for a baby (Funny, it has been since the beginning of time, and now suddenly it's not?)

What a struggle! But I am glad I stuck with it! :)LOL And good for you too!

[Still_AndiJ]

First let me say that trying to argue one side of an issue without investigating both sides makes someone look like an idiot, not merely someone presenting information. Second, there are several different factors that shape a child's development such as heredity and environment. Breastmilk is not going to correct a child born with speech delays or prevent severe allergies in a child born with a family history of allergies. What is does do is give typically developing children a better shot at fighting off those things.

A positive learning environment is one of the biggest factors for a child's intelligence. A child who is raised in a loving and stimulating environment is going to develop leaps and bounds above a child who is understimulated. This has less to do with breastfeeding or formula and more to do with the parents.


Andrea

[Danasel]

Well said, Andi!

[chaisemom]

I did discuss breastfeeding w/ my dr. and she said there was a chance I may not be able to bf next time (I had the procedure done after ds was born)though the type of procedure she did on me was one where the nerves are not cut, which limits the reduction to a certain size, personally I would've liked to have been smaller, but that's another discusion. Since she said there was a chance I may not be able to, the need to has not arisen yet, since ds is still an only child for the moment. I also have "inverted nipples" and this wasn't taken into consideration until the day ds was born and I had to wear these God-awful nipple sucker outer things that didn't help at all, the nurses said my ob should have had me wearing them through out my preg. to "train" my nipples so the aug. was like strike 2.... I plan on trying next time, if at all possible. Then again, I don't want to think the baby is getting something when it's really not...but I guess that's what they make pumps for, eh?

[mooshes92301]

Wow, I wish I could be a perfect mom like some of you!  This was a huge mistake to start this discussion and I am sorry for it.  I just wanted to get ideas from some real moms, and not scientists who are men who never will have to make this decision.  I never stated anything that I said as fact, just observations.  I also never said that a couple of IQ points 'weren't a big deal'.  I thought we were mature women here and could have a discussion.  Oh my poor baby!  She is going to be stupid, disease ridden, and is drinking 32oz of disguisting liquid every day!  Good luck to everyone here.  I used to enjoy this website because people had interesting thoughts and ideas.  Good luck to everyone again.

[Missy04]

Just also wanted to mention that another HUGE benfit for breastfeeding is the scientific proof of the reduction in breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer in women who breastfed their children.

I think when deciding bottle vs. breast you really need to look at the benefits of breastfeeding to the mother instead of just looking at the benefits to the baby.    

[Still_AndiJ]

Glass house...stones? It's okay to make pointed comments but not have them disputed and disproven. Once that happens, suddenly we are immature. Looks like I get to be the *itch again, driving people away...

Oh well ; - )

[nurse12hr]

At least it wasn't me this time!  I took the cowards way out and clammed up!
------------------------------------------------------------
If you really want my honest opinion--I think that whatever someone feels most comfortable with is what they ought to do.  
I breastfed both my kids and one is on the way to being a psychopath and the other is an honors student.  

And I got breast cancer.

Go figure!  I'm babbling, so I will get back to work.  

[ni]

Sorry, but I don't understand why you even brought this topic up if you could not face/understand the the consequences it would have.  You asked a question, everyone answered with how they feel about the topic and now it seems as if you are getting frustrated.  I don't understand.

Gina

[mooshes92301]

Ok, one last thing and I'll leave you people alone.  It seems that only some people understood the nature of this discussion.  I KNOW that breastmilk is best and think that it is absolutely ridiculous that someone would not encourage a mother to do so, or not to support her in every way that can be done.  I was reading the stories, shaking my head on how ignorant people could be about this issue.  I do notice that older people are not as open to breastfeeding because "I didn't breastfeed you and you turned out ok!"  Scientists believe that the world and life was started with an explosion  and I simply believe that to be untrue!  (PLEASE!!! don't start another debate on THIS!) My point is that scientists are constantly coming out with different information, alot of it contradicts itself, and I KNOW THAT BREAT MILK IS BEST, but I just don't believe every little thing that is published. I KNOW THAT BREAST MILK IS BEST!   I was careful to choose my words when writing this and other posts not to seem like someone who is against this issue.  I'M NOT!  I KNOW THAT BREASTMILK IS BEST! I just wanted real women's input without a bunch of facts spewed at me.  Personal experiences from real women, you know?  Obnoxious people do ruffle my feathers!  I hope some of you continue to bless the message board with your incredible knowledge and strength.  Andrea isn't a b*tch, she just believes in something so strong that when she is able to provide input she can't see anyone else's side.

[Niki73]

Whether you breast feed or bottle feed your baby that is your discussion. A good mother is one that provides love and support for her child. Every baby is brought up differently the milk being only one aspect of it. I don't think a baby is smarter or sicker because he or she was breast feed or bottle feed.

[Kassimom]

First of all let me come to Andrea's defense. She in no way discussed only ONE side of the issue as opposed to the comment "I see no difference". As I look back I see that she even pointed out that environment played a large role in the way a child turned out as well.

Scientists are not the only ones studying the link between breastmilk and increased benefits to baby. There are panels and panels of pediatricians and other medical proffessionals, and remember, mothers were also included in the studies. These aren't a bunch of "men" siting around looking for the next "big bang theory". In fact, to relate the PROVEN benefits of breastfeeding to a THEORY is completey ridiculous.

I do not think I am "such a great mother" just because I nursed. I think I am "such a great mother" because I spend time with my child, provide a stable home for her, teach her limits and love her to pieces. And I provide a home in which she can flourish. Yes I breastfed, and yes I feel that it is why she is so well developed at 6. Do I attribute this to the milk itself? I don't know. It could be that I held her each time I fed her. It could be that I sang to her while she ate. It could be that I read to her every day since she was born. Or it COULD BE THE MILK!

The fact is, I DO NOT think a mother who bottle feeds is any less of a great mom than I. I think  mother who bottle feeds is one who made a very difficult decision in this day of "nursing nazi's" and shoudl be supported in HER decision just as much as a mother who decides to nurse.

What I think happened here is that some of us offered answers to the quesiton you asked (for our experience and knowledge) and you felt attacked. Please, understand that of course you are going to get "annoyed" responses when the discussion is started with "I see no difference in breastfeeding or bottle feeding". I want to again point out, you see no difference in a FEW children. The differences ar clear when you look at the studies conducted on thousands.

[lovinmom]

The main reason that I nurse my babies is for the immunity benefits.  My little one has been able to fight off sicknesses so much faster.  We would come down with a cold or flu, and the baby would come through so much faster.  I have heard that in the early 20's (or whenever it was) when women didn't breastfeed as much, the infant mortality rate greatly changed.  Children got sick easier and had a harder time overcoming it.  There was an increased incident of sids.  I don't know if this is true or not, but it is an interesting thing to consider.  Some also think that sids coincide with the time that vaccinations are given to children.  Overall, I think that whatever is naturally is usually best since our bodies were created to make milk.  That certainly must be for a good reason.

[Niki73]

I know every situation is different but my daughter was bottle feed from two weeks on and she hasn't been to the doctor for anything other then her normal baby check ups. She's at the top of the growth scale for height and her weight is great. I know I am blessed not having to go through ear infections or sore throats buts she's been a very healthy baby. The doctor tells me her vocabulary is advanced for her age too. So not all bottle feed babies are behind or sick a lot....

[lovinmom]

One thing that I forgot to mention is that when I took a Childhood Educ. class in college, my textbook talked about the benefits of nursing.  It said that breastmilk develops healthy brain cells and cows milk developes muscle.  That is why formula fed babies are always so nice and filled out.  When I get a chance, maybe I will go look up the direct quote.  I still have the book.  My brother was bottle fed and so was I.  My brother is a super smart and was always in the gate programs in High School.  He got great scholarships for college and just got his B/S in Engineering and is working on his M/S.  He had ADD in school but has blossomed.  I think he was just bored in school because he was so smart.   Maybe he could have been the next Einstein had he been breastfed???  Hee Hee!   (o: