Weighing your Risks...

[apexmommy]

I should probably not visit the answers section.  Typically, a question will come up about breastfeeding while drinking.  Immediately, a lot of people jump in and say you must pump and dump or give formula.  Where do they get this advice?  Here's some accurate advice that even the AAP agrees with.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/alcohol.html

I see people give the worst advice about quitting breastfeeding.  Oh, you're taking Tylenol?  Give formula instead.  You're taking an antidepressant?  Better to give formula.  NO it's not.  These things, while they get to the baby, are still better for the baby to receive than formula.  Formula is not condensed breastmilk, people.  Formula is a synthetic substitute, and one that is lacking.  The fact that there is a statistical difference between breastfed babies and formula fed babies in anything (health, etc) indicates the superiority of breastmilk. 

Formula is the same all of the time.  Anyone who knows anything about breastfeeding knows that the composition of the milk changes drastically over the first year of breastfeeding (I am sticking to the first year, since that's when formula is given).  And yet, we have one formula for every stage.  If breastfeeding changes composition during a feeding, why do we think that a formula can simulate it well?   I am GLAD we have formula, because there are women who can't breastfeed, and some who shouldn't.  That doesn't make it equal to breastmilk, nor does it make it just marginally worse. 

Can you manufacture an apple?  No.  You can put together some corn stuff, give it apple flavoring, but no one would say "gosh, this is SO close to an apple, that they are interchangeable!"  Soy milk anyone?  NOT cow's milk.  So, why do we think breastmilk can be replicated?

While I'm on my high horse.  I am sick of people formula feeding acting like I am killing my unborn child for drinking caffeine while pregnant.  Less than 5 servings a day is considered safe.  In fact, it has been shown to have no measurable effect!  "Well, I woudlnt' want to take the risk" they tell me as they pop a bottle of formula in their child's mouth (for the record, this woman weaned because her four month old was "too big to fit on her lap", it's not that she was unable to breastfeed).  You don't want to take the risk?  FORMULA (when not medically necessary) is a risk.  Caffeine while pregnant and breastfeeding, if taken in moderation, is NOT a risk.

I have never told anyone they should or should not do something while pregnant or breastfeeding, unless directly asked.  I would never tell a mom not to formula feed her child. 

And please don't post why you were unable to breastfeed.  I don't care.  If you were unable to breastfeed, I am glad there was a substitute you were able to use.  As long as you realize that substitute is no where near breastmilk.  I dont' care what you do.  I care that you then give breastfeeding advice and encourage women to NOT breastfeed. 

[MelanieLouise]

Aug. 10, 2009 at 1:34 PM

I love you.

[RanaAurora]

Aug. 10, 2009 at 2:03 PM

Ditto what she said.

[Shaja]

Aug. 27, 2009 at 2:46 PM

What are the risks/side effects of feeding your children formula?  Is there anything documented?  I fed all three of my children formula and was formula fed myself.  I'm just curious. 

While I applaud your passion for breastfeeding, I believe your  argument might be more persuasive and effective if you had evidence of formula being "bad" for your babies.  People will contine to formula feed because it is more convenient for working mothers and they are not aware of the risks.

[apexmommy]

Oct. 6, 2009 at 7:38 PM

a bit behind answering this.  in a nutshell.

All those "benefits" of breastfeeding?  Breastfeeding is normal, and the standard for how a baby should be fed.  So, sids rate goes down because you breastfeed?  No.  Breastfeeding is normal.  Which means formula RAISES the sids rate.  Breastfeeding is so much better, it's written on the formula can.  Which means formula has risks not associated with breastfeeding.  Google benefits of breastfeeding.  Then , remember each "benefit"  represents a risk if you formula feed.

(Original Poster)