With a catchy title like that, this is sure to be a fun read. Actually, I'm literally shaking because I'm so fuming mad at a Facebook post on my sisters page.
Apparently, CNN posted an article regarding a study about breastfeeding. A couple of authors argued that approximately 911 infant deaths could be avoided each year, if women would breastfeed exclusively, and that $13 billion dollars are spent in excessive costs. The article alone didn't annoy me, it was the interpretation by someone else (sisters friend), who decided to accuse bottle feeding mommas of driving up her insurance premiums and killing innocent children.
First of all, not all bottle feeding moms do it by choice. Personally, I tried to breastfeed both of my children, but unfortunately, I'm simply unable to produce enough milk. I had plenty of resources, lactation consultants, breast pumps, pills and even beer (the yeast in micro brews helps some women), but alas, it wasn't meant to be. My boobs are purely decorative and it took me a while to come to grips with that. In fact, I cried the first time I bought formula. But it is what it is and making me feel guilty, because you have no idea what I've been through, is wrong on so many levels. Throwing "breast is best" statistics in my face, doesn't make my boobs suddenly work. Though you're welcome to tell them directly, but I doubt they'll listen to you either.
Secondly, there isn't a study on Earth that can conclusively determine that any of those children died because they weren't breastfed. It's utterly appalling that anyone would throw statistics like that in the face of grieving parents. "Your child died because you didn't breastfeed. Yup, if you'd just whipped out your boob, like a good mom, your child would still be alive." What kind of monster are you? For every reason those children died (SIDS, etc) there is a breastfed child who has died of the same.
Thirdly, me bottle feeding did not drive up your insurance premiums. I'm willing to bet, I paid far more for formula than you ever did in any potential increases (if you believe that bs). Those "extra costs" they're talking about weren't yours, they're referring to the parents and their costs. And in the grand scheme of things, the number of deaths by "lack of breastfeeding" doesn't even compare to the number of cancer deaths, so why not go after all the smokers who are supposedly driving up your insurance costs?
When it comes to breastfeeding, it's generally a choice (in some cases, like mine, it's not, but for arguments sake, we'll say it's a choice). For those who choose to breastfeed, good for you and for those that don't, good for you. It's highly hypocritical of anyone to say that the other is the wrong, because if you want people to respect your choice, you need to do the same.
Oh, and PS, how do you know that baby bottle isn't filled with breastmilk? Just sayin'.
12 comments:
I was lucky to be able to breast feed my kids however this last one it almost didn't happen her tongue was to short and I was forced to feed with a bottle I cried but I did get the problem solved with nipple covers they extended long enough so my baby could stay latched on.
It isn't always a choice different circumstances force decisions that arn't always the first choice but even if it is a choice it's not anyone elses buisness to each their own that's what I say.I hope noone takes any of it to heart it isn't how you feed your baby it's that you do.
Very very interesting post, dear. Hmmm. Just to be random, I thought it was hilarious--(not to be insensitive)--the part "Throwing "breast is best" statistics in my face, doesn't make my boobs suddenly work." --but really, this part: "Though you're welcome to tell them directly, but I doubt they'll listen to you either."
Gosh some people think they've got it all figured out....
*beep* wrong!
Have a good night, dear...I'm off to sleep;)
Oh My Gorsh! I am totally with you on the choice thing. I nursed all three of mine and was blessed with enough milk to feed a third-world country. Seriously, the nurses on labor and delivery froze gallons of the stuff beore I left the hospital each time for other Moms and to prevent mastitis for me.....oh the joys.... ANYWHO.... obviously people who are able to judge others so easily and tell them that they are "bad" parents may want to see how their own children turn out before making such statements.
Once again, people irritate me...those people probably work for Flickr - as I have decide all people who irritate me work there. :o) heehee
Amen sister. I think breast feeding (or lack of) is the LAST thing driving up insurance premiums. So now they want to force us to breast feed? I don't think so. Like you said, my tata's, my choice.
In the olden days moms used evaporated milk. There was no formula. Back then it probably was better for the child. Now days, formula is so good - close to breast milk.
What method of feeding a mother uses is usually NOT a choice, but a necessity. The health of the baby, the physical and emotional health of the mother, the quantity of milk she has, her work schedule, the demands put on her from the rest of the family, etc. (you get the point) becomes the decision maker. Instead of judging and criticizing, we should be applauding motherhood. Way to go Moms! Keep up the good work.
I love this post. I did breast feed my daughter and it worked out great. Other than the fact that I had the opposite situation from you. I had enough milk for my baby and several others. I felt like a big "Elsie the Cow" mama...heehee. Wish I could have shared.
Anyway, I'm with you on the whole it is everyone's individual choice.
Thanks for your outstanding sense of humor. LOVE IT♥♥
Not insensitive at all Beka! I find humor to be a great way to cope. :o)
You know, I never thought about the whole Flickr employee thing, Momo, you could be onto something.
Wonderful sense of humour, never a disappointment to read you Winklepots! :))) You do choose very interesting topics, but I think that you would have the ability to turn a boring subject into something quite fascinating!
DAMMIT, I drove up my premium on kid #1!! HOW DARE I???!
Ok, so I was unable to breastfeed also. My oldest had lost and entire pound by the time we went to her first check up. The pediatrician basically told me I had no choice. I would have LOVED to breastfeed. As a matter of fact, I had another go at it with my second and still no luck. We just have to roll with the lot we're given.
Dear world, I'm sorry my mammaries didn't function properly, but my kids turned out just fine (so far anyway)!
I agree!! I have breastfed all my children and am still comfort nursing my 22- month old, but I **hate** all the statistics they throw out there. They're just ridiculous! I was a nurse for a Pediatrician for 6 years and saw the stupidest things come across my desk that the lactation consultants at the hospitals wanted me to tell Mothers. My personal favorite was that non-breast fed children had a lower IQ than breast fed children. My Mom was unable to nurse myself or my sisters so I liked being told that I was dumber than everyone else because of it... It's a big bunch of baloney! All those papers went in the garbage (after the other nurses and I had a good laugh reading them); there was no way in hell I was going to share that list with any Mother.
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