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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Breastfeeding
Posted: 09-03-03 02:44am

Being a member of the american laleche league in greece(there isnt a french one),i was amazed that women actually needed a support group to breastfeed their children.Not only for the difficulties involved,but also because it seemed we(women who wish to breastfeed)needed to be supportive cause we were "attacked",mainly by non breastfeeding mothers!
When I gave birth to my daughter I was shocked!
People beeing annoyed,giving me dirty looks-even though nothing was showing-and this in a country where breast are no big deal(an american friend once said to me that in the states,breast are a big deal.She gave me that example,wich is quite funny:"if you put 3 women naked in front of you,the european will cover her genitals,the american her breasts,and the muslim her face")
anyway.
I came across a lot of women who wished they had breastfed longer but the doctor never told them 1-2 things that are common knowledge among breastfeeding mothers(for instance at 3 weeks,the baby has a growth spurt and she is more hungry.If you keep her at the breast your milk will increase (also in value).Let nature take its course.If you give anything else-even water-the balance will be ruined)
i also came across a lot of women that were not breastfeeding.By choice.
Some of them didnt know that formulas are not as good,and were regretful but ok.
Some were downright hostile and health forum(one clarification:i never solicited or tried to open this conversation with any of them,the subject comes up every time they see me breastfeed my daughter)and to be honest,im getting tired of being judged by women who dont breastfeed because they dont want to quit smoking or something like that...Sometimes I d like to tell them,"motherhood is sacrificing for the best interest of your child,...Isnt it?"
i dont know what people think of breastfeeding in your country.
In europe the world health organization has stated that a child should breastfeed up to the age of two.Its a miracle if they breastfeed more than two months.
Some women try to continue even when they have to go back to work.
Some dont even start.
Some let the child wean itself.
Some stop when she s a toddler.
What do you think?
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carvytaph

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Aug 2003
Posts: 87
Location: Pennsylvania

Posted: 09-03-03 06:35am

In my opinion breast feeding is very natural, healthy, and unoffensive. I think the most reason for mothers not to breast feed is how they were raised. Some with the exception of health reasons. If there mother breast fed them most will at least attempt to try it with their child. A lot stop becuase they don't produce enough milk and they end up nursing all but 24 hours a day. In the old days they didn't have bottles, formula, bottle warmers, etc. Every child was breastfed.

The only thing that bothers me is when they breast feed a child until he's old enough to say "breast" "feed me" and to pull up the mothers shirt on his own(which I have seen on numerous occasions) _that_is offensive to me!!!! It takes away from the mothers dignity when the child sees the breast not as a private, personal, intimate part of the mothers body, but thinks he can just whip out her breast at anytime. In some countries, it is custom to have a child "latched on" at all times.

Starting at 8-10 months you can start a child on the "sippy" cup. So start substituting and weening.

On a seperate note, a child should lose a "pacifier", "binky", "nucky" whatever you may call it, when he or she starts "chatting"(even though you may not understand him or her(8-10months)), especially when you can start to understand them. It upsets me when a child has to take out his "binky" to talk. They are old enough to not need a binky to keep them quiet. I have also heard that it messes up your teeth. That may or may not be true.

Just my thoughts. I have no hard feelings against anyone who does not practice or agree with me.
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Reply
Posted: 09-03-03 08:47am

Hello :d
just a quick "update".
I used to get very angry at toddlers pulling their mothers clothes.I thought"is that all you want?Thats no unconditionned love".
It was annoying me.
Than I saw a little girl,who didnt make a fuss,just cuddled up to her mom,with such a happy face and I thought...Maybe ill have a change of heart.They all told me I would.
I dont concider my breast a private part.Not anymore,not at the time.Its my childs,and although im getting tired of being awakened at all hours,my aversion has disappeared.
Also I would like to add that when milk is not enough,its a growth spurt and you keep the baby latched on only for a day or so till your body gets the message to produce more milk.Of course.After 6-7 months the introduction of solids doesnt interfere with your breastfeeding.
As for pacifiers,they are very bad for teeths as I ve heard(my daughter never cared for one)
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sparklypixie12

Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Sep 2003
Posts: 3099

Posted: 10-07-03 09:30am

I personally dont want to use this method of feeding-i cant even say the words.I just think it's.................Creepy. Why dont people use breast pumps? And put the milk in2 a bottle? They'd rather b flashing eveyone in public i'd guess.
I was in starbucks last week and this woman like had them out! I dont wana c that when i'm having a hot chocolate!
I herd about a kid who didnt stop being b****t fed til he was 8..............Sickkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!1 he's mom's a paedo
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Farah

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Oct 2003
Posts: 201

Posted: 10-07-03 11:20am

While I do agree that breastfeeding is natural, I would like to say this. I didn't breastfeed because after doing the research and weighing the pros and cons, I found it to be less healthy than I had thought. Breastfeeding mothers have to realize that while they're getting attacked for pulling their breast out in public, non breastfeeding mothers are being attacked for not breastfeeding. I was called selfish and everything.

It's simply not true. What I would rather see as mothers, is to be more supportive of each others choices.
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Two Answers
Posted: 10-08-03 12:15pm

First to farah...


I am sure you have been attacked...As I have -no doubt -from the likes of the lady above you...

I will,for once,speak freely.


I have friends who didnt breastfeed and I respected their choice,but I feel they make a mistake...

Usually I dont say anything,but this forum is about information,so I will tell you without worrying if some people will feel guilty or not.Its not my intention,i assure you,...

But for once I d like to speak -as lili,not a s a member of lll- without walking on eggshells.


We live in a society that promotes a lot of unhealthy stuff because theres a lot to gain(money)...Think of this...If I put some of my milk in a glass would you drink it?

Probably not.

Yet we drink gladly the juice of another animal that looks nothing like us and has different dna than ours...Why?

Because we are bombarded since birth with advertisements and we think its natural and logical.

But its not.

It creates problems with our body,problems we dont see immediately,but it brings the system down and we are more open to sickness and disease.

As for the calcium,you think you absorb and digest it?

Think again.


As for breastfeeding I cant even start with all the benefits,and I shouldnt.

There should not be a debate.

When you have a kid,what you want doesnt matter.

The baby comes first.

And the best for her health is what nature intended.

I will not call you selfish or judge you farah,but I wish you and other mothers think about motherhood,what it stands for,and how sacrificing our precious boobs and time gives our children a valuable lesson in beeing giving,sympathetic,patient....



As for the other lady who-ironically -has a baby as an avatar....You do realize that you have a serious problem..Dont you?

You should get professional help if "you cant even say the word breasts" or breastfeeding.

What is creepy is your attitude towards a very natural thing,and frankly if thats the way you feel you had no business answering that post.

I m not going to be as rude as you,and im going to restrain myself....Again (!) when I see ignorance and arrogance

i suggest you get in front of a mirror,naked,and reconcile with your body.

As for implying that breastfeeding mothers do it because they want to "flash" people and calling a mother a pedophiliac(thus she is enjoying herself sexually with her son)....The only thing I can respond is that you have gutter for brains.


Last edited by Lili on 10-08-03 12:22pm; edited 1 time in total
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Simone

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 18
Location: Trenton, New Jersey
Breastfeeding
Posted: 10-08-03 12:20pm

I breastfed my son since the day he was born until the day he was 1 1/2 and b/c of this I never had to take him to the doctor for a cold, ear infection or anything but his shots. Breastfeeding is natural and it also helps u to bond more after birth with ur child. So think about it
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
I D Like to Apologise to All the Mothers..
Posted: 10-08-03 12:34pm

...Breastfeeding or not,for my display of disdain and anger towards a specific "member".
This topic is about breastfeeding and if provoked again in the future I will take it "outside''(in the private messages)

but sometimes your patience ends and enough is enough.



Thankyou for bringing me back to the real issue simone,even if it wasnt your intention..
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Farah

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Oct 2003
Posts: 201

Posted: 10-08-03 20:48pm

I would just like to say that my not breastfeeding had absolutely nothing to do with being uncomfortable with it or having a fear of losing my breasts. You say that we should not consider something healthy just because someone else says, do you not? Why then, after reading so much and knowing people who breastfed, would I just assume that it's the healthiest for my child?

You are entitled to your opinion, but it is only that, your opinion. I have no breastfed my eleven month old and he has not been to the doctor one time outside of his well child exams. I will not debate about this issue, because I feel completely ok with my decision. I've seen breastfeeding mothers who abuse their children. I am an excellent mother and I will believe nothing less than that.
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Farah
Posted: 10-09-03 04:26am

No one has said otherwise( im sure you are a good mother) and no one is trying to convince you(not me any way)

i started this post because I get approached by many women ,all the time who tell me they wished
a)they had breastfed longer,but didnt have enough milk(so I needed to clarify that point)
b)they knew then what they knew now...


In theprocess I lost my temper (not with you) and lost my objectivity,wich is not a good thing,...But some times you get outraged by the way of thinking of some people.

As for what you read ,i say,they say,you are free to believe anything you want and act accordingly.
But by starting this post,i have an obligation to tell what I know,because some mothers are interested.

Having cleared that...


Mothers milk changes according the needs of the child...Density,richness,antibodies,all vary,depending on what time of the day you breastfeed,and at what age...
For instance the milk of a mothers whos child has just started crawling is boosted with antibodies...(since his hands get dirty and he puts them and stuff in his mouth)
if a child is sick,same thing...
The human body is supposed to digest milk up untill the age of four,although most toddlers give up on breastfeeding earlier if all their needs are met.
Whether a mother wants to continue breastfeeding once her child walks or not,is entirely up to her.
As long as she has all the facts and makes the right decision for her and her baby...
And even if she makes the wrong one,its still her decision to make.

But I feel I ve helped when I said what I know,and I was received without hostility or stubborness,but with an open mind...No matter the outcome....

I am not a fanatic of breastfeeding or other cause.
I get fanatic when I see all these misconceptions shoved down our throats because its more profitable(for instance how much money do you spend on formulas,bottles etc?)and some times .Some doctors are on it too.
Who pays those seminars in exotic islands,you think?Thank god ,not all...

Anyway,all im saying is we are responsible for what we do or what happens to us,and we must know all our facts before making any decision,wether its for breastfeeding,the food we eat,epidurals,c-sections,medications....

I hope our misunderstanding is cleared now farah.
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precious_45885

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 17
Location: Mendon,Ohio

Posted: 10-09-03 05:48am

Well, I dont agree that everyone needs to breastfeed. Yes it is natural and that is what nature intended but now there is formula. Natural intended for you to walk to work and school but now there is cars. I bet you are driving your car arent you. So we are not wrong for not breastfeeding and it is not only whats best for the child. Its whats best for mom too. I personally cant breastfeed due to my body not being healthy. I can not keep vitamins in my body. So should I still breastfeed. No! Formula is just a good as breast milk and its been proven. Breastfeed babies lack in a certain vitamin and should be given it everyday but formula has all vitamins. So anyone who says mothers who dont think of their children when they choose not to breastfeed. Apparently you dont know the pros and cons. I advise you to do some research. Also I dont like seeing women breastfeeding in public. Its wrong. Go sit in your car or go to the bathroom. Respect other people and dont do it when people are eating or trying to enjoy a romantic evening with there loved one. I feel when women do breastfeed in the middle of a restruant they just want to be noticed and flaunt there stuff because no one can do a thing about it. So just respect the fellow humans who walk this earth with you.
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Last Reply.
Posted: 10-09-03 17:23pm

! Formula is just a good as breast milk and its been proven. Breastfeed babies lack in a certain vitamin and should be given it everyday but formula has all vitamins.
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ -
i dare you to provide this research of yours...You read it on a formula bottle???
Research??Ive been studying for this the past 3 years.Not including all the other studies ive done in the health department.


As for your logic about cars and work and school.......Im speechless!

And another one who thinks we do it to flash them(how selfish thinking is that?)
people like you really start to annoy me,and after 2 years of that kind of abuse from your part,i realise im at a breaking point

we dont want to go to the bathroom where its filthy,and create questions to our child(as if they do something wrong),and for your information,you are not the center of the world at that particular moment neither your loved one...,our child is,so if you get offended by this sight,wich has nothing sexual or dirty,(and 9 out of 10, nothing is "flashing"),then you should deal with it.With the help of a psychiatrist.


As for your body not holding vitamins,it seems to me it doesnt hold much of anything else either.
You are the perfect example of why babies should breastfeed.
I bet anything you havent.

Breastfeeding babies on all researches are smarter,because they get all the substances they need.Their teeth wont crook,they get prettier faces because breastfeeding makes all the muscles of the face work,they dont get ear infections,and tons of other benefits less shallow that I wont post here (cause I realise its just a waste of my time)
and these are facts!
But if you think a cow makes a better job than you....




Im getting out of this topic because frankly,i can deal with anyones decision not to breastfeed.
But this stupidity combined with dirty minds,is really getting to me and my reactions are not civil.


I ve said enough to help some willing mothers to research more.
If I stay it will get ugly,and it will redirect the subject to a personal conflict.
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Lili

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Location: Greece
Last Reply.
Posted: 10-09-03 17:24pm

! Formula is just a good as breast milk and its been proven. Breastfeed babies lack in a certain vitamin and should be given it everyday but formula has all vitamins.
------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ -
i dare you to provide this research of yours...You read it on a formula bottle???
Research??Ive been studying for this the past 3 years.Not including all the other studies ive done in the health department.


As for your logic about cars and work and school.......Im speechless!

And another one who thinks we do it to flash them(how selfish thinking is that?)
people like you really start to annoy me,and after 2 years of that kind of abuse from your part,i realise im at a breaking point

we dont want to go to the bathroom where its filthy,and create questions to our child(as if they do something wrong),and for your information,you are not the center of the world at that particular moment neither your loved one...,our child is,so if you get offended by this sight,wich has nothing sexual or dirty,(and 9 out of 10, nothing is "flashing"),then you should deal with it.With the help of a psychiatrist.


As for your body not holding vitamins,it seems to me it doesnt hold much of anything else either.
You are the perfect example of why babies should breastfeed.
I bet anything you havent.

Breastfeeding babies on all researches are smarter,because they get all the substances they need.Their teeth wont crook,they get prettier faces because breastfeeding makes all the muscles of the face work,they dont get ear infections,and tons of other benefits less shallow that I wont post here (cause I realise its just a waste of my time)
and these are facts!
But if you think a cow makes a better job than you....




Im getting out of this topic because frankly,i can deal with anyones decision not to breastfeed.
But this stupidity combined with dirty minds,is really getting to me and my reactions are not civil.


I ve said enough to help some willing mothers to research more.
If I stay it will get ugly,and it will redirect the subject to a personal conflict.
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precious_45885

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 17
Location: Mendon,Ohio

Posted: 10-09-03 19:01pm

Well honey I really don't know where you did your research but yes breastfed babies do lack vitamins. Maybe you should talk to your nearest ob. But of course I do realize there are people out there who cant stand to be wrong and have to nag and down grade other people. Every person who has got on here and said they choose not to breastfeed. You have jumped on. If you want to thats your problem. No breastfed babies are not prettier than formula babies all babies are beautiful and to say that you are so wrong. Where you get your research baffles me. I hope you research more and learn where your wrong. I have breastfed before and I had the courtesy to step in a different room and not flaunt my tits in front of my father or sisters husband. That is nasty. Yes natural but not intended to arouse men or women. That is where it comes in wrong. You think you may be right but think of all the men looking at you and thinking god awful things about you. No they are not wrong. That is the human brain. So mothers who breastfed should cover up. At least with a blanket. I really dont want you to respond to this so please dont. I am not arguing with you and I will not respond to anyone else. This is a opinion board and all I did was state my opinion. I dont need you writing back and down grading me. Because I have the experience and know what I am talking about. So dont write back to me. Write to the board. Thank you and god bless.

Melanie
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precious_45885

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 17
Location: Mendon,Ohio

Posted: 10-09-03 19:09pm

Most bottle-fed babies get enough vitamin d, since formula is fortified for optimal baby development, says greer. However, doctors are encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their infants to boost immunity. With this comes a concern -- that baby development will be impaired if infants get too little vitamin d.


Signs of weakening bones are subtle, so damage may occur before there are any outward signs of a baby development problem, he adds.


Over-the-counter multivitamins are available in drop form for infants. Beginning in the first two months of life, a minimum of 200 iu of vitamin d per day promotes optimal baby development, greer tells webmd. "this should continue throughout childhood and adolescence. In fact, throughout our lives, we should all take at least 200 units a day. After age 65, we may need to take a little more."


the recommendation is "very reasonable," says kumaravel rajakumar, md, pediatrician at children's hospital of pittsburgh. "we've come to realize that rickets is indeed a problem for babies who are exclusively breastfed -- especially if they are dark-skinned in color. Those babies seem to be most at risk."

heres my research.....

Melanie
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Farah

Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 03 Oct 2003
Posts: 201

Posted: 10-10-03 00:13am

This is such a taboo subject. I think every mom wants to feel like they're doing the best by their child. I think the choice to breastfeed or not is up to every woman when she delivers. I honestly think it comes down to that, a choice. It's sad that mom's are divided up into this community of breastfeeding and non breastfeeding. We should be able to accept each other's choices and not judge them. We should be able to support each other.

I personally don't judge anyone elses choice to do either one.
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