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?
|
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.
|
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)
|
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
|
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.
|
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
|
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
|
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..
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
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
|
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.