Breast feeding, pros and cons

Katgoddess

Oh and this thread is about the pros and cons of breastfeeding as requested by the OP, so could we stick to the topic please?

Yes, I know I'm guilty as well.

galvanizersbaby

I agree Katgoddess - I expect Lincsdan has run for cover by now!

thatgirlsam

breast is best!
however there are reasons why some mums can't/don't breast feed and unfortunately they are often made to feel that they are not as good as a breastfeeding mum, i've heard one woman asked if she even wanted her baby!!

some mums do get very obsessed with bf..

of course its the most natural thing to do and women should be allowed to do it wherever they like

nadnad

just with regards the breast milk storage, i was told by my health visitor - 5hrs at room temp, 5 days in fridge and 3 months in freezer.

RoxieW

surreysaver wrote: »

I think it is all you hippies doing the patronising. I do not have a problem with breastfeeding/breastfeeding in public. What I do have a problem with, as already stated, is all you hippies looking down on non-breastfeeders because they do not share your views / came to the same decision as you.

I don't think anyone on this site has patronised or looked down on you. You are the one being derogatory. Breast is best in most cases - that cant be disputed. But I'm sure your reasons for not doing so are very valid and it was the right decision for you. However, it seems to me that you have a chip on your shoulder about it and are projecting your own bad feelings onto others.

gingerkirsty

The link to the breastfeeding network for storage info is the most up to date.

Which allows me to say CON......
breastmilk can be stored at room temperature as the immunological properties actually mean that as it sits there the level of bacteria etc actually falls!

After chatting with a few other Mums at toddlers this morning I remembered another con...... those of us with bf babies felt that our kids took very well to weaning and different tastes, possibly because every feed tastes different? It seemed that the bf babies enjoyed more flavours and stronger flavours.

Money_Maker_Shaker

gingerkirsty wrote: »

After chatting with a few other Mums at toddlers this morning I remembered another con...... those of us with bf babies felt that our kids took very well to weaning and different tastes, possibly because every feed tastes different? It seemed that the bf babies enjoyed more flavours and stronger flavours.

We had the same chat at one of my mums & toddler groups recently and got the exact opposite result! Them blasted kids never want to be predictable do they! :rotfl:

galvanizersbaby

gingerkirsty wrote: »

After chatting with a few other Mums at toddlers this morning I remembered another con...... those of us with bf babies felt that our kids took very well to weaning and different tastes, possibly because every feed tastes different? It seemed that the bf babies enjoyed more flavours and stronger flavours.

Never heard this before and never found it to be the case - in fact the opposite happened with my two
Did the mum's of the bottle feed babies feel that their kids didn't take well to weaning or did the breast fed babies mum's just feel their babies had taken better?
Babies as with children and adults all have different tastes in the way of flavours surely?

AnnieM_3

I've been following this thread for a few days now, and I really feel for the OP, who must feel as though he's now caught in a war!

From what I can glean from both sides of this (as someone who is ttc for the first time, and also wonders about breastfeeding), the benefits of breastmilk for a baby are many and varied, and for those mums who find it a positive experience it is a great way to spend some quality time with baby, and a convenient method of providing food without having to struggle with bottles, formula mixing etc.

I am also learning that some women struggle with the 'mechanics' of it, and that it can be extremely harrowing and difficult if the baby isn't feeding properly and putting on weight. It can be difficult if the mother has to go back to work (although expressing can be a good alternative), and if baby has a disability, or has problems such as a cleft lip etc. it can be impossible to breastfeed directly.

I am shocked at the hostility some people show towards even the idea that a mother might not breastfeed - as if any mother who doesn't is somehow a failure! If anything, it's only making me more determined just to do whatever feels best for me and my baby, when the time comes. Woe betide anyone who tries to pass judgement on me!

galvanizersbaby

AnnieM wrote: »

I am shocked at the hostility some people show towards even the idea that a mother might not breastfeed - as if any mother who doesn't is somehow a failure! If anything, it's only making me more determined just to do whatever feels best for me and my baby, when the time comes. Woe betide anyone who tries to pass judgement on me!

Good luck AnnieM - you do what you feel is right - I'm afraid that's some women for you - it's all very competitive or so it seems