Originally Posted by Bestworking:
I think people have all the information they need. Breastfeeding isn't rocket science, I did it with both my children. I supplemented with formula because my doctor said there was nothing in the world wrong with that, and it helped IF I couldn't be there for a feeding. Not every woman can "pump" enough.
Your statement that people have all the information they need is exactly what the problem is. Your doctor was partly right, but only partly. S/he may not have known that supplementing is fine IF supply is established, formula isn't offered often or replaces natural milk, and IF the mother wants to do it and is okay with risking lessening supply. Many, many peds and obs simply aren't trained to pass on accurate info about the topic and this lack of information is a big reason people think that exclusive nursing can't be done. It actually does make a big difference when or if formula is offered, and of course if a woman wants to use it that is her right, but unfortunately many doctors and nurses just don't have facts and they sabotage the whole thing by saying it is no big deal.
Doctors say a lot of things, but that doesn't mean they are all right. Most just aren't trained in this, and if you want accurate info on the subject the pediatrician isn't always the place to get it. I am not saying anything that isn't established or bashing peds, but it is a fact that they often just don't know and give some really horrible advice on this topic. Family members often just repeat what they are told, which is often inaccurate hearsay, and pushing formula at moms and telling them it doesn't matter just isn't helpful or true at all. No one need believe me personally, but you are so wrong on this if you think that people have all the information they need. I understand why you believe that, but you have shown today you don't have the information and that is the problem. People think they do, but they don't and they either judge those who do or they sabotage women who are trying to give their babies a huge gift.
You are right...many women can't pump well or enough or don't have a pump or don't choose to pump. It is up to them and not up to anyone to say she should, and formula just isn't the answer unless the mother chooses to use it for other reasons...not because someone might not understand what she is doing. I don't have a right to tell you not to give your baby formula in the mall and you don't have the right to tell me I can't use the milk nature provided me with in the manner that nature provided the perfect way to give my baby. It's another time for respect. The basic right of a mother to feed her child from the b r e a s t s that nature provided her with if she chooses to makes sense on so many levels...I could list the reasons for pages here but it is right there to be read. LLL, many good websites, journal articles, well-done studies...so much is there, but since people feel they already know they don't go find out facts.
If you don't want to see it cool...just do your own thing and baby isn't screaming, mom isn't in pain, and life goes on. It happens all the time and isn't a big deal unless someone makes it one by tweeting about how disgusting it is.