Came across this article today. I was fascinated.
I get so tired of arguments about important things that stray from the issue, to guilt or personal attack. This article sticks to the issues, and gives very interesting arguments for each side.
For me personally, I wouldn't trade the bonding I experienced with my kids through breastfeeding even for the relatively incredible freedom of bottle feeding. I personally would miss it too much. But I found what Joan Wolf had to say about the weight put on mothers to keep their children from any possible harm to be refreshing. By way of a tiny glimpse into what I'm thinking about right now, I do not believe that Christians need to live under a immense load of guilt and fear for their children. What if there are times when, in weighing the child's needs vs. the mother's needs (or the needs of a marriage), the mother (or the marriage) wins? Is there a place for that? I think maybe so.
On our way home...Harvest Host
2 months ago
Great article. Thanks for the link!
ReplyDeleteI have loved breastfeeding (wouldn't trade it, like you said), and I hate to see mothers who don't try or give up early because they are scared or don't think they'll be able to do it (won't make enough milk, baby won't gain weight, latch problems, etc.)
But if a mom really weighs the info and feels that formula feeding is what's best for her family, great.
I totally agree with your statement about baby needs vs. other needs. The baby comes to be an important part of a family, not the center of the world.
Completely agree. It makes me really sad when women really want to breastfeed, but due to lack of support, wrong advice, etc., they don't get to. Search out the help you need! It can be done!
ReplyDeleteOK, done with the little soapbox for the night.
Excellent article. I have felt shunned by many due to my husband and I choosing to bottle feed our 4 daughters. They are all just fine and healthy now and I am glad we made the choice we did. But on the other hand I applaud those who choose to breast feed. I think it's a personal choice, as long as it meets the needs of the baby and the parents.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I really enjoyed reading through your blog!
Hi michele! Hope you'll stick around! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved breastfeeding all my kids; although recurring yeast infections shortened the time I was able to nurse my last two (about two months each). But I rest assured that my health (and sanity) were more important than the milk my child ingested. Although I highly encourage breastfeeding for as long as a mother is able. I didn't read the article, but I just wanted to leave a note anyway!
ReplyDeleteI agree...it's an excellent representation of both sides of the issue. I nursed all 3 of my children and am so glad I did, but I still think it's a personal decision and mothers should not feel shamed or criticized because they choose formula feeding. I really like the other debates on the site, particularly on parenting, like whether to spank or not and whether to circumcise you son or not. Excellent discussions!
ReplyDeleteIn keeping with my "natural" and alternative medicine background, I firmly believe that breastfeeding is the best way to ensure your baby has the best start. However, the diet of most Americans is so compromised, I question the quality of breastmilk today. Even though God created our bodies to make the perfect food for our babies, are we circumventing that plan with the polluted food we put in our bodies and the polluted air we breathe? Is breastmilk REALLY better?? I don't know that answer, just something to think about.
ReplyDeleteOn another note about the whole guilt thing, baby centered parenting, etc.: You gotta do what you gotta do. It boils down to the fact that the baby has to eat. If the mom fails at breastfeeding for whatever reason or is so stressed or tense about it that she can't produce milk, or other circumstances occur, then she should feel free to FEED HER BABY without guilt.
That having been said, though, I have yet to hear a really legitimate reason why a mother just simply CAN'T breastfeed. I totally agree that the most frequent cause of formula use is not enough information or support for breastfeeding. It is a totally unique bonding experience that absolutely cannot be duplicated.
*sigh* OK, time to step down! I loved breastfeeding and since Ava might be our last little one and she's weaned herself, I'm a little sad. . .