A nurse who doesn't breastfeed

[j0yegan]

Are you a nurse who doesn't breastfeed or know a nurse who doesn't breastfeed?

Someday when I have a baby, I'm going to bottlefeed. Yeah yeah, I know all the health benefits of breastfeeding and all that. And I teach my patients that. But I also respect their decision if they choose not to breastfeed. I personally don't find it's something I want to do. Feeding formula is NOT POISON and these lactation consultants need to stop acting like it is. I was given formula when I was a baby and I turned out just fine. Nobody even knows the long-term benefits of breast milk. Working as a postpartum nurse, I feel like I'm going to be judged beyond belief for not choosing breastfeeding when I become a patient someday. It's always in the back of my mind.

[rachel0609, ADN, RN]

Reduces ear infections??? I have friends who exclusively BF and both their children are under 5 and have tubes.

[mamabearof3boys]

And for those of you who hated nursing, or regretted it, etc. Look at your child, and be proud of what you gave them. Pumping and nursing is hard work, and it should be rewarded. It's sad that the American public has made us feel guilty, ashamed and tired of what we should naturally be giving our kids. It shouldn't be this way. Formula is freaking horrible for babies, please please research!! Be proud and honored you can provide for your baby what nature intended, and not some freaking artificial crap that's made with corn syrup. (That's the second ingredient btw)

[mamabearof3boys]

There is an 80% risk reduction from ear infections, but ear infections can be caused from so many different things as well, food allergies, immune responses to many things in environment as well.

[mamabearof3boys]

That's ugly and misinformed.

How is that ugly and misinformed? Are you a CLC or IBCLC? Have you researched pub med docs? What's your background in lactation?

[rachel0609, ADN, RN]

How is that ugly and misinformed? Are you a CLC or IBCLC? Have you researched pub med docs? What's your background in lactation?

I don't need a background in lactation to recognize that your comments are ugly and judgmental; exactly why I will chose to bottle feed my 4th child. It is a personal decision that no one should ever feel guilty for making. Bottle feeding does not mean I love my children less nor does it mean I'm feeding them the equivalent of McDonalds. I was a better mother when I chose to stop BF and bottle feed and my children were better for it.

[mamabearof3boys]

It's not judge mental, it's the truth, go ahead and just google it. Formula is horrible. I formula fed my first, and yes there are reasons out there to do it, but in most cases it shouldn't be used. To not give your child what nature made for it is sad. Have you done any research to see all the risks for formula feeding before you made that choice? If so then that's your decision. But to do so, I say, is woefully ignorant. I'm not saying if you formula fed your kid you are a bad mom. I'm saying to formula fees your child without knowing the risks of it, as well as the overwhelming benefits to nursing, makes you a dumb mom.

[mamabearof3boys]

You obviously have some guilt harbored or you wouldn't be taking this so much to heart. I'm truly sorry for that. If you could only really see how crappy it is. But you really have an issue with it, so go on and preach how it's all the same.

[rachel0609, ADN, RN]

It's not judge mental, it's the truth, go ahead and just google it. Formula is horrible. I formula fed my first, and yes there are reasons out there to do it, but in most cases it shouldn't be used. To not give your child what nature made for it is sad. Have you done any research to see all the risks for formula feeding before you made that choice? If so then that's your decision. But to do so, I say, is woefully ignorant. I'm not saying if you formula fed your kid you are a bad mom. I'm saying to formula fees your child without knowing the risks of it, as well as the overwhelming benefits to nursing, makes you a dumb mom.

Wow , you took it to a whole other level. I have nothing to say other than you make me sad. People like you are why people like me "do our research" and make a choice that's best for us and our families. Oh and yes, your comments are the definition of judgmental.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, breastfeeding does reduce the risk of ear infections. That's all I'm gonna say about THAT.

[rachel0609, ADN, RN]

You obviously have some guilt harbored or you wouldn't be taking this so much to heart. I'm truly sorry for that. If you could only really see how crappy it is. But you really have an issue with it, so go on and preach how it's all the same.

I'm sorry, remind me where I said they were the same. Oh wait, I didn't. Not debating that there are benefits to BF, I'm only stating that it's a personal choice that every mother should be able to make without judgement from other moms. Please carry on, I must go make my son a bottle.

[nursel56]

I loved nursing my babies and I'm a huge proponent of breastfeeding. However, I had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom at the time. Working is stressful and so is pumping. I don't think nature meant for moms feeding babes to be "hard work". The bonding and emotional component of feeding baby is crucial, whether formula or breastmilk. You cannot shame someone into a choice she does not want in feeding her child. You can only inform. The rest is pointless bashing.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I have several nurse coworkers who either had to supplement (diagnosed insufficient glandular tissue) or who never put baby to breast at all. Personally I loved breastfeeding (and hated pumping) and miss it now that I'm done having babies. My 3yo decided about 6mo ago that she was finally done.

But people have their reasons for doing what they do. Breastfeeding should be viewed as normal. But it is difficult to pump and work, ESP if your workplace culture is not supportive of it. Been there and know the feeling.

Nobody at work wants you feeding your baby Mountain Dew but nobody will say anything about breast vs bottle.