Breastfeed or else

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 16, 2006

But, no one is thinking, they are reacting emotionally. They aren't reading the studies, the essays, the articles. I'm feel like I'm talking to a wall. People aren't responding to my analogies as to why they feel they are incorrect or how to improve them, they aren't answering the questions I pose.

All that has been said is: tell moms to breastfeed. It's better. But don't tell them why, because that could make them feel bad. If you tell them why, you're guilting them and horrible.

And people wonder why women aren't breastfeeding.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 16, 2006

Wait, hold the phone. Because there is disagreement, it signifies people are not thinking? I beg to differ...

Besides, It's not that simple---not so "either or". We can educate and encourage but in the end, it's up to them and it will always be. Not much to think out there....there is a difference between guilting and educating our patients. I prefer to stick with the latter. I won't "tell" anyone to do anything...but I will educate and encourage. There is the art to nursing to which I referred in a previous post.

And whether you like to admit it or not, breastfeeding IS a highly emotionally-charged issue. It always will be.

I don't wonder why people choose not to breastfeed, because I ask them why. But at the end of the day, it's up to them. I am not raising their kids; they are.

labcat01, BSN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

Alrighty...now who wants to talk about circumcision :chair:

TazziRN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

again my apologies to anyone that takes offense to my "caps." i have done this on all my post anywhere on this board to place emphasis on the words as i say them not to mean "yelling" or the like. again i apologize to everyone who took offense. i thought i was being very nice, trying to add to and not distract from this board as i truly love posting here!

I do not take offense when caps are used to emphasize. It's not yelling unless all the words are in caps, which you have not done. :kiss

TazziRN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

Alrighty...now who wants to talk about circumcision :chair:

:lol2:

Okay, I will! My husband and I had decided as soon as we found out I was pregnant that if the baby was a boy we wanted him circumcised.

moongirl · Jun 16, 2006

Alrighty...now who wants to talk about circumcision :chair:

:lol2:

KyPinkRN · Jun 16, 2006

But, no one is thinking, they are reacting emotionally. They aren't reading the studies, the essays, the articles. I'm feel like I'm talking to a wall. People aren't responding to my analogies as to why they feel they are incorrect or how to improve them, they aren't answering the questions I pose.
All that has been said is: tell moms to breastfeed. It's better. But don't tell them why, because that could make them feel bad. If you tell them why, you're guilting them and horrible.
And people wonder why women aren't breastfeeding.

I am thinking about what you are saying... I just don't agree! You can point out all the studies you want to but that doesn't say much to me, just that you are an easy sell. I have said it before and I'll say it again research can be skewed for the sake of the better outcome and often is-and who knows maybe in 5 years there will be a study saying breastmilk is toxic. Science is ever changing and more politics are involved than most people know. I am all for Mom's out there who have success in BF. Hoorah for them! It isn't for everybody and there are a lot of factors besides "BF being the ideal" that go into making that decision. And as for telling our patients "what to do" that isn't our purpose. We lay out all the facts so they can make an informed decision. Not our jobs to sway their decision one way or another. You are not living their life therefore there is no way you could possibly know what would be best for your patient(s).

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2006

I do not take offense when caps are used to emphasize. It's not yelling unless all the words are in caps, which you have not done. :kiss

thanks i really appreciate that. i am 31 but i am an "old" 31 (not too net savvy), i don't know all the net etiquette. i've heard the "all caps = yelling thing" but that is not what i mean (for example i would type "but that is NOT what i mean).

anyway, i do love this site. i was a long time viewer, but signed up as soon as i got into nursing school. i will try to watch the caps for those that mistake my intentions.

sincerely,

jay

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 16, 2006

Alright, so then give examples of how you propose to educate a woman about breastfeeding, without "guilting" her.

Please, give me something to read that supports your point of view. Be it essay, article or study. Respond to a question I've posed. Respond to a study I've posted. Respond to the essay I posted.

But, just blindly saying someone is wrong does not a thoughtful argument make. I'm reminded of the Monty Python skit.

Man: I came here for a good argument.
Arguer: No you didn't; no, you came here for an argument.
M: An argument isn't just contradiction.
A: It can be.
M: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
A: No it isn't.
M: Yes it is! It's not just contradiction.
A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
M: Yes, but that's not just saying 'No it isn't.'
A: Yes it is!
M: No it isn't!A: Yes it is!
M: Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes.

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 16, 2006

Educating is not guilting. One need not push guilt to get a point across to an intelligent human being, as you well know. What do you do? Well, you highlight and emphasize the good points to breastfeeding and the advantages to both mom and baby, as well as the environment. If she, after you have given her the fine points regarding breastfeeding, it's ecological, economical, as well as physical benefits--- still chooses to bottlefeed, you have done your job as nurse/educator and can say so. End of story. That need not be heavy handed or guilt-inspiring to educate and support.

imenid37 · Jun 16, 2006

Some people do think that the guilt and the stress and the percieved disruption of their lives outwieghs the benefits of breastfeeding. They have the info. They have considered it and they have drawn a different conclusion than you. Like, I said my hotbutton issue would probably be elective C/S. I just do not understand why you would would do this, but people do for their own reasons. If they have all the facts, I give them the best possible care I can. I'd like to change their minds, but I can't. It is not my place. You have presented your point well, but others have drawn a different conclusion than you. This often happens. Patients, healthcare providers, and people in general do not base their decisions soley on research. I am sure you know that also. I would think that your own personal breastfeeding experience impacts your views, as I know mine does for me.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 16, 2006

Tell me exactly how you do this, roleplay it with me if you will. I'm definitely willing to learn and I'd love to see how this is properly approached so the mother doesn't feel guilty, but is fully informed.