The Case Against Breastfeeding

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

Women who breastfeed do get the short end of the stick, in fact, they get totally shafted - so maybe we should stop shoving it down everyones throats.. especially if the benefits have not been medically proven.

Where did you get the idea that the "benefits" of breastfeeding have not been medically proven? There are hundreds of peer reviewed research articles that say otherwise. Besides, the food that babies are meant to eat--the food that a mother's body produces (regardless of her feeding decision)--is breastmilk. Breastmilk is the biological norm for human infants. Mammals make milk, baby mammals drink milk. It's that simple.

One way that many advocates are beginning present the topic is that there are no real benefits to breastfeeding (being the biological norm, it is what all replacement foods should be measured against), but there are risks to formula feeding.

Food for thought:

Scientists "hide formula risk"

Watch your language!

Before anyone gets the idea that I'm of the camp that everyone should breastfeed end of story, please see my previous posts. I believe in informed choices, not guilt. I also believe in helping mothers recognize and overcome the many barriers to breastfeeding.

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

I don't think the physiology of breast tissue is accurately described as ducts multiplying like crazy swallowing up breast tissue.
A very interesting study of breast anatomy and physiology was done by Ramsay et al in 2005 using ultrasound techniques challenged many long held beliefs in this area and is referred to in this article:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/976504-overview
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/1571528/ (link to original study)

Thank you for sharing that information! :)

Here's more from a recent research article:

The risk of breast ptosis increases with each pregnancy, but breastfeeding does not seem to worsen these effects. Expectant mothers should be reassured that breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse effect upon breast appearance.

The Effect of Breastfeeding on Breast Aesthetics

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jan 17, 2010

Nurse156:
Thanks for validating what I taught for 35 years. None of my 1,000s of students' babies suffered ill effects from sleeping in their parents' beds.
I've stayed in touch with many if them, and I'm sure a lawyer's letter would have reached me if any of them rolled over onto the baby. The only problem I heard about, was getting dad to change the poopy diapers in the middle of the night.....

I worked the ER when a 2 month old came in- full arrest after her Dad rolled onto her. It happens.

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

By breastfeeding until the kid is 3 and having them sleep in the "family bed", (it tends to be the same people who do these things), what are we teaching them? We are teaching them dependence instead of independence. JMO

People around the world co-sleep (sleep in the same room) and co-bed (sleep in the same bed). This is the way that millions of people traditionally raise their children and there aren't entire countries/cultures filled with seriously dependent people. :lol2: The idea of fostering idependence is a purely western one. The evidence tells us that sleeping closely serves a purpose for health, safety, and the emotional health of children. Meeting a child's needs during his early years fosters independence and trust.

Here's a few articles of interest:

Children Need Touching and Attention, Harvard Researchers Say

Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at UND: Articles and Essays

Cosleeping and Biological Imperatives: Why Human Babies Do Not and Should Not Sleep Alone

All that being said, parents who choose to co-bed should be given information about doing so safely--there are very specific guidelines that should be followed. When it is not safe to co-bed, a side car arrangement might be a good compromise. :)

MBSL: Safety

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

As long as I eat healthy, didn't drink, smoke, take antibioltics, roll over on my baby, or anything else that would negatively impact him - it may in fact be better than bottle feeding and Gods/Natures gift.

I get what you're saying, but in the interest of information-sharing, I wanted to offer this...

Breastfeeding mothers can eat whatever they like. There are no dietary restrictions for breastfeeding mothers, and this includes eating "healthy". The idea that breastfeeding mothers need a special diet is a barrier to breastfeeding.

Alcohol (taken in moderation) is not contraindicated while breastfeeding.

Smoking is not contraindicated while breastfeeding. It's not recommended, obviously, for the health of the mother and second hand smoke exposure to the infant.

Breastfeeding mothers can take all but a few antibiotics, and even those can be replaced with alternatives that are safe for her infant.

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

I would just like to see someone say "I bottlefeed/fed by baby" when asked why..... say "because thats what I wanted to do" No excuses, no justification. WHO CARES WHAT PEOPLE THINK, you made a decision its noones business WHY you made this choice.

BINGO!

I really dont think a baby has ever gotten sick or died as a direct result of being formula fed.

Unfortunately, that is not true. Babies have died or have been injured from manufacturing errors such as too many or too few vitamins, too little protein, and even metal shavings in the can. Then, there are babies who have been made seriously ill or died as a result of cranobacter (E. sakazakii) infection from ingesting contaminated powdered formula.

Babies can also become ill or die because of a lack of breastmilk. Diarrheal disease being the most common illness as a direct result of lack of breastmilk (this is especially true in third world countries or in emergency situations, such as the recent earthquake in Haiti).

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

But if it hurts way too much I'm not going to keep trying. If I hate it, I'm not going to keep doing for longer than I need to. I think it's wrong to say that women should "just get used to it" and things like that because "it was easy for me". I've seen women breast-feed like it's perfectly painless and that's great for them, but I've also witnessed women in pain, trying to breast-feed and fighting back tears because it hurt so bad.

Breastfeeding is NOT supposed to hurt. If it hurts, chances are there is an issue with positioning and or latch that would be easily remedied or an physiological issue (such as tongue tie) that needs attention. Mothers should NEVER "just get used to it" or be forced to fight back tears. When a mother is experiencing pain, cracking, bleeding, or any other discomfort during breastfeeding, she should seek help with the issue with a qualified professional or volunteer instead of attempting to endure it. In addition to the obvious issues for the mother, chances are that the baby of a mother who is experiencing this kind of pain isn't transferring milk well, all the more reason to investigate the issue.

As for the public breast-feeding - I know it's a touchy subject for some people. The argument of "Well if you don't like it don't watch" is really rude when it's concerning a public vicinity. If you're in your own home and want to breast-feed in front of your guests, go for it, but don't do it at a restaurant (seriously, some people get grossed out, it doesn't matter if it's "natural") or something like that.

That's your opinion and you're welcome to it. Many others share it. Unfortunately, this closed-minded view does nothing for mothers or babies, or even public health. Breastfeeding is a public health issue.

And technically, most businesses and restaurants are private property (not all, but most), so it is not a "public right" to do whatever you want.

Many states do have laws that cover "private" property. :) I would suggest reading up on breastfeeding legislation in your state.

I don't want to see some couple making out in front of my face, or a man urinating on the sidewalk next to me... they're not entirely different things like people keep trying to point out. It's just common courtesy in our society.

Well, actually, yes they are! Breastfeeding is not relieving oneself nor is it a sexual act in any way, shape, or form. Breastfeeding is eating. We don't send anyone else away to eat in private. Why should we banish babies to the back room?

I am, however, grateful for and thankful to the women who make an honest effort to use a blanket to cover themselves while breast-feeding or ask beforehand if people mind if they feed the baby in front of them, which, if I breast-feed and stick with it, is how I will be, because it's proper manners.

Not all babies will tolerate being covered with a blanket or a nursing cover. It gets hot and sweaty under those things! Plus, baby can't make eye contact with mom.

The sad thing is you can't reason with a woman who wants to whip her boob out in public to feed her baby instead of going to a quiet corner or to the restroom. It's the whole "don't tell me what to do" and "don't tell me how to raise my child" problem.

Not really, no. The issue is pretty simple--would YOU want to eat in the bathroom? I challenge you to take your plate into the restroom, sit on a toilet (most public toilets don't even have lids, but where else are you going to sit?), and proceed to eat your meal there. Would it be pleasant? Comfortable? Sanitary?

Most mothers don't want to just "whip it out", as you say. They just want to feed their babies and have a life, too. That's not too much to ask of society, is it? As one advocate aptly put it, if you don't like to see a mother breastfeeding, then feel free to put a blanket over YOUR head. :clown:

I do think it's a bit gross when women continue to breast-feed their children well past two and three years of age. It might be a culture thing again, but it's just really creepy. I also, however, am against letting children sleep in the bed with the parents, the "family bed" thing, but a lot of people like it. It's just a preference and as long as your kid doesn't turn out to be a crazy serial killer or something, it's your business

That's your opinion and you're welcome to it. Times are changing, though, and more and more women are choosing to breastfeed "full term". This means, feeding until the child self weans (one study said the average age of natural weaning is 2.5 years).

Certainly children that have their needs met, whatever they be, don't turn out to be serial killers. That was a bit insulting.

(as long as I don't have to see your boob :) )

Oh boy!! :lol2: I think you're getting into the wrong business if you don't want to see another woman's breast. Goodness knows that will be the LEAST memorable thing you'll ever see. Good luck to you!

Marymoomoo · Jan 17, 2010

Just for fun...an advertisement from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

CLC172 · Jan 18, 2010

People around the world co-sleep (sleep in the same room) and co-bed (sleep in the same bed). This is the way that millions of people traditionally raise their children and there aren't entire countries/cultures filled with seriously dependent people. The idea of fostering idependence is a purely western one. The evidence tells us that sleeping closely serves a purpose for health, safety, and the emotional health of children. Meeting a child's needs during his early years fosters independence and trust.

I had to co-bed with my daughter. She WOULD NOT be put down to sleep, no matter what I tried. In order for me to get some sleep, I had to sleep with her. It lasted for about the first 7-8mos, and then, when she was ready, she went to sleep in her own crib without a problem. And now, 11 years later, she is a very well-adjusted, independent girl!

rn/writer, RN · Jan 18, 2010

Just for fun...an advertisement from the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

I couldn't agree more.

RoxyDi · Jan 18, 2010

Wow, this author (and some responding to this thread) have very strong negative feelings about FEEDING babies the way nature intended. That's a little odd, if you think about it. The author obviously and admittedly has breastfed beyond her own comfort level, and I bet her child feels the resentment. Her problem is that she seemed to need "permission" to stop. Too bad she isn't as strong of a decision maker as she is wielder of the pen for judging happy breastfeeders.

I agree completely that whatever decision a woman and her family make about BF should be honored. My real message was that the author seemed angry that her experience wasn't scientifically backed up, as though there had to be hard science that made BF worthy of her time and personal sacrifice. As a mom who BF 3 kids, I understand first hand the difficulties and the time commitment required. It wasn't always easy, but I didn't need a scientific study to reward my investment in my kid's health and well-being. The experience spoke for itself with every encounter, and I wish the author felt this way, too.

natatat · Jan 18, 2010

That's your opinion and you're welcome to it. Times are changing, though, and more and more women are choosing to breastfeed "full term". This means, feeding until the child self weans (one study said the average age of natural weaning is 2.5 years).
Certainly children that have their needs met, whatever they be, don't turn out to be serial killers. That was a bit insulting.

Actually, if you had read that part of my post properly, I was simply saying that I personally, don't agree with breastfeeding past about a year or the "family bed." Then I said that a lot of it has to do with culture or region and it is just a preference. I said as long as your kid turns out fine and not a serial killer or anything then it's your own business. I wasn't saying that breast-fed, family bed grown children turn out to be serial killers obviously. I was actually defending that while it's strange (strange as in different, not as in "weird") to me, it's still normal. If you were somehow insulted, then you simply misinterpreted what I meant, because in that part of my post I was actually defending that it's totally normal and the kids turn out fine. I don't think kids that sleep in the same bed or room as their parents for the first few years of life are any less independent or that kids who are breast-fed past a year are just weird. I simply said that the act of doing those things is strange to me because that's not how I was raised and that's not the kind of culture I live in (many people where I live don't even "breast-feed', just pump and give to baby in a bottle, and a lot give both breast milk and formula). Yes, I'm entitled to my opinion, everyone is, but I wasn't being insulting.

Oh boy!! I think you're getting into the wrong business if you don't want to see another woman's breast. Goodness knows that will be the LEAST memorable thing you'll ever see. Good luck to you!

Seeing another woman's breast at work is different from seeing one on the street or while I'm trying to eat my dinner. It's not the matter of seeing a breast, it's the matter of public indecency. I know I'll get bashed for this, but I think that exposing yourself in a public place for whatever the reason, without the consent of those around you, is indecent. Seeing a woman's breast in a hospital is a completely different situation. Even if both situations involve breastfeeding, to me it is just completely different and I know most of you will disagree and that's your opinion but this is mine.

Maybe the staff should close this thread?? Because, while debate is healthy, persecution for one's beliefs is not. This thread is getting as bad as any religion or political thread you find on the internet somewhere. We can't just post what we "think" without getting some snarky remarks back, calling people stupid, selfish, ignorant, etc. It's disgusting when, with the way medicine can change so rapidly, to find nurses with such closed minds.