Feeding babies, your opinions

[zebidee]

Hi everyone,

I'm off on a breastfeeding course tomorrow and have some prep work to do! Seeing as you're a diverse bunch of people would you mind please answering a question for me?!

"Do you think breastfeeding or formula feeding is the best way to feed a baby?"

I really don't want this to turn into a battle a la most conversations about this on 'mummy sites,' I just need a few soundbites to show I've asked various people of different ages/professions. If you could please elaborate your answer with as much detail as poss I'll be really grateful and will have tons to tell my amazed teacher tomorrow

Cheers!

 

[Jade-clothing]

Hi everyone,

I'm off on a breastfeeding course tomorrow and have some prep work to do! Seeing as you're a diverse bunch of people would you mind please answering a question for me?!

"Do you think breastfeeding or formula feeding is the best way to feed a baby?"

I really don't want this to turn into a battle a la most conversations about this on 'mummy sites,' I just need a few soundbites to show I've asked various people of different ages/professions. If you could please elaborate your answer with as much detail as poss I'll be really grateful and will have tons to tell my amazed teacher tomorrow

Cheers!

I think you already know my views lol
I would never say there is a 'best' way to feed a baby. At the end of the day, its a personal choice and although I've trained (twice) to be a breastfeeding advisor it doesnt mean that I'm going to criticise someone for making the choice to bottle feed. I think whatever someone decides - it's their choice and everyone deserves to have support in their choice. However, having said that, I dont understand anyone choosing NOT to breastfeed - after all not only does it have benefits for both mother and baby - health wise and bonding wise, it is also FREE!!
I'm really looking forward to hearing others opinions

 

[zebidee]

Very diplomatic JC!

 

[Vault_girl]

I'm not a mother so cannot comment from experience but most mothers I know breastfeed during the day and give them formula at night as it helps then sleep through. That's about the depth of my knowledge...

 

[zebidee]

I'm not a mother so cannot comment from experience but most mothers I know breastfeed during the day and give them formula at night as it helps then sleep through. That's about the depth of my knowledge...

That's ok, I need to hear from plenty of different people, mums, dad, not-mums, not-dads, grandparents etc Thanks for your reply
Come on men, let's hear what you think!

 

[Pie & Ale]

For me it has to be breastfeeding, even if its just for the first month or two. Combining works as well as Vault girl suggests. Importantly, the benefits of breastmilk, especially in the early stages have been, if anything, scientifically proven to be best for baby. Nature has always the best stuff for us. Before anyone jumps on me for being a bloke, I've been through this with my good lady ( 4 children later) and I feel I can have an input.

 

[Jade-clothing]

Very diplomatic JC!

That's the Counselling training, you know from our many chats my views arent entirely as black and white as that! But I do think that every mum should at least try to BF. Boobilicious nutricious!

 

[Jade-clothing]

For me it has to be breastfeeding, even if its just for the first month or two. Combining works as well as Vault girl suggests. Importantly, the benefits of breastmilk, especially in the early stages have been, if anything, scientifically proven to be best for baby. Nature has always the best stuff for us. Before anyone jumps on me for being a bloke, I've been through this with my good lady ( 4 children later) and I feel I can have an input.

Well said Mr. Panda - it's important to successful BF to have a supportive partner.

 

[zebidee]

Thanks P&A great to hear from a bloke!

 

[Gramaisc]

Breast-feeding has got to be more economical and efficient than formula milk. What little extra food the mother might need will cost virtually nothing - and there will be no additional heating required. The preparation is also effectively automated, resulting in a properly prepared product being available on demand. Think of the national economy and your carbon footprint...

We have had a previous debate on breast-feeding in public.

 

[zebidee]

Cheers G!

 

[Jade-clothing]

Breast-feeding has got to be more economical and efficient than formula milk. What little extra food the mother might need will cost virtually nothing - and there will be no additional heating required. The preparation is also effectively automated, resulting in a properly prepared product being available on demand. Think of the national economy and your carbon footprint...

We have had a previous debate on breast-feeding in public.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - I almost wish you hadnt posted that link to the previous thread! Eeeek - where to start!!

 

[zebidee]

haha JC I'm leaving that one aloneeee

 

[Jade-clothing]

haha JC I'm leaving that one aloneeee

Ha, I couldnt help myself!!!

 

[Wookie]

I'm not a mother so cannot comment from experience but most mothers I know breastfeed during the day and give them formula at night as it helps then sleep through.

Or you could try gin.
NOTE: Don't listen to me, I've never fed a baby in my life.

 

[Jenksie]

Breast = Cheaper, Inconvienient - remember this is every 3-4 hours no matter what, Health benefits in the key first 5 days - after that debatable, very tiring and when you stop it makes you quite ill - came as a surprise to me this one.

Bottle = Got to buy all the gear (not that dear to be honest), Preparation at night to make up eight for the next day, means partner can feed giving mother much needed rest and allowing Partner to bond. Allows you to see how much milk has been taken -very very important.

Far too much pressure on Mothers to do it naturally in this country - the CHTrust were very Pushy in the Hospital - the Midwives, Nurses and Health visitors kept schtum and let us decide.

 

[Jade-clothing]

Breast = Cheaper, Inconvienient - remember this is every 3-4 hours no matter what, Health benefits in the key first 5 days - after that debatable, very tiring and when you stop it makes you quite ill - came as a surprise to me this one.

Bottle = Got to buy all the gear (not that dear to be honest), Preparation at night to make up eight for the next day, means partner can feed giving mother much needed rest and allowing Partner to bond. Allows you to see how much milk has been taken -very very important.

Far too much pressure on Mothers to do it naturally in this country - the CHTrust were very Pushy in the Hospital - the Midwives, Nurses and Health visitors kept schtum and let us decide.

i dont understand how it is inconvenient when its ready mixed, readily available and at the right temperature 24/7!
Also, the health benefits arent only in the first 5 days - although the early milk does contain essential nutrients for the baby and the first 5 days are better than not at all - health benefits last for the whole time you are breast feeding and some people actually recommend feeding for up to 6 years because of this!
I've never even heard that it makes you ill when you stop - and having fed four babies successfully have never experienced it myself.

 

[zebidee]

I think inconvenience is relative, I mean, bfing, once you've got the hang of it* you can do it one handed, in a sling (if you're that way inclined) and do it whenever, wherever you want as soon as baby needs it, whereas bottles take time to mix, heat up and you need both hands to do it, plus they're always coming up with new rules how to do it to stop bacteria growing in the formula while it's stored, BM can be stored for aaages in the fridge with it being naturally anti-bacterial (and not a lot of people know that!)

Anyway, great answers guys, like I said, I'm not here for the debate, just the opinions, but I will chime in with facts every now and then

*I know this bit is the difficult part, which is why I'm always advocating for support and advice!!

 

[Jenksie]

Breast = Cheaper, Inconvienient - remember this is every 3-4 hours no matter what, Health benefits in the key first 5 days - after that debatable, very tiring and when you stop it makes you quite ill - came as a surprise to me this one.

Bottle = Got to buy all the gear (not that dear to be honest), Preparation at night to make up eight for the next day, means partner can feed giving mother much needed rest and allowing Partner to bond. Allows you to see how much milk has been taken -very very important.

Far too much pressure on Mothers to do it naturally in this country - the CHTrust were very Pushy in the Hospital - the Midwives, Nurses and Health visitors kept schtum and let us decide.

i dont understand how it is inconvenient when its ready mixed, readily available and at the right temperature 24/7!


Also, the health benefits arent only in the first 5 days - although the early milk does contain essential nutrients for the baby and the first 5 days are better than not at all - health benefits last for the whole time you are breast feeding and some people actually recommend feeding for up to 6 years because of this!



I've never even heard that it makes you ill when you stop - and having fed four babies successfully have never experienced it myself.

It is if you are out and about or a working mum - see the other thread

HEALTH = This is subject to much debate and there is no clear guidance or evidence - In France most are bottle fed. Some people are a bit thick and some are dangerous morons - Six years old!!! How does that work when kids are at school from age Four? Presumably eating Chips and Pizza! and talking to an intense peer group! Sounds like something for those trashy TV Guide mags.

We are the only Mammal that ingests Milk in adulthood through choice - make of that what you will.

Several family members have experienced severe flu like symtoms and our health visitor gave us the heads up - I'm pretty sure we were not unique . One for other Mothers to comment on not me.

 

[zebidee]

It is if you are out and about or a working mum - see the other thread

Good point which negates some of the things I said. Obviously there are lots of different experiences!

Several family members have experienced severe flu like symtoms and our health visitor gave us the heads up - I'm pretty sure we were not unique . One for other Mothers to comment on not me.

That one sounds like a touch of mastitis, which can happen if bfing is stopped suddenly, rather than winding down gradually