Breast is Best? Right? Maybe?

Nathan and I have a fun night planned that involves pottery barn kids and registering for Lincoln. I don't plan on having anybody buy from this registry but if we register through them, we automatically get 10 percent off from now until six months after Lincoln is born.  I'm going to take that free 10 percent, yes sir!

This blog entry took me a lot of time to produce and write because I was really ticked off about what happened to me, and two I wanted to make sure that I have a clear head when I write this so I don't come off as ignorant.

Since day one, and I mean since I knew breast feeding existed, I have been solely against it for myself and my children. That does not mean those who do breastfeed are less or better, I just know that it is not my cup of tea and it will not work for me or my family. I think I'm entitled to that opinion and that choice but my doctors and the popular opinion in America does not think so. Don't believe me?

Check these articles out:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/02/health/time-bloomberg-breast-feeding/index.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/health/hospitals-ditch-formula-samples-to-promote-breast-feeding.html?pagewanted=all

This is just a sampling of what is going on in America and their 'opinions' on breastfeeding. I think its horrible that a women's right to choose something so personal has become an all out attack on mothers who choose not to breast feed for various reasons. Yes, I understand that breastfeeding is ideal but just because its ideal doesn't always make it right. It is certainly not the correct choice for me or my family and I'm sticking to that.

Two weeks ago at my doctors appointment I was asked my by R.N. if I was going to breast feed or not. I then told her, "No I will not be."

That's when I got my first 'terrible mother' talk from another condescending adult. She acted like I had just told her that I would be feeding Lincoln a bottle of Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola instead of infant formula.
She then proceeded to ask why not. I told her my reasons, which should be good enough, but alas they were not.

I then just kept saying over and over, "I understand but I am still not going to breastfeed."

That's when she got pissed at me because I was not backing down.

She then proceed to tell me, "Well, you're not going to have WIC  (women, infant, children program) so its really expensive."
This fucking pissed me off.
I then replied, "Well money is not an issue and I wouldn't of made the choice to have a child if we couldn't afford it."

In my head I wanted to say, so what only poor people bottle feed? So, because I'm not getting government assistance I should breastfeed? WTF was she getting at? Like I hadn't thought about the extra cost?

She then realized this was going no where and said, "Well you should at least try it."
I then said, "It's not like test driving a car." I then got my stuff and left, almost in tears.

I felt completely and utterly angry that somebody especially a health professional would say such things! I am an educated person. I think she was just shocked that somebody who is educated on the issue would make the 'horrible' decision to not breastfeed.

I have now decided that next time I am asked I will say directly to the doctor/nurses,
"It's none of your business."
If they push the issue I will stick to the
"It's none of your business."

At the hospital, I have heard, is where you really get the once over if you make the decision to not breastfeed. So, Nathan and I will be bringing our own formula, bottles and sterile water. That way when they ask, I will politely say no. If they continue to press, I will then ask my husband, or who ever else is in the room with me, to make me a bottle right in front of them. HA! HA! Suck on that! Literally!! :)

So next time doctors, I will be prepared for your disgusting manners. Muahahaha!

Also if you still don't believe me about the serious push to force mothers to breast feed check out the American Pediatrics take on it. I like the section about how doctors should encourage breastfeeding at all costs basically.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/115/2/496.full


I have found these websites helpful for those of you not sure yet what decision to make.
They seem the least biased and put all the facts out there about breastfeeding and bottle feeding:

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/breastfeedingandbottle.html

http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/pregnancy-newborns/caring-for-newborns/breastfeeding-formula/breastfeeding-vs-bottle-feeding-deciding-whats-right-for-you-and-your-baby.html

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/wellbeing/health/breastfeeding-vs-bottle-feeding-is-there-a-right-way-to-feed-your-child.php


There is so much information out there it can be daunting, but if you take the time to read through the crap, you can make the decision that's best for you and your family.

Also, if you really want to get into the freak side of breastfeeding just google: "Dad's take on breastfeeding"
You will read and see some interesting shit like this:

Seriously? Are you fucking kidding me?
And people are getting mad at me for bottle-feeding?

Have a nice weekend with that image!

~Julia