I met a guy the other day--no, not like that.
But I did meet a guy at a workshop for Science & Math teachers and after a few minutes of conversation we realized that we had babies about the same age--his was actually a little older. He asked the classic question, "Is you baby sleeping through the night?" I said yes and he seemed a little frustrated. Before I poured on him my infinite wealth of knowledge (ha ha) I asked how is baby was fed.
He hemhawed around a little (did I mention my mom was from southern Indiana?) and I thought to myself, "Oh, okay, the baby is breastfed and he's trying to figure out a way to say that without actually using the word "breast." I can understand that, I wouldn't want to say it to some girl I just met if I was him either." But he didn't. He almost seemed ashamed as he admitted that his baby was bottle fed.
Why the shame?? Why the guilt?? Why can't we just admit that it didn't work out for us?? In all honesty, this man was one of the most confident teachers I've ever met. He had a beautiful wife and adorable kids--why would such a great family be so embarrassed to admit that they bottle feed?? I'm just so tried of formula feeding being looked at as second best. Or worse-as failure.
Sidebar--did you know that after about 6 months of breastfeeding, most babies need an iron supplement?? Hmmm....
To quote the shopgirl from "You've Got Mail," I don't really want an answer. I'm just sending this cosmic question out into the void. So goodnight, dear void.
Let me know what you're thinking.
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Time flies
12 years ago
Where did you get your info on needing the iron supplement? I'm studying to be a Lactation Specialist and have never heard that most babies need that. Often times the only deficiency in breastmilk is Vitamin D which a baby can easily get by going outside. I agree that bottlefeeding is nothing to be ashamed of. People have to do what is right for them and their families, however, you really shouldn't treat breastfeeding the way that you are complaining about being treated as a bottle feeder. And check your facts before you post things.
ReplyDeleteAccording to www.gerber.com, most breastfed babies need something to introduce them to the iron that they will encounter in solid foods at about 6 months of age--right about the time your doctor is going to suggest you start your baby on rice cereal. Check the box--what's it fortified with? Iron.
ReplyDeleteIt's not about the cereal, it's about the iron, and it's a form of supplement.
And while we're on the subject, that prenatal vitamin you're taking--the one for pregnant and breastfeeding moms? My guess is it has 28-30mg of iron, as opposed to the 18-20mg of iron found in a traditional woman's vitamin. So your baby is getting some iron supplements. I may not be an expert, but I do check my facts.
You are right about the prenatal vitamins having iron, and that is why the baby should get enough iron from breastmilk, meaning a supplement wouldn't be necessary.
ReplyDeleteWe don't do cereal or the gerber thing. I made all of my baby food and introduced them based on their nutritional value. We start at 6 months if they are ready and interested, if not we wait a month and try again. I have tried making my own rice cereal but it tasted horrible so I gave that one up.
I will admit that I sometimes envy moms who bottlefeed. I love breastfeeding and love knowing that I am doing what is best for my son, but because he refuses a bottle my "breaks" never last longer than 3 hours. And just thinking about weaning stresses me out. And it would be so much easier when out and about. I have to go to the car or find a corner and battle with my son to stay covered up otherwise you get dirty glances for "exposing" yourself. Somebody is going to disapprove no matter what you do.