Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I thought that was well known already. I do wish I had continued longer than I did and I hope to do so next time but definitely don't criticise or judge mothers who don't want to or can't. In the grand scheme of things it probably isn't that important but it certainly does help.
The shortest time I breastfed any of my five boys was nine months (the oldest - he weaned himself before I was ready); the longest time was almost four years (the youngest).
I understand why some women can't do it, but it is hard for me to "get" why women who can choose not to.
Besides the benefits to the baby, it is so much easier and more convenient than dealing with bottles and formula, as well as so much cheaper. I have never bought formula in my life but I have been behind parents in the checkout and I'm always amazed at how expensive it is (the few times I've paid attention).
Same thing with buying baby food - I always made my own. Always.
But I don't preach about breastfeeding because I understand it is a very personal decision and none of my business. I do have a young friend who will be having her first baby in May and she's kind of on the fence about it. Since she and her husband live a somewhat "rustic" lifestyle, living without certain amenities that most of us take for granted, I'm hoping she will choose to breastfeed because it will be particularly convenient for their lifestyle.
The shortest time I breastfed any of my five boys was nine months (the oldest - he weaned himself before I was ready); the longest time was almost four years (the youngest).
I understand why some women can't do it, but it is hard for me to "get" why women who can choose not to.
Besides the benefits to the baby, it is so much easier and more convenient than dealing with bottles and formula, as well as so much cheaper. I have never bought formula in my life but I have been behind parents in the checkout and I'm always amazed at how expensive it is (the few times I've paid attention).
Same thing with buying baby food - I always made my own. Always.
But I don't preach about breastfeeding because I understand it is a very personal decision and none of my business. I do have a young friend who will be having her first baby in May and she's kind of on the fence about it. Since she and her husband live a somewhat "rustic" lifestyle, living without certain amenities that most of us take for granted, I'm hoping she will choose to breastfeed because it will be particularly convenient for their lifestyle.
I totally agree. I am still nursing at 14 months. I only nursed my first baby for about four days, it was so expensive, time-consuming, pain in the ass when the power went out, ugh! No thanks! I would never choose to do that again. This has been so much easier, aside from the initial few days
Two of my sons are talking about starting families with their wives and I hope they choose to nurse their babies.
When the time comes, I'll express my opinion about it early on - once -, but ultimately, I know it is their decision to make. I'm not going to lie, though - I will be disappointed if they don't at least try.
One of those sons nursed until he was 3 1/2 and he likes to tell people that's why he's so smart, so hopefully he'll convince his significant other it's the way to go if she's hesitant.
When PhD son got his degree I stood up and Yelled" He only came this far cause I nursed him for 2 and a half years" and whenever I look at his beautiful square jaw line I think to myself " It's cause I nursed him so long he has that beautiful jawline". Well I didn't do the first but I told him I would but I do often think the second.
When PhD son got his degree I stood up and Yelled" He only came this farcause I nursed him for 2 and a half years" and whenever I look at his beautiful square jaw line I think to myself " It's cause I nursed him so long he has that beautiful jawline". Well I didn't do the first but I told him I would but I do often think the second.
And because the audience and stage would have been filled with well read, well educated people they probably would have cheered and agreed with you!
The sad thing is that unless you are around supportive, knowledgeable, experienced people young mothers don't always get the first strong encouragement to breast feed their children. When my DIL had a few difficulties with my grandson breast feeding I was able to make a few suggestions (when they asked for help) because I had breastfed my children and ditto for her mother. She ultimately needed to go to a "lactation specialist" but at least she tried a few "common sense" solutions to keep her going through the first rough patches.
Whereas, I can think of few of my husband's relatives who "tried to breastfed" but gave up within a few days or a week, I believe, in part, because they didn't have other experienced mothers cheering them on. It was sad.
The shortest time I breastfed any of my five boys was nine months (the oldest - he weaned himself before I was ready); the longest time was almost four years (the youngest).
I understand why some women can't do it, but it is hard for me to "get" why women who can choose not to.
Besides the benefits to the baby, it is so much easier and more convenient than dealing with bottles and formula, as well as so much cheaper. I have never bought formula in my life but I have been behind parents in the checkout and I'm always amazed at how expensive it is (the few times I've paid attention).
I do understand some of it. The reasons that I have heard are not ones that would impact my choices. But I can share some of the reasons I have heard over the years.
One reason or category of reasons I have heard is related to the sexual function of the breast. I am not here to argue if it is or is not a legitimate function of the breast. I have heard objects like my husband thinks it is gross. Of that it belongs to him and the sanctity of marriage first over the parent relationship. In this category, I had a friend who would not do it because she heard that a woman can get aroused by nursing. She was just horrified that that could happen in any way, shape or form with anyone but her husband.
I have heard people say it is, in fact, easier. I know it would have been for me rather than pumping several times a day. During my maternity leave, it was CLEARLY easier to nurse. But once I went back to work, not so much.
There is also the cultural reverence in the States of science over all. Once upon a time, that SCIENCE had made this super formula was compelling enough reason. People truly believed it was better for the baby. That notion still lingers in our collective consciousness.
I think the bummer is that this is just another topic that people tend to fight over in a judgmental manner. I think the reasons in the first category are silly. But my saying so will not help one more baby get nursed. And if it is going to freak Mom out, then it probably will be less than ideal overall.
Attitudes change with time, but slowly.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
