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Alli06
Baby #3 coming this June
Member since 8/05 6721 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I agree with this to a point. When I had my first child, I was having a really hard time BF in the hospital. I had no help from the nurses. They where mean and just kept pushing for me to keep the baby in the nursery overnight and they would give him a bottle. The lactaion consultant was on Maternity leave. They gave me a bag with formula when I left. I was determined to BF, and wound up doing it for 7 months. Someone who wasn't so determined to BF, would most likely give up because of having no support at the hospital. BF is not easy in the beginning.
With my second child at a different hosptial I got a whole difference experience. They pushed to keep DS in my room at all times. I BF him and hour after he was born. They did not offer me any formula, and there was alot of people who came into help. I was a second time mother who already BF, so I'm not sure if that made a difference.
So I don't think it is bad to help mothers who are on the fence about BF by not offering formula right away. But they need to have a lot of support at the hospital for these women to get this to work.
Another issue I have is, they want women to EBF for a year, but most women have to return back to work after 12 weeks. It is a horrible ecomony and most women have to work full-time. You can pump, but it is not that easy at certain jobs. They should be working on women having longer paid maternity leave.
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Posted 7/29/12 10:14 PM  |
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clmj2
cant believe hes gone
Member since 3/07 4407 total posts
Name:
Candice
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
i am glad i dont live there, when i had DD i tried to breastfeed. she lost 17% of her birth weight after 2 days...i had NO milk. after 5 days in the hospital and DD being given formula doctors orders she gained enough weight to go home.
I never ended up having enough milk to keep DD alive. shes 4.5 now and alive and healthy, i am thankful for formula being an option!
ETA: the nurses did try to help me with my goal of breastfeeding, but always had formula at every feeding knowing i was not producing what was needed to keep DD alive.
Message edited 7/29/2012 10:17:41 PM.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:16 PM |
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Grill
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 994 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I am flabbergasted at the list of CONS that was posted. I don't know why I'm responding to them because they honestly don't even make a dent in a risk/benefit analysis of BFing vs. Formula. In fact, most of them are not even valid CONS in any medical/health/financial sense. But...I am feeling compelled to provide a response to each in hopes of helping new moms who may be on the brink of making their decisions.
Increases your risk for breast infection or mastitis.-- Very rare occurrence, mostly due to poor latch or pumping. Very easily treated and certainly not a reason to not BF.
Higher levels of jaundice are found in babies who are breastfed- AND the solution for "BFing jaundice", which is a different etiology from other causes of jaundice is to nurse more. So again, not a reason not to BF.
Baby may get dehydrated easier- ?? Source ??
Risk of cavities in infants who are breastfed for over a year – Please note, however, that the risk of cavities is still higher for formula-fed babies. ?? Source ?? With the proper latch, the milk never touches the teeth. The only concern is when the milk pools in the mouth, which can occur when baby falls asleep at the breast.
Risk of rickets (vitamin-D deficiency) – especially in darker skinned babies. This is not a CON of BFing. If the mother has acceptable vitamin D levels it's likely her milk will too. In our latitude most women are deficient and therefore their milk is. Women can take supplements or give their young supplements directly.
Not necessarily convenient – Although promotion for breastfeeding has made leaps and bounds over the years, there are few places in public that cater to the breastfeeding mother. Many mothers can end up feeling very frustrated over this severe oversight. ---Just silly. Feed your baby, wherever you are. Don't suffocate him under a blanket while he eats either. It's hard and takes courage, but you will feel liberated and your child will learn a valuable lesson about individuality and standing up for what you believe in.
Must always be available for feeding or provide pumped breast milk if absent – After a long pregnancy and grueling delivery, a new mother needs her rest to recover. Newborns must eat every two to three hours for the first weeks of life. The constant caring for her newborn can leave an already tired mother feeling even more fatigued. ---Yes, it's called MOTHERING.
First weeks of breastfeeding may be very painful ---Again, MOTHERING.
Certain medications can interrupt breastfeeding--Not a CON of BFing, but a possible event if a mother needs to go on meds...but still not related to BFing.
Your diet can have an effect on the baby---Yup...again, MOTHERING.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:22 PM |
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Grill
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 994 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
And for those Moms who weren't able to BF despite their desires and efforts....another mothers milk or formula are great options. There's no debate there. The point is to try to encourage more mothers to see that BFing shouldn't really be a choice....it comes with the territory of mothering. And if for the rare reason that a mother can't....there are alternatives that will help her and her baby thrive.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:25 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19453 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Bloomberg is off his rocker with this one. I am all for BFing, I nursed both of my kids (DS for one year and DD for 6 months). But I do NOT support this legislation at all. It is a mother's choice whether or not to nurse or give formula. Period.
I get his public health initiative, but there are so many women who for what ever reason, health, inability to latch, have to go back to work, or just don't want to, or can't nurse. And if that is the case it is their body and they have every right to say they want to FF their child.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:31 PM |
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Naturalmama
Love my boys!!
Member since 1/12 3548 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Grill
And for those Moms who weren't able to BF despite their desires and efforts....another mothers milk or formula are great options. There's no debate there. The point is to try to encourage more mothers to see that BFing shouldn't really be a choice....it comes with the territory of mothering. And if for the rare reason that a mother can't....there are alternatives that will help her and her baby thrive.
I am pro BF- I BF my son until 14 months. BUT, I believe that breastfeeding should definitely be a choice. My friend CHOSE to FF her son, and she is a damn good mother. There are so many things that make a good mother- how you feed your child isn't one of them. As long as you feed your child, who cares??
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:32 PM |
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Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Ok, whoa..I don't think this should be another mother against mother argument..I think this is more about someone else stepping in (conveniently, it's the same man who loves to make decisions for others quite often, lately) and making decisions for MOTHERS about their MOTHERING...I agree that people should BF if they can and want to...but a resentful mother who has no interest is not going to put in the time and effort no matter what you do so what would starving a baby do at that point? I am pro BFing and tried as much as I could, pumped a pittance for 4.5 months and supplemented..I did not have a good supply and DD couldn't latch..we were fortunate enough to have an LC come and hospital support and I went to a group...not every mom can/will do that and my DD still wasn't exclusively BF..my bottom line is that I do not want THIS MAN making MY decisions as a MOTHER and that is me MOTHERING...
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:33 PM |
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Melbernai
I am a lucky Momma!
Member since 7/05 15652 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by sarahbelle
I can't stand this man. Perhaps he should use his position to advocate for longer/PAID maternity leaves for moms...that would have allowed me to breastfeed a lot longer than a lecture from the nurse in the hospital.
I SOOO agree with this!!! 
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:38 PM |
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Alexandra17
Keep It Positive
Member since 4/09 6262 total posts
Name:
Alexandra (ali)
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
GRILL
Get off your damn high horse for JUST ONCE.
If I had someone lecturing me about BFing each time I needed to feed my baby, I would be livid. Some people CAN NOT breast feed or choose not to. It is not of anyone's business. Some babies can't thrive and need assistance. This angers me so much that it is being force fed upon people.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:42 PM |
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Grill
And for those Moms who weren't able to BF despite their desires and efforts....another mothers milk or formula are great options. There's no debate there. The point is to try to encourage more mothers to see that BFing shouldn't really be a choice....it comes with the territory of mothering. And if for the rare reason that a mother can't....there are alternatives that will help her and her baby thrive.
who are you define what comes with the territory of mothering? You can only define it for yourself.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:42 PM |
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Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I think it would be nice to not get "gifts" from Enfamil and Similac at my 20 wk and 36 wk appointments, free formula at the hospital and sent to me. I find it frustrating and a waste. What I did appreciate was the breastfeeding kit they gave me in pp. THAT was helpful. Nobody is taking away a right here, just not making formulas as accessible. Is that really a bad thing? No babies will starve to death and nobody is saying No.....I know at my hospital if you ebf they will fight tooth and nail to NOT give you formula even if you ask. Is it frustrating, YUP, but in the end you have the say and they show you ways to keep on ebfing with help instead of "throwing in the towel". I fought for an ounce of formula because the nurses thought I was giving up. I finally explained it good enough and my nurse was a rock star and showed me this cool SNS kit. Guess what....I got to breastfeed AND give him an ounce of formula. Why is it ok to "force" an ebf mama to keep going, but we can't suggest that a new mom at least try breastfeeding?
Message edited 7/30/2012 12:32:03 PM.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:42 PM |
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
this guys out to lunch
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:46 PM |
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Melbernai
I am a lucky Momma!
Member since 7/05 15652 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Alli06
Another issue I have is, they want women to EBF for a year, but most women have to return back to work after 12 weeks. It is a horrible ecomony and most women have to work full-time. You can pump, but it is not that easy at certain jobs. They should be working on women having longer paid maternity leave.
I know very few women who even get 12 weeks! With my first I got 8 weeks UNPAID after a c-section, working as a teacher for the NYC DOE. I had to borrow days becuase I was only there for 1 school year before getting pregnant, and it took me 4 years to pay those days back to the DOE, with them taking money out of each paycheck for them.
Then there was the commute from Nassau to Bushwick, Brooklyn, going to school for my masters nights and weekends...honestly, I was stretched so thin during that first year...I don't know if I could have handled pumping on top of it all.
Now 6 years later I am a SAHM with my 2nd child, and I was not able to exclusively BF because I did not produce enough milk. At 2 weeks she had lost a full pound and was continuing to lose, and was dangerously jaundice. She hadn't had any formula at that point. I started pumping so that I could count how many ounces she was getting, and found out so much about my body's ability to produce or let down milk. I pumped for 3 months and 1 week of her life, and had bruises all over my breasts for that time because in order to get the milk out (even with a very high-quality breast pump and working with a lactation consultant) I had to squeeze my breasts very hard...I still didn't produce enough for her and had to supplement with formula. It was stressful, and on top of that I had a 6 year old to care for as well. The weeks after Riley's birth were scary and emotional, because she was not thriving on my breast milk. Now that I am past that, I am so thankful for formula. My Daughter is growing, hitting milestones, and is a happy, cooing, healthy baby. I would have loved for her to be 100% breastfed, but thank my lucky stars every day that formula is an option because I don't know what would have happened if it wasn't!
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:53 PM |
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JenandMikey
life is good =)
Member since 5/07 4216 total posts
Name:
We're so blessed!
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Grill
I am flabbergasted at the list of CONS that was posted. I don't know why I'm responding to them because they honestly don't even make a dent in a risk/benefit analysis of BFing vs. Formula. In fact, most of them are not even valid CONS in any medical/health/financial sense. But...I am feeling compelled to provide a response to each in hopes of helping new moms who may be on the brink of making their decisions.
i have to say i didnt think that this would end up in a debate about bf vs ff but i guess thats lif lol my main argument with bloomberg is "his way" that he thinks its ok for him to invade people's lives and THEIR individual decisions....i feel NO ONE should be lectured for THEIR choices....BF OR FORMULA FEEDING....i was asked for negatives and i listed a couple
the site i used, used the term "cons" i would rather the term "negatives" and although you might be flabbergasted, the reality is that there are bf negatives for the mother, the father, the child and/or all three....as i said before everything in the world even a natural bodily function can have negatives that go along with it because bottom line NO ONE CHOICE IN THIS WORLD IS PERFECT....as for the dehydration negative listed i looked it up... the la leche league addresses this because it can be an issue basically because it can be difficult to keep track of how much the baby is consuming when bf so its possible that the baby isnt getting enough and if not educated on the signs its possible dehydration can occur very quickly.....some of the things listed might be things that aren't as common as others but the reality is there are negatives.....which to me can be very comparable to a possible popular negative of formula fed children that "formula fed kids aren't as smart, and aren't as healthy" i would like to see a true long term study which shows this is as absolutely true because otherwise these formula negatives are just as rare and uncommon as those i found for breastfeeding
and now i would like to rest with this statement:
breastfeed if thats what you feel is right and formula feed if that is what you feel is right and bloomberg you and this movement can suck it lol
Message edited 7/29/2012 11:12:54 PM.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:53 PM |
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Strawberry2468
It's summatime
Member since 3/09 4739 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Riiighht! Maybe he would like to come BF my twins himself because although I'm all for BF if its your choice, I'm not up for it.
And our insurance pays for that free take home formula so he can go scratch.
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| Posted 7/29/12 10:57 PM |
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Tammy503
LIF Infant
Member since 6/06 263 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I haven't posted on this board in years and may regret jumping into this topic but just wanted to point out that this is not a Bloomberg initiative. That Post article is purposedly misleading and inflammatory. It is a part of the Baby Friendly Initiative of the World Health Organization and UNICEF to promote breastfeeding worldwide. It's been in existence over 20 years but not promoted here in New York. It is not a law or regulation. Its a means to make sure that patients are educated about breastfeeding and given the proper support to be successful. Patients are not lectured if they choose formula and certainly do not get a talk on the benefits of breastmilk every time they request formula. They do have to ask for it. It will not be automatically given because it has been proven in multiple studies that having formula readily available increases the likelihood that women who planned to breastfeed will not do so. I don't want to argue about the benefits of breastfeeding. The benefits are well established and noted by every relevant major medical organization. Breastfeeding may not be possible, feasible or desirable for many women but the science is what it is.
For what its worth I am a physician who works at a NYC hospital that is going through this process right now.
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| Posted 7/29/12 11:12 PM |
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Jan1975
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Member since 8/09 3846 total posts
Name:
Sarah
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Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I am going to play devils advocate here (without reading everyone's responses) and say that perhaps instead of using the word "lecture" , maybe we should say that women will be "educated" about BF. Many women know about the benefits of BF some choose to do it, some not, this is not anybody's decision to make but our own. However, maybe there are women out there, young mothers in particular, who do not know all the great benefits of BF and this is a way to educate them.
In the article it does state that if a mother wants to FF they will be able to. While I understand the effort and support BF 100% I would hate to see an initiative like this tarnish the experience of childbirth, where emotions are running high, a mother might feel guilty or upset. IDK it is not an easy answer.
Message edited 7/29/2012 11:23:45 PM.
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| Posted 7/29/12 11:21 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Strawberry2468
Riiighht! Maybe he would like to come BF my twins himself because although I'm all for BF if its your choice, I'm not up for it.
And our insurance pays for that free take home formula so he can go scratch.
LOL
Bloomberg better start bloomin' now. 
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| Posted 7/29/12 11:28 PM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
BF-ing is great, but its a choice. I am all for increasing education, etc, but to lecture a new mom is ridiculous in my book. Most people know the deal, but choose for whatever reason to BF or FF. As moms we make choices that best suite our families and our situations. I agree that more effort should be made to extend maternity leaves vs push decisions regarding a persons body, etc. TBH, the lactation consultants at hospitals would also have to up their game for something like this to go through. When DS was born I wanted to EBF. I couldnt bribe a lactation consultant to come to my room after numerous requests. I tried to wing it, but it wasnt working and the nurses were useless. I had no idea what I was doing. Finally, I gave in and gave DS a formula bottle after the lactation consultant did not come after 24 hrs I think. Finally on my last day in the hospital the LC came in a few hrs before discharge and attempted to lecture me regarding giving DS a bottle and told me I was going to confuse him (which I didnt...DS happily nursed (following help from one of my friends suggestions that helped him latch) and took both breast and bottle...and BINKY without issue). At that point I ripped her a new one. My point is, hospitals arent exactly doing a standup job now helping new moms nurse (not a universal statement, but I am not alone in this situation either). Taking away options and giving new moms guilt trips and lectures is not a good answer.
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| Posted 7/29/12 11:30 PM |
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MrsCampos10-01-10
Jovani Edward is HERE!!!
Member since 10/10 2500 total posts
Name:
Jenna
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Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
What I think should be done is more BF education to healthcare professionals. While pregnant all you hear is BF, BF, BF, but when you have a problem they push the formula because they don't want to be bothered! I'm so angry about this! I had to hire a LC because the nurses at my hospital and MDs at peds office are useless when it comes to BF info.
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| Posted 7/29/12 11:37 PM |
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JsWife
His laugh, Her smile
Member since 12/06 2902 total posts
Name:
Patricia
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I do not need anyone "educating" me on how best to nourish my children.
But...... the bigger problem is that there is nothing this idiot doesn't want to regulate. So even if you think this is a good idea - think about what the next thing he is going to attack.... might be something you enjoy.
Goes back to the big political debate of drawing the line in the sand of personal responsibility and government takeover.
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| Posted 7/30/12 12:15 AM |
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alisha
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 1199 total posts
Name:
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
I am pro BF so all I will say is this- BF is hard work. In order to have a fighting chance at being successful, formula cannot be easily accessible. I am all for this initiative.
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| Posted 7/30/12 12:18 AM |
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Mags1227
Just a mommy ...
Member since 10/10 2665 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Darn, my hospital is on that list!
i don't know what I would have done without the formula they gave me when i was discharged!
i planned on trying to breastfeed, but never had enough milk. I didn't have any formula at the house. I live on the second floor and there was no way I was walking down two flights of stairs in that first week. If it wasn't for that free formula, I'm not sure how DS would have been fed!
I guess with baby # 2 I'll have to beg them to give me some to take home. (or pray that by the time I get pregnant and have my second this very intrusive and wrong idea is no longer being followed)
p.s. all this does is make me want to NOT breastfeed.
DS was Formula Fed from 2 weeks on and he has hit his milestones early, has hardly been sick, and is off the charts for height and weight.
my friend's son (who is a year older) was breast fed and is behind, sick all the time, and so skinny you can see his ribs and tailbone.
whatever your studies may say, I know what works best for my child.
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| Posted 7/30/12 12:45 AM |
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BlessedMomma
LIF Adult
Member since 12/11 6163 total posts
Name:
Momma Bear
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by wingsofsong
I'm sure this will not be the popular response, but personally, I don't see anything wrong with it. As the article stated, no mother will be denied the formula if they ask for it. It is simply not going to be broadcast in front of them. While BF vs. FF is definitely a choice, there is plenty of evidence proving that breastmilk is best for a baby. So I see nothing wrong with educating new mothers about it. We are educated about all kinds of things that are best for our babies- sleeping on their backs, how do dress them, how often they should eat, etc. Nowhere does it say new moms will be lectured or forced or guilted into breastfeeding. Simply educated. I do think many women give up on breastfeeding (not saying all) because as we know, BF can be really difficult, and formula is SO easily accessible. We get tons of free samples, the brands and logos are everywhere. I do believe that more women would breastfeed if formula wasn't so accessible.
Im sorry I have to respectfully but outright disagree with you. First off the whole agenda of BF is so forcefully shoved down a woman throat from the second she finds out shes pregnant that its ridiculous. Every pregnancy book, every parenting book, every magazine, etc... And ita not objective its pretty much telling you if you dont BF your a horrible mother who is hurting their child. Its such horse shhhh...
What gives Bloomberg the right to tell me what I should or should noy be giving my baby??? Once again he is overstepping his reach. He should focus on the 1 million things wrong with this city and stop trying to take peoplea rights and freedoms away.
And formula should be accessible. As accessible as it currently is. Women deserve a choice! Its their God given right to make a choice. BF is not for everyone and no woman she be made to feel like a bad mother because its not for her. And the govt should not be taking that away from us or make us feel were being 'watched' or have to beg for formula.
What should a woman do if formula is counted or hard to obtain? Let her infant starve.
Im sorry I take my freedoms and rights very serioualy and im soooo done with bloombergs arrogance that he thinks he should dictate how i live my life and tell me what tl eat and drink. The govt doesnt have the right!
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| Posted 7/30/12 5:11 AM |
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BlessedMomma
LIF Adult
Member since 12/11 6163 total posts
Name:
Momma Bear
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Re: Not sure if it's been posted already...did you hear about Bloomberg's latest initiative?
Posted by Grill
And for those Moms who weren't able to BF despite their desires and efforts....another mothers milk or formula are great options. There's no debate there. The point is to try to encourage more mothers to see that BFing shouldn't really be a choice....it comes with the territory of mothering. And if for the rare reason that a mother can't....there are alternatives that will help her and her baby thrive.
BF comes with the territory of mothering so you have the right to tell another woman how to be a mother to her child? What gives you that right? BF IS snd SHOULD BE A CHOICE!!! A personal choice!!! You have no right to tell another woman how to be a mother or raise their child cause let me tell you im sure your making decisions for your child or children that people dont agree with. How would you like to be judged???
If a woman doesnt want to BF she has that right. She shouldnt be made to feel guity or told only if theres a medical reason why you cant BF is it acceptable. Otherwise were gonna guilt and force you to BF!
Have we all forgotten we live in America? Its called freedom! And no one has the right to dictate how another person should live! It doesnt affect you therefore keep the judgememt to yourselves... And mind your business...
Im shocked at how many women on here are so willingly ready to give up their right to choose... Really makes me sad...
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| Posted 7/30/12 5:26 AM |
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