? for those not breast feeding

do you get a reaction from people like they are shocked when you tell them that you are going to formula feed?
I spoke to a friend yesterday that assumed i was and when i told her no she was like- really???? not even for a few months???? she didn't know what to say so i quickly changed the topic.

i always thought most people breast fed up until a few months ago when my friend had her baby and when i asked her she said she wasn't going to. I just thought it was the thing to do. After that i realized that it really is a personal choice and you shouldn't be made to feel like you are doing something wrong because you plan to formula feed.
Now that i'm going through this myself and getting the reactions i get from some people, i feel like i have to defend myself!

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

Isn't it amazing how opinionated people can be?

I am finding the same thing, but for me it is because I tell people I don't want an epidural. IMO, everyone should respect other people's decisions, even if it is not the decision that you would choose... and don't make them feel bad for doing one thing or the other.

Breast feeding is not for everyone and I agree with you 100% that it is a personal choice. Feel good about your decision!

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

Actually I have never had an issue when i tell me people that I dont plan on breast feeding. As you said it is each womens individual choice whether or not she chooses to breastfeed...Just like having a Natural Childbirth Breastfeeding just doesnt work out for everyone..our bodies are all different.

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

no, and everyone thats asked me is a mom. so they know that you have to do whats best for you.

but i hear what you are saying, everyone has an opinion on your boobs when you are pg.

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I have many many friends tell me off..
I said first of all are you the ONE pregnant.. Second is it your breast...

I find it NOT FOR ME.. and how dare you comment and say I HAVE TO... its what we are born for.
blablabla

these people can shove it up their!!!!!!!!!

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

People were very vocal with my decision. I kept saying....its my body, my baby, my decision.

The only places i didn't have a lot of problems with were my obgyn, the hospital and the ped. office.

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I have received many shocked looks from people when I say I am formula feeding. The biggest culprit believe it or not was my brother. I guess his wife has him so convinced that b/f is a must. But it is my body and my choice and I dont care what people say or think. I did do research and thought about it, but in the end I just feel like it wont be for me. Do what you want and dont let others weigh on your decision.

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

OMG yes! I am only 13 weeks and already I'm getting it. They ask, I don't make a big deal of it and just say "we're going to formula feed, it's a better fit for us," and they BUG OUT. Most actually are like oh, well you'll do it for the first four weeks you mean. Um, no, if that's what I meant, that's what I would have said.

Not sure when my breasts became a socially acceptable topic of conversation

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

My family has been great. My mom didn't breastfeed, so no problems there. The absolute first thing my landlady asked me, before even congratulating us, actually she didn't even ask, she said your gonna breastfeed right...me no...she went off for a good 15 minutes why I should. I left that conversation with well, its not something my husband and I are going to do, thanks for your opinion though. Nobody is ever going to change my mind. DH and I have agreed about this from day one, so I wish others would just shut it!!

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I wonder why people feel the need to voice how they feel about you breast feeding..

I could care less what anyone else does..

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

If they aren't shocked that you're not BFing, they're shocked if you are.....

Pregnancy is a catch 22 with people. There will always be someone to p!ss you off.

I have learned that you need to be vague with people in order to maintain you're sanity.

Oh, are you going to BF? I haven't decided yet......

What names do you have picked out? We haven't decided yet......

Do you know what you're having? No, we haven't decided yet........

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I might have it worse....I work with nurses on a baby unit.
People are APPALLED that I want to formula feed. They ask me "do you think GOD have u those things just for the opposite sex's enjoyment?" My reply? "It's because of THESE THINGS that I'm preggo in the first place. I think they played their part."

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

Posted by WannaBeAMommy

I might have it worse....I work with nurses on a baby unit.
People are APPALLED that I want to formula feed. They ask me "do you think GOD have u those things just for the opposite sex's enjoyment?" My reply? "It's because of THESE THINGS that I'm preggo in the first place. I think they played their part."

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

Posted by WannaBeAMommy

I might have it worse....I work with nurses on a baby unit.
People are APPALLED that I want to formula feed. They ask me "do you think GOD have u those things just for the opposite sex's enjoyment?" My reply? "It's because of THESE THINGS that I'm preggo in the first place. I think they played their part."

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I didn't really get much of a reaction when I was pregnant b/c I just said I had to go back to work very soon after DS was born. I ended up not going back to work and I get it now. DH and I had DS in the bank the other day and the woman at the bank was like "Oh, don't you breast feed?" when I gave DS a bottle, so I said no and she said "Oh you should have, it is SO much better for the baby". HELLO!? I don't KNOW you!

Re: ? for those not breast feeding

I'm sorry you get those reactions. It's a very personal decision. I sometimes feel like I get similar reactions even though I am going to BF, at least as long as it works. You have to do what is right for you and just ignore them.