https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:06:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554160 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:26:44 +0000 Turd Ferguson 554160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to say that when I skimmed the title of this thread, I thought it said "breeding facts and information." </p> <p>Fail. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554134 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:15:16 +0000 MsMini 554134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think that the use of formula when necessary is a benefit that cannot be understated. I am an NICU nurse, and I am also working on becoming an IBCLC, but I have a great respect for the use of formula as well.</p> <p>I think a lot of "lactivists" end up do the breast feeding movement a great disservice actually, because their stance and attitudes can be quite off putting, and like any other extremely strong viewed person, can come off as narrow minded and judgemental (even if they aren't trying to be). </p> <p>Like anything else in life, a balanced approach and keeping open minded, as well as avoiding inflammatory language will get you a lot farther with people.</p> <p>We have a particularly staunch lactivist LC that we used to consult in out NICU, at ended up putting off more Moms than she helped, so we no longer bring her in, especially since our NICU has a 90% breast feeding success rate (ie still breastfeeding at 3 months post discharge).</p> <p>I love breastfeeding MY baby, and we struggled like crazy with inverted nipples (even though I prepped then with breast shells for 4 weeks prior to birth), jaundice, low blood sugar, and excessive weight loss, even despite me offering formula supplementation after every feed from birth until my milk came in. Had I not been open minded and used formula, my baby almost certainly would have ended up admitted to NICU with glucose IVs and phototherapy lights. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554124 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:10:49 +0000 mamimami 554124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jedeve: Excellent point. Not every assertion is about each of us as individuals! It's hard but I think sometimes we as mamas are a little touchy on this and many other topics!</p> <p>@junebugmama: I appreciate the info and your intentions and I think this thread has gotten out of control! :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554119 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:09:15 +0000 junebugmama 554119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes @hummusgirl I also had to supplement. I was induced due to pre-eclampsia and my milk did not come in for 10 plus days. My first pedi actually told me everything was fine and she "could tell" that my milk had come in. I didn't trust that, I felt like something was off and met with an amazing LC, who agreed with me. My son had lost over a pound at the time. </p> <p>I just chose to use donor milk instead of formula. I feel lucky to have had that option, but would have given formula gladly if I didn't have that choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554111 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:04:10 +0000 junebugmama 554111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I hate to be viewed as confrontational, especially on this topic. I feel that most people assume I think they are bad parents, or their children are suffering, because breast feeding wasn't their choice. Unfortunately, that exact thing happened in this post. </p> <p>Lets be honest, regardless of how you choose to feed your baby, where you decide for your baby to sleep, etc. being a parent is hard as hell. Probably, the hardest thing I have ever decided to do. I respect and feel for anyone who is trying to do the best for their children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554106 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:58:31 +0000 hummusgirl 554106@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rachiecakes: Oh my gosh that is so sad. It's understandable though. I know I bought into the breastfeeding dogma hook, line and sinker. I can totally see why someone would think their doctor is just pushing formula unnecessarily or that supplementing with a little formula before your milk comes in will tank your supply, because that kind of paranoia is everywhere. Thank goodness I had an amazing LC who kindly explained my baby was losing weight at an alarming rate and showed me how to formula feed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-554029 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:19:58 +0000 cascademom 554029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Your 3am newborn visit sounds similar to our experience. At Day 3, my milk hadn't come in and my son was pissed off and screaming. We went and got formula until it came in. After a tearful visit to the peds, we got formula, bottles, nipples to get us through that time. Once my supply was established, he's been EBF ever since. I pump at work and worry constantly about my supply. MMP has been helpful moreso than just fenugreek. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-553972 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:59:30 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 553972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: by not posting on the posts you found inaccurate you really missed a great opportunity to educate the community. I often read through old posts and review/ research the comments. Having a difference of opinion, sharing one's own experience enhances the post. Next time pleassse put your two cents in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-553957 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:49:40 +0000 Bao 553957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I got your point! It was just helpful information, thank you! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-553950 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:45:24 +0000 junebugmama 553950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MerryC: Even drops have been proven to benefit babies. </p> <p>@Rainbow Sprinkles: This post clearly has no point anymore. </p> <p>There were a few posts last night with some very misguided statements. I posted facts in a separate post, in order to not directly point fingers at people. That obviously back fired. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-553900 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:22:22 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 553900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is the point of this post, OP? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/3#post-553867 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:09:40 +0000 pinkcupcake 553867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shortcake: very well-said. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553865 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:09:04 +0000 twinmama 553865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: Do you know if there have been studies addressing how much breastmilk is necessary to receive the (biological) benefits?</p> <p>I'm only producing at most 3 oz a day right now (divided by 2 kids), and am planning to keep pumping as long as I'm producing. But I have heard different things about how much breastmilk the kids need to intake to benefit from it. My LC says even drops are wonderful for them (immunologically), and I've also read on HB that 2 bottles (I guess 8 oz?) provides similar benefits to EBF. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553862 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:08:26 +0000 yoursilverlining 553862@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shortcake: Well said. Agree completely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553859 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:06:53 +0000 jedeve 553859@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These discussions are fascinating to me, since I studied public health in grad school. The fact is that "public" health can be very different than "personal" health. From a public health perspective, breastmilk has more benefits than formula. Basically, there are benefits to the entire community when more babies are fed from the breast. That doesn't mean that for each individual mother and child breastmilk will be the best decision. Most likely it will be, but not always. </p> <p>The thing is we have decided to add value to it. (Or assume other people are adding value to our decision). And so a lot of formula moms end up feeling guilty about their choice. </p> <p>I don't think it is fair to attack the public health message that breast is best. It's not designed to make anyone feel guilty, and it's not referring to any individual situation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553854 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:05:08 +0000 pinkcupcake 553854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mediagirl: THIS. I needed to rent a double electric hospital grade pump right after I had my baby b/c my milk wasn't coming in. Even with my awesome insurance, I still had to pay a copay each month for the pump (granted now, it'd be covered under the ACA but back then, it wasn't). It was necessary that I keep pumping to increase (and then maintain) my supply so I needed pumping bottles. Once I started working, my electric pump was a MUST. With the amount of work I had, I could barely afford to take my pumping breaks regularly - I needed that double electric pump so I could efficiently pump my milk in the 15-20 minutes I had. My tubing got a hole in it so I needed to pay for and replace that. </p> <p>Guess I'm just trying to say - breast feeding can get pricey too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553841 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:59:39 +0000 shortcake 553841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am bit confused about this post. You say you hate misinformation and then you bastardize results from some studies and post links to other studies that support your agenda. How is this helpful? </p> <p>The health, social and economic benefits of breastfeeding are not necessarily in dispute, but they observation benefits at best. There are no studies that are conclusive because there is no possible way to account for other genetic, development, societal, health, economic, educational and other factors. Since researchers are not able to conduct studies where they tell one group of women to solely breastfeed and the other to solely formula feed and then account for every other factor that might influence intelligence, health, etc., every one of the so called benefits you list is largely conjecture. Calling something a fact does not actually make it a fact. I think information like this scares women into thinking that if they do not breastfeed, their child will not be smart or healthy. This is just not true. </p> <p>I am so tired of this debate. Do what is best for yourself, your baby and your family and allow every other woman the option to do what is best for herself, her baby and her family. I do not object to information being shared, but there is such a judgey undertone here and yes, you do sound defensive.</p> <p>Formula has been lifesaving and life-sustaining for hundreds of thousands of babies around the world. And it has an interesting historical, scientific and sociological place in past century. Let's not forget all the babies that were either fed by someone else or died before formula was an option. Why not be thankful it is widely available if and when you need to use it. </p> <p>I think breastfeeding should be encouraged and supported, but there so many factors that you just fail to mention. What other moms need is a thoughtful, supportive and nuanced discussion of this topic and their choices. And for the record, I entirely breastfed my daughter for 6 months and partially breastfed for additional 6 weeks. I made the best decision for me and her. </p> <p>For more information, this is a particularly interesting read: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/307311/2/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/04/the-case-against-breast-feeding/307311/2/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553830 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:57:21 +0000 Goldilocks1107 553830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whenever there's a study proving something, there's another study to disprove it. I think a lot of the comments on her support that. For example, a decision like breastfeeding in a third-world country probably provides a huge amount of benefits when compared to babies who aren't breastfed. But in a first-world country, those benefits tend to be more minimal because of all the other resources available. Socio-economic standing also plays a bit role (along with parenting styles). To say improved intelligence, reduced risk of obesity and others are because a baby was breastfed ignores all the other variables involved.<br /> Just pulling one study from MSU (I've seen others but am too lazy to find them), lower income mothers are less likely to breastfeed, but they are also less likely to have access (or can afford) healthier food choices. When you look at that one group, are the higher rates of obesity caused by not breastfeeding or not having access to healthy food?<br /> All these things need to be considered, instead of looking at each variable in a vacuum and provided when sharing statistics to people looking for information. To not do so is simply a disservice.</p> <p><a href="http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2012/very-few-low-income-moms-meet-breastfeeding-recommendations/" rel="nofollow">http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2012/very-few-low-income-moms-meet-breastfeeding-recommendations/</a></p> <p><a href="http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/why-are-low-income-and-food-insecure-people-vulnerable-to-obesity/" rel="nofollow">http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/why-are-low-income-and-food-insecure-people-vulnerable-to-obesity/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553821 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:55:23 +0000 rachiecakes 553821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: @regberadaisy: I hate reading stories like that. One of my very close friends had this happen and has been in therapy ever since. Her DS is 2 now. When he was less than a week old they ended up in the ER, he was dehydrated and the nurse basically accused her of 'starving' her son. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553772 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:44:00 +0000 hummusgirl 553772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think part of the problem when citing all of these benefits without giving actual numbers is that they can be misleading. Part of my job deals with cancer research. When new data comes out showing a "statistically significant" improvement from some medicine, the media will dutifully report on it and patients may get their hopes up. Unfortunately, the improvements are often significant from a statistical perspective only, like giving the average patient 2 more weeks to live. That's important and great news in the cancer field, but the average patient probably wouldn't see it that way. </p> <p>Same thing with breastfeeding. I can't find it now, but I read a study once about diarrhea (I think) in formula-fed vs. breastfed babies, and the conclusion was something like 13 of 100 formula babies had one incidence, compared to 9 of 100 breastfed babies. That's a statistically significant difference, but not really worth driving yourself to tears or insanity trying to give your child breastmilk if it's not working for you. But if you just read that long list of benefits, you'd easily conclude that you're dooming your child to a life of illness if you formula feed. </p> <p>I think we do a disservice to mothers by vilifying formula (not that you did that, @junebugmama, but it happens a lot). Here's a really sad story about a baby who ended up in the hospital for dehydration because her mother had been so thoroughly brainwashed that she refused to give her child formula (she ended up fine thank goodness). <a href="http://www.fearlessformulafeeder.com/2013/02/fff-friday-she-offered-me-more-advice-on-how-i-could-try-harder/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fearlessformulafeeder.com/2013/02/fff-friday-she-offered-me-more-advice-on-how-i-could-try-harder/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553759 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:39:46 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 553759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: thanks </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553742 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:34:21 +0000 winniebee 553742@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: If your baby has a milk protein or soy protein intolerance, you need to cut out from your diet all food and drink products containing those proteins (or by-products of them). My son had bloody stools starting at 8 weeks and was diagnosed with a milk protein intolerance. Mrs. Jacks did an entire blog post on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553737 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:32:22 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 553737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: tell me more about elimination diet please </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553725 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:27:39 +0000 littlebittyhouse 553725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think all of the breastfeeding information is really great and I think it is important for babies to get human milk. That said, rule number one is:</p> <p>"Feed the baby"</p> <p>Feed the baby however that may be. I will be honest and say that it does irritate me when people don't consider BF as an option - I feel really strongly about this. At the end of the day though, we all need to do what is best for us, our babies and our families.</p> <p>I have been on an elinination diet since 8 weeks PP, am a WOHM and I EBF - let me tell you, it is HARD. I am lucky to have a great support system both at home and at work. I'm currently struggling with low supply and that is even harder. Even with a great support system and my dedication this could mean the end of my BF relationship way earlier than I had wanted and that is super sad. </p> <p>I have to remind myself, no matter what, it all comes back to the number one rule. Feed the baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553706 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:20:57 +0000 junebugmama 553706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: I'm out, but will provide links to multiple studies that site data behind infant sleeping. </p> <p>I am sorry if my facts come across as judging ff Moms. That's was not my intent at all. I was not trying to put anyone on the defensive. Facts are facts, but as I stated before, everyone has to make their own decisions for their families regardless of he facts. </p> <p>I do NOT pressure my clients to breast feed at all costs. Out of the 12 clients I have, I am currently helping 3 of them to wean, for very good reasons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553705 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:19:21 +0000 hilsy85 553705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@plantains: thanks! We're right at that point, so fingers crossed we sneak past it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553703 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:18:50 +0000 regberadaisy 553703@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: well said. I think bc we all love and trust this community so much that we often forget it IS the Internet. Most questions and facts such as these are best left directed at our pediatrician whom you should trust explicitly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553701 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:18:32 +0000 plantains 553701@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: don't be scared! My DD used to sleep great long stretches when she was Leo's age. We had an Angelcare monitor but stopped using it because the false alarms were freaking me out. </p> <p>I say enjoy the long stretches and hope and pray that he doesn't have a regression at 4 months! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553700 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:18:17 +0000 winniebee 553700@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: love "beediatrician!" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-facts-and-information/page/2#post-553699 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:18:06 +0000 runsyellowlites 553699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stargal: I think I must be the odd ball b/c I ff my first (breastfeeding didn't work out) &amp; I'm now really anti-formula, but I never felt guilty about our feeding choice with G and still don't feel like a failed him or anything... even with my stance on formula. </p> <p>I think we do the best we can with the information &amp; resources we have at any given time and regardless of what the stats are there isn't any reason to feel guilty in doing so. </p>