https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 12:34:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1470917 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 17:57:21 +0000 daniellemybelle 1470917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it should be obvious that human milk is best for human babies. You'd never say dog's milk is best for baby cows, for example. </p> <p>Having said that, I'm glad that, like someone else said, some sanity has been brought the conversation. Formula fed babies can &amp; will turn out just fine. As a mom who has had to supplement with formula &amp; has felt enormous shame and guilt, I am very grateful for this study! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1469088 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:47:51 +0000 hummusgirl 1469088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I think the key is that this is about outcomes, which is important because many moms have somehow gotten the impression there are severe negative long-term consequences to formula-feeding, and that just doesn't seem to be the case. If someone wants to breastfeed, she should do so with a complete picture of what it can and cannot do. </p> <p>I agree that natural, organic, whole foods are best in concept, but if a study came out that showed people who were exclusively-Pop-Tart-fed turned out just as healthy as natural-food-fed people, then that would be interesting and welcome. Doesn't mean I wouldn't still eat fresh foods. </p> <p>Gahhh now I've compared formula to Pop Tarts which is NOT what I'm saying (my LO was EFF from 7 weeks). But you get the idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1469014 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:27:38 +0000 Silva 1469014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: i haven't seen anyone argue that breast milk is not preferable, if it's possible. And for what it's worth, recent research actually indicates that there is no health difference between organic and conventional foods. There is a lot of research, saying a lot of things. People clearly align themselves with the research that they agree with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1469004 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:24:04 +0000 looch 1469004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While guilt is something we feel internally, it only comes about when we are made to feel/believe/think our choices are not the "correct" ones. It is the external definition of "correct" that manifests the feelings. Without it, there wouldn't be guilt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1468996 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:21:17 +0000 MsLipGloss 1468996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjyw: Exactly. And I also exclusively BF until my LO was almost 5 months, and then needed to start supplementing. I BF morning and night (and on demand on the weekends) until LO was 15 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1468990 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:19:27 +0000 MsLipGloss 1468990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: Nope, not the same. There are several obvious barriers to organic foods . . . availability and price being among them. That's not the case with BFing . . . it is presumed that all women have equal access to BFing . . . I am sure you can connect the dots from that point. </p> <p>And yes, guilt is an internal concept . . . but would that guilt exist--or exist to this degree--but for the constant onslaught of *breast is best* mob mentality antics? Nope. Not even a chance. The vast majority of these advocates/studies/campaigns are DESIGNED to prey upon that guilt and EXPLOIT it. Period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1468986 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:19:01 +0000 junebugmama 1468986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: When my son was born, I did not have enough supply to support his need. I had a pediatrician who continued to tell me that my son was ok and that my supply would catch up, even though I kept questioning, calling and making appointments. Meanwhile he had lost 16% of his body weight. I made a choice the same night that pediatrician told me that my son was ok and "it looked like my milk had come in" to supplement, because my Mommy instinct was greater than any need I had to successfully breastfeed. So even though I am an advocate of breast milk, I am an advocate of feed your baby first, trust your motherly instinct because it is a real thing, and supporting all Mother's in their choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1468981 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:17:50 +0000 mrsjyw 1468981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I 100% agree with you that it is the same comparison and that the mom guilt is an overarching issue that we all face for whatever parenting choices we make. But, I think you can also agree that the age-old BF vs FF mama war is a HUGE one compared to other mamaguilt-ridden difference of opinions. And one that is shoved down our mom throats from all angles. You're choosing to question this article's integrity (when so few exist like this) aids the "BREAST IS BEST" saying that is shoved down FFing mamas throats CONSTANTLY.</p> <p>And I say this as a mom who EBF my child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better/page/2#post-1468970 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:15:07 +0000 junebugmama 1468970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: @mrsjyw: I think it's similar though to feeding all organic solids for instance. Studies show that organic and natural foods are better for us, in the same way that most breastfeeding studies do. </p> <p>The guilt that is felt is an internal concept that needs to be dealt with by each individual. I know there have been posts here on HB, by Moms who feed their children McDonald's and say they don't talk about it because they believe everyone here will judge them. The Mom guilt issue is something that is inherent in us, for whatever reason. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468969 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:14:54 +0000 mrbee 1468969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I was discussing the study, which is the topic of this thread.</p> <p>I forgot that you're an advocate for breastmilk. I don't have a horse in this race... I just thought it was an interesting study with a fresh approach. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468962 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:12:54 +0000 looch 1468962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I don't see the point of your apology if you still stand by your joke. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468957 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:11:03 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1468957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: it was not intended that way at all. I am sorry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468942 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:07:51 +0000 mrsjyw 1468942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: I don't think this article downs BFing mamas, but I think there are plenty of pro-BFing articles that guilt FFing mamas. Whether or not its accuracy is taken into account, I agree with @mslipgloss: that there needs to be more studies in general that don't just push BFing over FFing 100% (which a lot of articles/studies do nowadays). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468932 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:04:30 +0000 MsLipGloss 1468932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: This study is a small drop in the bucket toward accomplishing that task . . . and is a much-needed tool in trying to tip the balances back toward a more even keel. I am tired of anyone's social agenda being shoved down my throat via *study* . . . and I use that term loosely with regard to some of the nonsense I have seen passed off as *research,* and am even more disgusted at the havoc it wreaks on the mental and emotional health of those who don't fit within what are being construed as the acceptable parameters (which are, in this case, very narrow). And for what . . . what purpose exactly? I really don't know. But none that I can think of are worthy enough to inflict that kind of shame/sadness. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468931 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:04:01 +0000 junebugmama 1468931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: you do realize that you're picking apart that I used a "+" instead of typing 14? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468928 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:03:52 +0000 looch 1468928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I can only speak for myself, so here goes...</p> <p>I had no supply, I was pumping and nursing like a fool, and supplementing with formula. The decision to stop what I was doing wasn't one I arrived at lightly and I felt guilty about it for a good year. So, for you, to come in a joke about a decision that weighed so heavily on me for a long time is disheartening. It's almost like "no big deal, I can switch to formula whenever," where I couldn't go back to breastfeeding.</p> <p>It's about being sensitive to all moms, regardless of feeding choice. I see you "stand by your joke," that's fine, but don't expect people to offer you any respect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468920 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 10:02:05 +0000 mrbee 1468920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: But the study wasn't done on "4+ yr olds," as you stated above. The study evaluated the health of 4-14 year old children, and then tried to see if there was a difference in their health/behavioral outcomes based on what they had been fed growing up.</p> <p>&lt;&lt; Researchers at Ohio State University compared 1,773 sibling pairs, one of whom had been breast-fed and one bottle-fed, on 11 measures of health and intellectual competency. The children ranged in age from 4 to 14 years.</p> <p>The researchers recorded various health and behavioral outcomes in the sibling pairs, including body mass index, obesity, asthma, hyperactivity, reading comprehension, math ability and memory-based intelligence. &gt;&gt;</p> <p>I think it's important when studies come out to approach them with an open mind, and consider the possibility that there may be new information in them (and maybe also, not). I work closely with a lot of scientific studies in my work, and it's not uncommon for one new study to come out with a fresh approach and for a series of studies/trials to come out later and turn the literature/consensus on its head.</p> <p>I don't know if that's what will happen here, but I do think that it's of note and worth covering here and elsewhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468891 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:51:24 +0000 junebugmama 1468891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: 100% agree. This study though isn't the way to do that. Societal change is necessary in order to accomplish that, on both sides. No woman should be judged, harassed, or shamed regardless of the way she is feeding her baby.</p> <p>@mrbee: I actually have access to the whole study as the hospital I'm associated with purchased and distributed to us. I don't feel as though most of the articles are really expressing how very uncontrolled this study actually was, or how many of the children received some breast milk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468890 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:50:41 +0000 Smurfette 1468890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468889 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:50:14 +0000 Silva 1468889@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: it's not surprising to me. Any study that finds new information or challenges current thinking is bound to get press. And, as clearly demonstrated by many users, it is reassuring and comforting information for mothers who have experienced guilt about formula feeding.<br /> In my opinion, what is most important about this article is the dialogue it is opening up about how perhaps our current efforts to increase breastfeeding rates should be reframed to help prevent mothers who formula feed from experiencing unnecessary guilt.<br /> There are ways to encourage breastfeeding without shaming those who don't/can't. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468882 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:49:09 +0000 mrbee 1468882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugmama: the article is careful to explain how the study worked and what the limitations of the study design are. I think more research is better than less... over time, hopefully some sort of consensus will emerge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468881 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:49:04 +0000 mrsjyw 1468881@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a formula fed baby and I consider myself an intelligent, successful career woman. </p> <p>I also breastfed my child and hope that he will be successful and intelligent and healthy in his future.</p> <p>I don't think there's a right or wrong answer when it comes to baby feeding aside from "what's right for your family" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468878 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:48:16 +0000 MsLipGloss 1468878@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: The tone of your comment is cavalier and off-putting . . . and there are several inferences that can be made from your comment as well, but going down that road is a slippery slope. ETA: You should probably just quit now while you're (arguably) still ahead. </p> <p>@junebugmama: Nobody said they are the same . . . clearly, they are not the *same*. But what is clear is that no woman should be made to feel shame, self-loathing, or like she has failed in some way because BFing didn't work for her/her family (regardless of reason). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468874 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:47:26 +0000 mjane 1468874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: that book is amazing. I read it while pregnant (brilliant? worst choice ever? still not sure) and it practically changed my life. I saw him talk, as well, and he's sort of unpleasant (which I find fascinating!) but so freaking smart. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468871 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:45:50 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1468871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can see how maybe my comment could be seen as discounting the money @heartonastring has spent feeding her child (as have many other breastfeeding mom) &amp; for that I apologize. Other wise, I stand by my joke &amp; I hope others can see that it was just a comment &amp; has nearly little to nothing to do with how you feed your child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468861 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:42:42 +0000 junebugmama 1468861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I find it so funny that one study is getting so much praise and press, when there are thousands of other controlled studies, with infants and toddlers (not 4+ yr olds) that have found the opposite information. </p> <p>Do I think formula is terrible? Nope. I was formula fed and have a high IQ, went to an IVY league school, blah blah blah. However, it shouldn't be used to say that formula and breast are the same, because they are not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468831 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:34:33 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1468831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: how so? I have said nothing at all to demean someone else's decisions, I'm not seeing the issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468817 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:30:28 +0000 looch 1468817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I know you mean well with your post, but that kind of comment ignites the mommy wars. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468809 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:28:20 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1468809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@heartonastring: a lot of those things I was able to borrow or we're given to me but I'll tell you what, I'm so damn hungry while breastfeeding I know that with all the money I spend on food for myself, I may as well buy formula! lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-new-york-times-on-is-breast-feeding-really-better#post-1468781 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 09:21:50 +0000 Mrs. Blue 1468781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't want to minimize the great things about BFing or the benefits it gives your children, but it is refreshing to read something that doesn't make it seem like your kid will be an unhealthy, fat, lump with no intelligence if you don't BF. </p> <p>My boys were born a month early, were never exclusively BF, and have been on formula exclusively since they were 3 months old. Here's the shocker considering all that terrible formula. They eat as well or better than the other kids. They walk. They've gone from not being on the growth chart at all to being 42% and 17% respectively. They're starting to talk. They're happy, healthy babies. Crazy, I know. :wink: </p> <p>I get so peeved when I think of all the guilt and heartache I went through about having to give them formula. I felt like I was somehow dooming them to a life of being subpar in every area. If we have another child, I plan on BFing and trying to make it work, and if it does, it's ridiculous to think that baby would be so much better off long term than the Baby Dudes. </p> <p>I think BFing is "best" in a perfect world, but I think formula is friggin' awesome and is a great choice that will also lead to happy, healthy babies. </p> <p>Rant over. </p>