Totally makes sense since feeding babies formula introduces foreign substances to their GI tract. Of course species-specific milk would be better on their little bodies.

There is so much information out there telling moms that breastfeeding is better for babies - but these mothers need better access to SUPPORT from LC's, LLL Leaders and docs who have actually spent some time studying about BFing (most docs have little training in this area). They need the support system in place after the birth so that they can fix any problems that may occur as mom and baby are both learning what to do.

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When I got pregnant with my first child I was constintly asked if I was going to breast feed. I thought about it and just wasn't to sure if i wanted to do it. I then thought well maybe I can breast feed at fist then just pump all the time or maybe just pump and bottle feed. My doctor straight out told me that if i wanted to pump all the time to just forget about doing it at all. So I did. My son was on formula and when he was home the only time he would scream was when he would have a bottle. I figured something was wrong with the formula and I was so sorry that i didn't breast feed. Come to find out that he was lactose intolerant and milk protien intolerant so I wouldn't have been able to breast feed anyways. He had to be put on alimentum at 3 weeks old and at the same time we found out that he had acid reflux so he was then put on zantac. Anyways I did feel as though I was looked down at because I didnt breast feed but I was unable to in the end.

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I find it very disturbing that whenever this topic comes up someone implies-if docters were better trained all women would breast feed. Truth is some women can't and others just do not find it the best choice for them-and we are all so busy judging them instead of supporting them.

I breast feed my son, but have started to give him formula once every few days because I just cannot pump enough while at work all the time. When I discussed this with a lactation consultant she made me feel horrid-which really helps me since working outside the home full time on no sleep is not at all hard or anything.

Breast may be best, but its not like formula is posion-its perfectly fine and women who chose or need to feed their babies this need more guilt like they need another middle of the night feeding.

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SON CF DR PRESC NASTY SMELLY THICK FORMULA /CF HAVE GI AND ENZYME PROB DIGESTION ANYWAY/THIS PRESC PROB ONLY MADE HIM ILL MORE THAN HE WAS...

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In my area which is highly pro-breastfeeding, there's plenty of support... I visited a lactation consultant associated with my hospital many times in those first few weeks, and nearly every time I walked away with some helpful information. Of course I still hated BF at the time, no matter how good the helpful info was, but we did stick with it and I ended up being happy that we'd stuck with it.

The trick is that a lot of people I talked to at the time didn't know how to support without also pressuring at the same time.

I fell into the same trap myself when a friend of mine struggled with breastfeeding a year later and I found myself repeating the same supportive comments others had sent my way... At some point I realized how annoying the underlying pressure was to the supportive message and stopped. I don't think I would have noticed at all if I hadn't been on the receiving end myself. "You can do it!" "[name of ailment or complaint] is totally normal!" blah blah blah.

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lactose intolerant and milk protien intolerant ?????

First, baby was actually diagnosed with BOTH those problems? (They are two different things.) Lactose intolerance (which is rare at this age) is often confused with cow's milk protein allergy (which is different). Lactose intolerance is difficult to diagnose and is often a label that is thrown out without a real, true test to diagnose it too. (The only sure way to diagnose infants is through a biopsy of the small intestine.)

It is very rare for a baby to NOT be able to breastfeed because of these problems.

http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/lactose-intolerance.html

If baby has a cow's milk protein allergy, all a breastfeeding mom needs to do is eliminate dairy from her diet. It doesn't mean that she can't breastfeed. Same with lactose intolerance - breastfeeding management techniques and eliminating dairy from mom's diet typically helps.

http://breastfeed.com/resources/articles/lacintolerance.htm

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Its nice to see that everyone is not bashing those who chose not to breastfeed. Please remember, not everyone can do it. Everyone's situation is different.

For myself, my daughter would not latch on. We tried using the LC in the hospital and they had problems. Once you leave the hospital, their services are NOT free. It was over $60 a visit with them. Sorry, I was on bedrest from 26 weeks on which meant I had to quit my job. Soo we didnt have the money for it. Also, my daughter was jaundice and was not getting enough milk from me. So when you doctor tells you that you have 2 choices: continue to try and breastfeed and she'll get sicker or give her formula and she'll get better, what do you think you'll do.

We went and bought the most expensive pump out there at the time. I pumped for four months and supplemented with formula when I didn't have enough.

I tried to give my daughter the best of both that I could and I resent people who imply that I am a bad mother because I gave my daughter formula.

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Lisa - Sounds like you worked hard to continue to provide your daughter with breastmilk as long as possible. Every drop is a huge benefit!

For anyone else who has problems and can't afford an IBCLC - La Leche League Leaders will help you for FREE over the phone, at local meetings and some will even come to your home! (They are volunteers, so home visits kind of depend on how much time they have after taking care of their own families.)

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