Adequate Information Not Available to BottleFeeders

[ICanDream]

This is really going to set the cat amongst the pidgeons but oh well.

As a breastfeedfer that had to swap to bottles due to my own health issues I was astounded at how little "real" information there was about formula.

I needed information, I'd done the breastfeeding thing like everyone said I should, it hurt like hell and I was simply too stubborn to stop. But when my health had to come first there was no option. I went to the Chemist - they couldn't really tell me anything, websites just promote breastfeeding or their own brand of formula. No one wanted to enter a discussion with me.

I have to say the information for formula feeding is pitiful. Irrespective of whether you breast or bottle everyone should have adequate information to make an informed decision. Thanks to the "breast is best" charge I have wasted money on formulas that Bubs didn't like because all people wanted to tell me was to breastfeed which wasn't an option any more.

So bottle feeders I know it's not easy for you guys. I always hope a bottle feeder has a try at breastfeeding first but whatever happens we've certainly built a society that provides stuff all information.

[SorenLorensen]

i got given a booklet on it just befor i had DD.
it was from the anti natal classes, i guess you could also get it through the hospital

[ButterflyMama]

I felt the same way. When breastfeeding failed for me due to badly inverted nipples and a baby that would not attach - I felt very much in the dark. So I rang up the hospital nurses and pestered them. And used online resources.

Took me a while to get my head around it all. :yes:

[reAllytee]

I totally agree !

The day i walked out of hospy with Boof as a newborn was a little upsetting because the hospital was so adamant i b/f i didnt have any info on what formula to use when i needed to due to damage done to my nipples. I had all the support in the world when i was b/f but the moment i said i was swapping to formula i was left floundering. I didnt even know there were so many different types of bottles or teats let alone formula !!!!

I fumbled around with formulas for quite some time when Boof was a little older because he started to react to them. Again with no help not even from my CHN could she could only " suggest " what to do & had no real info.

Was really annoying & frustrating that i couldnt get any help at all !

[theycallmemum]

Oh I absolutely agree with you, the independant information out there is pitiful. I think that there is such a negative social stigma attached to bottlefeeding that people are made to feel shameful when they bottlefeed which is why no one is jumping up and down about this. It's celebrated that the ABA exists and they get heaps of community support because 'breast is best' yet there is nothing for formula feeding mums who are still new mums, still struggling through all the same things yet they are left to fend for themselves.

[ButterflyMama]

Oh I absolutely agree with you, the independant information out there is pitiful. I think that there is such a negative social stigma attached to bottlefeeding that people are made to feel shameful when they bottlefeed which is why no one is jumping up and down about this. It's celebrated that the ABA exists and they get heaps of community support because 'breast is best' yet there is nothing for formula feeding mums who are still new mums, still struggling through all the same things yet they are left to fend for themselves.

Very well said. :thumbsup:

[TinyStar]

I ended up getting my info from other mums on bubhub, (which is not very scientific of me I know)

and by reading all the packets.

[reAllytee]

I ended up getting my info from other mums on bubhub, (which is not very scientific of me I know)

and by reading all the packets.


Yep !

But its still pretty sad we cant get that info from health professionals or even the chemists you wish to buy from !

I know if it wasnt for BH half the time i would be left floundering !

[BabyLs]

I am with you theycallmemum!!!!
Very well said:yelclap: