View Full Version : Is breast always best??
I was discussing this with a friend today and am just curious about whether other people think breast is always best.....
Hypothetically, if a Mother doesnt really look after herself that well, doesnt drink water, eats cr@p opposed to healthier foods, and smokes for eg. would that be reason to think that maybe bottle would be best or is BF still better than that alternative???
I just wonder if some Mums dont breast feed purely because they may feel guilt about what they choose to do with their bodies and think it may effect bubs?
So what do others think? :detective:
IMO breast is still best in those circumstances.
In that situation, breast is still best.
Yep I would have to agree with the first two replies.. in that situation breast is still best.
If a mother was living soley on junk food/take away and she smoked IMO FF would be better for the child and for the mother.
The mother herself wouldnt be getting enough nutrients and then the ones that she does get the child would be using through the breast milk.
I disagree....
I don't believe that breats is best in these situations. I don't see how if you put mainly 'cr*p' into your body it can be any good for bub.
This was another reason why I did choose to FF DD. I was very young, very naive, I knew nothing about how it all worked.
I didn't like breastfeeding though. I hated it actually. I had severe anxiety every time she was due for a feed, one way to curb that was to smoke, which i then felt guilty for as i didn't know what harm that could be doing to my bub. I also barely ate at all, I had no appetite, and when i did I ate what was fast and convenient, so not the best.
As a result of the way i took care of myself the quality of my milk, (I feel), was no good, plus my anxiety got that bad the milk wouldn't flow anyway. ( many other issues too, but unrelated to the topic in question)
So yes, I made the decision, with the help of my family that formula was best for my bub.
I knew what was in it, I knew how much she was getting, and once she went on it she thrived. It made me wonder exactly how much she actually got in those first 3 weeks....
2boysmama
28-12-2007, 20:39
If a mother is going to put that cr@p into her body, I still definitely think breast is best, for this reason.
If she's that lazy, she probably wouldn't sterilise the bottles properly, make them up accurately etc. Bottle feeding is hard work!
I think BREAST IS BEST.Its like in pregnancy-all your best nutrients go to the baby..
But in the case of extremes-Maybe a mother doing hard drugs etc,it wouldnt be the best to BF.But I doubt if a mum was like that,she would worry about BFing and giving her baby the best.
I think it was the ABA that says this.
The best thing is Breastfeeding (non smoker) then Breastfeeding whilst smoking then
Formula Feeding.
IMO unless the woman is on hard medications for long term and there is no way around it then the milk is always best for a baby.
neostudded
28-12-2007, 20:46
This is something Ive always thought about & wondered what the answer is.
Serioulsy, I have no idea.:confused:
It actually reduces the risk to babies if the mother breastfeeds and smokes, then ff and smokes. Hold on, I will get the article I read on it...
It actually reduces the risk to babies if the mother breastfeeds and smokes, then ff and smokes. Hold on, I will get the article I read on it...
I think I have read that too! Ah isn't breastmilk amazing!
neostudded
28-12-2007, 20:52
If the mother is a heavy drug user in pregnancy, then stops breastfeeding wouldnt the baby suffer withdrawal symptoms.
Just something random I was thinking..
This isn't the particular article I read, but this information on drugs and breastfeeding from the ABA is good (there is a smoking part in particular). http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/drugs.html
I don't think that breast is best in all cases, however if you are looking at diet and not addictive illegal drugs and certain prescription medication, then I still think it is better to breastfeed than ff, and I believe that the literature would point to this also.
our little treasures
28-12-2007, 20:59
I think BREAST IS BEST.Its like in pregnancy-all your best nutrients go to the baby..
But in the case of extremes-Maybe a mother doing hard drugs etc,it wouldnt be the best to BF.But I doubt if a mum was like that,she would worry about BFing and giving her baby the best.
:iagree: While I sit here drinking my sarsaparilla and eating a piece of chocolate and bf my li'l bubba to sleep:rolleyes:
Is there anything about bad diet and bf-ing?
I remember reading somewhere.. I have no idea where.. that a study was done comparing women with "bad" diets and others with "healthy" diets and their breastmilk varied ever so slightly if at all.
A lot of nutrients in breastmilk are caused by our body and the baby's body. For example, babies are usually born with enough iron to last 6 months.. why is iron in formula for newborns??
For example, babies are usually born with enough iron to last 6 months.. why is iron in formula for newborns??
:detective:
And actually I think I have read that most of the iron in formula isn't absorbed.
not in my case. medication makes b/feeding a no no.
There is iron in breastmilk too :)
I do think diet affects breastmilk, but I believe that our bodies are amazing and living milk is still better for babies than an artifical substitute.
neostudded
28-12-2007, 21:11
It probly depends on the degree of the drug use & what sort of drugs.
I have taken some drugs while breastfeeding & I still feel breastfeeding is the best.
(Ive taken burophen, antibiotics, worm tablets:o, anti-depressants, caffine, panadol, sinis relief meds, & allegy meds.)
There is iron in breastmilk too :)
I do think diet affects breastmilk, but I believe that our bodies are amazing and living milk is still better for babies than an artifical substitute.
I heard that too but it's absorbed differently from what I've read.
I think our diet would definitely have at least some effect on our milk (I've noticed him passing more wind when I eat certain foods etc) but I might look up more about whether it effects the nutritional value of the milk :detective:
It probly depends on the degree of the drug use & what sort of drugs.
I have taken some drugs while breastfeeding & I still feel breastfeeding is the best.
(Ive taken burophen, antibiotics, worm tablets:o, anti-depressants, caffine, panadol, sinis relief meds, & allegy meds.)
i dont know if that was in relation to me saying i take drugs (medicated) so there fore dont b/feed (plus mind you i wouldnt be able to anyways due to ds's malformations.
BUT in my case i spoke in lenghth with my neurologist who prescribed the drugs, the chemist gp and read up wat i could on it.
each drug is different i spose.
personally if i did "heroin" or something i wouldnt b/feed
i dont know if that was in relation to me saying i take drugs (medicated) so there fore dont b/feed (plus mind you i wouldnt be able to anyways due to ds's malformations.
BUT in my case i spoke in lenghth with my neurologist who prescribed the drugs, the chemist gp and read up wat i could on it.
each drug is different i spose.
personally if i did "heroin" or something i wouldnt b/feed
I don't think she was responding to what you said. I think she means the meds she took.
:)
I heard that too but it's absorbed differently from what I've read.
I think our diet would definitely have at least some effect on our milk (I've noticed him passing more wind when I eat certain foods etc) but I might look up more about whether it effects the nutritional value of the milk :detective:
Yep, the iron in breastmilk is readily absorbed by bubs.
I'll look up some information on maternal diet too :) I am sure it has some impact, but in reference to the initial post, it is still far better than the alternative.
This is a good one from the skim I just did...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408813_2
According to this, maternal vitamin levels are reflected in the milk...
Just an amazing thing I read in that article... Did you know that when mother delivers preterm, her milk remains higher in certain fats and other components longer (around 6months longer) than a woman who delivers at term? Aren't our bodies AMAZING!
You have to register to view ikis.
Our bodies are amazing.:yes:
Just an amazing thing I read in that article... Did you know that when mother delivers preterm, her milk remains higher in certain fats and other components longer (around 6months longer) than a woman who delivers at term? Aren't our bodies AMAZING!
I've always thought that our bodies are amazing how we can produce milk specifically for our baby.
I'll check out that link now :)
hmm... okay, it can be accessed through google. Search 'maternal diet and breatfeeding', and it is the 5th result down, titled 'Breastfeeding: Unraveling the Mysteries of Mother's Milk (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408813_2)'
Here's the google result page for the lazy bones :p http://www.google.com.au/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLR_enAU221AU222&q=maternal+diet+and+breastfeeding
pookiesossige
28-12-2007, 21:42
This is a good one from the skim I just did...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408813_2
According to this, maternal vitamin levels are reflected in the milk...
Just an amazing thing I read in that article... Did you know that when mother delivers preterm, her milk remains higher in certain fats and other components longer (around 6months longer) than a woman who delivers at term? Aren't our bodies AMAZING!
They sure are amazing :yes: When bub reaches 4, 6 then 10-12 months old, the fat-protien-carb levels within the milk adjust to cater for the needs of the growing, changing baby and the milestones the average baby reaches at different ages. For example, more fat when many babies are learning to walk... more protien at a time when brain development peaks...
THAT is amazing!! Such perfect design :yes:
Its intersting isnt it? I tend to agree that as long as everthing is in moderation and no hard drugs or alchol abuse are involved, then breast is probably still better.
We were actually refering to one of the Mothers at my play group who freely aknowledges the fact that she has unhealthy habits but insists that she is still giving her child the best start in life and i have to say that looking at her happy, bouncing 7 month old son, id have to say that he certainly doesnt look to be under nourished or anything!
in answer to the tittle is breast always best no its not my dd is intolerant or malabsorbs every thing
food protein intolerant
Gluten intolerance
malabsorbs fats sugars and carbs
she also has compete paralisis of her tummy
So for her breast milk IS NOT best it would over time kill her as it would rip her insides to shreads
thats in answer to the tittle
as for the particular case you are talking about i really dont know, i would asume if the bub is not alergic or intoerant to her breast milk then yes breast would be best
Good article ikis, thanx for that!
Mikenzees mum, im sorry to hear your daughter is intolerant, i understand that many people cant BF for medical reasons, difficulties, or other issues and i suppose some Mothers take it for granted that they can..
There is iron in breastmilk too :)
I do think diet affects breastmilk, but I believe that our bodies are amazing and living milk is still better for babies than an artifical substitute.
An 'artificial substitute' it maybe described, there is nothing 'artificial' about my sons excellent growth and development...:)
An 'artificial substitute' it maybe described, there is nothing 'artificial' about my sons excellent growth and development...:)
Umm... okay. I wasn't describing it that way to insult anybody, nor do I think your son's development is artificial. I referred to formula as an artificial substitute as it is. I would consider a substitute to an unhealthy mother's breastmilk to be another mother's breastmilk, then formula, hence the distinction between artificial and non-artificial substitute. I am sorry if this is a subject that is sensitive for you.
Umm... okay. I wasn't describing it that way to insult anybody, nor do I think your son's development is artificial. I referred to formula as an artificial substitute as it is. I would consider a substitute to an unhealthy mother's breastmilk to be another mother's breastmilk, then formula, hence the distinction between artificial and non-artificial substitute. I am sorry if this is a subject that is sensitive for you.
No it wasn't actually you offending me... I should have stated that... My apologies...
One upon a time it was 'formula feeding' now it's 'artificial feeding'... It just sounds negative... I don't like it... Yes it touches a nerve... I'm quite happy to admit that.... No need to apologize i understand what you are saying...:)
the_queen
28-12-2007, 22:50
Of course breastfeeding is the optimal, normal way to feed bubby, even if mum eats attrociously or smokes or doesn't eat much at all.
I try to eat veggies and fruit every day, but maaaan I have a terrible diet. It's terrible in terms of nutrition - but it's magnificent at maintaining my current succulent figure :cool: :laughing:
I drink coke, way too much coke. I eat too much chocolate and hot chips. I eat empty carbs for breakfast and ingest way way way too much fat. But my milk is still better than formula. :)
the_queen
28-12-2007, 22:54
essjay I think the word "formula" came from the marketing department of the multi-national corporations, trying to make their product sound "scientific" and therefore superior to hokey ole mother nature ;) To use the words "artificial substitute" (did i put the right number of T's in that word, too late me need sleep) is just a more formal way of using correct terminology. It is an artificial subsititute (ie copy of the real thing) but it is real (modified cow's) milk. It's just not breastmilk. It's like using the term "intact" for children who are not circumcised - to say "uncircumcised" makes circumcision the 'norm' when really that's not true.
it's all a matter of (what's the word.... sere... synt..... ) SEMANTICS really.
(a mars bar to anyone who picks up every misspelling in this post ;))
reAllytee
28-12-2007, 23:03
I would have thought this was an easy question to answer but then i suppose many still dont get it .....
neostudded
28-12-2007, 23:08
I try to eat veggies and fruit every day, but maaaan I have a terrible diet. It's terrible in terms of nutrition - but it's magnificent at maintaining my current succulent figure :cool: :laughing:
I drink coke, way too much coke. I eat too much chocolate and hot chips. I eat empty carbs for breakfast and ingest way way way too much fat.
Me to :laughing:
Im sorry, what am i not getting????
luckymama
28-12-2007, 23:16
IMO breast is still best in those circumstances.
totally agree :iagree:
reAllytee
28-12-2007, 23:35
Im sorry, what am i not getting????
Nooo sorry not you heh.
I just mean the question in general .... Of course breast is best !
SorenLorensen
28-12-2007, 23:41
is breast always best ? :yes:
is EVERYONES breastmilk best ? :no:
in the case of the OP IMO is breast best? :yes:
Nooo sorry not you heh.
I just mean the question in general .... Of course breast is best !
Oh, thats cool.. Just was'nt sure what you were implying! :)
Its a genuine question though and i wasnt sure on whether breast is still best if you dont really look after your own health, does the baby still benefit? Thanx to everyones replies, it seems as though most agree that it is!!
essjay I think the word "formula" came from the marketing department of the multi-national corporations, trying to make their product sound "scientific" and therefore superior to hokey ole mother nature ;) To use the words "artificial substitute" (did i put the right number of T's in that word, too late me need sleep) is just a more formal way of using correct terminology. It is an artificial subsititute (ie copy of the real thing) but it is real (modified cow's) milk. It's just not breastmilk. It's like using the term "intact" for children who are not circumcised - to say "uncircumcised" makes circumcision the 'norm' when really that's not true.
it's all a matter of (what's the word.... sere... synt..... ) SEMANTICS really.
(a mars bar to anyone who picks up every misspelling in this post ;))
No i understand... Just don't like it... It isn't breastmilk and yes it is a substitute for it... I just don't like the phrase artificial feeding... When i was unable to breastfeed it was quite impolitely said to me "Well you'll just have to artificially feed your baby..." this came from a midwife at a very horrible time in hospital when bub was 3 days old... Still hits a nerve....
Oh and my boys are not 'intact' either.... That one makes me laugh!!!... but i understand that uncircumcised would imply that being circumcised is the norm...
x x
cheezelz
29-12-2007, 02:38
A happy mum is best!. If you are stuggling to happily BF your baby then I think that Breast is not always the best.
Babies can sense that there is something wrong and can tense up.
Im all for FF if the outcome is a happy mum and happy baby. :yes:
A happy mum is best!. If you are stuggling to happily BF your baby then I think that Breast is not always the best.
Babies can sense that there is something wrong and can tense up.
Im all for FF if the outcome is a happy mum and happy baby. :yes:
:iagree:
Well said! :yelclap::yelclap:
stellarella
29-12-2007, 09:29
Breast is not best if mum is on harmful medication however breast is still best even if mum doesn't have a perfect diet and even if she smokes.
If mum was an alcoholic I would question whether breast was best as well, but in most circumstances breast is always best. :yes:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.9 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.