Boobies are great!!

[shell25]

I really needed to vent....

I was asked on the weekend when I was thinking of weaning my fully breast fed bub, who is happy, healthy and a great 7.7kg at 5 months.

Why?

I was so angry and frustrated that my friend would think that I would stop feeding and go to formula or cows milk, when breasts were made for this and bub loves it so much, especially after I had to go through 2 months of pain and attachment problems with him being tongue tied.
She knows that I am very pro breast feeding and even wanting to work as an doula/LC.

She was so critical of breast feeding a toddler and beyond, which is what we tend to see in our western society. (A toddler being 6-12mths.+)
:banghead:
I said that DP and I would be feeding our bub till we all wanted to stop and we all feel that it is time to finish, to add to it she is very aware that bub and I are dairy intolerant, so it makes so much sense to me to keep the boobies going as long as we are all enjoying it!!
:eek: I felt so criticized in front of my family for the choices that we are making about our family.

Thanks for letting me get it off my chest

Q. Why does our society seem to accept bottle feeding, after 6-12months+, as apposed to breasts?

Is is that we have our own sexual perception of what they represent?:rolleyes:

[Shanaynay]

Can't answer that one Shell - but it's ridiculous isn't it?
Actually I blame the media/TV/movies - they have such a huge impact on our lives and what we perceive as normal/not normal... it's pretty rare you see a breastfeeding bub out there.

Your friend obviously is either very ignorant, or maybe has some kind of issues herself with breastfeeding...:detective:
Try to ignore it all... hard as it is... you are doing the best thing you possibly can for your little family :yes:
:hugs:

[sueliz]

Hey Shell

Sorry to hear you are being given a hard time by your friend - it's hard isn't it? You expect your friends and family to be supportive of your decisions to do what you know is best for your baby, only everyone else apparently knows better then you of course!
She obviously didn't spend any real time watching Dante otherwise she would have seen what a gorgeous, happy, healthy baby he is who so obviously loves his Mum and the boobie!!!

When Owen self weaned recently I was pretty depressed about it and the reaction from a few family members, (with the exception of my SIL who was a great support and understood fully), were like'why be upset? you did so well to feed him for this long and it was about time he was weaned anyway....' Of course this reaction made me even more upset!!

[jessgray]

:hugs: big hugs 4 you
i've been asked the same question by my MIL. my ds2 isnt even 3 months yet :( and she is already asking about weaning:shame: both me and ds1 are lactose intolerant
breastfeed for as long as you want IMO you could do it till your bub is 30 and i wouldnt care:laughing:

[Pixie]

It's sad isn't it, My DP is Turkish and my MIL is very pro breastfeeding until the child weans so I have full support on that side, My family however can't believe I still BF at 9 months and tease me she'll be hanging off at 15,hmm whatever I know more then they do :D

Ignore them or educate them, but even then they don't listen.

I also don't understand why bottle fed is more accepted in older kids rather than the breast.

[the_queen]

In answer to your Q, because of evil marketing practices. Why has smoking been seen as "cool" and "sophisticated" for so long? Why is drinking socially acceptable? Why is formula seen as "just as good" as breastfeeding? Because of the amount of money that is at stake. I personally think formula should only be available with a prescription from an LC, who has seen that there is a real reason why breastfeeding can't continue. *ahem* but now I'm getting off track.


My best response to idiotic questions like "when is he going on the bottle" is to look at them like they're an idiot (which, is not difficult for me to do :p) and say "why would I want to?" and literally expect an answer from them. Turn it around on them - make them explain why they think bottle feeding is better. They'll trip themselves up with their stupid and inadequate answer.

[Pippi Longstocking]

Q. Why does our society seem to accept bottle feeding, after 6-12months+, as apposed to breasts?

Is is that we have our own sexual perception of what they represent?:rolleyes:

Becasue breastfeeding in our society is no longer perceived to be the norm. The more people bottlefeed, the more normal it becomes and so the cycle continues. I make a point of feeding my toddler (15 months) in public. Sometimes it feels really uncomfortable and odd but I feel that we need to challenge people's perceptions of what is normal. Surely normal ought to be feeding human babies human milk via human breasts? Anything else is abnormal.

Yes, breasts are now perceived to be sexual organs. Hooray for dual-functioning super-boobies! :smiliedance: My boobs are quite capable of lactating and playing a part in my intimate relationship with my husband.

The more we feed our babies in public, the more exposed to breastfeeding society becomes. So let's all of us get out there, flop 'em out and feed our little ones the way nature intended :D .

[the_queen]

Really, following the "put him on a bottle" logic, if breasts are sexual, then a bottle is really just a baby dildo...? Isn't it?? :D

[Mum&bubs]

Oh I know how you feel! I'm breastfeeding my two daughters Taliyah who is 8 weeks & Summer who is 22 months. My MIL is always telling me that I need to stop breastfeeding now because Summer and Taliyah 'surely can't be getting enough & it is NOT good for them' NOT good for them :eek: How can breastmilk not be good for them!?? Someone tell me please.

I say breastfeed as long as you and bubba want to. If both are you are happy with it, why stop? You are doing a great job and I'm happy to hear you are continuing breastfeeding despite people's comments. Well done :thumbsup:

[Mum&bubs]

Really, following the "put him on a bottle" logic, if breasts are sexual, then a bottle is really just a baby dildo...? Isn't it??


:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

[the_queen]

*sarcasm ahead* Oh Krissy. :shame: don't you know it's much better to feed cows-breast-milk to human babies??? Tsk tsk tsk. Why on earth would you feed human-breast-milk to human babies? That human-milk should be fed to calves! *sarcasm ended*
:laughing:

[Shanaynay]

While on the subject, my DH is fantastic about extended breastfeeding now (even though I have to do that yet...bub is just 6 months and I only fed the toddler till 12 months...).
We had someone over last week and somehow breasfeeding came up, and our guest said "I think it's wrong to breastfeed them once they can walk". DH just looked at him and blurted out: "The World Health Organisation says you should feed them until they are 2". :yelclap: Now that is a big thing for my DH to say that... I guess all my crazy rantings over the years have finally stuck in his head :rolleyes:

[Tinydancer]

Sorry to hijack this thread, im only a future breastfeeder at the moment lol.

Krissy, just have to say i think its totally awesome that you are still feeding both of your girls and that you have continued to feed little Summer for so long!!! Your a great mummy!!

Any Doctor worth his salt will tell you that your body will produce as much milk as your child/ children needs, and its full of nutrients for bubbahs... the only person that can be affected by it is you as your babies are getting lots of the goodness out of your body..... but babies brains are being nourished so its all worth it!!!

I seriously think that the only reason that people make comments like this is because it makes them feel guilty that they didnt do it for their own children, or some other equally stupid reason.

My sister refused to breastfeed and the doctors give her grief alot as his immune system is shot to pieces, plus he has developed an intolerance to alot of things!!

Good on you for putting your childs best interests first ladies!!!!

[shed]

DH just looked at him and blurted out: "The World Health Organisation says you should feed them until they are 2". :yelclap: Now that is a big thing for my DH to say that... I guess all my crazy rantings over the years have finally stuck in his head :rolleyes:

Don't ya love that when it happens? Don't ya just LOVE IT!!!!!

I am amazed at the journey my DP has taken along with me. Its been almost as fascinating as watching the baby!!

Re: breastfeeding - my advice is to be such a b!tch in general that people are too scared to say anything. lol

Failing that, surround yourself with educated people.

Failing that, laugh at them and make self-deprecating comments like "yes, I know, I am SUCH a hippie!" while making NO apologies for it and happily continuing on your journey.

And then of course, come and tell us, so we can all tell you how silly they are :D :hugs:

[Shanaynay]

wanttohaveabub - where are those doctors hiding??? they must come out!

:yelclap: for your sisters doctor!

[cosmic]

Re: breastfeeding - my advice is to be such a b!tch in general that people are too scared to say anything. lol
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:

I have to agree Shed, this always worked for me too. ;)

[Tinydancer]

My sis had 6 doctors give her grief and the maternal health nurse!! My Ma ended up having to take my nephew for his check ups as they were just so hard on my sis. I also know a girl who was in hospital after giving birth and none of the middies would allow her to sleep until she BF the baby, (this went on for almost 36 hours) as she had announced that the baby wasnt ever going on the boob.

My doctor recently told me that I should start doing reading on BF now so that by the time I have a baby I will feel more educated and willing to persist. Sounds like a science experiment lol.

My lil sis was young, ignorant, but has learned the hard way. She will do it all "properly" next time.

I thought all good doctors supported BF........ am I wrong????

[Shanaynay]

My doctor recently told me that I should start doing reading on BF now so that by the time I have a baby I will feel more educated and willing to persist. Sounds like a science experiment lol.


I thought all good doctors supported BF........ am I wrong????

Yeah, GOOD doctors - key word: good :rolleyes:
There seems to be a lack doctors who recongise the importance of breastfeeding and encourage women persist!

:yelclap: to your doctor too - what a great suggestion. You don't sound like you need more education etc... but some women when they get pregnant have no opinion either way on breastfeeding - it's great to hear of a doctor encouraging women to read up on it!

[Seekrit]

Oh I hear ya :( It makes me sad and feel unsupported. Lucky my MIL and dad's DW are both pro-BF-til-Wean.

And my hubby is always there for me. :)

[Tinydancer]

Yeah, GOOD doctors - key word: good :rolleyes:
There seems to be a lack doctors who recongise the importance of breastfeeding and encourage women persist!

:yelclap: to your doctor too - what a great suggestion. You don't sound like you need more education etc... but some women when they get pregnant have no opinion either way on breastfeeding - it's great to hear of a doctor encouraging women to read up on it!

Ahhh ok, I dont understand why all doctors dont provide information to new mums, surely its causing less work for them in the long run if the babies are healthier!!
I seem to be lucky to have access to some good doctors...... sorry I dont mean to sound like I know anything about bf....... not a mummy yet lol. Also as im not yet a mummy i have no right to judge either way but i really dont understand why people refuse to breastfeed, whats the point of having children if you arent going to give them the best possible start in life?

[the_queen]

Yeah, that one stumps me too, Renee.

[TyBean]

I don't see what the deal is either.... breastfeeding is the natural way... it is what breasts are for....
I physically could not breastfeed Tyler and it upsets me everytime I put a bottle in his mouth.... I would love to be breastfeeding him.... and for as long as he wants it....
My youngest sister is 23 months old and has just weaned herself.... and I think it is beautiful.
But I will be trying with the rest of my kids when they come...
I truely admire woman who are and can breastfeed. And I think it is wonderful that people are willing enough to still do it to older babies. I say good on you!!

[kiah]

Just ignore it....breast feeding is fantastic...i wish i hadnt lost my milk...i hate washing up bottles and the formula is expensive....in some cultures they breastfeed until 3 yrs....it is natural

[Funkychicken]

I am currently feeding bub number three and have dealt with all of those questions from certain people with each baby. When DD self-weaned at 9 months, I got all those respones such as ,"Oh, well, you fed her long enough" and "Well, she is obviously over it and wants a bottle now." These things may have been true but these comments did nothing to make me feel better.
DS#2 has just turned one and suddenly the How much longer and Are you still BFing questions have started. And the 'I guess you will stop soon' statements.
I still have no witty answers for these people. I guess I just bumble my way through answering and just keep it honest. I find meeting people in the eye when I answer always helps as people don't often expect that if they are on the attack.

[shell25]

Thank you so much to everyone that has replied I have only just got a chance to read them all now, as bub was sleeping I was on a cleaning and DP was working
I sat here, laughing and then crying at the comments..... emotional day...must be the rain!

I didn't bother with too many of my usual smart ar..... comments back to her, I simply said why does western society think that babies milk comes in tins?
as I was just not really in the mood to explain what I had been explaining to her for years.

Smiling to my DP while looking at bub, as he drifted off to sleep with boobie milk all over his face, due to my high supply and his desire to give her an evil glare, to her mid feed, we know that we are doing the best thing for our baby.

I was completely supportive of her when she chose to FF, after not wanting to get help from the LC I referred her to.:rolleyes:

I know how hard it is in the first few weeks, to keep going, when you have a MIL that says
"you wont fail as a mother if you go to the bottle":mad: as we were walking out the door to see the LC for the third time.
Then adding "your son only thinks of you as a walking boob anyway":banghead:

How on earth she thought that this would help I will never understand.
I really should go to :sleeping:, I'm so cranky at stupid people today.

Oh well thanks for cheering me up!