I've seen both sides of the breastfeeding issue. I've had 1 child that refused to breastfeed and had to be bottlefed with formula. 1 Child bottlefed with breastmilk.  1 child breastfed, but couldn't get enough nutrition because my wife's thyroid was off and we did not know it. The youngest breastfed and he's looking like a little football player now.

I personally think doctors should be more involved. Once we figured out the thyroid issue my wife's milk production increased and the milk's nutrition value went through the roof. We were blessed to have a very involved team of doctors that kept track of the breastfeeding issue and recommended the thyroid medicine. It was the best thing a doctor team has ever done for us aside from keeping our kids healthy.

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

So, do you think governments should get involved?  I think it is a truly personal choice and no one, not even governments should try and guilt mothers into breastfeeding.  

I nursed two boys and found there is more than just nutients I was giving them.  I think educating mothers about the benefits is acceptable, and let the decision be theres.

 I am glad it worked out for you!!

I 

I'm a bit of a constructionist when it comes to government involvment. I think they should stick to the constitution and let us do the rest. Usually by the time the government gets into a health issue what they've come up with looks nothing like their original intent. I say let mom, dad or other mom, baby, and doctor decide. 

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

My thing is that once government gets involved in personal matters, what next?  It struck me that this was something the government should really not be involved in and I was a little put off by the fact that they decided to get involved.

formula is *NOT* almost as good as breastmilk and I absolutely believe it is all right to keep companies from implying that it is... i wish the govt and other agencies would do more to promote and educate expectant parents on the benefits of breastfeeding. i had a friend who went to a wic appt and was in the waiting room and wanting to nurse her baby... however being a new mom she was still a little shy about nursing in public... thinking that since wic was supposed to be so pro-breastfeeding, she asked if they had a more secluded area that she could feed her child in and the receptionist told her to do it in the bathroom... i also wish it was easier to find more dr's (not just ped's and ob's) who are more supportive of bf'ing but i'll save that rant for another day... but anyway, yes i think it would be fantastic if the govt did more to promote, educate, and encourage women to breastfeed. and also to educate the rest of the freaking country that bf'ing is a beautiful natural thing and to not look at a woman with disgust because she chose to feed her child somewhere other than inside her home or a public restroom

Having nursed two babies, I agree that nursing moms should not be relegated to the public restrooms to nurse and people should be more tolerant.  However, I don't know if it is the governments job to monitor wording.  If it wants to work in conjunction with health groups to promote the benefits of breastfeeding, that is another story.

Just like nursing moms don't want to be discriminated against, so do moms who can't feed for a number of reasons. Not all moms who choose to use the bottle, do so voluntarily.

 

sorry i got a little off topic on my last one... but i have read all these previous posts saying its ok for the govt to *educate* about bf'ing being better... i think putting it on the packaging for formula is a great place to educate people... although by the time they are buying formula, they probably will not try to bf... but it would be a great place to eduate them for next time...

and as stated earlier... formula is *NOT* almost as good as breastmilk and i think it is absolutely fair to put that information on there, because as obvious as it may be... some people really don't know all the great benefits of breastfeeding!

...that breastfeeding is a personal choice. However, I think that more public information promoting breastfeeding is needed. I was 18 when I had my first child, and I saw breastfeeding as somewhat taboo and awkward. Everyone I knew with babies had cans of formula in their cabinets, and it just seemed the "norm". I think if breastfeeding was more publically promoted and accepted I may have looked at it as an option then. I now have a two-month old baby girl and have exclusively breastfed her thus far. I never knew how difficult it would be at first, but now that we have the hang of things it is so convenient and rewarding. It is truely amazing to know I can sustain my daughter's life so naturally, and that she may be healthier because I am breastfeeding. I am so lucky to be able to do this for her.

On that note, I do acknowledge the fact that some women simply are not able to breastfeed and sometimes breasfeeding is not the safest choice, for either mom or baby. I feel that while informing the public of the many benifits of breastfeeding, we should not contribute illl regards to those women that are not able to do so. I think that information on the many benefits of breastfeeding should be included on cans of formula, but only as a reminder to those of us that are capable of breastfeeding that it is a better source of nutrition for the baby. I also believe it is the government's responsibility to prevent the formula companies from making misleading statements that lead parents to believe formula is as beneficial as breatfeeding. (And I do agree organizations that claim to promote and support breastfeeding should set an example by providing the resources and space necessary to breastfeed.)

I think the benefits of breastfeeding speaks for itself.  It is just getting the word out there. If the government wants to get involved, then I agree that they should start a public announcement campaign to promote it. 

 

That decision should be left up to the mother

 

live and let live

 

 

Simple yet sweet, except some mothers don't get all the information about the benefits of breastfeeding.  Unfortunately, not everyone is exposed to good healthcare, books and caring doctors.

i definatly agree with the pp... not all mothers know the facts... there are organizations that are putting out info on just about anything health related... but when it comes to breastfeeding, that info is definately out there and you can find it if you look, but you don't see commercials or magazine ads about it... not that i neccessarily think that will ever happen... but i'm just saying, there are people getting info out to huge amounts of people about things like heart disease or smoking... basically just saying *SOMEBODY* needs to get that info out!

What is more important than bringing up healthy children.  I wonder why public announcements have not been tried before?  Maybe we should start one!!!

Govt. involvement here in our part of the country on any issue has been a huge nightmare...let people decide for themselves...(although...most who are on govt. assistance here...would simply love to continue to live off the govt...public housing here is a disgrace---generations of generations of families live in the same room...that's our govt. getting involved here...) as a father of a breastfed child...it's been amazing to see her blossom into a healthy child...the connection that my wife has with my daughter is truly beautiful...and no I don't feel negelected...just honored to be a part of this beautiful relationship...

You have probably seen government at its worst down in New Orleans.  I think that if they are ill equiped to handle the situation down there, why would I want them getting involved in something that involves my baby.  I breastfed my two boys and my husband was supportive and loving just like you.

I would have to say that the goverment should not be involved.  It is a personal choice.  I just recently had my daughter 4 months ago and I do believe breast is best.  My mother 32 years ago started nursing me and told me that it was to painful and she did not have the support and resources that we do today. Also,  there are some people that physically can not breast feed due to various reasons, i.e. milk supply does not come in, implants, no latch etc....and you need to feed your child. When I started breast feeding it was very painful. Because I was determined to nurse my daughter I went through 2 weeks of severe pain.  I had the support of my husband, my mother and a lactation consultant. I educated myself, read books and went to classes.  I think if a goverment were to be involved it would be more of a public service announcements. As far as labels,The formula companies are in business to make money -It's advertising and marketing. Look at all the 'Natural' foods that are not Natural at all. The individual should do the research and seek out true medical advice and support. I do agree that more infomation needs to be available. It sounds like we should do some research on how to lobby the issue of getting more information out to expectant mothers. I would suggest starting with the health care companies and pitch your idea.

Best Wishes. 
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