Breastfeeding programme last night!!

[Kirstyr1]

Was anyone else enraged by the breastfeeding programme last night on bbc? When adopting we don’t have a choice to breastfeed or not and it made it sound like formulas are the worlds worst thing!!

[Kirstyr1]

Sorry not bbc...I meant channel 4!!

[Ted27]

no I didnt see it, and as my son was nearly 8 at adoption I didnt have much choice either.
On a general point, I think women who give birth should not be made to feel inferior or bad mothers if they choose not to, or cannot breastfeed.

But to be honest, living in adoption land I think there are probably more important things to get enraged about. I doubt adoptive parents even crossed their minds, don't forget the adoption community is quite small and many people don't adopt children at an age when they would be breast or bottle fed

[Kirstyr1]

It seems that is less likely to adopt older now. I know lots now adopting at around 8-9 months and many more through foster to adopt from newborn. We were pretty much told to put younger on our form as those older than 5 rarely make it to adoption. 😞 I do think this programme is appropriate to adoption but it is true we have more to worry about.

[Italiangreyhound]

@Kirstyr1 What was it about the programme that was difficult?

I think when adopting you know you will not breast feed so there isn't much to think about. For people who give birth it can be a big issue and some women do get very upset that they cannot do it for one reason or another.

I've got a birth daughter and an adopted son and in the long run not breastfeeding my son has not made any difference in terms of bonding and relationship, and he is very healthy too. Probably a lot healthier than my daughter!

But in terms of birth parents, if people can breastfeed (all things being equal) it is better.

[PicaK]

I didn't see it. Baby formula is a substitute for breast milk. It's the absolute best and safest and carefully regulated substitute available.
Not being able to breast feed can be devastating - and social and peer pressure are just as much detterants as medical problems. There are elements in breast milk that formula milk do not contain. But overall it keeps baby alive and able to thrive.
But the most important thing here is - as an adopter - you should look at why this is stirring such strong emotions in you? Are you worrying you'll let your ac down? You're not at all but it soundslike you need to explore some of this.
I'm honestly not pooh poohing your irritationwith the programme but good idea to recognise that when something makes you rant and fume you need to recognise and review why.
And yes i do the fuming ranting much delayed noticing i'm stressed thing too.