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To suggest that ff babies are generally more content than breastfed babies?

931 replies

mrsb26 · 08/12/2015 20:16

...because they are fuller for longer?

Following on from an article I read recently regarding a study that suggested that of its recipients, the ff babies were generally deemed to be more calm, easy to settle to sleep etc than breastfed babies.

I know this is bound to be a taboo subject, but I must say, as a breastfeeding mother myself to a 4 month old dd, I have considered whether she'd be more satisfied on formula. She's not the easiest of babies and, to me, seems fussier and more demanding than her formula fed peers.

For example, she is really hard to settle to sleep for naps. She will sometimes feed to sleep, but not always (I know this is a debate on itself). I have never been to the shops or out for a walk for half an hour without her fussing (even if it's just for a little bit). She will sit on my knee or go to someone else for five minutes tops before fussing and starting to cry.

I'm not doubting the benefits of the quality of breastmilk, obviously. I guess I just feel like I'm filling up a tank that's emptying as quick as it's filling^^ and that she's never fully satisfied. I know breastmilk is digested quicker, but still.

She has no issues re: reflux, tongue tie or anything either.

Of course there are behavioural differences amongst all babies, but as a general rule, what is your opinion? Interested to hear from anyone who has perhaps breastfed one baby and formula fed another.

OP posts:
PiperChapstick · 10/12/2015 22:49

Piper because they usually make boob grab motions and I think it invades the woman's privacy. I'd be mortified if my child tried to expose me or asked for my boobs

Hmm

What's private about breastfeeding your child who breastfeeds? Confused
Also it's not exposure. Boobs are made for BFing. Views like yours put women off BFing

Cotto · 10/12/2015 22:50

Just the evening Tali
Your point ?

PiperChapstick · 10/12/2015 22:51

Fatty are you seriously comparing BF to being shot?!
Being shot = pain and possible death
BF = feeding a child the way were designed and engineered to do

TaliZorah · 10/12/2015 22:51

culture fair enough. I just think it looks weird if they ask and do the motion

Sharoncatastrophe · 10/12/2015 22:51

*There have also been a number of cases where formula been tampered with and killed babies, and also a handful of cases where batches were made incorrectly causing death and long term damage en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_formula

How is that using it as its intended?*

How is it not? Those parents purchased their formula, made it up, fed it to their babies and it killed them. They used it exactly as intended. The mistakes which rendered the formula lethal took place during its production in the supply Chain.
Have you misunderstood again?

Hullygully · 10/12/2015 22:51

I think this whole thing is just plain weird. And I am not talking about women unable to breast feed.

Biologically the human (female) body produces the optimum food for the human baby which confers innumerable benefits.

The society in which we live does not allow for the demands of on demand breastfeeding, it makes it difficult.

Therefore lots of women decide to use formula.

Breast milk is still best.

It is not about personal decisions.

PiperChapstick · 10/12/2015 22:52

What is this motion? Is it the 'honk honk' pretend breast squeeze?

TaliZorah · 10/12/2015 22:53

Piper it's demanding of the woman's body. You see it that way, I see it as my boobs are mine, a part of me, and I wouldn't want a child grabbing them.

How do my views put people off? I doubt anyone who wants to bf their older child who can talk cares that I think it looks weird

Sharoncatastrophe · 10/12/2015 22:53

Formula is a man made product. If it is produced incorrectly, it has the potential to kill your baby.
We've gone from "no baby ever died from formula" to "well they do but only when it goes wrong, which doesn't count". make your minds up.

Crabbitface · 10/12/2015 22:53

TaliZorah - you think it's weird for an infant to ask for a drink? I think it's weird that a grown woman would be mortified if her child tried to expose me or asked for my boobs . Are you boobs particularly unpleasant - or is just that you have been conditioned into seeing them as sexual and therefore shameful?

DixieNormas · 10/12/2015 22:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Cotto · 10/12/2015 22:54

Fatty I adored BF- Im not an exhibitionist by any means, Im an ordinary mother.
I had support ,I always had the inclination to BF, I come from a farming background Grin
it just seemed natural to me and quite frankly the whole making of bottles, sterilising etc seemed way too much hard work.

CultureSucksDownWords · 10/12/2015 22:54

Tali, how often have you seen this boob grab motion? I've not seen any baby or child do this. And even if they did, how is a baby asking to be fed by a totally normal method (breastfeeding) be considered weird?

TaliZorah · 10/12/2015 22:54

Cotto that you're acting superior for loving all things natural yet you're really a hypocrite because you use modern conveniences like everyone does.

FattySantaRobin · 10/12/2015 22:55

Piper I was just giving an example of something else I've never done but know I wouldn't enjoy.
I also wouldn't enjoy sleeping rough
Or anal sex.

Never tried any of those. I know I won't enjoy it.

I knew I wouldn't enjoy breastfeeding. It's simple really. You don't do things you arent comfortable doing or you wouldn't enjoy.

Hullygully · 10/12/2015 22:55

Interestingly (and perhaps tangentially), one of the intangible benefits of breast feeding is the sheer amount of time mother and baby spend in close communion. The connection and communication are advantageous to the baby's development. Cluster feeding, while tiring and often inconvenient, is extremely advantageous for the infant.

TaliZorah · 10/12/2015 22:55

Sharon babies die from bf too in certain circumstances what's your point?

Cotto · 10/12/2015 22:56

What is is GF ??? baffled ?

FattySantaRobin · 10/12/2015 22:56

cotto its fantastic that you felt comfortable and happy enough to breastfeed.

I didn't.

TaliZorah · 10/12/2015 22:57

Crabbit no they're actually quite nice. I don't think they're shameful or sexual, I'll happily go topless on holiday. I just think they are mine and don't like the idea of a child grabbing them. It's also totally unnecessary by the time they can talk

culture I've seen it a few times with toddlers but I haven't seen it often as I haven't seen many toddlers being bf

Cotto · 10/12/2015 22:58

Tali because I BF I shouldnt use the internet ?
I will go and get a slate and chalk Grin
< Howling>

DixieNormas · 10/12/2015 22:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hullygully · 10/12/2015 22:58

It's sad how many women see their breasts as "theirs," and therefore not suitable for nourishing a child they love, which is their primary purpose.

We live in a hyper sexualised society, it makes it difficult for women to enjoy both their own sexuality and to also feed their babies.

FattySantaRobin · 10/12/2015 22:59

hully we've been through bonding already. It makes no bloody difference. Breastfeeding mums arent closer to their children just because they breastfeed. There's lots of examples how formula fed babies have a close attachment to their mum on this thread.

Sharoncatastrophe · 10/12/2015 22:59

Babies don't die from
Breastfeeding.

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