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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at someone on the bf/bottle feeding forum saying that formula should only be available on prescription

270 replies

pigletmania · 12/12/2009 18:48

That person obviously has found bf a complete and utter doddle and might not have encountered any problems with it. These comments do nothing to promote bf imo only reaffirm the stereotype of bf matrons. If formula were to only be available on prescription it would penalise those who are struggling to bf and need that extra to top up, or those who have made the choice not to bf though respecting their decision is a bit to me.

OP posts:
pooexplosionsonthedustyroad · 12/12/2009 19:03

Shocker- someone has opinion on this subject!

Its a valid opinion, you don't have to share it. I'm not saying I agree, but on the plus side it would make formula free to those who need it and increase bf rates. Worked in other countries with few problems.

I don't think arguing that breast isn't best is legitimate though. thats a fact, not a value judgement against anyone.

And thread about a thread...in a different forum? Bad form.....

Original poster
pigletmania · 12/12/2009 19:03

what if its in the middle of the night, there are no doctor available you will have to go out of hours or A&E and wait to be seen just so that you can get some formula.

OP posts:
EldonAve · 12/12/2009 19:04

thread about a thread is bad form

reup · 12/12/2009 19:04

My friend did get it on presciption for a year I think. Some special stay down formula because of reflux.

Rainbowinthesky · 12/12/2009 19:05

Why would it get peoples backs up? Suggesting that it should be free on prescription, that there should be better support for breastfeeding and comparing this to countries who do the same and their rates are far higher?? No one is suggesting anyone shouldnt get formula if they want/need it.

Mishy1234 · 12/12/2009 19:05

YANBU.

It was a very insensitive and unhelpful comment. I'm all for promoting bf (still bf my 22 month DS), but some people take things too far. It makes me feel very uncomfortable that people who choose or find they need to formula feed have to justify it to other people. Parenthood carries enough guilt as it is, without having the burden of other people's judgements as well.

I have seen people get very upset over this issue and feel very strongly about it. Had better hide this thread now...

SantaWears2shoes · 12/12/2009 19:05

yanbu
some people are just plain stupid

Rainbowinthesky · 12/12/2009 19:06

The idea would be that would proper support in place there wouldnt be that mad panic in the middle of the night.

Rainbowinthesky · 12/12/2009 19:07

I must be missing something. Why would getting it on prescription mean someone was making a judgement about you? Just because someone has a different opinion to you doesnt make them stupid....

sockonmyhead · 12/12/2009 19:08

I think making it a percription thing would obviously have draw backs (as you say if needed at short notice) but it wouldn't it also make needing to use it sort of more like a medical condition? A lot of people say they feel judged as a bad mother for not breastfeeding so wouldn't this remove some of the stigma? Agree need loads more support available for women though.

Also you get free perscriptions for 12 months don't you.

Fruitbatlings · 12/12/2009 19:09

makes me too so, what happens when you quite literally do not have enough milk (and I mean really don't).
I hate hate hate all these smug mothers thinking they are bloody perfect and showing off about their fabulous BFing skills. It's hurtful and spiteful imo and makes me feel even shittier than I already do.
I can't even have a conversation about BFing as I just want to poke the other mothers eyes out as it's so bloody unfair.

Formula is not evil but some BFing mothers out there certainly are

pooexplosionsonthedustyroad · 12/12/2009 19:09

So now breastfeeders shouldn't comment about breastfeeding in a thread about breastfeeding intended for breastfeeders in case someone takes offense?
Should we hide in corners while breastfeeding in case you see us and it makes you feel bad?

sockonmyhead · 12/12/2009 19:09

awful spelling..prescription

MrsMattie · 12/12/2009 19:09

I don't see why formula should be free on prescription. Am I missing something?

Drugs companies are still huge powerful businesses who push their product on the consumer, so making it 'free' on prescription doesn't actually mean it's free, it means the NHS pay for it rather than the consumer. Another huge financial burden for the NHS, taking none of the power away from the 'evil' formula companies. Lose-lose situation, surely?

If the point being made was really that doctors should have the power to prescribe (or not prescribe) formula to new mothers - taking the power away from the woman herself to decide - well, that's just preposterous.

Sorry, still not getting it. Why is it a good idea?

pooexplosionsonthedustyroad · 12/12/2009 19:10

and now we are evil! you've got ishoos lady!

you · 12/12/2009 19:10

Ooo I'd love that, think of all the money you could save

Taramuddle · 12/12/2009 19:10

When people say formula should be on prescription the intention is to try & stop formula companies making money out of mothers & to stop promoting it which has been shown to decrease the bf rates. It's not said to belittle women who turn to formula. Many women struggle to bf due to lack of adequate support & sometimes due to medical conditions. The prescription would surely be free for as it would be for a child.

sprouting · 12/12/2009 19:11

ds gets prescription formula. Its in his name so its free as he is a child.

Rainbowinthesky · 12/12/2009 19:11

I really don't care either way however I completely disagree that the op of the other thread deserved a special thread to slag her off with because she holds a different opinion to the op of this thread.

wonderingwondering · 12/12/2009 19:13

Mrs Mattie, I just made a similar point on the other thread - how to feed you baby is your own choice. No business of the GP, HV, NHS (or posters on mumsnet ...).

Give me lots of info, yes, encouragement to BF if I want it (sadly lacking in my experience) but ultimately, it is my, free, decision as to what works for me, my baby, my family.

Fruitbatlings · 12/12/2009 19:13

no not all of you, I said some of you. Most of you are quite lovely
Yes I do have issues. So do a lot of women who are forced to FF due to being given shit for breasts

Original poster
pigletmania · 12/12/2009 19:14

No one should criticise bf or bottle feeding mothers, and i was hoping to bf the dc2 i was expecting but had a m/c yesterday so really hormonal and sorry. For me to bf is something to be proud of, there is a nice thread on the bf/bottle feeding forum about that and hats off to the mums who were succesfful and fed for a long time but those comments on theat thread no no no.

OP posts:
you · 12/12/2009 19:15
Glitterknickaz · 12/12/2009 19:17

YANBU
Freedom of choice is key.
If freedom of choice is removed from one element of life then where should it stop?

smallorange · 12/12/2009 19:18

This thread is out of order. It's frankly nasty to start a thread just because you don't agree with someone's point of view. Argue it out on the thread.

Sheeeeesh