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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Need some clever answers please

13 replies

girlwiththecherrytattoo · 08/08/2010 21:37

...DD is 7m and I'm honestly shocked by the way that people have gone from "Oh great you're breastfeeding" to "Are you STILL breastfeeding her now she's on solids?"

Had pretty much everyone in my family say this to me over the past few days and ask me when I'm going to stop.

I said that the WHO recommend feeding for 2 years and was told that's for babies in the third world - is that true?

Feel horrid tonight, as if it's gone from something to be proud of to something a bit weird. There is no way I would give up now, we have got really good at it and DD loves it. She doesn't sleep through the night yet so getting a few comments too about how I need to be "firmer with her" at night!

OP posts:
faeriemoo · 08/08/2010 21:41

Here are a few good comebacks: www.rosenbaumcreative.com/comebacks.html

My fave was always someone asking me "Are you feeding her yourself?" No, I have the butler do it! eye roll

It does get a bit easier though and people eventually DO stop asking. DD2 is 26 months now and people just assume she's no longer feeding, so just don't ask Wink

Scootergrrrl · 08/08/2010 21:42

If its someone who might be a bit sensitive about their age, you could try "I'm sure things were different in your day......."

Bananabunny · 08/08/2010 21:59

Hi- I think people confuse weaning (which is simply introducing solids) with stopping breast feeding, which is not true- I am still hoping to breast feed when my dd is 7 months. Babies still need milk even when they are on solids so whether it is formula or breast is up to you.

WHO recommend 2 years breast feeding for developing countries ( whoever told you that was correct) and 1 year for western countries, but to be honest, you can breast feed as long as you wish, as long as dc is taking food well,

So feel proud and don't let people put you off!

faeriemoo · 08/08/2010 22:02

Actually Bananabunny the technical definition of weaning is the process of a child (or animal) ceasing to use his/her mother for nourishment, so real weaning is when you stop breastfeeding, not start solids Wink

StealthPolarBear · 08/08/2010 22:04

no a minimum of two years is the recommendations for all countries afaik. Could be wrong - I'd like to see the recommendation for one year though

faeriemoo · 08/08/2010 22:14

From WHO website:

"Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."

Bananabunny · 08/08/2010 22:17

Hi again -stealthpolarbear is right- after reading post, looked up WHO and they do actually say that breast feeding is recommended for 2 years with "complementary food" to be added in at 6 months- so you can tell all the tut-tutters this...

I don' t know where I got 1 year from- I have always had that fact in my head and now can' t find it anywhere-oops!

jaggythistle · 09/08/2010 07:58

Yup, it's definitely nowt to do with developing countries - I had to tell my MIL she was talking balls when DS was about 2 weeks old and she was pretty much trying to claim that ff was just as good as bf here cos the water is ok....

SirBoobAlot · 09/08/2010 08:47

People suck, don't they? Wink I generally just go with "Yes I am" and "Until he's ready" with a big smile. Its hard when you feel people are being critical, especially as its difficult at the beginning. Try not to let it get you down; you're doing a fab job!

tortoiseonthehalfshell · 09/08/2010 08:51

If you need something really pithy (as well as the WHO thing, which, SPB is right, it's a global recommendation) why not go with "why would I pay for formula when this is free and on tap"?

MumNWLondon · 09/08/2010 09:34

so rude.

Just think of some oneliners?

  • we both enjoy it so why stop yet?
  • why pay for formula when BF is free?
  • would rather wait until she is 1 so can go striaght onto cows milk
  • WHO guidelines until 2 etc
sweetnitanitro · 09/08/2010 10:09

Look at them as if they are mad and say "why on earth would I stop? It's the best thing for her!" then shake your head in disbelief. They will feel silly for asking then. Or you could reply "yes, I'm still breastfeeding and I'm so proud of myself for getting this far". Only a total meanie would question that!

As for 'being firmer with her', that gets a Biscuit. She's a baby, not a springer spaniel.

You SHOULD be proud of yourself, you sound like you're doing a fantastic job. Don't let a few silly comments get you down.

The comments do stop though, DD is 22 mo and people have given up asking me when I'm going to stop Grin

lal123 · 09/08/2010 10:35

"Are you still feeding her?"
"no - we thought we'd see how she got on with just some sunshine and encouragement"

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