How do I make her understand without being rude

[newbielisa]

I'm breastfeeding, went through some dark days early on but all good now. No problems there, problem is with Mother in law. Twice now she's mentioned hungry baby formula to me. She has only really ever known FF babies with her own children and other grandchildren. I've politely explained TWICE that the breast milk alters to accommodate the babies needs and will produce more calorific milk to suit babies needs as they get older.

Last night we had a rough night with LO, it transpired she needed a big poo (TMI I know) which happened at about 12.30. When DH mentioned it to his Mum she brought up the hungry baby "thicker stuff" and asked him when we'll give DD it. I wasn't there at the time but he's repeated it back to me so think it must have got him thinking as well.
I'm not judging other family members who FF because it's personal choice and some people despite wanting to can't do it, I'm really lucky that I can, I wanted to and am told by so many people I'm giving DD the best stuff I can.

I love the MIL but how on earth can I get her to understand and change the bloody record? Any science bits of info I can dazzle with might help if you know them and there's such a wealth of info on here I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm starting to feel like she's insinuating that I'm being pig headed by breastfeeding and not giving DD what she needs.

Sorry this is a bit long

oooh another states person. I'm so broody right now, but don't want to not have decent mat leave again.

I would just ignore. I realised with some family members, about the same subject that when you start giving the reasons of why you carry on, it becomes a challenge to them to try and convince you otherwise. Train yourself to not hear words like "give up" and "ff" you do not have to justifie yourself or even try to explain the fact that milk changes, if she has not yet listened to you, chances are she won't anyway.

Climberchick - yes the maternity leave is crap isn't it. I'm lucky that I get 20 weeks (12 weeks paid) with my company, most people in my state get 12 weeks if they're lucky! Makes you realize that there are some good things about England!

I'm in a similar boat to you newbielisa - I love my MIL but do wish there was some way I could reassure her that my babies are not going to starve.

I actually really like DirtyMartini's suggestion which I shall be adding to my usual response of 'oh ok, I'll bear that in mind but at the moment I think things are working out really well with the breastfeeding'. I have also used 'I'm just trying to make it to 6 months to see if we can avoid the family eczema' and now she is nearly 6 months have switched to 'it's just so easy that I really can't see the point in weaning her off the breast only to have to wean her off a bottle in another 6 months'

If facts might help, the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers has info on bf for grandparents.

The generic NHS info on breastfeeding is here. They say: 'Every day you breast feed makes a difference to your baby?s health now and in the future.'

I reckon a print-off to read at leisure is better than a lecture.

But I agree with others that a 'stuck record' reply politely telling her to stop hassling you is probably the most diplomatic way to go.