Out of interest, how many of us have children that have never ever even tasted formula?

[welliemum]

I'm interested because you hear so many people saying "I plan to breastfeed for X time and then introduce a bottle" as if it was an inevitable fact that all children need to graduate to formula sooner or later.

And then there are loads of people who breastfeed but give bottles from time to time.

The formula companies must be laughing all the way to the bank, because they're selling formula not only to people who can't breastfeed or choose not to, but also to (I suspect) the majority of breastfeeders.

So, how many 100% breastfed children are out there?

My dd1 (now 3) had some formula top-ups between about 8 and 10 weeks, so she doesn't "qualify".

dd2 (coming up for 2 years) has never had formula. Is this as unusual as I think it is?

Oh and dd is 13 and used terry napies too, this was before most of you lot had even had babies. (sorry but Josie really peed me off)

My first had a little formula when she was born and in special care.She was up there for a week and in that time i became more depressed down on the ward almost begging for help because she was my first and wanted so much to atleast try to bf...I got given an electric milking machine that was really loud.I was just given it and left to get on with it, no advise for a new mum.In the end someone said in passing try using the expressor when you've seen your baby.So I'd come down from the SC unit late and then have to draw my curtain round on shared ward with everyone else with their babies and try to squeeze some milk out whilst worrying about disturbing them.It was awful and pitiful and I used to cry my eyes out but still label and take these miniscule amounts up for her.Really all i needed was a bit of support.Eventually she was ok,we got the hang of it and went home.She was bf till 13 mths.My second DD was born and straight onto the boob and carried on till she was 2yrs and a bit.I cannot say how I felt when she was put straight on my tum instead of being whisked off and then started feeding...the total relief...I'd never say formula was evil because its a choice we have.Sometimes in some situations it can make all the difference if bf isn't working out.There can be a lot of guilt assoc with not bf for some people I would never wish to add to that.Its a valid choice.

DD1 BF til 8 weeks then formula.
DD2 BF 3 days then formula (or 'artifical feeding' as the extremely young trainee midwife called it!)

"artificial feeding" i suppose it is though artificial milk through an artificial nipple.