I want to begin by making it clear that I do not wish to upset any parent who has made the choice to feed their baby formula. Formula obviously has what it takes to keep an infant alive, growing, and developing. Scientists and health care professionals have been doing everything in their power to recreate breast milk to the very best of their ability. I do not doubt this. Unfortunately, everything that I have read and observed about breast milk and the effects it has on mother and child is absolutely incomparable to formula. Is this to say that a mother should feel horrible about her decision not to nurse? Well, I can not tell you what to feel. If you feel that you have made the wrong decision, then you probably have.
Click here to access the link that I have found to be the most convincing information regarding the benefits of breastfeeding. Rather than repeat everything the article stated, I would rather you read it for yourself. It's a short article, but full of great facts and statistics! One thing interesting about it is that it was difficult to find. It seems that everywhere I look; parenting magazines, the library, parenting websites, and Google, the most popular information to offer is support for mothers to let go of their "guilt" regarding their decision to use formula. I had to dig deep to find the actual differences between the two forms of milk. Why is this? Why is guilt addressed more frequently than benefits? Most importantly, why not offer alternatives? How about offering websites, articles, and books on how to overcome the early stages of breastfeeding? After all, cracked and infected nipples, sore breasts, endless feeding and pumping, and feeling constantly needed can get pretty old pretty fast. Instead I have found one article after another assuring woman that if they find it too difficult to breastfeed, then they should feel absolutely no guilt in feeding their baby formula.
From what I have gathered, some mothers can't produce milk and others are put on medications that can't be transferred to an infant through the milk. These are obviously unfortunate circumstances that can not be changed by the mother and have no reason to cause guilt, only dissapointment. Personally, if I had to make the decision between formula and a milk bank, a milk bank it would be. I need to know that my children will receive absolutely everything needed to be at their best. I understand that my children will still grow and develop if I feed them formula, but will they struggle with ear infections, allergies, upset stomachs, and a numerous amount of other things that manifest without proper nourishment? Personally, if I have the choice, then my answer is that I am not willing to find out; Are you?
I would find all of your opinions and ideas very helpful as I am still struggling to completely understand why any mother can make the choice not to give her child her best, even if it means pumping every three hours or seeking professional help from a nurse. Perhaps I have missed something crucial in what I have read and observed. Maybe this is the first time you have read the information in the article I posted above. It could be that you were mentally incapable of providing your child with breast milk. Whatever the reason is, I truly do want to understand why the children of this nation are being raised and developed on a food that is lacking. I can only hope it is ignorance and not selfishness. I can give you knowledge, but selfishness is something only you can conquer.
Please keep in mind that this blog is about raising the next generation to be the very best this world has seen. I can not do it alone. I need to understand the hearts and minds of the mothers of this world if I am going to make a difference. Please share any concerns, ideas, or beliefs you hold that can open my eyes to a more balanced view.
