Breastfeeding supporters are probably rejoicing this week, because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement updating its recommendation for babies to be strictly breastfed for at least the first 6 months of their lives. Basically, the statement says that breastfeeding is not just a lifestyle choice anymore -- it's a public health issue. Huh. A public health issue? Really?
When I hear the term, "public health issue," I immediately think of a disease outbreak or some kind of epidemic. If breastfeeding your baby for the first 6 months is a matter of public health, then that must mean that women who don't breastfeed their babies are doing something to hurt the greater population, right? And if that's the case, then it means that the AAP believes that women who choose (and I emphasize the word choose) to formula feed their babies are doing some kind of disservice to society. And that's just crazy talk.
Because breastfeeding has always been, and should always remain, a choice that a mother makes based on what is best for her -- not what other people think is right.
Moms aren't stupid, and we all know how nourishing breast milk is for our babies. But with more immune boosting formulas hitting the market, there are healthy options for those who choose not to breastfeed too. And honestly, even before these newer, fancier formulas came out, plenty of babies grew up healthy and happy drinking the regular powdered stuff out of a metal can. My little guy did just fine on formula, and come to think of it -- he's been sick a lot less than growing up than a lot of strictly breastfed babies I know. He certainly hasn't done anything to hinder "public health," that's for sure.
For the life of me, I just don't understand how breastfeeding can be considered anything but a lifestyle choice. How on earth is it anyone's business other than the mother's? I mean -- there's already enough unnecessary pressure put on moms to breastfeed their babies, even when they are physically or emotionally unable to do so. The absolute last thing those moms need is a large voice like the AAP trying to tell them what to do as far as feeding their child goes. It's none of their business -- because breastfeeding is simply not a matter of public health. It's a matter of a mother taking care of her own child and basing her decisions on what works best for her and her baby. Period.
Do you think that the AAP went too far with their statement?
Ashley Is a Widow Who Stays Strong...
This Hot Dad Wants to Vacuum Your Rug
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
Comments 233
Let's remember folks this is a "RANT" by the author and her opinion. There was no real research done for this article. I can challenge this mom and say my children are better off for being breastfed! They hardly ever got sick either! So keep the article as it is.... An OPINION article. No need to get our panties in a tussle. We should all be lucky that we have the RIGHT to choose! I'm for breast feeding but I will not judge someone who decides to bottlefeed their baby. We should not judge each other!
The choice to breastfeed isn't about the best interest of the mother, it's about the best interest of the BABY!! Breastfeeding shouldn't be a choice. The only reason a woman shouldn't breastfeed is if she physically CANNOT do it. Our children deserve the best, and breast will always be best, no matter how "great" formula is.
No matter what anyone says or chooses to believe, there is a huge amount of research that shows that breastmilk is the absolute best thing for babies. No matter how good the formula is, it's just not the same. That said, I know many women have to supplement and some women just can't breastfeed for one reason or another, and they certainly shouldn't feel guilty. Babies will grow up healthy either way. I don't think there's anything wrong with the AAP recommending that mothers breastfeed, though. As others said, it's a recommendation, not an order, and people ignore many health recommendations every day without feeling guilty or pressured. I am happy that the AAP is finally on board with so many other countries in the world in recommending breastfeeding because I do believe it's the most healthy thing for babies, but as always, it is a choice every mother has to make for herself and her baby.
It is a public health issue, like the no smoking campaing or the healthy food campaing....sure everyone is free to eat mc donalds everyday and smoke a pack of cigarettes, that doesn't mean is healthy for you. And breastfeeding is the same, sure you can give formula to your kid, just know that is not a health choice like breastfeeding is, and is about time that the AAP states this!
There is a big difference between a mom who cannot brestfeed due to medical reasons, is giving up because of inadaquate support and the mom who doesn't want to breastfeed because she's simply ignorant by ignoring to the dangers of formula feeding. Formula will never stand against brestmilk. Congratulations...In your post you make it obvious that your fell for marketig strategies.
If breastfeeding was always was a choice like you are saying, humanity would have not survived. PERIOD!
I don't think of this as "mother's choice to breastfeed or formula feed" but rather "a baby's right to get the best possible start in nourishment". While your baby and child may be healthy in the present time, formula increases the risk of many diseases in adulthood. This is why it's a public health issue.
Breastfeeding has not always been a choice. Up until the last 70 years or so, it was breastmilk or starvation. Just saying. And I think what people mean when they refer to it as a public health issue is that statistically, breastfed infants grow up into healthier children and adults, and consequently, save the public money on healthcare.