How do feminists feel about breastfeeding?

Question

I am due in September and I am tired of hearing about how I should breastfeed blah blah blah blah blah...

Is it reasonable to assume that just because a woman has a baby that she automatically wants a kid hanging from her boob every 2 hours? Why do I accrue so much criticism when I say I'm going to bottle feed? What do you think?

Answer 1

Breastfeeding doesn't bother me, even in public.  If you bottle feed, no one will know that you didn't pump your own breast milk.  I won't give my opinion as to whether you should or not, because you have enough opinions, although once the milk comes, you may change your mind.

Funny, when you have a child, it seems that the child becomes everybody's business.

Answer 2

Are you going to pump your breast milk or feed formula?  I hope you know that breast milk is the healthiest.  

I don't know why you'd want to miss out on such an important bonding experience with your child, but it's your choice I suppose.

Answer 3

I say don't do it if the idea makes you uncomfortable or you simply don't want to do it. Your baby is not going to suffer.

Answer 4

From a purely nutritional perspective, there is no synthetic formula that is as good as human milk for promoting healthy growth. Breast milk is a living fluid that changes as the infant's needs change, something that science has not yet been able to replicate.

Armed with that information, how you choose to feed your baby is nobody's business but yours.

Answer 5

There is no feminist position on breastfeeding. You can feed your baby from the breast or the bottle, as long as it isn't malnourished; that's what matters.

Answer 6

its better then the milk at the stores

:P

Answer 7

Well science is on the side of breastMILK.  It's mostly to do with building up the immune system (something formula can't do) breast"fed" babies have less tendency toward colic, respiratory infections, ear infections and others (though ear infections usually have to do with propped bottles, not formula)

I was formula fed and turned out fine, a lot of 80's babies were, but the point is that it does give your child a better chance so to speak than formula can.

That being said, outside of "bonding", there's really no difference between actually feeding from the breast or pumping for later use.  (many working mom's do this)

It's also more practical, you'll have enough of a supply for what your baby needs free of charge, and formula can take a nice chuck out of your pocket, which with the cost of diapers, clothes, onsies, etc, unless you're pretty well off it's much more cost effective to use breastmilk.

Answer 8

All I can say is...the decision is yours and yours alone.  In the grand scheme of life, their opinions are not important.  Do what is right and most comfortable for you. It's true that breast milk is best for baby...but when it stresses you out and leaves you feeling awkward, that does nothing good for the baby.  Formula is highly nutritional and just as healthy.  Do what YOU want to do.

Answer 9

I feel you should be allowed to do it if and when you want.

Answer 10

If you want to breast feed then do it but if you feel uncomfortable with the idea then bottle feed.

Either way it makes no difference, as long as the baby gets milk.

Ive never had children myself but ive heard breastfeeding is better then bottled milk and that you lose a few pounds while doing it, but really its entirely up to you how you feed your baby.

Answer 11

Well as long as you are bottle feeding your baby breast milk for about the first eight to ten months.  This is because the child still needs the nutrients that only your breast milk can provide.  Also, not to seem rude, but you are having a baby.  You need to have a better outlook on becoming a mother, maybe you do, but you seem kind of arrogant to this.  Breast feeding is the way to go, unless you want to risk your child not getting enough nutrients.  Some baby food products will claim to have what your child needs, but you need to find him/her a proper diet for the first year of your life.  That includes "having a kid hanging from your boob."

Answer 12

I don't think that feminists have a universal opinion on breastfeeding.  I think it's best, but it isn't for everyone.  Do what is best for you and your child.  Congratulations.

P.S- You receive so much unsolicited advice because there are a lot of nosy people in the world.  Get used to it.  Once you have that baby, they'll multiply.

Answer 13

Many feminists - many different answers.    

But I agree with Tracey.

Answer 14

A recent broad study found that breastfed kids had, on average, 10 extra IQ points than non-breastfed kids. Not to mention less obesity, diabetes, food allergies, ear infections, colds and even some cancers.

Not every woman succeeds in breastfeeding, but for the baby's health, I think all healthy women should at least try, at least through the colostrum stage.

Answer 15

I don't know that breastfeeding is specifically a feminist issue.  But the current trend is definitely hard over on the breastfeeding side.  It's sort of presumed that you'll do that if at all possible.  The militancy of breastfeeding women has gotten stronger as laws have been passed permitting breastfeeding in public, yet people still come up to women who are nursing and say stupid things like "Cant you do that in the bathroom?" as if adults eat in bathrooms.

That said, if you see feminism as really being about women having choices about how they run their lives, then a true feminist would respect your choice to bottle-feed, just as a true feminist respects a woman's choice to either have a career or be a stay-at-home mother.

Answer 16

I think breast-feeding would be best. Bottle formula isn't as good as what a baby will get from breast-feeding.

Answer 17

Because everyone is an armchair pediatrician with an extensive background in judmentality...  lol...

I don't plan to breast feed.  I was not breast fed, I am just fine.  My friend breast fed until the baby was almost in school...  and I mean, hanging off the boob feedings.  

I think some people are ok with it and some people don't want to do it.

Answer 18

Entirely up to you how you feed your baby...b*****s are there for that purpose, but hey, we are evolved creatures with awareness and choice..so listen to constructive advice but ignore the negative.

Answer 19

It's natural - if you got them and they work - use them!!!

Answer 20

Breast feeding offers more nutrients, bonds the baby & mother etc.  However you will do what feels more comfortable.  Good luck.

Answer 21

Breast feeding is better...simply because you pass on a lot of your immunity to certain diseases. It's also a good time to bond with your child. However, bottle feeding allows you to share the intimacy with your husband (he can feed the baby too). So, it really is about preference. Why not bottle feed and breast feed?

Answer 22

Well I am all for breastfeeding because I want to.  Most of the feminist sites I have seen is pro-breastfeeding and not in what I would call a good way.  I do not plan on breastfeeding in public places because of my child's personal joy.... The kid will have just as much or more joy if I am comfortable and I won't be comfortable in public.  Anyways... Do what you want I would think that is what anyone would want.

Answer 23

lol, it's natural.

and that is where most of the nutrients come from to help baby grow

Answer 24

Two words:  BREAST PUMP

.. and anyone that complains about you bottle feeding, tell them to whip out their boob and feed the kid.

Answer 25

It has nothing to do with feminism (other than feminists who fight for the right for women to breastfeed).  

It's your own decision what you want to do.  You might discuss it with your doctor, who could inform you of the health benefits for your child.  You could also use a breast pump if you don't want the kid "hanging off" you.

Answer 26

I went through the same thing as you....

You need to not pay any attention to them. I also had a co-worker who LITERALLY was physically unable to do it and she got harassed STILL.

People (a lot of women) tend to forget what "womanhood" means and that ultimately is that we need to be empowering women to make their own choices based on what they believe in. Women that critisize other women for not breastfeeding are just as disgusting as the man who gets home from work, throws his dirty clothes at his wife's feet and demands to be waited on all night.

I understand there's all these studies about how good it is for your baby, let me be the first to say....

I've had 2 children that have been perfectly healthy, only minor run ins with the flu during that season (completely normal) and one of my daughter's had a mild ear infection last winter (first one in her short 4 year life!!! that's pretty dang good!)

my cousin on the other hand chose to breastfeed, well she's had her son in and out of the hospital too many times to count....

BOTTOM LINE....do what makes you feel best. If at the end of the long road of pregnancy you feel you want your body back, well HIGH FIVE to you woman!!!! Congrats on making YOUR choice for what you feel is right for your family. You are not doing anything harmful to your child by bottle feeding.

Answer 27

I don't see how that has anything to do with feminism as feminism is defined as the equality of females to men.

Answer 28

Wow! Going into motherhood with a real sweet mothering attitude..."kid hanging from your boob" indeed. Why not just give the "kid" up for adoption. Trust me, breastfeeding is the least of the uncomfortable life changes youll be making. Yes, I nursed my babies and I wouldnt have given up feeding them naturally for anything. Theres nothing sweeter than those trusting eyes looking up at you and smiling from your...ahem...boob. :P

Answer 29

Of course it's your choice, but breastfeeding is healthier than bottle feeding, assuming you aren't on any medications or don't have any health problems.  

1. Breastfeeding will give your baby important antibodies so that he/she can better fight infections.  

2. Hungry baby at 3 in the morning?  Just bring him/her into bed with you for a feeding.  No stumbling into the kitchen to warm up bottles.  No clean up.

3. Instant birth control.  While breastfeeding, your body automatically produces hormones that keep you from getting pregnant too soon after the child's birth.

4.  Natural weight loss.  http://www.a-personaldietitian.com/weigh...

Answer 30

Any person who is adament about their causes is going to take the time to criticise someone who opposes their causes (plus they get points for answering the question).

I advocate choice...breastfeed if you want to, bottle feed if you want to....and ignore the people who want to be pissy to you about the choice you make.

Answer 31

Well, I am very pro breastfeeding, but of course, if the mother doesn't want to, chances are she will not have any success if she tried, and the baby would become equally frustrated.

You have to do what's right for you, in order to do what's right for your baby.