Why does age seem to matter so much??

Question

Ok i am 19 ill be 20 in a few months and i had my son 3 weeks ago tomorrow

I had alot of trouble breastfeeding as he was jaundice dehydrated and wouldnt latch or suck so after 4 days of syringe feeding him my hand expressed breast colostum and milk (painful) i got an electric pump and pump my milk for him

I have been going to a parenting centre to learn how to breast feed and am now semi sucessful in breastfeeding directly have to use nipple shields and he will only feed off me in the day time i have no idea why he wont suck at night

Anyway i dont understand why when ever someone asks how i am feeding and i say breast and expressed people always say "oh how old are you again" ANd then rudely say oh i thought you would be using formula"

I dont have anything against formula myself but i personally want to feed my baby my milk.....

Why do people just assume that i would use formula just because i am mot 25 or something

Is there a flaming age limit to breast feeding because i am so sick of being asked why i am not using formula

And so many people when i say i am feeding breastr milk say that i should use formula because they sleep longer

I dont care i ant to feed how i am why are people so opinionated about age and feeding choice

Sorry i am venting

Answer 1

It's because you young mothers are so d**n irresponsible and lazy! NOT. People are just ignorant. Many mothers would have given up already. Your a great Mum and you're doing a fantastic job.  

Answer 2

good for you for doing what is right for the baby!! honestly, MANY older mothers don't breastfeed either. it seems like an oddity for women to breastfeed longer than a couple of weeks. probably the younger you are people just assume that you will chose the "easy" route and the one that seems more vain (many women think their b*****s will be ruined if they breastfeed). when people ask you those questions and treat you like that, hold your chin high and let them know that you are proud of yourself for making the sacrifice and extra effort to give your baby the best nutritional start available!

Answer 3

That's just people being rude. Opening their mouth when they shouldn't.  

Answer 4

I think people just assume that because you're young, you'll want to give your baby formula so you can leave him with others all the time so you can go out and party or something.

Unfortunately, people just assume these things.

Good on you for perservering through what sounds like a very hard breastfeeding experience. Try to ignore those ignorant people, and enjy your bub and the fact that you're giving him the best start.

:)

Answer 5

Some people are ignorant and think that age matters. Its probably a shock to them that someone young is nursing. Many women your age sometime feel that breast feeding is a burden and your too busy so therefore you use formula. Don't let them get to you and its always okay to vent. At least you are going to classes and giving it a try.  

Answer 6

I completely understand where you're coming from, and the attitude is coming from the idea that younger mothers are not as committed or responsible and therefore would choose formula because it's the so-called convenient option. Personally, I don't get it, age shouldn't be a marker of what your decisions are or even why you make them, you seem like a great mother who is simply frustrated that other people won't allow you to show that you are mature enough to do certain things. Take it from me, these idiot people have way more issue than you do.

Well done for persevering with the breast-feeding, you know it is the right option for you and your little one. No one should judge you anyway, but just try to accept that they are in the wrong. Congratulations on your baby's birth!

Answer 7

YOU ARE THE WOMAN!!!

Congrats on your birth and on your commitment to breastfeeding your baby.

What other people think of you is none of your business! Remember that and it makes life a lot easier.

xx

Answer 8

I totally agree with you on the whole age limit situation!!! People look down on us youngsters and think well their only young they shouldn't have kids at their age and when you say to them well you had two kids by my age or whatever they turn around and say well times were different back then.... they are obviously not! A lot of these young parents do a bloody good job and not so consumed by themselves as the older generation are becoming... So sweetie just ignore them you do what makes you happy and bond with your little boy.... breast feeding is the best way to bond so well done on achieving it. :D x*x