Looking for references/articles..

[~Caitlyn~]

With explanation/evidence that mom's milk from the breast is best (vs. pumping and bottle feeding exclusively).

A friend of mine told me that she is pumping and bottle feeding her 9 week old because its "more convenient." I feel bad for her little man not getting the boob, especially when she's not having any problems (good latch, etc.) As a breastfeeding Mom, I hate pumping... Its hard for me to see pumping, then storing, then feeding, then cleaning out parts, as easier than simply picking up baby and getting it all done at once.

I think she might have some emotional issues with it... but, she's sticking with the 'bottle feeding for convenience' story..

When I told her that she is missing out on some tremendous benefits of breastfeeding, she asked me for some articles... She was surprised by this information, she said that she thought as long as it was her milk, it was the same thing

She doesnt want to start bfing again... so, I want to encourage her... not bully her..

Thanks ladies


Anyone read anything on mothering about this?

[Hannah'sMommy]

I agree that mom's milk from the breast is best. I work full time so I have to pump during the day (and have been for the past 7 months or so). I agree, I hate pumping. But, it's worth it if my DD gets breastmilk while I'm at work! One thing I want to say is that at least she is willing to go through the effort to pump and give her baby bottles instead of just going the formula route. Many women aren't even willing to do that. And, I think you have the key to encourage not bully her. Unfortunately I don't have any articles for you, but just wanted to say that at least she's giving her baby breastmilk instead of formula!

[physmom]

The physical act of suckling at the breast helps develop babies' lungs.

http://www.tandurust.com/health-rese...-benefits.html


ETA: FWIW, I had to pump for work too and DD got the occasional bottle at night from DH when I was really sleep deprived (I've never been able to fall back asleep while nursing). I always hated it and the second I started working at home we quit (and DD refused bottles every since then).

[akind1]

I would say that exclusively pumping makes it difficult to maintain your supply - I don't have articles, but I have heard that quite often here on MDC

I myself really don't like pumping, and am glad I don't need to do it often. It's great though that she realizes that BM is best, and is willing to put up with all that pumping. I thought I might go that route for a while, but once DS started being a more efficient eater (around 8 weeks) we flipped around and pumping is an only at work thing.

[Bokonon]

I would agree that it's wonderful that she's giving her baby breastmilk, but it is definitely MORE convenient to breastfeed, especially after the first couple of months. And feeding from the breast helps prevent future obesity because babies can easily get in a cycle of overeating from the bottle.

I found some good links for you:
http://www.who.int/child_adolescent_...astfeeding/en/

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/index.html

These have great tips on how to maintain supply through long-term pumping:
http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/bfnotwk.htm

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/ma...pply-pump.html

[Bokonon]

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-a...ty-417246.html

[lifeguard]

otoh - wow - what a committment to pump & bottle feed. She may very well have a very good reason she doesn't feel comfortable discussing.

I know someone who exclusively pumped for a year (because of her type I diabetes), it is doable but definitely takes committment.

I'd give her some information but be careful that you don't discourage her altogether - bm in a bottle is still preferrable to formula.

[akind1]

On the flip side, there is an excusive pumpers tribe in BF challenges ...