"The View", again - Page 2

[ktgrok]

Just wanted to say that you CAN breastfeed and be in the medical profession. There is a misconception that if you are around anesthesia you shouldn't breastfeed but it isn't true. You should check the equipment for leaks though.

[Mamapits]

Uhhh yeah that. Thank you. I was at the nurse in at the view several years ago. As I am reading the responses I am thinking to myself uh am I in the right forum? is this mothering????

And yes that was a totaly irresponsible answer to give out on national TV. Barbara needs to get over it already and so does Elizabeth and Dr Oz needs to be more thoughtful in the information he spews out.

Women need support!!!! why should breastfeeding be more stressful than bottle feeding? WE need to keep making it he norm. Yes I agree it is not for EVERY woman, like someone addicted to hard core drugs but breastfeeding in and of it self has a stress reducing effect on the mother. The very act of a baby breastfeeding releases hormones that help a mother to relax.

Originally Posted by PatioGardener 

Janice, I'm with you - I feel his answer could have been much better! The question was leading, so I would have 'answered' it like this:

Barbara:

Can I ask you one quick question, the whole debate about breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, if a woman does not breastfeed and she’s using the bottle, how bad is that,  or does it make that much of a difference?

PG:

Barbara, that is an excellent question, and I'm sure we don't have time to answer it fully, so let me just say this. Breastfeeding can be tough going at first and women need to be fully supported by friends, family and especially the medical system. Sadly we let many mother's and babies down when it comes to breastfeeding.

Looking at the camera: If you or someone you know is currently having difficulty breastfeeding, please visit my website to find help in your area. 

Thanks again, Barbara, for bringing up this important topic.

I'm big on getting a message across even if it is not the answer to the question.

[3girls1boy]

I also think there are some people who feel it has to be all or nothing.  There are some working (away from baby) mothers who use formula while they are away, but continue to nurse when they are with the baby.  

[MamatobabyA]

For some women, breastfeeding is extremely stressful.  I am a postpartum nurse and I wish every one of my new moms would breastfeed.  The benefits for baby and mom are wonderful. 

There are some who won't even consider it.  To me, lactavism is about offering and supporting moms and their choices to feed their baby.  I want all my patients to feel relaxed and supported by me. 

Then there are those who "will try".  The offer the breast, baby squirms and has trouble latching and she gives up.  Generally, this mom had no intention to breastfeed, unless the milk fell out of her breast and into baby's mouth.

Then there are women who want to breastfeed and it goes wonderfully.  Baby latches well, she feels great while doing it, baby is having plenty of wet diapers.  All is well.  I love these moms.  She works hard to get the breastfeeding experience that she wanted and prepared for. 

Finally, there are those who want it so bad.  They try and latch over and over.  In spite of multiple attempts, the baby is not having wet diapers for more than 24 hours.  Or the mom just sobs every time it's time to nurse.  She is not relaxed.  She dreads feeding time.  She is afraid she is doing it wrong.  No amount of support from me, her family or lactation will ease her fear.  This mom is stressed.  To be honest, I sometimes think it's about personality.  This mom is used to having control and a very black/white situation.  Breastfeeding is so not that way.  I would never ever encourage her to give up.  I would never tell her it's "better" to stop breastfeeding and just switch to formula.  However, I can see how she could find the whole experience stressful and, eventually, resentful.  I really think these are the mom's who we "lose".  They eventually hate every part of it. 

I think Dr Oz's advice was silly.  I really think he would have been better off suggesting that mom's who are stressed out need to seek out some professional assistance if they are struggling.  Most hospitals offer free phone consultations with the LC.  Ours will give advice for up to one year. 

More than that, thought, Elizabeth needs to get over it.  She CHOSE to stop breastfeeding.  Fine.  Why does she/babs keep bringing it up?