Is this really a psychological reason to NOT breastfeed??? - Page 2

[BklynJen]

Originally Posted by tayndrewsmama

There seems to be all too much of the attempts to "beat one into submission" for their opposing views on MDC lately. I am not saying that BklynJen is doing that, but I can seriously see this headed that way.

I see what you're saying. I guess I just thought that this forum was for breastfeeding support and advocacy, rather than being judgemental about "excuses" not to breastfeed.

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by BklynJen

I see what you're saying. I guess I just thought that this forum was for breastfeeding support and advocacy, rather than being judgemental about "excuses" not to breastfeed.

My heart truly goes out to your friend. What an awful experience.



In regards to "excuses", I am afraid you have misread my OP. I was speaking specifically of things such as it's gross and the like. These are the same people who say that breastfeeding is a form of sexual gratification for the mothers and so on. So, who's judging who here? I meant do typical societal pressures truly constitute being physically unable to breasfeed, and by physically, I should clarify that I mean either your boobs fell off or they don't produce any/enough milk. I don't understand how what someone says about it makes the milk go away. What you choose to do with that information might make it go away, but not the words themselves. KWIM?

[Changed]

It seems to me that PPD, motherhood and hormones may have been a problem as well. No one said there we thought a woman who chose for justifiable reason not to breastfeed should have her children taken away for goodness sake. A question was posed and we answered how we feel about it IN GENERAL.

[BklynJen]

Okay. I understand.

I didn't want to just disappear, but my dad just called to say that my grandma died, so I will be away from the computer for a few days.

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by BklynJen

Okay. I understand.

I didn't want to just disappear, but my dad just called to say that my grandma died, so I will be away from the computer for a few days.

I am very sorry!!!

[Ruthla]

BlklynJen- I'm so sorry for your loss.

About stress and milk supply- stress can effect the milk ejection reflex. Severe emotional trauma CAN make it seem like "the milk goes away suddenly" when in reality the milk is still there but not coming out. Within a few days, milk supply will actually decrease if the breast isn't effectively emptied.

About the general topic:

I think we should treat all mothers with the respect we want to receive ourselves. We can disagree with a woman's choice without putting her down. Many women make "lame excuses" for not bf when in reality, they had valid, highly personal reasons they didn't want to share. Sexual abuse is one example. Lack of support in the face of difficulties is another.

I beleive that breastfeeding activists should address the underlying reasons that many women choose to formula feed without attacking mothers in the process.

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

I beleive that breastfeeding activists should address the underlying reasons that many women choose to formula feed without attacking mothers in the process.

I agree with you 100%. But I am seriously at a loss for how one can do this in today's society without being construed as attacking. When there is such a force that is so willing to tell a mother the second she has a problem that "oh well, you tried". Anyone who says to look at the situation, is automatically mean and doesn't understand. Not true, IMHO. There are TONS of people that are super defensive at the implication that there is more that could be done. Does this make any sense?

[Changed]

Sure does. God forbid a woman reach out and offer help. It makes it SO hard to quit and get back to normal with all that icky guilt hanging around, doesn't it?

[tayndrewsmama]

Originally Posted by my~hearts~light

Sure does. God forbid a woman reach out and offer help. It makes it SO hard to quit and get back to normal with all that icky guilt hanging around, doesn't it?

:LOL

[mamaroni]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

About the general topic:

I think we should treat all mothers with the respect we want to receive ourselves. We can disagree with a woman's choice without putting her down. Many women make "lame excuses" for not bf when in reality, they had valid, highly personal reasons they didn't want to share. Sexual abuse is one example. Lack of support in the face of difficulties is another.

Mental illness could be another reason that a mama wouldn't want to share.

[nannymom]

Originally Posted by alegna

Sounds like a load of bunk to me. But I am admittedly unsupportive of anyone who doesn't breastfeed when they can (totally supportive/sympathetic with those that truely can't though...)

oh, and can in my book means is physically able and it will not hurt the baby

-Angela

I'm with you.

[tapmilkmom]

nak


i feel like bfing really HELPED me deal with things that happened to me as a child.....i.e: abuse, but i can understand someone NOT being able to get past abuse. it helped me see breasts as life-affirming and sustaining, not as...."what they were used for" (shudder)


just my .02

[nannymom]

I know this won't be popular but i have to say that I am sick of the attitude that I have Shouldn't think less of people for making dangerous selfish decisions with their kids. There is a difference between can't and won't and woman who won't breastfeed shouldn't just be excused. We don't excuse woman for not buckling their kids into car seats.