Dou you ever get burnt out?

[Shaunam]

with lactivism that is? Mostly I'm fed up debating with people about the whether bf'ing really is better than ff'ing. To me it's common sense. I'm sure it's common sense to all of you too. Even with studies, ingredient lists, ect right in front of people's faces, they *still* don't get it. And it's not even worth my time anymore.

I've been spending my time encouraging people who are already nursing. Or teacing people who are open to learning. And doing my part openly nursing in public.

But this debate crap is on my nerves and I'm about to become a semi-lactivist...who only helps people who are willing to pull their heads out of their for five seconds.

And that makes me feel like a crappy lactivist. :

[Shaunam]

OT-Does it bother anyone else that we can't edit the title of our posts? That little 'u' hanging up there by the 'Do' is really bothering me...

[guestmama9911]

I don't get burned out because I'm a highly opinionated and loud person and love to hear myself talk.

[Arwyn]

I don't even debate. I might sometimes state the facts, or correct misinformation, but if someone is messed up in the head or their information enough to actually defend formula as the same as or better than breastfeeding, I don't even go there (other than perhaps to call them idiots - depending on how well I know them ).

Anyway, we can still be lactivists! NIPing with pride, supporting nurse-ins and positive breastfeeding laws and regulations, opposing Big Formula's attempts to rule the country, letter writing, boycotting, wearing and dressing children in pro-breastfeeding tshirts, attending LLL meetings, and even just quietly supporting an individual woman's attempts to nurse are all lactivist actions. We don't have to do all of them all the time. Thank goodness!

[Siana]

I've got burnt out several times in the last 2-years with lactivism, and whenever that happens, I pull myself away (once that was ~8 months of not going to the forum where much of the debates ensued). I can't be an effective lactivist when I'm frustrated.

I've found especially at this point in my life, that I need positivity, and talking with people who aren't open to changing their ideas and opinions is just a waste of my time and energy. I still do it now and then (because I love torture ), but it's not the bulk of my lactivism by any means. I'd rather spend it elsewhere where there can be some appreciation.

Originally Posted by Shaunam

...I'm about to become a semi-lactivist...
And that makes me feel like a crappy lactivist. :

I used to think that too. There are many different forms of lactivism, all of them worthwhile causes. I've stopped trying to expect myself to do what seems so draining on me (though I always looked at it as a learning experience, forum advocacy is so draining). I've taken a while to find (what I think) is my niche (it may change over time, who knows). I personally think forums is one of the hardest ones to master.

And don't think of yourself as a semi-lactivist because of focusing your energy in one or two specific ways. Helping moms who want help is a very worthwhile lactivism stream, and of course just nursing in public is doing a great part in normalizing nursing.

[minkajane]

Originally Posted by Shaunam

OT-Does it bother anyone else that we can't edit the title of our posts? That little 'u' hanging up there by the 'Do' is really bothering me...

When you click on edit, if the edit box pops up and you can only change your post and not the title, click on "go advanced." You can change your title there.

[REDBREAST]

The only time I get burnt out is when I give my all to help a new mama breast-feed and then she ends up supplementing, or switching completely. Then the bad thoughts start popping into my head, like all the work for nothing, why in the world did I even try? When I am feeling that way, I force myself to then think about all of the successful breast-feeding mamas that I helped and that is what keeps me going.

[Joannarachel]

Why do you think I don't go to a certain-board-that-shall-not-be-named anymore?

[Sustainer]

YUP, I got so burned out that I stopped coming to this forum for a year and a half! I was constantly having to explain to people that I was not accusing THEM of being formula-feeders-by-choice, that I was sure that their issues were real, etc, and I just couldn't take it any more.

[rmzbm]

Originally Posted by alisaterry

I don't get burned out because I'm a highly opinionated and loud person and love to hear myself talk.

LOL!! : I'm with you!!

[gentlebirthmothr]

Originally Posted by Shaunam

with lactivism that is? Mostly I'm fed up debating with people about the whether bf'ing really is better than ff'ing. To me it's common sense. I'm sure it's common sense to all of you too. Even with studies, ingredient lists, ect right in front of people's faces, they *still* don't get it. And it's not even worth my time anymore.

I've been spending my time encouraging people who are already nursing. Or teacing people who are open to learning. And doing my part openly nursing in public.

But this debate crap is on my nerves and I'm about to become a semi-lactivist...who only helps people who are willing to pull their heads out of their for five seconds.

And that makes me feel like a crappy lactivist. :

Originally Posted by Arwyn

I don't even debate. I might sometimes state the facts, or correct misinformation, but if someone is messed up in the head or their information enough to actually defend formula as the same as or better than breastfeeding, I don't even go there (other than perhaps to call them idiots - depending on how well I know them ).

Anyway, we can still be lactivists! NIPing with pride, supporting nurse-ins and positive breastfeeding laws and regulations, opposing Big Formula's attempts to rule the country, letter writing, boycotting, wearing and dressing children in pro-breastfeeding tshirts, attending LLL meetings, and even just quietly supporting an individual woman's attempts to nurse are all lactivist actions. We don't have to do all of them all the time. Thank goodness!

Shauna and arwyn,

I'm in the middle of how you guys feel on this issue.

[guestmama9911]

I think it' funny that women here get huffy if someone talks about formula feeding. If you HAVE to, we obviously don't mean you!

I am a member of the Militant Breastfeeding Cult. I'm also anti-dishes, which is a wonderful reason not to formula feed if you can avoid it.

[rmzbm]

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