The Dangers of Formula

[CanidFL]

I don't come to this thread often but I have had some thoughts lately and was wondering what all you ladies think:

I don't understand why doctors don't flat out tell women the dangers of formula feeding. Why don't they have posters in their office? Why don't they give "the speech" when new moms come in? Why do they even have free formula samples in their office?

I remember clearly when I smoked as a teenager. Every time I went to the doctor their were posters like a dog with a cigarette in his mouth saying how stupid it looks when humans do it too. I remember getting "the speech" every time about how bad smoking is, how I should quit, how they would help me, blah blah blah.

I am in no way comparing smoking to formula feeding...it's just my examples. I don't understand why the dangers of not breastfeeding isn't talked about more.

Wouldn't it be great to see some billboards that say the dangers of formula feeding? Maybe that is too bold since some moms really do need formula.

Just some thoughts. Sorry if this has been discussed before

[KirstenMary]

I would rather promote the benefits of breastfeeding. Pointing out FFing dangers had the potential to put FFing moms on the defensive, and that accomplishes nothing.

[amandaleigh37]

I believe that was attempted in the past - commercials that said something like "You wouldn't put your baby at risk like this... (pregnant lady bull riding?!) so why put your baby at risk after he's born?" Something like that. The campaign offended people & didn't last long, I'm sure there's posts about it here if you search.

I think it all comes down to the almighty dollar, unfortunately.

[syn_ack89]

Originally Posted by KirstenMary

I would rather promote the benefits of breastfeeding. Pointing out FFing dangers had the potential to put FFing moms on the defensive, and that accomplishes nothing.

I like that idea in theory, but I think it doesn't work in practice.

[syn_ack89]

Originally Posted by amandaleigh37

I believe that was attempted in the past - commercials that said something like "You wouldn't put your baby at risk like this... (pregnant lady bull riding?!) so why put your baby at risk after he's born?" Something like that. The campaign offended people & didn't last long, I'm sure there's posts about it here if you search.

I think it all comes down to the almighty dollar, unfortunately.

BTW, the people who were offended were the formula company representatives that had the campaign killed. It is about money - not about the health and well-being of the babies.

[Claire and Boys]

Originally Posted by KirstenMary

I would rather promote the benefits of breastfeeding. Pointing out FFing dangers had the potential to put FFing moms on the defensive, and that accomplishes nothing.

I actually disagree, because I think it is better for BFing to be considered normal, rather than being "special" or "better" than FFing. That article about the language of breastfeeding summed it up well for me. I think it should be pointed out that FF babies have higher risk of obesity, SIDS, sickness, etc because it is fact. If it is put that way rather than harping on about the benefits of BFing, I think it would make more people stop and think about their choices.

[Tine]

Originally Posted by Claire and Boys

I actually disagree, because I think it is better for BFing to be considered normal, rather than being "special" or "better" than FFing. That article about the language of breastfeeding summed it up well for me. I think it should be pointed out that FF babies have higher risk of obesity, SIDS, sickness, etc because it is fact. If it is put that way rather than harping on about the benefits of BFing, I think it would make more people stop and think about their choices.

Amen, sister. I think BF language is very important.

No one lactivist can do everything, so we all do what we can in our own spheres, right? BF language is my special project. In my career (editing parenting and children's books), I've stuck my neck out dozens of times in defense of accurate language about BF and other health/parenting issues. I've gotten a lot of cr@p for it too -- particularly from a certain health professional/author who is desperately afraid of "making moms feel guilty" (Don't get me started on the true nature of guilt!)

I know language makes a difference because a few readers have told me that the unvarnished truth in these books opened their eyes. One even said it changed her life. Most readers keep their thoughts to themselves, of course....so I figure plenty more out there are quietly paying attention.

[angelpie545]

Well, it's not secret that Bfing really needs some "ooomph" to come back into the norm, but I what I think OBs should do is compare the risks and benefits of both. Even though this isn't what some of us would like to see, at least we know breastfeeding would aways win out. Breastfeeding IS always the best choice when applicable. I really think that society needs to stop touting formula feeding as a "choice" and start focusing on formula feeding as a choice that should be made when they are no other realistic options. Formula isn't poison or anything, and I know some babies can't help but be formula feed, and I certainly wouldn't want those mamas who can't breastfeed their babies to feel like dirt because their kids aren't getting breast milk. The things is however I do believe that many women who are fully capable of breastfeeding end up not doing for many reasons, and one of the main ones I think is the US's widely spread underestimation and misinformation about breast milk, plus sometimes an even condescending attitude about breastfeeding. The general public is less apt to accept a happily breastfeeding mother sitting in a restaurant than a mother who is feeding her baby a bottle. Also, the lack of breastfeeding-friendly laws in the workplace as a slap in the face mothers who only want the best nutritional options for their child.

What I'm getting at is that it's a gradual progression that needs to take place on many levels here, and we need people working on each front, not only with the formula companies, but also with doctors, society, and the workplace. It's a huge problem that will take years and years to unwind.

[goodheartedmama]

I'm shocked that so many people think it's okay to offend others in such ways. Yes, breastfeeding is best. But I'm confused about what people think it accomplishes when you say "your kid is going to be obese and sick because you feed him formula." It's really not going to change anything except perhaps formula feeders feel even more strongly that breastfeeders are rude and pushy.

[BugMacGee]

I don't think the *danger* approach is necessary. I think education can be very effective without making formula dangerous. It's food. Not the perfect food, not the best, but it is food.

[krystyn33]

Originally Posted by goodheartedmama

I'm shocked that so many people think it's okay to offend others in such ways. Yes, breastfeeding is best. But I'm confused about what people think it accomplishes when you say "your kid is going to be obese and sick because you feed him formula." It's really not going to change anything except perhaps formula feeders feel even more strongly that breastfeeders are rude and pushy.

Letting moms know up front that FFing increases the risk for health issues like asthma, diabetes and obesity (facts which are well documented) is NOT the same as saying that if you FF your child WILL have these problems. People should know the facts and the risks before they make their choices. Merely saying that BFing is better without the public truly understanding WHY FFing is inferior is not helping anyone. I don't judge any mom for FFing. But it is sad to think of moms who do not try to BF because they think formula is just as good.

[Tine]

Originally Posted by krystyn33

Letting moms know up front that FFing increases the risk for health issues like asthma, diabetes and obesity (facts which are well documented) is NOT the same as saying that if you FF your child WILL have these problems. People should know the facts and the risks before they make their choices. Merely saying that BFing is better without the public truly understanding WHY FFing is inferior is not helping anyone. I don't judge any mom for FFing. But it is sad to think of moms who do not try to BF because they think formula is just as good.

Yes, that's exactly it! Why is stating the facts so often construed as judgment when in comes to BF?

Parents need to make the best possible decisions they can for their own families. They both need and deserve the most complete, up-to-date, and accurate info available, ESPECIALLY from healthcare professionals and other "authoritative" sources. Sadly, these sources often don't provide good information.

In my work, it's simple, neutral presentation of the scientific evidence --not rhetoric -- that has gotten me in hot water. WTH?

[CanidFL]

Originally Posted by goodheartedmama

I'm shocked that so many people think it's okay to offend others in such ways. Yes, breastfeeding is best. But I'm confused about what people think it accomplishes when you say "your kid is going to be obese and sick because you feed him formula." It's really not going to change anything except perhaps formula feeders feel even more strongly that breastfeeders are rude and pushy.

I don't think that people should say that your kid is going to be obese and sick because of formula but I do believe that it is proven through studies that they are at higher risk for certain things. I don't see why people are so offended when others talk negatively about formula.

Doctors are on TV programs all the time saying "smoking causes cancer", "obesity causes diabetes and heart disease", etc. These are well known facts. I don't think a lot of moms really know that formula feeding has risks for the mother and infant but maybe if it was pointed out then they would try bfing a little longer.

I wouldn't see an ad campaign pointing out these risks as offensive if it was done respectfully and factually.

[angelpie545]

Originally Posted by krystyn33

Letting moms know up front that FFing increases the risk for health issues like asthma, diabetes and obesity (facts which are well documented) is NOT the same as saying that if you FF your child WILL have these problems. People should know the facts and the risks before they make their choices. Merely saying that BFing is better without the public truly understanding WHY FFing is inferior is not helping anyone. I don't judge any mom for FFing. But it is sad to think of moms who do not try to BF because they think formula is just as good.

Exactly, and I'd bet you all would be surprised as to how many people DON'T know that about formula, and really do assume it is "just as good". Did you guys know that some infant formula also contains MSG, which is linked to heart conditions and obesity? I never knew that until recently, and I'd like to consider myself fairly well-informed. It's all about informed consent. People NEED to know the very real risks before choosing to use formula for their babies. Pr-breastfeeding professionals don't just make those stats up, they are very real, and very scary, and people need to know.

[laohaire]

Why would it be any different from educating people about the risks of cigarettes? Why aren't we concerned about offending smokers?

Personally, I'd rather run the risk of offending a few people if a public health campaign actually helped to promote the health of our children.

It seems that educating people about the dangers of FF may be necessary, because right now, the consensus seems to be "yeah, yeah, I know breast is best, but formula is good enough." The attitude seems to be, sure, we give breastfeeding an A+ but if formula is an A-, that works fine! Your average consumer does not seem to be aware of the RISKS of formula.

Also, nobody says that "if you smoke cigarettes you WILL get lung cancer etc. and DIE." So why is it assumed that educating people about the risks of formula would include saying "your kid WILL wind up an obese, asthmatic diabetic"?

[Momma+4]

How do you do this with out offending?

I am Mom to 4 children who joined my family through adoption in a very quick fashion. BF was simply not an option.

My FF fed children are healthy, if anything lower weight (if having to buy slim sized pants for everyone is any indication) kiddos. Two are school age and their report cards indicate that they are doing quite well there too.

Had I had to hear a compaigne while my children were on formula on how much damage I was doing to them I would have been offended. I would have been hurt and angry.

I do think BF is best but it is NOT the only way. There are lots of healthy ways to feed your kiddos that hopefully, if you are physically able to, include BF

?

[annettemarie]

Originally Posted by goodheartedmama

I'm shocked that so many people think it's okay to offend others in such ways. Yes, breastfeeding is best. But I'm confused about what people think it accomplishes when you say "your kid is going to be obese and sick because you feed him formula." It's really not going to change anything except perhaps formula feeders feel even more strongly that breastfeeders are rude and pushy.

There's a huge difference between attacking a mother and saying "Your child is going to be obese and sick because you chose to feed him formula" and generally educating using language of risk rather than language of benefits. Why is OK to use that tact for other public health issues (drugs, drunk driving, vaccinations, smoking, SIDS, etc) and not breastfeeding?

[BugMacGee]

We all agree on the need for education. But this thread started about the dangers of FF. Not the *increased possibility somewhere down the line of.......*
I think this approach is unlikely to win many converts.

I am on the front lines of moms trying to establish bf'ing every day. We give them encouragement, support, tout the many benefits of breastfeeding. Fluff their pillows, get them water, whatever it takes to keep them going. Threatening women with the possibility of a diabetic young adult wouldn't go very far.

Fortunately, in my area, BF'ing is the default, at least in the beginning. I think the trick now is better support for the continuation of BF'ing.

[redhotmama]

I am sure the message is out that BF is best, as 80-90% of American mamas attempt to BF their newborns. Then by 6 weeks only 30% remain. These mothers are being failed by someone. The babies are losing. How can we turn the tide?
Formula can be dangerous. I know adults with chronic illness that can be directly traced to FF, gluten allergies, extreme food allergies, IBS, etc. Plus the runaway breast cancer rates of all those women who were not fed breast milk from 1940-1970.
How did the tide turn against cigarettes? A few nasty lawsuits? Reputable scientific studies?

[pantufla]

The problem with comparing formula to cigarrettes is that formula is FOOD. It does actually nourish babies. Cigarettes do not provide any nutritional benefit; quite the opposite.

Here's one area where I see a hang-up: my insurance company does not cover lactation consultants. They are only concerned with my good health in the short term; they are not concerned with my continued good health (higher risk of breast cancer) or with the good health of my children in the future (more doctor visits, more obesity, asthma, food allergies, etc). They make more money from partnering with drug companies TODAY than they will ever SPEND tomorrow on sick people. They aren't particularly concerned with the bottom line for tomorrow; Joe Executive won't get a bonus for stuff that happens in the future.