[Kama82]

Ok well, I dont really know where to go for help on this one but I am hoping someone here can help me decide how to best approach this.
I am taking English 103 this quarter which is an argumentation and research class. The final project in this class is to write a 10-15 page argumentative research paper. We got to select our own topic and I figured what better topic for me than breastfeeding, specifically how efforts should be made to increase it and increase awareness and education about breastfeeding. It is something I am interested in researching anyway, and something I feel strongly about, and something I figured I could go on for at least 10 pages about.

My problem is this, my teacher pulled one over on me I guess because this weeks assignment (which I must complete to pass the class by the way) is to write an argument from the opposing point of view.

: I sat down to attempt to begin to write it today and I realized that this is a rather one sided issue for me. I can't even think of one argument people use against breastfeeding. Searching google is bringing up nothing but positive information on breastfeeding. This kind of makes me happy because it seems to me that people realize that breastfeeding is best, its just convincing them to do it.

:
However, that does not help me one bit. Our arguments are supposed to come from well documented reliable sources. I have no idea how to approach this, I know I am never going to find a medical journal showing formula is better for babies, I dont even know what the argument is for formula feeding.

I am desperate here, I really dont want to write this paper but failing the class isnt an option because I would lose my financial aid, and if I don't write this paper I will fail the class.
I am kind of looking for an out here, any ideas? This really sucks and if I knew I was going to have to write a paper opposing breastfeeding in order to write one for it I think I would have chosen another subject. I am stuck with this one now though so if anyone has a suggestion for what I could do here it would really help.
I am a little frantic because I didn't realize how upsetting it would be for me to try and write from the "opposing view" until I sat down to do it. I think I could do it for anything else but this time its just not working

I am having a major moral issue with arguing against something I believe so strongly in even if it is just for an assignment.

 

[Quirky]

First, I would talk to your teacher. You chose a subject that the evidence is all one way - like smoking. There are no credible arguments that smoking is healthier than non-smoking, and there are no credible arguments that FF is healthier than BF for almost all cases. So you're not going to find any research supporting the generalization that FF is better for all babies.

If you really truly have to write a paper opposing BF (which would be a stupid assignment!) then I would write about the situations in which FF is recommended over BF. HIV, hepatitis, hard-core drug-using mothers, there are probably some other health conditions you could find like PKU and other genetic disorders of metabolism where bf is contraindicated, cancer where mom has to be on chemotherapy, etc.. You could set up a straw man argument like "the breastfeeding advocates say BF is always healthier, but here are some cases in which it is not recommended medically." You will be able to find documentation for these situations.

 

[Attached Mama]

Ok calm down.... breathe!! Have you ever heard of satire? You can quote documents and give all the arguments very solidly - and it will sound so stupid that it will give more solidity to the pro-BF argument.

It hurts sometimes
other people's opinions/modesty
It affects sex life negatively for some people
It is "unsophisticated" to some people.
cases of aids, breast cancer or other major disease where it can potentially be a problem

the few people who actually do NOT have sufficient milk supply
you have to devote time to the baby - can't just bottle prop or have someone else feed

so i would expound on all of those and do it seriously like those are valid reasons - excepting the most selfish person, it will be seen as satire. Maybe even say something like "In conclusion one may decide to forgoe bF and the accompanying prevention of cancers, allergies, asthma, ..... in favor of artificial milk and it's modesty, lack of pain and lack of time, ease or some other such bull#!$

 

[alegna]

Do it from the selfish mom point of view- the ewww yuck I don't want a BABY sucking on my BOOBIE.....

About women's rights and how they have every right to NOT EVER have ANYONE touch them, including a baby. It makes no difference if it's better or not because the baby's rights can not trump the mom's rights...

good luck!

-Angela

 

[Lovinmy2babies+1]

I did an argumentive paper on breastfeeding last year. We also had to write a short essay type paper of the opposing side. My instructor's reasoning to writing about the opposing side is because she said you can't persuade someone to change their viewpoint unless you try to see it from their side first. Everyone knows breast is best, but there are some rare instances where breastfeeding isn't best. Good luck!

 

[jessjgh1]

You're teacher is using a tactic that is pretty common-- and you really do need to think about the other side so that you can better make your own point. It will probably help you focus the issue when it comes down to writing the final paper, too.

I agree that it is difficult to find things from well documented reliable sources, but maybe you can explain this to your teacher and get his/her help to figure something that works. Or if you can't because lack of time-- use the overwhelming amount of bad medical advice, social pressures, and misinformation that is abundantly available as your well documented sources. A doctor, for example, is deemed reliable even though they can be wrong. Social norms influence breastfeeding (including views about NIP and lack of concern for the needs of working mothers, and need for most mothers to return to work so early etc.)

I don't envy you, I'd loathe to write the paper too, but try writing it and keep in mind the parents that are subject to this infomration are often just as much a victim as their child is. I assume parents make the best choice for their children, based on the information they have available, etc. So if someone makes a choice I think is "wrong" I have to consider where they were coming from and the information (even if it was wrong) that guided their decision.

HTH,

Jessica

 

[Cate]

I can't remember the author, but head to your local library, there's a book called "Bottle Feeding Without Guilt". It'll probably make you mad as hell, and I'm sure you'll hate every word of it, but it'll get you through your paper

 

[sapphire_chan]

Mercury in breastmilk, increased allergies if children are breastfed more than 6 months, difficulty in returning to work, breastfed babies wake more frequently at night, magazines are required to airbrush out nipples but women breastfeed on the street in front of children, breastfeeding of older children as an incenstuous act.

They're wrong, but you can find apparently credible sources for all the above. Check out the WTEWYE book, it has a great paragraph about how at a year babies should be switched cow milk because breastmilk is not nutrionally complete. You aren't responsible for the logical fallacies of your opponents. The allergy thing and also "some babies have metabolic disorders that make it impossible for them to digest breastmilk" are the two that come closest to being substantiated. It's also true that women find it more difficult to go back to work when breastfeeding. Yes, you're going to use that as a case for better support from employers in your pro paper, but you can also use the current state of affairs as a con for breastfeeding.

Also look at the money aspects what's the cost to the taxpayer for government programs to support breastfeeding? Ignore WIC for this bit, obviously.

You don't have to believe the information you put in your paper, if you believed it you wouldn't be on the other side. You simply have to report what the "opposition" says.

Even if they've changed their stance, you might be able to find some quotes from upper level executives in various companies saying things like "it is the woman's responsibility to find a suitable breastfeeding environment, our company is not a required to provide for the needs of one employee", just be sure to accurately report when they said it.

Heck, pull in stuff from the past. "Pediatrician Dr. J M Twiddlebrain states in the brochure 'the care of your new baby' that formula is all kinds of superior."

Use lines from the formula companies: "Your breastmilk may be deficient in DHA, vitamin D, and IRON!!!!! OMGWTFBBQ!!!!" (slightly paraphrased)

Get together a rough draft and take it to your teacher, rip out anything they find to outre, and expand the rest.

Oh, and hang in there, remember, for most of this BS, they make *themselves* sound like idiots. Use quotes *a lot* "Dr. Loopypoo claims that milk turns to koolaid at 11 months, 29 days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes after birth." "claims" "states" "believes" "postulates" these are not words of fact they are words of supposition.

 

[EVC]

OK! The going back to work issue! (Yes, you need to forget about the existence of pumps). But you could talk about the crappy maternity leave policy in this country necessitating going back to work, so you need to be able to leave formula with the sitter. Also, you could morally oppose NIP

and say that your lifestyle necessitates going out a lot (shopping, etc), so you need to give the bottle (again, pretend you can't or won't pump). Then there's he bonding with dad thing (he needs to be able to feed the baby to bond with her) and that you need to delegate the night feedings to someone or you're a wreck the next day (again, dad gives a bottle). All lame of course, but you could argue it.

 

[Kama82]

Thank you so much everyone. I can't tell you how much this helps. You really refocused my thoughts, and you are right writing from the oppositions point of view will only focus my arguments in my final paper more. I really appriciate all these suggestions and your kindness will get me through this paper.
(please excuse the typing I am a little more understandable when I am writing papers because I dont have a 7 month old in my lap deleting everything I type as I go

)

 

[hawkfeather]

it is english class is there budge room?,, i say you could have a feild day writign a satirical essay on why you shouldn't breastfeed.

 

[User101]

I think this could be really helpful, both to you as an activist (it helps to know what the other side is thinking!) and to anyone who reads your paper because the only reasons out there will probably seem rather inconsequential in light of all the evidence. So, I suggest you get yourself a copy of "When Breastfeeding Isn't An Option" previously titled "Bottlefeeding Without Guilt" (by Peggy Robin) and write away! Good luck, though. It's a vile book.

 

[Kavita]

It will make your breasts sag. Breasts are for the husband's pleasure. Breastfeeding reduces interest in sex and and that impacts the marital relationship negatively. It doesn't let the dad or grandparents bond with the baby by feeding it too. It's "gross". It keeps you tied down to the baby. They bite when they get teeth. They will turn out okay if you formula feed them, and that's so much more convenient. The majority of the American public don't want to see women breastfeeding in public and there isn't always a private place to feed the baby, and who wants to have to spend all your time in a yukky bathroom? With formula, you know exactly how much the baby is getting. Formula is scientifically formulated to meet the baby's nutritional needs. Formula has more iron than breastmilk. When you formula feed you don't have to watch your diet or restrict alcohol, smoking, or other drugs. (I think that there is a section in the book "Nourishing Traditions" where the author contends that if a mother is not optimially nourished that she should just formula feed and the baby will be better off.) Drugs that mom takes pass through breastmilk, and babies may be negatively impacted by them--babies have even been killed by mother's use of ilicit drugs (meth or cocaine--this is true, BTW.) Breastfeeding makes babies overly dependent. After a year, there is no benefit and it's just to meet a need of the mother and keeps the baby infantilized.

Wow--I'm convincing!! I am going to stop this breastfeeding nonsense and go out and buy a case of Enfamil right now!! (Bwaaahaaahaaa!!

)
Actually, some of these are true, or partially true! (I can personally vouch for the low sex drive and the biting, ha ha!) But in my mind they aren't an argument for not breastfeeding, but for lots of people they apparently are!!

 

[psyche]

I think the bad maternity leave and lack of time for pumping at work for many women would be a reason against.

Honestly, go to any mainstream magazine or news site and find articles about breastfeeding. There will always be some quotation in there with the opposing view.

 

[MommytoTwo]

Could yo possibly write all the reasons people generally use and then refute them? Then you are stating the opposite...kinda. I dont know. This is tough.

 

[Susuhound]

Maybe you could write from the point of view of someone finding all the reasons not to bf (low supply, maternal medications,everything else youcan think of) and as she finds the evidence to refute each one she comes to the only reason that can't be refuted scientifically "I don't wanna".

 

[elanorh]

There's a thread a few pages back about how little doctors know (statistically) about breastfeeding ... might come in handy (cited sources).

You definitely need cited sources, not the common reasons but articles etc. which state that X is true. I know just awhile ago there was an article about how breastfed infants have higher issues of dehydration/hospitalization after birth. I think it was a NY based article? I think this would tie well into the "Well, we just don't know enough about bf anymore, and there's inadequate information/support from the medical community, so women could hurt their babies by bf" argument.

You should be able to find information about how infants with food allergies whose mothers don't alter their diets to remove those allergens, are better off on a hypo or elemental formula. And you could probably also find information about the lack of information out there about infant allergies, for parents and physicians (to demonstrate that women could be assuming baby is fine when baby is having an allergic reaction). And situations where an Elimination Diet is not adviseable for the bf mother (say, she's got an Eating Disorder; or she's a committed Vegan; or she's low weight and losing weight too fast on the diet).

Transmittable diseases which preclude breastfeeding in the Developed World (HIV) .... the standard "some few babies due to PKU etc." in re: breastfeeding .... again, should be easy to find cited sources for this.

You may be able to find information about adoptive lactation and the work involved, maybe someone has done research on whether it stresses mother more to try to lactate while bonding with this new baby?? I don't know about this one....

Inadequate support from employers could also work. Maybe you could find statistics about the # of women who can't let down well for pumps? And I know there must be statistics out there about how many employers provide pumping rooms/support.

It's a stretch, but you could also talk about public opinion itself in re: breastfeeding, and that for women who are very concerned about what others think about them and their parenting choices, the "risk" of having to NIP and potentially offend those around them, might be reasonable?

You may also be able to break down the statistics in re: bf vs. ff outcomes. I know I've heard women say that once it's broken down, the statistical likelihood of X condition in a ff baby vs. a bf baby is very slight -- not enough to register on their radar (women who "get" statistics too, and actually often bf for other reasons).

You could cite the AAP warning against cosleeping (and other sources warning against it) and talk about "sleeping through" for babies, especially WOHMs' babies, as an issue which bf allows more disruption to, since moms "shouldn't" cosleep, therefore she is always getting up to bf, while we know that ff babies take longer to digest formula etc. You could find sources about the risks of sleep deprivation (in re: auto accidents etc.) to cite in this area ....

Good luck. I vote against satire - I think the prof probably wants a "legit" argument made -- if that exists

.... I think you can make this work with some of the pp's suggestions etc. I had to write a paper like this too once (different topic but still one I felt strongly about). It made me mad at the time but was a powerful lesson for me, about the importance of understanding the opponents' views if you want to be able to refute them.

 

[lizanneh]

I thought I remembered reading an article that discussed a study that was anti-BFing. This study claimed that all of the benefits of BFing aren't from BFing at all, but natural differences that are linked instead to the demographics of women who breastfeed.

There has to be some research out there, because the whole reason the formula companies were able to alter the messages in the gov't commercials was because their "scientists" disputed the original claims made by the commercials.

 

[Kavita]

Breastfeeding makes it very hard to wear cute dresses.

Unfortunately, that one's true!!

 

[azedazobollis]

As a foster mother of infants and a lactivist, I have been required to experience both sides.

Here are some starting points you could use:

Babies taken from drug addicted mothers in the foster care system spend some time with non biological foster families before transitioning to their forever adoptive families. Many of these babies are born drug addicted/ alcohol effected - some are preemies with medical conditions needing to be on special formula. These babies may have visitation with birth family members and do not establish their forever family until nearly two years old when it may not be possible to start breastfeeding at that age.

To a foster family on a budget, formula samples are extremely helpful when the hospital and dr.'s give them out- especially when different formulas need to be tried to find which works best. Getting those $checks from formula companies is always appreciated (by me anyway

: - I stock my shelf with formula. When I get a baby in the middle of the night that is delivered to me wearing only a dirty diaper and no bottle/ formula- anything....

My turnover of babies in the house is quick as Im taking emergency placements only right now- I am not looking to add to my forever family at this point and I have no desire to continue lactating on and off - this completely messes up my hormone levels. To keep lactating I would have to continue taking domperidone and pumping )and I do not respond to a pump- never have). I do not have the patience to use the SNS every feeding only to confuse a baby. Most of these babies already have sucking problems as it is. I have no time to tape the tube to my breast and be a mom of 4+ a rotating infant. Some of these babies are hepC positive and the research on the safety of breastfeeding these babies is not available. It is much easier for me to sling a baby and hold a bottle while tending to the other kids. My forever family comes first and I do my best to mother the visiting baby while he/she is in our home.
HTH