What's the debate about? Breastfeeding (The Breastfeeding Debate)

Member Name: jenjade

Product:	The Breastfeeding Debate
Date:	08/11/08 (107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for the baby

Disadvantages: Some times it doesn't work out. it is not for everyone

Breastfeeding is one of those subjects that I cannot understand what people are debating? What is the problem?

I gave birth to a baby girl when I was 21 like everything at that time I had no plans or expectations the midwife asked me after I have delivered if I wanted to breastfeed. I said I did not mind she told me it was completely up to me but the first few feed can be very good for the baby so I said ok she showed me how to latch on and my baby fed. This continued until she was 10 months old when I decided I wanted my body back!

I had no problems at all with breastfeeding and found it a very pleasant experience for my baby and me. I did feed in public but I was discreet I did not really want everyone seeing my boobs. However, I have read that some people are against breastfeeding in public but I have read a lot about it and still cannot understand the problem with discreet breastfeeding it is natural. My breasts would not have filled with milk if they were not intended for feeding babies.

As for the age that children should be fed up to, I think that is also up to the parents however, I cannot understand why you would want a child of school age feeding from you. It would make me feel very uncomfortable but each to there own.

I have watched programs about mothers feeding other peoples babies (cross-feeding) and I think this is wrong the mother makes milk that has the nutrients needed for there baby no for any baby. I would also worry about spreading infections ect by cross feeding. I found feeding my baby great for bonding and I would not want to feed someone else's baby it is a special bonding between mother and child and should be kept that way.

I was friends with a lot of parents who bottle-fed and they had commented that health workers etc had frowned upon them for not trying to breastfeed I think this is wrong it should be the choice of the parent. Information on the pro's and cons of breast and bottle-feeding should be available to help parents understand the benefits and decided what is best for them as a family.

Summary: To breastfeed or not to breastfeed the choice is yours!