The Glorification Of Breast Milk

Why do you think they created formula in the first place? The glorification of breastmilk, is a topic that I've longed to discuss for some time now, and honestly, the title says it all. For centuries, men and women, doctors and nurses, all around the world, and just about anyone you can think of, has glorified breast milk.

What do you mean "glorified?" you may ask. Well, what I mean is, people have been ignorant to the fact that not everyone is lucky enough to produce breast milk. They say things like ,"Don't give your baby that formula stuff!" or "You have to breast feed your baby." When the truth of the matter is, that many women struggle with producing breast milk or don't produce any breast milk at all.

When I delivered my second child, I noticed that I had no signs of breast milk. "Don't worry", the nurses said. "It can take a few days to come in but you should have colostrum. Try and feed the baby that." I think they missed the part when I said "NO SIGNS."

With my first child, I remember having breast milk before he was even born. My breasts were engorged and breast milk flowed uncontrollably. So what was the problem now? What had I done wrong?

"Supplement", they said. "Give the baby the breast first and then supplement with formula." So I tried that and I was not shocked when he did not nurse for long because nothing was coming out and he was hungry.

Now among all the pressures that I had to face as a mom, if I couldn't produce, why should I have to be ridden with shame because I used formula.

For all the nurses that do their jobs, I commend you. However, many nurses don't. Studies have shown that trying to latch your baby right after he or she is born, gives you the best results.

Well, in both instances after giving birth, I did not see my baby for many hours after he was born which lowered my ability to produce. Not only that, no one helped me try to latch him in the hospital. You would be surprised by the number of women who have had the same or a similar experience. It really is ridiculous.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been regulating commercial infant formula to make sure that it meets the minimum nutritional and safety requirements for years.  In fact, the first known commercial infant formula dates back to 1865.

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Have you also ever heard of the term "wet nursing?" Well, wet nursing began in 2000BC and it was when someone unrelated to you or your baby would nurse on your behalf. If  you were uncomfortable and didn't want to wet nurse what other option did you have? I'm sure that many women were happy when formula came into the picture.

I will say that choosing an infant formula can be very challenging. With my son, I went through about 8 different formulas before I found the right one and trust me it was very frustrating and now that there's a shortage of formula here in the U.S. it doesn't make anything easier.

Many women choose not to breastfeed for various reasons. Its not easy.

Here's a few reasons why:

1) When you breastfeed, you do not get adequate rest because your baby wants to nurse for comfort very frequently.

2) It hurts! Not only do you nipples become swollen but while your baby nurses, your uterus contracts which can be very painful.

3) In order to produce, you have to constantly drink lots and lots of water and eat very healthy. If you're not producing enough nutrients for your yourself, you won't have excess for baby.

4) Pumping is not a comfortable experience by any means.

The bottom line is that mothers should be able to choose whatever feeding method they feel the most comfortable with without fear of criticism. After all, carrying a baby for 9 months is a heck of a job in itself. So why should others choose what's best for us.

People need to be more educated and less ignorant regarding this topic.