Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

[Guest guest]

My sister went back to work when her twin boys were 6 weeks old. SHe had BF

exclusively up till that point. I was the lucky babysitter. LOL She left

for them two bottles for the day and came at luch and BF them. They never

had nipple confusion. They were also die hard pacifier lovers. lol

Now on the other hand I didn't want to give formula and haven't been able to

pump so my haven't had bottles.

W.

Our 4th Boy!!

Isaac

4/10/00

[Guest guest]

My sister went back to work when her twin boys were 6 weeks old. SHe had BF

exclusively up till that point. I was the lucky babysitter. LOL She left

for them two bottles for the day and came at luch and BF them. They never

had nipple confusion. They were also die hard pacifier lovers. lol

Now on the other hand I didn't want to give formula and haven't been able to

pump so my haven't had bottles.

W.

Our 4th Boy!!

Isaac

4/10/00

[Guest guest]

My sister went back to work when her twin boys were 6 weeks old. SHe had BF

exclusively up till that point. I was the lucky babysitter. LOL She left

for them two bottles for the day and came at luch and BF them. They never

had nipple confusion. They were also die hard pacifier lovers. lol

Now on the other hand I didn't want to give formula and haven't been able to

pump so my haven't had bottles.

W.

Our 4th Boy!!

Isaac

4/10/00

[Guest guest]

I have one of those babies who can have both the bottle and nurse. Because

of his jaundice he had to have some bottles the first few days he was born.

When we brought him home because of him being lethargic and more used to a

bottle nipple it was hard to get the relationship going. Thankfully I had

my mom, who had bf my brother and I for two years. She helped me and I was

determined to nurse, it didn't take long for him to get the hang of it. I

really feel like it was a blessing in disguise. I had problems with my gall

bladder and it got worse after Evan was born, I was having gall bladder

attacks every two-three days that would last for hours. They were about as

painful as labor and I was incapacitated during the attacks. Evan could

take a bottle of ebm from my husband during that time. It also helped

during the time I was in surgery.

It wasn't what I would have planned on but it all worked out. I am planning

on nursing for at least a year or two like my mother did with my brother

and me.

Krista

eyetalic@...

Evan 2/10/00

> Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

> to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

> established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

> I would pump when they got

> Plus, my mother or husband got to

> feed them, which was a real treat for them.

>

> I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

> bottles can serve a useful

> And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> I am a very committed

> But I know too many women who didn't

> " " I

> believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and

getting a

> bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

>

> Margaret

>

> or Doug Cramer wrote:

>

>> [snip]

>>> " " I can't help remembering

>>> the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

>>> (This is one of my soapbox

>>> Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

>>> For me, I was sorry I ever

>> started

>>> Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

>>> another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

>>> my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

>> [snip]

>>

>>>

>>

>> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

>> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

>> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

>> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

>> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>>

>> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

>> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

>> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>>

>>

>

>

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I have one of those babies who can have both the bottle and nurse. Because

of his jaundice he had to have some bottles the first few days he was born.

When we brought him home because of him being lethargic and more used to a

bottle nipple it was hard to get the relationship going. Thankfully I had

my mom, who had bf my brother and I for two years. She helped me and I was

determined to nurse, it didn't take long for him to get the hang of it. I

really feel like it was a blessing in disguise. I had problems with my gall

bladder and it got worse after Evan was born, I was having gall bladder

attacks every two-three days that would last for hours. They were about as

painful as labor and I was incapacitated during the attacks. Evan could

take a bottle of ebm from my husband during that time. It also helped

during the time I was in surgery.

It wasn't what I would have planned on but it all worked out. I am planning

on nursing for at least a year or two like my mother did with my brother

and me.

Krista

eyetalic@...

Evan 2/10/00

> Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

> to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

> established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

> I would pump when they got

> Plus, my mother or husband got to

> feed them, which was a real treat for them.

>

> I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

> bottles can serve a useful

> And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> I am a very committed

> But I know too many women who didn't

> " " I

> believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and

getting a

> bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

>

> Margaret

>

> or Doug Cramer wrote:

>

>> [snip]

>>> " " I can't help remembering

>>> the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

>>> (This is one of my soapbox

>>> Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

>>> For me, I was sorry I ever

>> started

>>> Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

>>> another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

>>> my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

>> [snip]

>>

>>>

>>

>> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

>> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

>> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

>> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

>> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>>

>> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

>> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

>> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>>

>>

>

>

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I have one of those babies who can have both the bottle and nurse. Because

of his jaundice he had to have some bottles the first few days he was born.

When we brought him home because of him being lethargic and more used to a

bottle nipple it was hard to get the relationship going. Thankfully I had

my mom, who had bf my brother and I for two years. She helped me and I was

determined to nurse, it didn't take long for him to get the hang of it. I

really feel like it was a blessing in disguise. I had problems with my gall

bladder and it got worse after Evan was born, I was having gall bladder

attacks every two-three days that would last for hours. They were about as

painful as labor and I was incapacitated during the attacks. Evan could

take a bottle of ebm from my husband during that time. It also helped

during the time I was in surgery.

It wasn't what I would have planned on but it all worked out. I am planning

on nursing for at least a year or two like my mother did with my brother

and me.

Krista

eyetalic@...

Evan 2/10/00

> Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

> to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

> established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

> I would pump when they got

> Plus, my mother or husband got to

> feed them, which was a real treat for them.

>

> I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

> bottles can serve a useful

> And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> I am a very committed

> But I know too many women who didn't

> " " I

> believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and

getting a

> bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

>

> Margaret

>

> or Doug Cramer wrote:

>

>> [snip]

>>> " " I can't help remembering

>>> the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

>>> (This is one of my soapbox

>>> Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

>>> For me, I was sorry I ever

>> started

>>> Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

>>> another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

>>> my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

>> [snip]

>>

>>>

>>

>> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

>> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

>> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

>> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

>> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>>

>> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

>> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

>> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>>

>>

>

>

>

> Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

> http://www.lactivist.com

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

I too lost my breastfeeding relationship due to bottles and almost lost my

second one as well. I got rid of the bottles and pacifiers and soon he was

nursing more and I had a better supply than ever. If I have another baby I

won't do a bottle at all. I plan on have a cup feeding system handy in case

of emergency but I won't do another bottle. It just isn't worth it to me.

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Bottles, the beginning of the end

Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women out

there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older kids,

once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.

Remember the good 'ol days

http://click./1/4053/0/_/410002/_/959145079/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

http://www.lactivist.com

[Guest guest]

,

I too lost my breastfeeding relationship due to bottles and almost lost my

second one as well. I got rid of the bottles and pacifiers and soon he was

nursing more and I had a better supply than ever. If I have another baby I

won't do a bottle at all. I plan on have a cup feeding system handy in case

of emergency but I won't do another bottle. It just isn't worth it to me.

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Bottles, the beginning of the end

Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women out

there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older kids,

once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Failed tests, classes skipped, forgotten locker combinations.

Remember the good 'ol days

http://click./1/4053/0/_/410002/_/959145079/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

http://www.lactivist.com

[Guest guest]

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition. I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition. I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know, but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition. I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience, and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another... until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

I can agree with you but had the opposite experience. I am unable to

letdown to a pump easily and so if I needed to leave and give a bottle

keeping my supply up wasn't really possible. Also it is very difficult to

encourage a 9-10 month old busy toddler that they should nurse when they

know all too well how easy and portable a bottle is. My daughter started

flat out refusing to nurse after I went back to work and she started getting

a bottle. I am sure I could have overcome it with more help and information

but at the time I just didn't get it. I have just heard so many cases where

moms have said to me " if I only knew what that one bottle or pacifier would

cause, I would have never given it. " I just recently helped a friend

recover her nursing relationship with her 2 week old baby because she gave a

pacifier through the night one night after each nursing and by morning she

started a three day nursing strike which was almost the end of their nursing

relationship. My black or white thinking about bottles comes from lots of

personal experience with the trouble they can cause. On

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents

have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know,

but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they

got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got

to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition.

I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting

a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience,

and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end

of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another...

until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's

mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy.

It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find out your allergy risks online!

Get a $10 discount at eNutrition just for trying it.

And a chance to win a desert Spa Getaway.

Click Here:

http://click./1/4575/0/_/410002/_/959185350/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

http://www.lactivist.com

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

I can agree with you but had the opposite experience. I am unable to

letdown to a pump easily and so if I needed to leave and give a bottle

keeping my supply up wasn't really possible. Also it is very difficult to

encourage a 9-10 month old busy toddler that they should nurse when they

know all too well how easy and portable a bottle is. My daughter started

flat out refusing to nurse after I went back to work and she started getting

a bottle. I am sure I could have overcome it with more help and information

but at the time I just didn't get it. I have just heard so many cases where

moms have said to me " if I only knew what that one bottle or pacifier would

cause, I would have never given it. " I just recently helped a friend

recover her nursing relationship with her 2 week old baby because she gave a

pacifier through the night one night after each nursing and by morning she

started a three day nursing strike which was almost the end of their nursing

relationship. My black or white thinking about bottles comes from lots of

personal experience with the trouble they can cause. On

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents

have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know,

but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they

got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got

to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition.

I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting

a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience,

and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end

of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another...

until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's

mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy.

It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find out your allergy risks online!

Get a $10 discount at eNutrition just for trying it.

And a chance to win a desert Spa Getaway.

Click Here:

http://click./1/4575/0/_/410002/_/959185350/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

http://www.lactivist.com

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

I can agree with you but had the opposite experience. I am unable to

letdown to a pump easily and so if I needed to leave and give a bottle

keeping my supply up wasn't really possible. Also it is very difficult to

encourage a 9-10 month old busy toddler that they should nurse when they

know all too well how easy and portable a bottle is. My daughter started

flat out refusing to nurse after I went back to work and she started getting

a bottle. I am sure I could have overcome it with more help and information

but at the time I just didn't get it. I have just heard so many cases where

moms have said to me " if I only knew what that one bottle or pacifier would

cause, I would have never given it. " I just recently helped a friend

recover her nursing relationship with her 2 week old baby because she gave a

pacifier through the night one night after each nursing and by morning she

started a three day nursing strike which was almost the end of their nursing

relationship. My black or white thinking about bottles comes from lots of

personal experience with the trouble they can cause. On

Wendi

http://www.lactivist.com

breastfeeding info & resources

Re: Bottles, the beginning of the end

I think it is important to remember that most of the time, we as parents

have

control over the use of bottles. Yes, nipple confusion does exist, I know,

but

there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed too.

It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

established and any early problems were cleared up) and frankly, this

occassional break contributed to me staying sane! I would pump when they

got

a bottle, so there was no drop in my supply. Plus, my mother or husband got

to

feed them, which was a real treat for them.

I am not advocating everyone go and give their baby a bottle, no flames

please. I am just saying that used responsibly, bottles can serve a useful

purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

breastfeeder, don't get me wrong. But I know too many women who didn't

breastfeed because they were told it was an " all-or-nothing " proposition.

I

believe their babies would have been better off being breastfed and getting

a

bottle sometimes, rather than not being breastfed at all.

Margaret

or Doug Cramer wrote:

> [snip]

> > When you say you'd rather be " safe than sorry, " I can't help remembering

> > the outcome of what a few bottles did to my first nursing experience,

and

> > really hope that it doesn't happen to you. (This is one of my soapbox

> > issues, forgive me!) Just one bottle can mean the beginning of the end

of

> > a nursing relationship for some babies. For me, I was sorry I ever

> started

> > giving bottles. Once we'd broken that ground, it was easier to give

> > another, and skip a nursing session... and another... and another...

until

> > my baby no longer wanted to nurse at all.

> [snip]

>

> >

>

> Oh, , this is one of my issues too! I know there are lots of women

out

> there who switch between nursing and formula with no problem. I've just

> never been on of those who was able to do it. With each of the 3 older

kids,

> once the bottle was around, breastfeeding tapered off and stopped soon

> after. Now I live in fear of the first bottle that goes into 's

mouth.

>

> I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy.

It's

> still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and

not

> ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

>

>

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Give the Gift of Life Breastfeed!

http://www.lactivist.com

[Guest guest]

>purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

>breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

For me personally, had I not had a " black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders " I wouldn't be subscribed to this list today. Because of my

extreme, militant commitment to breastfeeding, my daughter and I overcame

severe jaundice (bili was 27 at highest count) without hospitalization,

formula, or any other intevention; and my son with a heart defect was

better able to thrive without bottles, despite my pro-breastfeeding pedi

telling me that for him bottles would be better. I also learned that there

are studies after studies that show that bottlefeeding requires more

effort, expends more calories, and can cause more interference with

heart-lung function than breastfeeding. Thank God I was militant and had

no bottles.

I'm sorry if my desire to breastfeed is considered militant to

anyone. Actually no, I can't apologize. I gave my very best effort

for the sake of my children and am pleased with the outcome. It worked for

me... [Not at all said with " venting tones " or " angry tones " or what have

you... just my personal reflections.] I just knew that after having a

breast reduction, having had successful milk production and a very brief,

but sabotaged nursing relationship with my first, I had to DO and not TRY

breastfeeding with my next baby. I wanted to be CERTAIN that I could or

couldn't breastfeed. And now I know.

[Guest guest]

>purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

>breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

For me personally, had I not had a " black and white mentality of militant

breastfeeders " I wouldn't be subscribed to this list today. Because of my

extreme, militant commitment to breastfeeding, my daughter and I overcame

severe jaundice (bili was 27 at highest count) without hospitalization,

formula, or any other intevention; and my son with a heart defect was

better able to thrive without bottles, despite my pro-breastfeeding pedi

telling me that for him bottles would be better. I also learned that there

are studies after studies that show that bottlefeeding requires more

effort, expends more calories, and can cause more interference with

heart-lung function than breastfeeding. Thank God I was militant and had

no bottles.

I'm sorry if my desire to breastfeed is considered militant to

anyone. Actually no, I can't apologize. I gave my very best effort

for the sake of my children and am pleased with the outcome. It worked for

me... [Not at all said with " venting tones " or " angry tones " or what have

you... just my personal reflections.] I just knew that after having a

breast reduction, having had successful milk production and a very brief,

but sabotaged nursing relationship with my first, I had to DO and not TRY

breastfeeding with my next baby. I wanted to be CERTAIN that I could or

couldn't breastfeed. And now I know.

[Guest guest]

>I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

>still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

>ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

I threw all the bottles out of my house with baby #2. If she *had* to have

breastmilk in a container not attached to my body, it wasn't going to be

given to her in a bottle. I had no " safety net " as some women perceive it,

but I had nothing to sabotage my efforts either.

My DH bought a bottle when she was about 3 months old, " just in case, " and

I kept it for a flower vase for about a week.

[Guest guest]

>I did buy an Avent, just in case I need to have a bottle of EBM handy. It's

>still sitting here on the desk, out of the package, but unsterilized and not

>ready to go. I'm just not ready to go there yet.

I threw all the bottles out of my house with baby #2. If she *had* to have

breastmilk in a container not attached to my body, it wasn't going to be

given to her in a bottle. I had no " safety net " as some women perceive it,

but I had nothing to sabotage my efforts either.

My DH bought a bottle when she was about 3 months old, " just in case, " and

I kept it for a flower vase for about a week.

[Guest guest]

,

You owe no apology to anyone. I am not sugesting that you or anyone should

give bottles if you choose not to. I am well aware of the benefits of

breastfeeding, do not feel you need to educate me. I do believe, based on

experience, that an occassional bottle of ebm does not necessarily destroy the

breastfeeding relationship. My babies are living proof. It would take far

more than an occassional bottle to interfere with my committment to

breastfeeding and to my babies nutritional well-being.

Margaret

Howell wrote:

> >purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> >breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

>

> For me personally, had I not had a " black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders " I wouldn't be subscribed to this list today. Because of my

> extreme, militant commitment to breastfeeding, my daughter and I overcame

> severe jaundice (bili was 27 at highest count) without hospitalization,

> formula, or any other intevention; and my son with a heart defect was

> better able to thrive without bottles, despite my pro-breastfeeding pedi

> telling me that for him bottles would be better. I also learned that there

> are studies after studies that show that bottlefeeding requires more

> effort, expends more calories, and can cause more interference with

> heart-lung function than breastfeeding. Thank God I was militant and had

> no bottles.

>

> I'm sorry if my desire to breastfeed is considered militant to

> anyone. Actually no, I can't apologize. I gave my very best effort

> for the sake of my children and am pleased with the outcome. It worked for

> me... [Not at all said with " venting tones " or " angry tones " or what have

> you... just my personal reflections.] I just knew that after having a

> breast reduction, having had successful milk production and a very brief,

> but sabotaged nursing relationship with my first, I had to DO and not TRY

> breastfeeding with my next baby. I wanted to be CERTAIN that I could or

> couldn't breastfeed. And now I know.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

You owe no apology to anyone. I am not sugesting that you or anyone should

give bottles if you choose not to. I am well aware of the benefits of

breastfeeding, do not feel you need to educate me. I do believe, based on

experience, that an occassional bottle of ebm does not necessarily destroy the

breastfeeding relationship. My babies are living proof. It would take far

more than an occassional bottle to interfere with my committment to

breastfeeding and to my babies nutritional well-being.

Margaret

Howell wrote:

> >purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> >breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

>

> For me personally, had I not had a " black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders " I wouldn't be subscribed to this list today. Because of my

> extreme, militant commitment to breastfeeding, my daughter and I overcame

> severe jaundice (bili was 27 at highest count) without hospitalization,

> formula, or any other intevention; and my son with a heart defect was

> better able to thrive without bottles, despite my pro-breastfeeding pedi

> telling me that for him bottles would be better. I also learned that there

> are studies after studies that show that bottlefeeding requires more

> effort, expends more calories, and can cause more interference with

> heart-lung function than breastfeeding. Thank God I was militant and had

> no bottles.

>

> I'm sorry if my desire to breastfeed is considered militant to

> anyone. Actually no, I can't apologize. I gave my very best effort

> for the sake of my children and am pleased with the outcome. It worked for

> me... [Not at all said with " venting tones " or " angry tones " or what have

> you... just my personal reflections.] I just knew that after having a

> breast reduction, having had successful milk production and a very brief,

> but sabotaged nursing relationship with my first, I had to DO and not TRY

> breastfeeding with my next baby. I wanted to be CERTAIN that I could or

> couldn't breastfeed. And now I know.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

You owe no apology to anyone. I am not sugesting that you or anyone should

give bottles if you choose not to. I am well aware of the benefits of

breastfeeding, do not feel you need to educate me. I do believe, based on

experience, that an occassional bottle of ebm does not necessarily destroy the

breastfeeding relationship. My babies are living proof. It would take far

more than an occassional bottle to interfere with my committment to

breastfeeding and to my babies nutritional well-being.

Margaret

Howell wrote:

> >purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> >breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

>

> For me personally, had I not had a " black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders " I wouldn't be subscribed to this list today. Because of my

> extreme, militant commitment to breastfeeding, my daughter and I overcame

> severe jaundice (bili was 27 at highest count) without hospitalization,

> formula, or any other intevention; and my son with a heart defect was

> better able to thrive without bottles, despite my pro-breastfeeding pedi

> telling me that for him bottles would be better. I also learned that there

> are studies after studies that show that bottlefeeding requires more

> effort, expends more calories, and can cause more interference with

> heart-lung function than breastfeeding. Thank God I was militant and had

> no bottles.

>

> I'm sorry if my desire to breastfeed is considered militant to

> anyone. Actually no, I can't apologize. I gave my very best effort

> for the sake of my children and am pleased with the outcome. It worked for

> me... [Not at all said with " venting tones " or " angry tones " or what have

> you... just my personal reflections.] I just knew that after having a

> breast reduction, having had successful milk production and a very brief,

> but sabotaged nursing relationship with my first, I had to DO and not TRY

> breastfeeding with my next baby. I wanted to be CERTAIN that I could or

> couldn't breastfeed. And now I know.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed

too.

> It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

This is true, it's up to the mom, but most mom's don't realise that is what

they are doing when they give a bottle in place of a nursing session, that's

why it can sabbotage the relationship (fortunatly most of us who have had

that problem realise now how to fix it!)

> purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

It's not like militant breastfeeders spray paint bottles when they are being

given (I'm comparing this to fur coats!) In fact, I consider myself fairly

militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

letters and words.

Gazley

Mom to (Oct 8, 1998)

http://www.members.home.net/lgazley

[Guest guest]

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed

too.

> It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

This is true, it's up to the mom, but most mom's don't realise that is what

they are doing when they give a bottle in place of a nursing session, that's

why it can sabbotage the relationship (fortunatly most of us who have had

that problem realise now how to fix it!)

> purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

It's not like militant breastfeeders spray paint bottles when they are being

given (I'm comparing this to fur coats!) In fact, I consider myself fairly

militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

letters and words.

Gazley

Mom to (Oct 8, 1998)

http://www.members.home.net/lgazley

[Guest guest]

> there are many babies who can have an ocassional bottle and breastfeed

too.

> It's up to Mom to *not* skip nursing sessions and let breastfeeding taper

> off. Both my babies had occassional bottles of ebm (after milk supply was

This is true, it's up to the mom, but most mom's don't realise that is what

they are doing when they give a bottle in place of a nursing session, that's

why it can sabbotage the relationship (fortunatly most of us who have had

that problem realise now how to fix it!)

> purpose. And, I think the black and white mentality of militant

> breastfeeders turns potential breastfeeders off. I am a very committed

It's not like militant breastfeeders spray paint bottles when they are being

given (I'm comparing this to fur coats!) In fact, I consider myself fairly

militant and I've never said anything to a stranger chosing to formula feed,

but I do try to fix what I consider wrong with the formula industry with

letters and words.

Gazley

Mom to (Oct 8, 1998)

http://www.members.home.net/lgazley

[Guest guest]

Annemarie,

I have to respond to this. As a full-time working mom myself, I have a

five-month old exclusively breastfed baby.

How do I do it? Thanks to Wendi, I have a good schedule that seems to

work well for us. My son is kept at home and the sitter calls me when he

is hungry.

Maybe your work schedule won't allow you to nurse during the day. Don't

take the benefits of bfeeding for granted! There are days that I am

really exhausted, but I know that I am providing my son with the best

possible nutrition. My first son was bfed until he was six months old,

but because he was in daycare and I had a different position, I was only

able to feed him at lunch. As a result, my supply wasn't really great

and I ended up having to supplement with formula.

This time around, I was determined that I would bfed completely without

any pacifiers or bottles. I feel such a sense of accomplishment, even

though it is a major commitment.

Please consider your decision carefully because you can also use a cup

instead of a bottle. The benefits of bfeeding are incredible!

Amy W.