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The "Only If" Science of Breastfeeding
Tuesday, November 6, 2007

As natural and good as breastfeeding is for mothers and babies, why do you think it has to be scientifically proven to be the better choice for infant nutrition?

And let me know your thoughts about this: If a pregnant woman decides not to breastfeed her baby before she delivers, is she effectively saying I don't want the best health for my baby? Or, is making that distinction being too real?

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Replies.

Labels: breastfeeding news

posted by Jennifer James @ 10:38 AM,

4 Comments:

At November 6, 2007 2:31 PM, Eilat said...: So much to think about, Jennifer. As usual :-)
Can you provide links to those "only if" studies? Id be interested in reading them.
I find the need to scientifically "prove" the superiority of breastmilk to be strange too. As a research scientist myself, I have no problem with science in general (obviously). I also think that it is a necessary aspect of our civilization to try to understand our world. From that perspective, I think studying breast milk to understand how it works and what it provides is very important. What I have a problem with is the need to compare it to formula, as if they are otherwise equivalent, but for the latest scientific findings.
I never made the decision to breastfeed because of some scientific study. I decided to breastfeed because for me it was the DEFAULT thing to do. If my body makes milk then it is there for a reason. I just seems like a no-brainer.
Furthermore, there are millions of unidentified and not-yet-understood compounds to breastmilk that have yet to be studies and reported on. Are we to wait for those results before deciding to use our natural bodies instead of a manufactured substance (that is naturally perfect for calves)?

As for the celebrity, is it Garcelle Beauvais by any chance? I read an interview with her on the celebrity baby blog and she is having twins and does not plan to breastfeed. She said something in the interview along the lines of "I know its not popular but..." and "I didn't breastfeed my older son and he turned out fine."
She is an intelligent, beautiful woman, but I couldn't help but judge her for that. I know breastfeeding twins can be hard (my mom did it and can attest to that) but as a celebrity she has a ton of money and can afford help. Furthermore I was disappointed because as a black celebrity she would have set a really awesome example.
But the thing that really got me was the statement "I know its not popular but..." That drives me crazy. It suggests that EVERYONE is breastfeeding and those few women who choose formula are outcasts or something. Please! If only the "popularity" of breastfeeding translated into higher RATES of breastfeeding. Its SOOOO popular, but no one does it.
sigh.
So yeah, you are right to keep it real. But celebrities, more than anyone, should set the right example. They prance around in the tabloids showing off their bump and inviting cameras into their baby showers and ob/gyn appointments. So do the right thing, and breastfeed those babies you are so proud of.
At November 7, 2007 3:34 AM, Azúcar said...: Because when formula was introduced it was the scientifically approved choice. "Here, we've made this new kind of milk that has been made by scientists. It's much better than what you women could produce. We've improved on nature." It went along with that mid 20th century feeling that we were all going to have a better life through chemistry.

Since we've been conditioned, culturally, to see science as the authority, there will be segments of the population for whom "scientifically proven" has the ultimate resonance. We have to prove that breastmilk is the best (rather than assuming that nature/evolution automatically provides the best.)

It's kind of silly logic, but there it is.

Yes, that is exactly what the mother is saying.

Are you aware of the breastfeeding ads that the government tried to air several years ago? They essentially gave the argument: you wouldn't endanger the health of your child before you had it, why do it afterwards by not breastfeeding. Unfortunately, the formula industries placed pressure on the Bush White House and the government backed down. It's a shame (literally, they should be ashamed.)

Toning down the breastfeeding ads happened again this year.
At November 7, 2007 10:44 AM, LauraC said...: I absolutly think the woman is saying i don't want the best for me or my child. Even if the woman has to go back to work asap or she is taking some necessary medication,she would still have options. She could breastfeed for at least six weeks and even find alternative types of treatment. there are alot of options out there and i would think a celebrity of all people would have access to solutions for whatever is holding her back.(unless she doesn't want whats best for her and her baby)
At November 7, 2007 9:20 PM, Elizabeth F. said...: In a different way of saying what has already been said, I think Mothers are saying "my needs, my work, my life, my schedule, my convenience, my feelings are more important than doing what is best for my baby."

I feel harsh for saying that, but really it boggles my freakin' mind how even remotely educated people can know that breastfeeding is best and turn away from that truth and not even try. I just don't understand. I have complete grace for mother's who try and fail for whatever reason, but to never try...