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The Gloves Are Coming Off ! Part 2

© Shawna Smith

Now, I know what you’re thinking. I can hear all of the formula feeders out there getting real angry with me, saying things like “I was formula fed, and I’m healthy! I feed my child formula, and he/she is healthy!” Well, that may be true now, or seem true, but you’re overlooking one thing. (Or actually, a couple of things) First of all, you’ll never know how truly healthy you or your child could have been if given breastmilk. You can’t measure what you don’t know. Second, you can’t see the future. You don’t know what will happen down the road. The effects of formula feeding may not show up until many years later.

Does anyone think it’s just a coincidence that the rates of breast cancer have gone up so dramatically? So have the rates of formula feeding. (As compared to 75 years ago) This is not an accident. Studies have proven CONCLUSIVELY that women who breastfeed have substantially lower rates of breast cancer than women who feed their babies formula. Every time I see a commercial or show about the rising rates of breast cancer, I think about this. If we could just get the word out to women! Breastfeed your child! Lower your risk of breast (and other reproductive) cancer! Or -–word it this way: Formula feeding increases your risk of breast (and other reproductive) cancer!

Then there’s bonding. There’s a lot of lip service being paid to “bonding” with your baby. The Mother-Baby Bond is spoken of as though it were some mystical thing. Well, it’s very attainable – breastfeed your baby. There are 2 hormones released in the woman’s body when she is nursing her child. These hormones are prolactin and oxcytocin, and have been nicknamed the “mothering hormones.” These hormones actually make a woman feel calm, relaxed, and “mother-y” toward her baby. See! Our bodies have a built-in system designed to promote bonding!

And though I shouldn’t even have to point it out, a nursing baby feels contentment, warmth, and security in his mama’s arms. Why would you want a plastic substitute for your mother?

OK, before you send off your hate mail, I’ll add some disclaimers. NO, I don’t think that if you formula feed you don’t love your child. I am NOT saying that in any way, shape or form. YES, you can bond with your child if you formula feed. (Just not as good as breastfeeding) NO, I am NOT saying that you are a bad parent if you formula feed. And yes, I DO realize that some women have medical reasons for not breastfeeding.

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