Were you breastfed and how do you feel about it?

December2012

I'm not asking this in Parenting because I'm interested in the opinions of non parents that were breast fed.

How do you feel about it?

Do you feel anything about it?

Does it feel weird or not?

I wasn't myself, although I've breastfed my kids, girls. is it different for lads?

And if you are a parent did your opinion change when your kid was born?

I don't want this to be a breast fed vs formula fed thread. I'm just interested in the opinion of those who were breasted themselves.

jester77

Can't remember that far back.

petes

Bitty!


I actually don't know if I was, presume so!

Downlinz

I don't know and don't want to find out

Dj Stiggie

I wasn't. Now that I have a lot of friends with babies it seems weird that I wasn't.

PizzamanIRL

Yet another thread about a perfectly natural thing that society makes out to be embarrassing for some reason. Porn threads, topless sunbathing and now this.

iMac_Hunt

Do you honestly believe that us adults are going to remember sucking mamas titties?

TouchingVirus

I was breastfed for a time but then swapped to formula. I can't remember that far back though so I've no opinions on it apart from it's not weird, it's perfectly natural.

Meangadh

I wasn't. My mother found it way too difficult and was extremely stressed so it wasn't for her. Don't think it had any adverse effects on me or any of my siblings.

I don't see how anyone could feel "weird" about being breastfed though. It's not like you'd even remember it and it's a perfectly natural thing to do. But immature I think if anyone finds that weird.

Each to their own. I'd like to think mothers would give it a try in that it is proven to be best for the child and it is cheaper. But I also think the mother's mental health is important too and so if it's resulting in stress and major discomfort then I'd say do what works best for your individual situation. Too many people judge either way.

wp_rathead

How do you feel about coming out of your mothers vagina OP?

Breastfeeding is as natural as that imo

SuperGrover

"Were you breastfed and how do you feel about it?"

(1) I have no idea and (2) ambivalent tending towards it's natural so probably for the best where possible.

Micky Dolenz

I got breast fed over the weekend. Does that count?

becost

I'm obsessed with women's tits and I put it all down to breastfeeding.

December2012

iMac_Hunt wrote: »

Do you honestly believe that us adults are going to remember sucking mamas titties?

No. Which is why I'm asking you do you have any thoughts on it as adults.

old_nick

the things some people wonder about

Nemeses

I wasn't breastfed.

No other comments.

December2012

PizzamanIRL wrote: »

Yet another thread about a perfectly natural thing that society makes out to be embarrassing for some reason. Porn threads, topless sunbathing and now this.

I don't think it's embarrassing! if did I wouldn't have done it for so long when I had the choice.

It's just asking people's opinions.

kylith

1) Yes

2) It doesn't weird me out at all, why would it? Breastfeeding is the best for the child, convenient, and cost-free; why would anyone not at least try to breastfeed?

Czarcasm

I never asked my mother but I know my youngest brother was breastfed so I presume I was too.

My wife tried the whole breastfeeding thing but it just wasn't working for her, too sore, frustration, etc. I don't know were they around in my mother's time but at least these days there are breast pumps and all sorts of options available. The idea of wet nursing, cross nursing and breast milk banks for me does raise an eyebrow though.

Seeing women breastfeed in public, well it's just not the same as a woman with her breasts on display, particularly because there's a baby dangling off them!

KeithM89

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I got breast fed over the weekend. Does that count?

No, that was a tittywank.

OldNotWIse

No.

Think I'd be a bit grossed out by it. Though I plan to do it myself lol

martinedwards

yes

never thought it was weird, why should i?

My wife breast fed all 4 of our kids.

Breast is best and all that.

positron

I am a parent. If that doesn't disqualify, here's what I think.

I was breast fed until I was 3.5 years old, and I have fairly faint memory of being breastfed, and something my mom did to stop me from breast feeding (like applying bitter gourd juice to her nipples). As an adult, I love breasts. I don't think these are related, but even if it is, I have no problem with it. My older brother was only breastfed for 6 months and my mom reckons that why he has various allergies and issues (compared to me), but that could be just old wives tale she heard from her mom etc - I don't know, I have no proof for or against it.

My two daughters are breastfed even though my wife was not as a child. She loves it to be honest - she finds it incredibly relaxing, bonding even and of course we believe it's great for our children. Unfortunately first one couldn't be breastfed past six months because wife had some hormonal issues, and second one is only 2 months old now, but we are hoping to breastfeed her as long as we can - perhaps a year, two if possible. I personally find that just seeing my wife breastfeeding my daughter incredibly caring and of course 100% natural. I am sure formula are good as well, but just knowing that mother's body is reacting to whatever bugs are around and is giving that to my daughter thru breastmilk - it's like individually tuned, customized milk that... you just can't beat that.

I suppose it's no surprise then if I say I have absolutely no problem (in fact more respect) if anyone chose to breastfeed their child in public, in full view or under the top.

Micky Dolenz

3 and a half?

Once a child can chew steak, they have no business on the breast IMO.

I was breastfed, I have no thoughts on it at all in the same way that I have no thoughts on my parents using disposable nappies.

I appreciate it is probably a very big part in helping form my sturdy immune system, but I would expect breastfeeding as the default, and bottlefeeding as a backup plan if things don't work out. I have no emotional response to the knowledge, but I'd probably be upset if for some reason I couldn't feed my future kids myself.

Matt_Trakker

positron wrote: »

I was breast fed until I was 3.5 years old

.....OK, that's not weird.

OP.

Yes, I was and no it's not weird. It's proper order.......but prob not for 3.5 years. Sorry Pos.

positron

Sure, but can someone tell me what is actually wrong is breastfeeding your child for first say 3 or 4 years? Try and avoid the presets created by society etc - something rational or logical?

PS: Apologies if that's hijacking the thread... may be we should stick with OP's question.

Matt_Trakker

positron wrote: »

Sure, but can someone tell me what is actually wrong is breastfeeding your child for first say 3 or 4 years? Try and avoid the presets created by society etc - something rational or logical?

PS: Apologies if that's hijacking the thread... may be we should stick with OP's question.

Maybe I'm wrong to think it's wrong, but I don't think I'm wrong about thinking it's wrong.
AFAIK, it's recommended for the first 12 months (when you can stop if you wish) and then for the following 12 months as a complement with solid food.
There are no rules to this, but I think once the child has completely moved to solid food there's no need for breastfeeding.

positron

Matt_Trakker wrote: »

There are no rules to this, but I think once the child has completely moved to solid food there's no need for breastfeeding.

Perhaps. I think it still depends on a lot of factors. I suppose the key is that brestmilk is not just food - it's not just nutrition for your child - although that is it's main reason. Breastmilk is nearly medicinal to the child, like I said earlier it has all the antibodies specially formulated for the child by the childs mother, based on whatever is attacking them both in the environment. But sure, we all know there are dozens of good reasons for breastfeeding, I just haven't found a reason to say you shouldn't after a year or so. That's all. I personally believe breastfeeding should stop when mother's body stops producing milk, or when the child naturally grows out of it.

vitani

I was breastfed but it's not something I tend to think about, tbh. In the same way I don't think about my parents changing my nappies or giving me baths.

Sauve

positron wrote: »

I personally believe breastfeeding should stop when mother's body stops producing milk, or when the child naturally grows out of it.

Breastmilk will continue to be produced as long as the demand is there.
I had a neighbour whose 5 year old used to breastfeed every night before bed. That's just plain odd imo.

Micky Dolenz

I think it goes from a nutritional issue to a comfort one after a while. A toddler doesn't need breast milk if they have the correct diet.

I'm sure a lot of mothers and children like the bond long after it is necessary.

positron

What a lucky child!

I thought milk production falls off after a while (lactation curve or something like that), so I am not sure if it will actually go on for ever and ever.. but yes, as far as child rearing is concerned 5 years is forever alright

cassid

Czarcasm wrote: »

I never asked my mother but I know my youngest brother was breastfed so I presume I was too. My wife tried the whole breastfeeding thing but it just wasn't working for her, too sore, frustration, etc. I don't know were they around in my mother's time but at least these days there are breast pumps and all sorts of options available. The idea of wet nursing, cross nursing and breast milk banks for me does raise an eyebrow though.

Breast milk bank are very useful especially for sick and preterm babies.Breast milk has immune properties that help protect babies, there is a condition called NEC that can kill preterm babies but evidence has showed that breast milk can help reduce the chances of a preterm baby getting this disease. All the Neonatal units accept donor milk from the milk bank in the north. I know mums who have had still born babies and expressed milk to donate to sick babies, a wonderful gift to give to another woman's sick baby.

_Whimsical_

positron wrote: »

I was breast fed until I was 3.5 years old, and I have fairly faint memory of being breastfed, and something my mom did to stop me from breast feeding (like applying bitter gourd juice to her nipples). As an adult, I love breasts. .

I thought your post was lovely and I agreed.

God though I commend you for getting over that , gourd juice , bitter nipples. I'm traumatised just reading it and I've gone to trouble not to visualize it.

Christ the Redeemer

I was breast fed, as far as I know. It's perfectly natural and every child should be breast fed. Women who don't to protect their tits should be made feel shame.

zenno

I can't remember if i was ever breastfed but they do say it can lead to other harder formulas of drink, i'm on the captain morgans now through a straw so they could be right

martinedwards

World health organisation say.......

Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.

Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.

krudler

I have no idea if I was, and even if I was why would I have feelings one way or the other about it? I was a baby with barely sentient thought, and y'know, its what the things are for?

OldNotWIse

cassid wrote: »

Czarcasm wrote: »

I never asked my mother but I know my youngest brother was breastfed so I presume I was too. My wife tried the whole breastfeeding thing but it just wasn't working for her, too sore, frustration, etc. I don't know were they around in my mother's time but at least these days there are breast pumps and all sorts of options available. The idea of wet nursing, cross nursing and breast milk banks for me does raise an eyebrow though.

Breast milk bank are very useful especially for sick and preterm babies.Breast milk has immune properties that help protect babies, there is a condition called NEC that can kill preterm babies but evidence has showed that breast milk can help reduce the chances of a preterm baby getting this disease. All the Neonatal units accept donor milk from the milk bank in the north. I know mums who have had still born babies and expressed milk to donate to sick babies, a wonderful gift to give to another woman's sick baby.

Thats so sad But yes very selfless.

MurdyWurdy

No, I wasn't - only because my mum was very Ill after I was born and wasn't allowed.

I'm breastfeeding my son as I'm typing this. I do wonder sometimes if one day he'll think it's gross he sucked his mother's tits or if he'll be a big boob man because he loves them now so much!

No matter how natural it is it is weird if you think about it too much !It's also tough work as well so I wouldn't judge a woman who didn't breast feed, it doesn't work for everyone. Sometimes I really have to give myself a talking to that it's the best thing for him and to continue with it

lazygal

I was breastfeed and have just stopped breastfeeding my older child, I'm due number two in a few weeks. I plan on breastfeeding again. Its a pain in the hole and I didn't really enjoy it, but its a very handy method of feeding and the benefits are worth it.

Micky Dolenz

lazygal wrote: »

I was breastfeed and have just stopped breastfeeding my older child, I'm due number two in a few weeks. I plan on breastfeeding again. Its a pain in the hole and I didn't really enjoy it, but its a very handy method of feeding and the benefits are worth it.

I can imagine that night feeds are handy though. No getting up to get a bottle. Considering how expensive bottles, sterilisers, formula are. People would be mad not to.

Mr Benevolent

December2012 wrote: »

How do you feel about it?

Do you feel anything about it?

Does it feel weird or not?

What the hell is wrong with you that you need to ask this question?

MurdyWurdy

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I can imagine that night feeds are handy though. No getting up to get a bottle. Considering how expensive bottles, sterilisers, formula are. People would be mad not to.

This is true, except that the mum has to be the one that gets up during the night to feed, no matter how knackered you are (this is a sensitive subject for me today!)

You can express earlier in the day and get the Dad to use that - we did it but I ended up with boobs so rock hard they could have been made of steel! So I had to get up anyway.

Like Lazygal said, I don't enjoy bfeeding but know it's for the best and is prob easier overall

seamus

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I can imagine that night feeds are handy though. No getting up to get a bottle. Considering how expensive bottles, sterilisers, formula are. People would be mad not to.

On the flipside it means that the woman is the only one who can do nightfeeds, so that's a lot of pressure for her.

Sure, but can someone tell me what is actually wrong is breastfeeding your child for first say 3 or 4 years? Try and avoid the presets created by society etc - something rational or logical?

There's no specific reason why a child should not drink breastmilk up to whatever age. Adults can drink breastmilk with no ill-effects.

The main issue is that the amount of nutrition which can be provided has a ceiling, a mother's milk supply will increase to meet demand, but only to a point. She simply cannot provide enough milk to exclusively meet the needs of a child over about 9-12 months.

As the child grows, the milk becomes less and less of a important part of the diet, and after two years a bottle or a breastfeed is more of a treat than a meal.

Anything wrong with breastfeeding after two? No. But it is certainly out of the ordinary.

Reindeer

jester77 wrote: »

Can't remember that far back.

Was last weekend for me.

Micky Dolenz

Would you just not stick baby in beside you?

A few mates of mine only did night feeds at weekends as they still had to go to work. In fact close friends of mine just had their third baby and they bought look as wrecked as eachother. I don't envy them. Lot of hard work as you can no doubt testify to.

December2012

Mr Benevolent wrote: »

What the hell is wrong with you that you need to ask this question?

Nothing wrong with me.

Would you like a hug? You seem tense.

December2012

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Would you just not stick baby in beside you?

A few mates of mine only did night feeds at weekends as they still had to go to work. In fact close friends of mine just had their third baby and they bought look as wrecked as eachother. I don't envy them. Lot of hard work as you can no doubt testify to.

Lying down feeding worked great for us - me and baby got sleep, oh got sleep, we all got sleep.

kylith

December2012 wrote: »

Lying down feeding worked great for us - me and baby got sleep, oh got sleep, we all got sleep.

I know they say you won't, but I'd be worried about rolling over and squishing the baba. I think my mum used some sort of sling arrangement: wake, put on sling, put baby in sling, sit in chair, stick baby on boob, if you nod off you're sitting so you won't squash them and they're in a sling so they can't fall.