The politics of infant formula

[rockpilefarmer]

I think most of you have heard about Mayor Bloomberg's attempt to encourage women to breast feed their newborns. I for one, and in favor of this for two reasons. First of all, breast milk is best for both the baby and the mother. Secondly, big pharma has created a new income path by hooking women on high dollar, and too often, unnecessary man made formula.

A number of my fb friends, mostly the guys, are bashing Bloomberg over this. Seems to me, they are missing the point. What think you all?

[MrsCookie]

I think it's no one's business but the mother's and the government has no place in pushing one option over another. You know what would really encourage breastfeeding though, if he's bent on doing something for womens' health? More than 6 weeks mat leave.

[Spudworth]

Originally Posted by MrsCookie

I think it's no one's business but the mother's and the government has no place in pushing one option over another. You know what would really encourage breastfeeding though, if he's bent on doing something for womens' health? More than 6 weeks mat leave.

What about the Father? I think it his business too. The Gov't, in whatever role they do play, should be encouraging breastfeeding.
RPF, they are missing the point.

[MrsCookie]

My body, my call.

I would hope the mother and father would have open and informed conversations about what was best for their family including the health benefits of nursing but it comes down to a simple fact that it's the woman's body so it is her call. The father can't force her to lactate.

I don't think the government should encourage formula or make any big business deals with formula companies but I am very much for womens' rights to breastfeed exclusively, pump and bottle feed or to formula feed or any combination with out judgement or government influence. The only role the gov't has is to be sure that families have access to fair and accurate information.

[Spudworth]

Originally Posted by MrsCookie

My body, my call.

Go figure.

[MrsCookie]

Originally Posted by Spudworth

Go figure.

Go figure what?

[Colleen27]

Originally Posted by MrsCookie

You know what would really encourage breastfeeding though, if he's bent on doing something for womens' health? More than 6 weeks mat leave.

I agree. Promoting breastfeeding in our culture of job-before-family is just lip service, like like those stupid "get out an play" commercials kids' networks cram in between candy-cereal and fast food ads.

I also think our culture, especially the men (sorry guys), is just too sexualized and too immature for breastfeeding to really catch on. Between the crowd that turns into Beavis & Butthead (Heh heh heh, bewbs) at the mere idea and the faction that starts shrieking about inappropriate exposure (Why can't you do that in the bathroom?), we'd need to see a widespread change in a lot of attitudes about nursing to make any difference. No mayor, governor, or president can force that to happen.

[rockpilefarmer]

Originally Posted by Colleen27

I agree. Promoting breastfeeding in our culture of job-before-family is just lip service, like like those stupid "get out an play" commercials kids' networks cram in between candy-cereal and fast food ads.

I also think our culture, especially the men (sorry guys), is just too sexualized and too immature for breastfeeding to really catch on. Between the crowd that turns into Beavis & Butthead (Heh heh heh, bewbs) at the mere idea and the faction that starts shrieking about inappropriate exposure (Why can't you do that in the bathroom?), we'd need to see a widespread change in a lot of attitudes about nursing to make any difference. No mayor, governor, or president can force that to happen.

This is true Colleen. In many cultures, breast feeding an infant is public is as normal and accepted as the day is long. What is wrong with American culture? I think it is over-sexualized. When women worry more about their breast size than the health and wellness of their children, then something is wrong. And I do agree about the Bevis and Butthead analogy. It used to be that young men took their role seriously. Now they just grow up and buy more play toys. I am rather sick of the stereotypical Harley Rider who shaves his head, has a multitude of tatoos, and can't manage his own family. Wimps. Girly men.

Back to breast feeding, it seems like we women must ramp up the education for the mother and become the role model. In the mean time, their men are hanging out in a bar in Eureka Springs on the weekend instead of painting the house or mowing the lawn.

[RozieDozie]

Breastfeeding is beneficial for Mom's and babies and I don't have a problem with anyone promoting it.

A Mom who works full time to support her family can breastfeed. My daughter, their family's major breadwinner, breastfed twins and worked while her husband stayed home with the babies.

BUT she had the support of her boss and her company. They gave her space and a time to pump, let her bring in a mini-fridge....

I agree that it's the woman's choice of whether or not to breastfeed. But because of the benefits to babies and to Mom's, I'd be happy to see more businesses support their nursing mothers and that goes for government offices as well.

[fugacity]

I'm all for breastfeeding. I would like people to recognize that taking it to the level of guilt trip is not okay and is neither empowering nor beneficial.

As a man I'm not sure how to balance encouraging breastfeeding while not devaluing women that can't make it work.