Breastfed best (From Daily Echo)

I think it's a very bad idea, it's habit forming from a very early age. I am now 68 and i still cant break the habit!!!.

I do appreciate that huge amounts of research has been conducted into this subject, however as a new mum I think it is incredibly unfair how much pressure is put on women to breastfeed. For a number of reasons I never had any intention of breastfeeding my son. He is now almost 7 months old and has just got his first cold. All of my friends and acquaintances who have or are currently breastfeeding, are all experiencing problems in creating a routine as they have to feed on demand and they are all exhausted. Obviously nobody can help with the feeding unless the mum expresses which some women find very difficult.

The midwives at QA hospital were very supportive and did not judge me for choosing to bottle feed. Unfortunately the community midwives were very judgmental - I am just fortunate that I was strong enough to ignore it however I know lots of mums & mums to be who feel very pressured.

I have absolutely nothing against women who choose to breastfeed and I regularly find myself sat amongst women who are breastfeeding. I just think that a bit more support and consideration needs to be given to women who choose not to breastfeed.

The baby is in the waaaaaaaaay!

The problem is too many so called 'experts' who haven't done it themselves - and the stupidity of making mums have their baby with them at night until at least 6mths old! Baby is awake all night as can smell mum's milk - so everyone is awake, tired, and mum is too exhausted with constant feeding. It is daft that today's midwives do not sanction an early evening 'top-up' bottle to help baby sleep - combined feeding is not an issue, as if you have a large/hungry baby they need full tummies to sleep! Yes - experienced mum talking...and no you shouldn't be treated differently if you bottle feed just cuddle baby close and make it quiet time - it saddens me when you see babies with 'propped up' bottles as doing other things is a priority - closeness is important for bonding.

I built a Tit box to encourage just this sort of thing.