breastfeeding and high IQ!

An interesting article...

Link

yeah the bottle mums over on trade me were getting really heat up and defensive. I felt like saying (but so didn't want to get into that argument) THEY'RE NOT SAYING YOUR BABIES ARE STUPID.

To be honest, I think that's a lot of bull. It would suggest that babies in countries in Africa and Asia where parents are not likely to be able to afford formula and are b'feeding are a lot smarter than others. I think environment and education count for a lot more.
And before you think I'm getting defensive - Gina was on breastmilk for the first 6 months

You know what this really annoys me how we can't ever talk about how great breastmilk is. If we do we get critisized for shoving it in ff mums faces. Anyone ever think that maybe all these studies are right and breastmilk is the best. I feel like there is no support for bfing mums and if you ever look for help cos your having problems the first thing someone says is give formula a try. The annoying thing is you can't dare say there is no way in hell I'll be giving my baby formula as long as my boobs are producing milk. You just have to pretend to think about it. I'll probably have my head bitten off for saying this but its been bothering me for way too long.

Anyway I hope my kids have that gene

Edited by RachandJack

hmm try being a ff mother and see what sort of reaction you get. i think there is soooo much more support and understanding for breastfeeding mothers. at least you arent made to feel like you are ruining your childs life because you cant/dont breastfeed

I have to agree with my2angels I think there is a lot of support for breastfeeding and a lot of pressure put on women to breastfeed. I whole heartedly agree that breastfeeding is best and I support anyone who wants to breastfeed and to feed for as long as they like but I also think there should be more understanding and support for those of us who can't/don't breastfeed.
RachandJack I think plunket are far too quick to push formula onto bubs, their answer to everything seems to be to give formula. I also think the hospitals do the same thing, it is easier for them to give babies formula than help with breastfeeding issues.
My baby is formula fed but I don't think talking about the benefits of breastmilk is shoving it in my face, i'm already aware that breastmilk is best and thats why I had planned to breastfeed till at least 12 months but it didn't work out that way. I suppose some women may get upset about it as they would like to be giving breastmilk but can't etc.

I think (and this is only my opinion) that those who dont let you feel proud you bf are those who feel guilty about ffding. I personally dont really care how people feed thier babies as long as they feed them and the babies are healthy. I dont think women who bf necessarily deserve a medal or anything but good on those who perserve (sp?) when its hard and sore. Its all about choice and whats best for you but i dont really think its gonna make a baby more intelligent.

yes breast is best but ff is not the worst - worst would be not feeding your child at all.

be proud of whatever decsison you make for your child and yourself.

GandT wrote: so your saying that people in african and asian countries who come from poor backgrounds are smarter as a general rule?

If you believe what the study suggest, they'd have higher IQ. I think environment and education count for a lot more - and those will be heaps better in NZ that the third world countries.

Anyways I think b'feeding is great but people should be given a break - I felt it was forced down on me at Akl Hospital and no one would give me info on formula even though my milk took days to come in! I think both formula and breast are valid choices and the most important thing is that babies are fed and happy.

RachandJack wrote: You know what this really annoys me how we can't ever talk about how great breastmilk is. If we do we get critisized for shoving it in ff mums faces. Anyone ever think that maybe all these studies are right and breastmilk is the best.

I totally agree. When people complain about how much BFing is pushed on them- these health care workers are pushing it on mothers because they are educated about how brilliant BFing is and they want what is best for your baby. They don't have an alterior motive to make you miserable- they want your baby to be as healthy as possible and they are trying to do everything possible to make people see that.

I went through hell those first few months BFing DD1 but I persevered and it really annoys me when I see people giving up after a half hearted effort and acting like its their right because "happy mum = happy baby".

If you want to FF fine- but understand it is a choice and with that choice comes the responsibility that you aren't doing what is best for your child (yes I know that everyone has their story but thats what it comes down to). I supplemented DD1 from 4 months because I thought my milk was running out- I am now more educated about BFing and I know it wasn't (my supply was just evening out so my breasts didn't feel as full but they still had milk) and if I had of had the support I could of worked through that. I take full responsibility for that, I feel v guilty and crap about it and I think I should feel that way- because I didn't try hard enough to do what was best for her. Only 2% of women are medically unable to BF. I feel that this place in particular is v v supportive of FF mums, I have never seen anyone get 'told off' for making the switch- but when something like this comes out why can't we, who have worked hard and persevered and made our choice to do that best, feel a little happy about it and not get the "its a load of bull" comments.