Am I BF Snob?

My husband's friend called the other night -- his wife is pregnant with their first baby, so my hubby asked if she was going to BF. The answer? A resounding, "No way." It made me sick. How can women not BF, especially with all of the published benefits? I'm not talking about Mom's who give BF a true shot. Believe me, I know how hard it is to trug along, especially as a working Mom, but not to try BF for even one month? One week? How about a couple of days????

So, I guess I have become a BF snob. I'm not sure when it happened, but it did. Again, I want to stress that I don't feel the same way towards women who give BF a gallant shot. I have 2 friends who BF for 4 months and for various reasons, they had to stop, and reluctantly I might add. It's those women who are depriving their babies of the best start who make me crazy. Maybe this is evolution at work?

Comments

[Melissa]

Thank you all for your comments, and yes, I absolutely realize, and respect, that breastfeeding is a choice. And I also understand that there are many reasons why some women may not breastfeed, as I have friends who have chosen not to.

However, breastfeeding is recommended by the AAP, CDC and WHO for a reason -- it is the best thing you can do for your child (barring any health considerations as mentioned in one of the prior posts).

With that being said, please take my comments in the context in which they are presented -- my personal diary of my breastfeeding experiences and thoughts. And I admit I am a BF snob!

I do appreciate all of you visiting my site, and more so, you taking the time to post comments.

-Melissa

[anon]

Breast feeding is a personal choice. Some women have personal or cultural reasons that contribute to their choice not to breastfeed. While breastfeeding is clearly the best choice, it is just that...a choice. I'm sure there are women out there who would describe themselves as stay-at-home-mom snobs because they believe that staying at home to care for their child is the best choice. So, yes, you are a BF snob, but remember that others may be judging you just as harshly.

[Beth]

You're not a bf snob. You're right. The mom you mention is unlikely to be an HIV mom, btw. I know from experience that bf isn't easy, but it isn't THAT hard. Maybe some working moms can't nurse or pump; say, if they are police officers who regularly do stake-outs, or maybe fast food workers. But most women can do it for at least a little while, and not to try at all, not even when you're still in the hospital (except for very rare cases where it is medically not possible or contraindicated) is selfish.

[Mark]

In some circumstances breast feeding is contraindicated...specifically in the case of an HIV positive mom. BF carries a 1 in 4 odds that baby will become infected. Unfortunate but true.