Comments on: Monday Musings: Getting Paid To Breastfeed

By: Rachael @ Warm Hearts

Rachael @ Warm Hearts — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:04:46 +0000

I think that is indeed a slippery slope. If we offer to pay women to breastfeed and introduce waivers for formula nothing will change because the source of the problem hasn't changed--which is lack of support and knowledge in the medical community--including a large number of Lactation Consultants (I am speaking of the US). What we need is more support from our doctors and fellow women. Sadly our bf rates here are low and it seems women encourage each other to give into formula rather than encourage each other that their body is incredible and they CAN do it. Every ped's office I have been to, every obgyn, and every hospital passes out free formula which tells new mom that she will certainly need it at some point. Its like telling a mom yes breast is best but you will surely fail. I think the change in culture needs to start there. Rachael @ Warm Hearts’s last blog post..Flashback Friday

By: Quebec Mom

Quebec Mom — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:18:35 +0000

Oooops I’m sorry, clicked the link and see that you have to be on welfare right? That explains why I or no one I know has received any of those benefits.

By: Quebec Mom

Quebec Mom — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:15:23 +0000

I have lived here all my life and have never heard of mothers getting money to FF. I FF and was never offered any money, neither were any of the other FF moms I know. Where does this money come from?

As a side note I don’t think anyone should be paid. If you BF it’s free. If you choose to FF, be prepared for the cost, why should others support your decision when you could BF for free?

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:22:12 +0000

I am Canadian but I live in the US right now and I have seen first hand how less Socialism really does benefit society. I think Canadians have wonderful access to good health care but seeing the difference that Private Health Care has is amazing and kind of makes me glad that my daughter is getting surgery in the US and not in Canada. The same goes for your topic. I am a huge breastfeeding supporter but I really believe that it is really not the government's place to pay women to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is a choice that we make because we want what is best for our babies not because someone is going to pay us to. Melissa’s last blog post..Almost Free Groceries

By: TheFeministBreeder

TheFeministBreeder — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:30:07 +0000

I know very few women who switched to formula feeding because they truly “couldn’t” breastfeed. A friend of mine breastfed her first two kids for 2 years each, and then formula fed her last baby – literally – because she wanted her body back, and because she got free formula from WIC as an unmarried mom (even though her boyfriend makes good money and fully supports her and all the kids.) She just recently told me she regretted being so “selfish” (her word, not mine.)

I would say that *maybe* 10% of the moms I know who formula feed do so because they really, truly could not breastfeed. However, I doubt that making formula available only by prescription would change anything. Do you know how easy it is to get a prescription for something? Every time I’ve ever had any issue in my life, doctors throw prescriptions at the problem, instead of helping me work it out naturally. I don’t even take half the things I’m prescribed. A midwife tried to give me “Reglan” for my supply issues after I had PPD – which is known to cause psychosis in those with a history of depression. She prescribed it anyway. It’s a good thing I have the freaking internet and could figure out for myself that I shouldn’t be taking that drug with my history. And with the way doctors already push formula feeding – a prescription would be the easiest thing in the world to get.

I think the only answer is education. I used to be a total ANTI-breastfeeding feminist, but with a little education, I learned the error of my ways. If stubborn ol’ me can change, it shouldn’t be that hard for anyone else who really wants to do right by their child.

TheFeministBreeder’s last blog post..Because Sometimes You Just Need to Brag

By: Karie

Karie — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:48:20 +0000

I would have loved to have been paid to breast feed my twins tandum. Although I know they and I reaped some beautiful benefits I think money would and could taint peoples ideas about breastfeeding. While a good idea, I think a moral dilemma would be raised with those who are less than morally sound as mothers or parents. Great post! Sharing love from MBC, grab your One Lovely Blog award! Karie’s last blog post..Drumroll........One Lovely Blog

By: Pam

Pam — Tue, 12 May 2009 05:42:18 +0000

Gosh, I’ve never even heard of this! I nursed my little guy until he completely lost interest at 9 months, and while I think it was really important, I really don’t like the idea of discouraging formula use in such ways. The only friends of mine that used formula did it because they had to, and felt awful about it. I can just imagine the humiliation and pain they would feel having to get a prescription for the formula they need to feed their child. I wonder if this would lead to earlier weaning and earlier switching to cow’s milk?

I certainly could have used a bfing supplement, but I agree with above posters that the rewards of nursing should be intrinsic. I think education is always the answer in these types of situations!

What a thought-provoking idea, thank-you!