Exactly one of the reasons why 'dummy me' allowed myself to give an
occassional can of formula to my 'should have been exclusively breastfed'
second child.  I am big on taking vitamins myself and when I received my
case of 'free' ready to feed in 1994 and was reading the ads in the
Parents, American Baby and Parenting magazines, that actually had
comparison charts listed as to ingredients of breastmilk and ingredients
of formula I actually thought that I was benefiting my son by giving him a
little extra because there was more of this and more of that in formula.
Then, after the damage was done, I learned more and more about the reasons
it is not good to give too much protein, manganese, etc, etc. Then after 6
months old he was given tons of formula because of nursing strike, not
being allowed to pump at work, etc. (long story) And it greatly broke my
heart not to be still providing breastmilk.  And I have seen many
differences between him and my other 2 children, both physically and
mentally. Do they still list comparison charts in these magazines or the
handouts put out by the formula companies?  I haven't picked one up for so
long.


I actually breastfed my first child 10 years earlier (1984)for 18 months
and was adamant about not giving her anything else but breastmilk for the
first 6 months because I had read a Womanly Art, "Nursing Your Baby" or
something when pregnant with her, I had a fit when my sister in law gave
her a taste of mashed potato at Thanksgiving when she was 4 months old.

I came to my senses again and my 3rd child received not one drop of
formula and started solids, very gradually, when two weeks past 6 months
old.  Went on to BF him for 5 years.

So, I wonder how many other mothers do the same thing as I.  I know I have
met a couple who have told me they want to give the benefits(!) of both.
I try to get the point across to them that our milk needs no help because
it is made perfect, etc. for their baby but I wonder how many just listen
and still give that bottle of formula for 'piece of mind'?!!

It is a difficult battle and so hard to get the message out when these
mainstream magazines are what every new mother wants to read and devour
and the ads just jump out at them as fact! But we are not allowed to
present the REAL FACTS!!
Cheryl

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