Ah, ok that makes more sense. I have to say that I agree with this part of it:

Dr. Ruth A. Lawrence, professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and chairwoman of the academy’s section on breastfeeding, applauded New York City’s decision to do away with the free formula samples.
“Hospitals don’t normally give things anyway,” she said. “When they send you home, they don’t give you meds and bandages. This was obviously promoted by the formula companies. Free stuff implies an endorsement.”

(although, umm, my hospital has sent me home w/ oodles of meds before)

But by that same token, they shouldn't be giving out tacky t-shirts either.

New moms should all get a gift certificate to Sephora or Saks so they can pamper THEMSELVES, if you ask me. :)

Most of the time I have the attitude to each their own (this is I choice I would never personally make), but when your kid has to pee in a public restroom sink because you don't want them to wear diapers, then we have a BIG problem.

And if people are so concerned about being environmentally friendly, then why not use a cloth diaper service (if you can afford it)?

I also have to wonder when it comes time to properly potty train your child will it be a more difficult task, since the child is conditioned to making hand gestures at specific times of day, versus understanding the urge to go and get a parent to help? Will it be hard to break the original habit practiced since birth?

the tshirt was cute...if you were a mom who decided to nurse and it fit the situation. and free stuff does imply endorsement, but most mothers i dont think would see it that way at all. when i had my daughter, there was nothing in my take-home bag about nursing. there were numerous formula samples and coupons, but that was it. i wasnt offended, but i feel, endorsements or not, it should be equal.

Massachusetts hospitals were having the formula ban when I gave birth, and it wasn't a big deal at all. So what if we didn't get free samples? I did breastfeed, but I had been sent so much formula in the mail anyway that it didn't matter. Those companies find other ways to get your address, they don't need to send you home with formula.

I really hate how the breast vs bottle has become such a war. Who cares what other people do? As long as you are happy with your decision, I am happy. There is so much guilt and depression that women feel at that time, this just adds to it to a number of women.

This is triflin'!

Having had two children I can safely say that BF is not something that you come to naturally (not with the first anyway). And of my two, only one was BF almost exclusively for the time before solids. The other child (my first) and I simply didn't get the hang of it. It was a terrible experience and anyone who has had mastitis (x2) will tell you it is miserable. I say give Bf your best and give it time, but don't beat yourself up for not succeeding. It really is best but formula is not poison.

As for no diapers. Good grief. The thought of a 14 week old peeing in a bathroom sink it just insane. Who thinks of these weird things?

I had mastitis twice too, and the first time I had to be admitted into the hospital for two days. I think I stuck with BF only because my FIL was really pressuring me to, and I was so hormonal and tired I couldn't stand up for myself. I'm glad I pushed through, but I completely understand why anyone wouldn't do it after that. Way too painful, no one tells you about that!

If I saw someone letting their child go in the sink, I'd say something. Thats disgusting.

I'll not comment on this potty training issue. Even though it was expensive, we chose to use a diaper service rather than Pampers, etc. We just felt it was best. Our decision.

Our three children were breastfed with no supplements. The first one wasn't real easy. My wife thought it was important, and stuck with it.

She became one of the very early lactation consultants, working for a group of OB/GYNs out of our home in Detroit. She was a LaLeche League Leader, District Advisor in Michigan, Area Director of Leader Applicants and Area Coordinator of Leaders for Colorado and Wyoming, Regional Administrator of the Mountain Region (covering most of the Southwest) and finally a member of the International Board of Directors for that organization.

She championed and wrote the contents of their meeting for Breastfeeding Working Moms (I don't know if they still use it) although she chose to stay at home with the children.

She has worked with hundreds, perhaps thousands of struggling young mothers.

While I would never consider trying to put words in her mouth, I believe she would pretty much completly agree with DGMarie's comments above.

There are zealots on both sides of pretty much any issue. Either ignore them, or listen to everyone and make a considered decision on what's best for you -- and your baby.

Sorry for the double post, but it's really unfortunate that your FIL (I assume that means Father In Law? -- I can't keep up with all of this internet shorthand) pressured you. That's where a husband should come in and support whatever decision you make since the mother is in a highly emotional time. It's your decision and nobody elses -- especially parents and inlaws.

As for the pain, not all women experience a lot of pain after the initial start. There are a lot of factors involved. If there's a problem, get some help. If the problem goes on, make your own decision on what to do.

Please understand that I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding, and almost all women can do it. The percentage of babys who can't thrive on mother's milk is extremely small (exceptions are often for alergies), but for some it really doesn't work.

for the record, i am jealous!:)

my SIL is the type to kinda turn her nose up at the thought of BF. i told her, give it a try, 2 months down the road and you are tired of running to the store for formula, its too late then!

We cloth diapered without the benefit of a diaper service. Yup, we did it all ourselves.

is there a website or other resource for that? i have no idea where to begin and would love to do that at home to save some money...

Here is a link to a message board about cloth diapering - http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=221

There are also some livejournal groups on the subject, if you're on LJ.