Diaper free babies?

[SydneyK]

You know, if parents can find the time (and patience) to do this successfully, then more power to them. I personally wouldn't even try. But I'd never criticize those who do.

Unless someone's hurting/neglecting their child(ren), they should be able to parent however they deem most appropriate. If that means no diapers, great. If that means breastfeeding (even in public), great.

This kinda reminds me of the hospitals in New York that are now banning the use of bottles for the babies in their nursery. Yes, breastmilk is best. But, that doesn't mean formula is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Some women physically cannot breastfeed. And it sucks that they're made to feel incompetent as a mom (when they're already at their most vulnerable) because they use formula. At least they're feeding their children appropriate stuff!

Yikes. Didn't mean to get on a soapbox about that. It just really irks me when people - strangers - feel the need to tell others how to raise their children.

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

This kinda reminds me of the hospitals in New York that are now banning the use of bottles for the babies in their nursery.

how is that? are they requiring that the mother breastfeed or at least try to?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

This kinda reminds me of the hospitals in New York that are now banning the use of bottles for the babies in their nursery. Yes, breastmilk is best. But, that doesn't mean formula is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Some women physically cannot breastfeed. And it sucks that they're made to feel incompetent as a mom (when they're already at their most vulnerable) because they use formula. At least they're feeding their children appropriate stuff!

Whaaaat???

What if the baby reacts badly to the mother's milk? What if the mother dies in childbirth?

I'm hoping to heaven that the mothers are made well aware of this policy before they decide to have their baby there.

Oh and as to the diaper free babies, yuck. It just sounds like another thing for parents to brag about. I can't wait till people who DON'T have the time start trying this and their house is knee deep in poo.

[SydneyK]

My fault. I saw a story on the Today show sometime over the summer about this, and I obviously misunderstood. It seems there isn't such a ban. However, according to this link, free formula samples will not be included in the gift bags moms receive at hospitals in NYC:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...ital-gift-bag/

It still bothers me, although not as much as it did when I thought new moms weren't allowed to bottle-feed.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

My fault. I saw a story on the Today show sometime over the summer about this, and I obviously misunderstood. It seems there isn't such a ban. However, according to this link, free formula samples will not be included in the gift bags moms receive at hospitals in NYC:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...ital-gift-bag/

It still bothers me, although not as much as it did when I thought new moms weren't allowed to bottle-feed.

I still remember the nursing coach saying something like "Think of formula like alcohol. You wouldn't want to give your baby alcohol, would you?". And pumping wasn't enough for her. It doesn't nurture the mother-baby relationship like actual breastfeeding. It's ok only when absolutely necessary. Oh, and she actually CALLED ME AT HOME at least once every three days to make sure I was still breastfeeding. P.S.Y.C.H.O.

[OneTimeSBX]

i cant help but think that this would be a great thing to learn, if you were one of those "lucky" mothers of quad/quints/sextuplets...i can imagine you spend thousands on diapers in those cases.

as for the breastfeeding being forced (to me) on NY moms...not very nice. although i support it 100%, and will be breastfeeding when i have my daughter in November, i feel that the tactic used in NY is a bit harsh. i can understand putting brochures in, or a dvd. maybe have some La Leche League volunteers talk to the moms. but to basically pack a bag with breast pads and a tshirt for the baby that says "i eat at mom's" ???

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by OneTimeSBX

although i support it 100%, and will be breastfeeding when i have my daughter in November, i feel that the tactic used in NY is a bit harsh.

I agree. And, just in case you aren't able to breastfeed (low milk supply, baby reacts negatively to your milk, etc.), don't feel bad if you have to switch to the bottle.

I ended up switching to the bottle with both my kids. And, although I would've liked to have breastfed them exclusively, that just wasn't possible with us. Did I feel guilty? Yes. Is it fair that women are made to feel like failures if they give their babies formula? Absolutely not. But, I've discovered that not much in the world of motherhood is fair.

Oh, and AF... formula = alcohol?!? WTF??? I'd've had a really hard time not giving that coach a piece of my mind.

Back to the diaper story... if one of the concerns motivating this is environmental, then by god, use cloth diapers! And quit having your kid pee on trees.

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Back to the diaper story... if one of the concerns motivating this is environmental, then by god, use cloth diapers! And quit having your kid pee on trees.

i think what would worry me the most is the comfort level your child would have. i just get paranoid knowing he/she is ok with finding a bush and letting go! there is a time and place for everything, can help but think the kid would be super confused after being told "no, you cant go there" after doing it for 2 years.

[AGDee]

such as when she helped Lucia relieve herself in a sink at a public restroom.


Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww

ETA: I had friends tell me their kids were potty trained by 9 months and stuff. Personally, I think "potty trained" means that the kid recognizes that they have to use the bathroom, goes in there, pulls down their own clothing, goes, wipes, pulls clothes up and washes hands. All of that together is potty trained to me! I didn't count my kids as potty trained until they did all of that independently.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

My fault. I saw a story on the Today show sometime over the summer about this, and I obviously misunderstood. It seems there isn't such a ban. However, according to this link, free formula samples will not be included in the gift bags moms receive at hospitals in NYC:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/20...ital-gift-bag/

It still bothers me, although not as much as it did when I thought new moms weren't allowed to bottle-feed.

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.

[bcdphie]

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?

[OneTimeSBX]

Originally Posted by 33girl

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.

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.

[lauralaylin]

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.

[Senusret I]

Gross and YUCK

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Gross and YUCK

Yeah - this sounds like some hippy bullshit, seriously.