Hospitals pressured to end free baby formula

[GobBluth]

37. No I don't think breastfeeding has always been a mystery

and I agree that the reason it is NOW is because of $$$. That still doesn't lessen the pain of a mother in modern times who can't figure out how to get her baby to latch on her sore nipples. A child who she thinks is starving! There is much more to it than just $$ for formula companies. Many women are not as fortunate as or have a different goal in life than I do. I was able to stay home with all 3 of my kids. I did not have to worry about pumping enough to keep up with my child's demands. I tried pumping with my first. My pediatrician was LIVID! I swear. "pumping is not the same as breast feeding for most women". Until we get a better maternity/paternity leave situation here, I will not look down on hospitals for offering expensive formula to woman who, more than likely, will need it. For me, breastfeeding was the major focus for the first 4 month of each of my 3 children's life. My life revolved around it (my 2 youngest kids breastfed until they weaned themselves, about 18 months). I can not imagine fitting work in while pumping and trying to keep my lactation up to my child's demand, while trying to go back to work 3 months later. No doubt, some women can do it, but most have a very hard time. None of that has anything to do with formula company's profit.