Re: A question about breastfeeding and immunity (NOT a breastfeeding vs formula debate!!)

I can understand where you are coming from. My dd is breastfed and had had one minor cold in 11 months but my friend who also breastfeeds has a son who has had 5 colds or ear infections. I knwo many many formula fed babies that are perfect and barely sick.

To each his own, I'm not the preachy type forcing my views on someone else. I say if whatever you are doing with your baby results in a healthy, happy child more power to you!

Re: A question about breastfeeding and immunity (NOT a breastfeeding vs formula debate!!)

DS is EBF and in daycare and has had only had one cold. I definately attrbute his strong immune system to breastfeeding. But, as others have mentioned, they had FF babies who are just as healthy, so who really knows. Yes, statistically EBF babies tend to get sick less often because of immunities from the mother and no advances in formual will ever change that because formula can't provide those immunities. It's just a fact -- nothing debatable.

My feeling is if you are happy FF, then don't worry about what other people do. Be happy knowing that you are making the right choice for you and your child and don't worry about other people's decisions.

Re: A question about breastfeeding and immunity (NOT a breastfeeding vs formula debate!!)

My ped told me that the baby received your antibodies for the 1st 6-months of nursing. After that its up to them to fight anything off on their own. My son got his first cold/ear infection at 6 months

Re: A question about breastfeeding and immunity (NOT a breastfeeding vs formula debate!!)

Sorry you feel this way. I don't think anyone that said they take DC out early b/c they are BF meant anything negative about FF babies.

BF babies are more protected b/c of antibodies from mom. It's just the way it is.

It's kind of like a FF mom saying anyone can feed her baby and she can get sleep overnight if someone else feeds her DC. I feel a pang of jealousy for FF moms b/c even if someone else feeds my baby I can't sleep. I have to pump and I haven't slept for than 4 hours straight in almost 4 months even though DS is sleeping up to 6 hours. But that's just the way it is.

There are neg and positives to both BF and FF.

I had a plan A and B for DS for going out before he was born. ASAP for BF and 2 weeks for FF. I "just tried" to BF and got lucky. I wouldn't have been upset or felt bad if I ended up FF.

ETA: My DS hasn't even had a sniffle or a diaper rash yet and he's been to the hospital with germs everywhere (I work at one), and as careful as I am I'm sure I've exposed him to stuff. My DH and I have both been sick, but not DS. But I was never sick as a baby and I was FF. And I lived in a house full of cig smoke. I got sick once I went to school.

When he goes to daycare, I know he'll get sick. And that's ok too. It's a part of being a kid...

Message edited 4/22/2007 6:44:04 AM.

Re: A question about breastfeeding and immunity (NOT a breastfeeding vs formula debate!!)

I breast fed DD for 3 1/2 weeks but not exclusive, I had to supplement with formula. She is very healthy.

I took her out the second week to the source mall b/c I am in a bridal party and had to order my dress, and was out for at least 2 hours and this was in jan- cold and windy that night I remember under 35 degrees. I was worried but you know you have to do what you have to do. and I take her out everday since then too- even in that cold weather.

she has been around a TON of sick people- she didnt get sick, no rashes of any kind and Dr. says shes extrememly healthy and advanced. I dont think 3 1/2 weeks of BF milk did that, her main source of nutrition is coming from the formula milk similac advanced isomil. So I dont believe BF milk is all what its cracked up to be.

One of my girl friends breast fed her twins exclusively - they are always sick and her son was just diagnosed with autism.