Comments on: The rule of absolutes: Nothing is absolute, not even this statement.

By: The economy: What are you doing about it?

The economy: What are you doing about it? — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:52:08 +0000

[...] think the key answer to this goes back to my “nothing is absolute” post. I could sit here and tell you to grow your own wheat and get some goats for milk, but [...]

By: tink

tink — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:32:32 +0000

Ivy,

I’m soo glad you aren’t “that person” any more.

One of the things I love best about this site is the fact that neither you nor Heather preach or scold, You just share and teach things that work for you.

We all live different lives, with different families in different parts of the country – it’s great to be able to share and learn about things that work for us.

Thanks for all of your work here – it’s appreciated.

By: Scrappy Quilter

Scrappy Quilter — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:32:57 +0000

Thanks, Ivy!

Fawn, I breastfed my twins for a few weeks, but one left me bleeding and the other didn’t thrive. I started using formula for every other feeding and swapped babies each feeding, so they were essentially getting half breast milk and half formula. I had success with exclusively breastfeeding my other two.

Those twins are 15 now and my other two are 13 and 19. I don’t notice any difference in either their physical health or my relationship with them. In my opinion there’s nothing wrong with bottle feeding sometimes, the main thing is the bonding time (twins or single babies)….with twins there’s a temptation to prop the bottle feeder up with a pillow when they both want to eat at the same time, but it is possible to feed one on the breast, one on the bottle, both in your lap at once. It just takes some experimentation to find a position that keeps your arms from falling asleep.

Hope this helps your friend!

By: Fawn

Fawn — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:34:37 +0000

I shared your post with a few people over the last few days because new moms especially are hard on themselves and apt to be harder line on things. I know the post wasn’t strictly about BFing, but I think it was really helpful to a mom of twins I know who is really having a hard time exclusively BFing and feeling like a failure when she has to supplement with formula. Many people may feel more lenient toward her because she is a mommy of twins, but it didn’t make her any easier on herself.

By: NancyB

NancyB — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:21:23 +0000

Well said. I’m a member of that 1-2% who weren’t able to b’feed. I can’t tell you how many times b’feeding mamas made me feel inadequate. Now that my babies are teens & tweens, I’ve finally accepted what worked for our family. They’re thriving and happy AND their daddy was able to have bonding moments with them at feeding time.

By: Summer

Summer — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:21:23 +0000

I was one of those mos too, and still am in some ways. But you’re right, there are no absolutes.

By: Margo

Margo — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:54:25 +0000

Great post Ivy – well balanced and well written.

By the way, I have a friend who once said, “Well, I tried nursing my baby, but it just wasn’t for me.” What?! I won’t say anything else.

By: Carrie_in_TN

Carrie_in_TN — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 02:20:14 +0000

Excellent post and point. My first comment here. My daughter had a bad latch and badly damaged my breasts. I pumped breast milk for nearly 9 months. My own decision, my own reasons. I felt guilty for feeding her from a bottle. How ridiculous is that? I have a thriving and happy child, but I missed out on sweet newborn times while hooked up to a machine. I tell women who are struggling to consider letting it go and get a can of formula, but to follow their own heart and meet their own family needs. Baby needs a happy and present mother…

Bottom line is this: The longer I am a mother the less I know what is good for other people.

By: Badbadivy

Badbadivy — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:39:16 +0000

Scrappy, I am so sorry for being less than clear in my post: you were meant to be one of the good examples of something that doesn’t work for us, works for you! I’ve edited the post so hopefully now it’s clearer!

By: Kristin

Kristin — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 15:41:10 +0000

Thank you for saying what all of us are thinking. Blogging is for sharing ideas, thoughts, and being inspired by other people. Blogging does not mean you have to be exactly like me or like someone else. We are all unique and perfectly made by our Heavenly Father. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I must do what’s works right for me and my family and not feel bad if I don’t follow the “rules” on someone elses blog. Well said!!!