Stabby is right!! Of course you have to consider the psychology of those who don’t breastfeed yet are intelligent enough to know about the benefits. You sort of have to create a negative aura about BF if you want to justify your own choices. Now I’m not saying that ALL women who don’t breastfeed do this but ego defense mechanisms really must be at play to some degree. I wonder how much the authors adjusted for this variable in their study?

Jen said it better than I ever could. However, if you look at where I come from, It’s almost always the educated, well-spoken, well-adjusted moms breast feeding. I’m a little surprised by the studies re: public opinion.

Formula feeders always complain (at least around here) about how there is soooo much pressure to breastfeed (as if it is a bad thing…) but then we see studies like this. My conclusion: if you don’t want to be judged, don’t have a baby. But this surprises me because breast is clearly better for baby, and because of the demographics of breastfeeders and formula feeders.

I am really lucky to work in an environment where the overall office is encouraging and supportive of its breastfeeding mothers. But then I can turn around and have people in my family, some of which who work in the medical field, brush off breastfeeding as silly. I know, I know… weird and strange… but hey, that’s family. But I think JEN hit the nail on the head. There is a defensiveness that makes people degrade something they either couldn’t do, or don’t know much about. It is much easier to ridicule then admit fault. So I don’t think education has much to do with it. Just whether or not a person is self aware and secure with themselves. And unfortunately, not many people are.

My oh My, goes to shoe you, you just can’t win. When I had my son and breast fed him until he weened himself (11mo), I would always get a “congratulations, keep up the good work” from both my OBGYN and the pediatricians, so much positive reinforcement… WHY? I have always found it a little funny! Well while I was oblivious to other peoples views I can see why Drs may need to give other mothers an Atta Girl, or WAY TO GO, Great job, after reading this!! Isn’t it what those Boobs were made to do?? I can’t understand how people are so judgmental and put off by NATURAL!!

I try not to judge a woman if she BF or formula feeds. I do not know her situation. She may have tried and not been able to and I leave it as that. this article is crazy!!! Mom’s who breast feed are just as educated as ones that formula feed. just like ones who use cloth over disposables are not any more educated.

Danielle you are right that so many women do not know about breast feeding at all. I have learned so much from you and the tribe about what can happen to those whom have the best intentions.

“Isn’t it what those Boobs were made to do??” EXACTLY! Stabby doesn’t even begin to describe it. I have a bachelor’s degree, so they can screw off, quite frankly. If someone thinks I’m stupid, let’s go compete on Jeopardy. I’ll kick their ass. ;)

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Neither choice is better or worse. Get over it.