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Hi Naomi. My honest opinion is that what's best for one mother and her baby may not be best for the next. b___stfeeding worked great for you and your child, and that is wonderful. It's often best in life if we do not expect other people to share our exact views, because they often will not. You do what you feel is the best for your child, and perhaps you should be content with that. I did not b___stfeed for more than 2 months, and i had my reasons for quitting, but i do not owe that to my education level. In my case, formula was the best deal for my baby and myself because i was too emotional over the baby not latching right, and preferring the bottle over the b___st anyhow. It made me a better mom to use bottles, but this is my individual circ_mstance. You don't know what the next woman has been through, Naomi. I humbly ask that you keep in mind that although b___stmilk is indeed bes as far as nutrition goes, you don't know what is best in everyone's life. As a 25 year old African-American female, and mother of one and another on the way, I cannot say the fact that my family is generally of low education levels has anything to do with b___stfeeding. In fact, most of my family that did b___stfeed one or more children were generally the teen mothers in the family who did not have the money to get formula. I am a soldier, so b___stfeeding did not work out with my busy training schedule. However, my son is now 4 years old, healthy and happy, and he has never been sick with anything worse than a cold. It's admirable that you want people to know the best nutrition for babies comes from the b___st, but it's something 95% of mother's already know. They choose formula because they want to, and it's their choice and their right as parents to do so. It sounds like what you really want to do is make a lot of mothers feel bad, and belittle their choice. I am sorry Naomi, I agree b___stmilk is the best milk for a baby, but laying a guilt trip is not the way to go about promoting anything. Good luck to you.

mind your own business!!!! i know alot of "educated" people who don't b___stfeed their children. it's a matter of choice and i think individuals like yourself should really keep opinions to yourself b/c what's best for one person may not be what's best for another. some individuals cannot b___stfeed for some reason or another. i don't think it's fair to judge. b___st is best, but individuals like yourself shouldn't push people into something they don't choose to do b/c it does sound condescending and aggressive.

hi there!first i'd like to say that this - in my humble opinion - has nothing to do with the level of education (scholar) one has or hasn't. i have come to see that some people who are very scholarly educated are - excuse me - d__n fools. they might develop nuclear bombs with perfection but they are not educated enough to realize that their invention brings trouble. anyways (i hope you can still follow my babbling) to b___stfeed or not to is a very personal decision. you certainly can tell women about your experiences, your personal pros and cons, scientific resaerch, etc. but it might be best to avoid "preaching". some women just don't want to know (its easier to just not know than to deal with it...) i sometimes would love to sit some of my freinds down and do an hour long presentation about why they should b___stfeed - but it is just not my business. period. nothing to do about that. i guess you can talk about it and if someone decides to do so, you can be there to guide and advise. and through that you will have done a lot. i do think however that a "100 reasons to b___stfeed" list is a great idea. :)

I'm sorry I offended by saying my observations of correlation between racial groups, as well as education levels with b___stfeeding without first looking into whether this correlation exists. It does. See the government's "Healthy People 2010" report. http://www.healthypeople.gov/Doc_ment/HTML/Volume2/16MICH.htm and click Breastfeeding, Newborn Screening, and Service Systems 78% of college graduates b___stfeed, vs 48% of high school dropouts. 68% of whites vs. 45% of African Americans That said, my intent is not to force anyone into b___stfeeding. Bottlefeeding may indeed work much better in some cases. However, I do want to enable people to make educated decisions on this subject. It pains me to see people make decisions that I don't believe they would have made if they had been adequately educated, or done adequate research into the subject. I do think that this is a "big" or "important" decision, and that some people overlook the huge impact that it will have on their lives. Please let me know if you think inquiring whether a person plans to b___st or bottle feed is appropriate. And also whether offering to share experience or knowledge would be appropriate. (Maybe I miswrote earlier; as of yet I have not said a word on the subject to anyone, nor have I handed out lists or worn tacky T-Shirts, and I have regretted keeping my mouth shut.) I don't see how people will learn what they need to know if talking about this subject is completely taboo and the only opinion they have access to is their mother's.

Naomi, I feel what you are saying. However, i am quoting you saying "It pains me to see people make decisions that I don't beleive they would have made if they would have been adequately educated, or done adequate research on the subject." Well, Naomi, all I can say is that if you really feel that way, why is it all directed towards b___stfeeding? What about more imminent threats to society and our children like the pointless war in Iraq. Did our president make that decision to invade that country based on any legit research or education? I know that this is a whole other tangent, but all I am saying is that you cannot control what people do. You cannot say this (b___stfeeding) is a big decision in anyone's life because that is your opinion, and unfortunately, that is self limiting. Many parents just decide on formula and that is that. case closed, end of story. These parents are no better or no worse than anyone who b___stfeeds, because good parents are not based on what they feed a child, but how they raise and treat their child. What about what they teach their children, Naomi? That surely matters more than anything else. As for you saying people overlook the impact that (not)b___stfeeding will have on their lives, well, show me proof of this. Similac saved my sanity and allowed me to be a more focused and better mother. I am thankful that we have these formulas, and I bet so are many other moms who cannot, or choose not, to b___stfeed for whatever their own reasons are. Who are you, or anyone, to judge that? Do you also question a mother when she decides to let her son or daughter do things that you may not allow your child to do? I can't see why you care so much about other people's business, and I am not trying to sound abrasive. Maybe you should cool the engines on this one, you will never win. Formula has been around for a long time, and will continue to do so. People will use it for various reasons, even if that reason is because they do not come from affluent families that tout or support b___stfeeding the way yours did. There are sooo many other pressing issues in this world that you should be concerned about, that DO directly affect us all personally. Watch CNN, it's scary a lot of the time. Better yet, join the Army and go see some of these things first hand like I did. To answer your question; no! I do not think it is any more appropriate to ask perfect strangers their plans on feeding their child than it is to ask them what they plan to eat for the next coming year themselves. I personally think that is invasive and tacky unless you are a health care provider charting something for medical reasons. When they tell you their plans, Naomi, what then? What will this information do for you? Will it make you richer or poorer? Will it finance your daughter's college education? It is their business, and that's just that. You have a great spirit for advocating something. Maybe you should look into advocating something else, though, that really impacts lives...like the use of condoms and STD education in the school you work at so there wont be so many teen pregnancies and STD rates. Just a humble suggestion.

I agree with you Naomi. I think cultural norms play a huge role in b___stfeeding-if your mother/sister/etc. didn't do it, you would have less of a support network. I some resistance in my family that it was "gross". Luckily, I knew the benefits and was able to nurse successfully and I feel like I made an impact as some of my family members are now nursing their babies. I guess you lead by example and with information and hope you make a positive impact-just like we try to do for our female friends and family members throughout the mothering process.

naomi, you're an educated snob.

Naomi, When you find out that someone is pregnant you can say " Are you considering b___stfeeding? I hope you will look into it- it is so great for the baby." Don't say what you said here about education level. I hear ya. I have family members- even stay-at home-moms who never even considered b___stfeeding. I totally believe in it, but everyone has a right to choose for themselves. We must try not to be snobs about this!

Breast may be best but for some moms it may not be possible for a number or reasons. I think putting extra pressure on mothers is uncalled for.

Naomi, the people you wish to reach are already getting the information, most likely. It's pretty likely that your pregnant students were getting WIC, and they really push b___stfeeding there. The Medicaid offices also give out literature on the benefits of b___stfeeding. Lots of lower-income, less-educated moms have to go back to work soon after their babies are born, and it might seem easier to use formula from the beginning.

I am shocked and saddened by most of the responses to your inquiry...but not surprised. Guilt and regret often manifests as retaliation. I guess what I'm about to write is going to really shock a lot of people too...The overwhelming benefits of b___stfeeding can not be denied by anyone. There are countless medical studies to prove it. However, our culture is unfortunately not 'comfortable' with b___stfeeding, and many people are hyper sensitive to the issue. I will state a very personal opinion on this matter folks...brace yourselves everyone... Women who have access to accurate and factual information about b___stfeeding, and where there are no medical, or safety issues involved, and then for reasons of "personal choice" still choose to feed their babies with artificial milk, SHOULD feel guilty about it. The same way that mothers who endanger their children's health by not using car seats, or who never brush their kids teeth or who feed them junk food at every meal should feel guilty . I am sick and tired of hearing people talk about how it is a "personal choice" saying things like: "I know it's the best thing for my baby but...Women who have the "b___stfeeding ickies" (and don't even know it or won't admit it) and don't want to nurse their babies because it's "complicated" or "inconvenient" or might make their mother-in-law feel uncomfortable etc..., should see a really good shrink before getting pregnant.....and resolve all the issues that have them believing and using the excuse that it is a "personal choice" There...got some stuff off my chest...Good for you for caring Naomi, and for seeking ways to help enlighten others...some day breasfeeding will be the normal and common way to feed babies again...thank goodness !!

To Naomi: Maybe with your education, determination and personal missions ... maybe you should use these toward getting a job with the La Leche League. That way you would not be wasting your education, determination and personal missions on forums and T-shirts (but really utilizing yourself with something that could possibly make the difference you want.)

P.S. As far as "how to express opinions on b___stfeeding ..." In my opinion, the best way to express your opinion on ANYTHING is by direct example. No need for poster boards, signs, T-shirts ... just lead by strong, quiet example. If you still seriously feel compelled to try to make a more serious impact ... then, once again, seriously consider using your gifts/tools (your education, determination and mission) with a legitimate, well-known organization who could use and would also probably appreciate your contribution.

to mom in canada-you also should mind your own business. it's ppl like you and naomi that give ma__sive guilt trips and that shouldn't be the case for anyone "choosing not to b___stfeed" are you in that person's shoes who decide they cannot or simply will not. i think we all have a choice to whatever we do in this life and ppl shouldn't judge-after all it's not YOUR LIFE!!!!

OK. mom in canada... caring, as you say, and "enlightening others" is not synonomous with getting in someone elses business. my granny always said you'd catch more flies with honey than you will vinegar. i know me, myself as an expecting mom, i would flip the script if a perfect stranger just rolled up on me asking me what my plans were for this that and the other. my suggestion to naomi...just mind your business honey, and if you want to promote b___stfeeding, go work for LLL like someone else here said. that way, people who WANT help and info will come to you. you can feel like you make a difference. honestly, it's none of your business what feeding method another parent uses and why. other than that, you are setting yourself up to get stared at like you are crazy or cussed out by just going up to random people and trying to push your beleifs on them. that's for real.

Well, I did say that my opinion would shock most folks...and it offended too..., I qualified it as my personal opinion afterall..... Listen, If women knew the facts and the truth about why b___stfeeding is so far superior to formula (for brain development, gastro-intestinal health, etc,,, more ways than can be listed here) So many more women would breasfeed. HUMAN MILK FOR HUMAN BABIES !! It is the ONLY biologically appropriate food for human babies. You are not giving birth to a cow, what on earth would make anyone think it's appropriate to feed a newborn human, cow's milk? (yes, formulas are made from cow's milk, with a bunch of additives). Women owe it to themselves and especially their babies to get factual, accurate and real information about the impact of the decision to deny their baby b___stmilk in the first (at least) 6 months of life. It is because women think formula is "just as good as" and is "almost the same as" that so many women choose not to b___stfeed. Does no one wonder why so many babies have " colic" and why so many women have to switch from formula to formula...why so many babies get so sick in early infancy? So many caes of childhood asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, obesity, colds and infections? Breastmilk will not elliminate these thinks in a population as large as north america because genetics and the environment will always play a role, but tens of thousands of babies would suffer less if they had the protection of their mother's milk. Do your next baby a favor and educate yourself about all this stuff...and for the love of God, don't rely on the information the formula companies spew out...Once you know the truth, you would never "choose" to formula feed.