August 4th, 2010
11:27 AM ET
Gisele Bundchen: I'm not here to judgeJudging by Marquee reader reaction, it seems supermodel Gisele Bundchen might have made a boob of herself when she told Harper's Bazaar U.K. that breast-feeding should be mandatory for all new moms. "There should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months," she said. "Are you going to give chemical food to your child, when they are so little?" Well, yes, according to an overwhelming number of Marquee readers.
"Classic ignorant statement by someone who is only known because of how she looks in her bra and panties," commented BFD. "Some mothers can't breast feed, either because of medical reasons or because their baby isn't one they gave birth too." Another commenter, Cheryl, added that "Breastfeeding is a VERY personal decision...I didn't breastfeed because I actually don't feel comfortable with it. SO THERE GISELLE! What a freak." Commenter E, who is the father of an adopted son, said that "It's love that matters, not where the milk comes from. So, stop doing public appearances and magazine shoots, and raise your baby." And perhaps Angela summed it up for everyone by commenting, "Do your own research but please don't get your information from some model that just popped out a kid and now she thinks she's an expert. She's quite self-righteous, judgmental and apparently she's so intelligent that she knows what's best for all children and mothers." After realizing the impact of her words, the 30-year-old Brazilian bombshell cleared the air on her blog, explaining that she was simply sharing her thoughts and not imposing her views on anyone else. "My intention in making a comment about the importance of breastfeeding has nothing to do with the law. It comes from my passion and beliefs about children," wrote the mom of 8-month-old Benjamin Rein. "It's unfortunate that in an interview sometimes things can seem so black and white. I am sure if I would just be sitting talking about my experiences with other mothers, we would just be sharing opinions. I understand that everyone has their own experience and opinions and I am not here to judge," Bundchen clarified. She went on, "I believe that bringing a life into this world is the single most important thing a person can undertake and it can also be the most challenging. I think as mothers we are all just trying our best."
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I especially enjoyed this. thank you. I;ll keep coming back
Gisele, I'm sure you're super busy, but when you get a chance please
read and respond to my blogs. Thank you. chrishetzelt@yahoo.com
Um, I really don't know what to say. Gisele, I really have a feeling
that AIDS is passed it's time. How do I understand the above theory ?
It just comes to me, may doubt from some not drive away believing !
Activism – Media story, theory – Funding Science. Thank you, Gisele
from, Chris Hetzelt. 077425 New Hampshire Hospital APS-G 36 Clinton St.
Concord, N.H. 03301
CNN blogging sites are hard for me to find I'm embarrassed to say.
O.K. bare with me – one sentence and stats. I would like to revisit
my idea of using copper molecules' heat to fuse and change or add
to the HIV-1 envelope structure of spikes and canals, so it will
not attach to the CD-4 receptors of T-cells. Copper stats.-
Blood level of copper in humans / mg dm -3 :1.01 Heat of fusion
:13.05kJ/mol Thermal Conductivity: 4.01W/cmk (blood level-
the 3 hovers above.) I enjoy blogging, but don't want to
get lost in cyber-space. Thank you for a forum.
I believe it's poor phrasing. I think she referred to the fact that many women can breastfeed their children, fail to do so for fear of breasts become flabby and fallen. Or will say that many do not think this way?
I don't know what everyone is so up in arms about with breastfeeding. You can actually formula-feed a child and have it come out totally normal. MANY MANY kids of my generation were bottle-fed and are totally functioning members of society. I was formula fed from day one and to this day (I am now 40) I have never had a single health problem, plus I went to an Ivy League University and graduated with honors and am now a successful professional.
Giselle is very aware of what she was saying, she condemned mother's who do/did not breastfeed. This is not the first time she has spoken out of turn. We should realize that she really doesn't deserve this much attention. This is an age old argument that is sooo personal that it really shouldn't be up for public debate. Nonetheless, it's been said. Thankfully she is not who we go to for advice in raising our children. Let her say what she needs to, then deal with the repercussions. We have to still support free speech so that we can also speak freely.
So, what happens if a mother's breast milk never comes in and she can't feed her baby? Is she supposed to let her baby starve? Yes, there are milk banks, but would you feel comfortable feeding your baby someone else's breast milk? What if my baby was born with a cleft lip and she could not latch? Breast feeding simply isn't for every mom and formula is a way to feed our babies. You shouldn't make those people who are unable or simply choose not to breast feed feel bad. Just as those who have to or choose to formula feed don't chastise those who breast feed.
I thnk the saddest part is that this issue makes both sides very defensive. Each mother has to make the choice for herself and her children. And no other mother or father has any right (or non mother/father) to judge or criticize. No one need justify either decision. It is a personal choice that is no one's business.
I wish I were more surprised, but almost everybody I've heard and read regarding Bundchen's flap has missed the point entirely.
Yes, her grand pronouncement was an affront to women everywhere; yes, it was monumentally condescending; yes, it was ignorant; yes, it was both stunning and embarrassing in its stupidity. But these are secondary points.
What's most contemptible about Bundchen's mind-belch is its blatant totalitarianism. To classify it specifically, "There should be a worldwide law...that mothers should breastfeed," is textbook fascism. This is "Adolph meets high fashion," or perhaps "fascion." If Gisele Bunchen wishes to publicize what she thinks are the benefits of breastfeeding, that's perfectly acceptable. But to express a desire to see one's random whims imposed on the entire world under force of binding law? Umm, sieg heil? Her hasty damage-control statement that her demand "...has nothing to do with the law" is blatantly false.
In what way does "There should be a worldwide law..." have "...nothing to do with the law"? To realize that people with this kind of stuff bouncing around their skulls actually vote is a frightening thing to contemplate.
In an apparent attempt to drag Bundchen's neo-fascist sentiment even lower on the atrocity scale, not only did the entire crew of CNN HLN's Robin Meade show on August 5 sidestep the whole neo-Hitlerian overtone of Bundchen's remark, one bubble-headed bleach-blond reporter (to paraphrase Mr. Henley) made a specific assertion to the effect that, beneath Bundchen's arrogant pomposity toward other mothers, there was (somehow) a valid point in the call for...fascistic edicts that impose the iron fist of government into people's very bodies. Hunh?
This reporter used the same breath to launch into an incoherent rant about the need to launch some new Witch-Hunts against a few more EvilGreedyCorporations for The Good Of Us All. Her commentary was comedically priceless: It reminded me for all the world of those occasional stoners at basement keg parties who'd always end up making feverish discourses to anyone within earshot (e.g. those too drunk to move away,) about the fifth dimension being time, or the Fundamental Interconnectedness of All Things.
There's nothing I could put into a critique of what's become of contemporary American media that hasn't been far more eloquently expressed by their toilet-level ratings. Given the raw evil of what some of these reporters are actively promoting, I'd call that just deserts.
Even Bunchen realized the viciousness of her neo-Hitarian slip; no such luck for whichever of the Meade show's "commentators" it was who dove right in with heel-clicking endorsement.
Here's a simple test: If you saw a frothing maniac run up to a mother bottle-feeding a baby, put a knife to her throat, demand that she start breastfeeding "or else" – you would properly consider the man to be a dangerous, violent criminal and call for the police to haul him away to stand trial.
How then does it become "acceptable" for you to do precisely the same thing – only with some national or international governmental agency stepping in as your proxy trigger-man?
Austrian economiist Ludwig von Mises just nailed it: Every advocate of central governent planning is a dictator-in-spirit. Apparently Herr Bundchen's fetish for iron-fisted rule has an enthusiastic following among insular, juvenile pretend-"journalists" at CNN... If the implications weren't so ominous this would be the stuff of high comedy.
Sadly Gisele did not finish High School and her lack of education shows because she is not thoughtful when answering a question. Her interview at the Met Exhibit on The American Woman & Fashion was awful. She was asked what she thought about American Women and Gisele replied "Well, I thinks American Women are nice,", or some other generic adjective. Then she turns to the camera, poses with a big smile, to say "But I love being Brazilian." The interviewer just looked at her...She could not answer a question without talking about herself.
Her initial comment was smug and very thoughtless in regards to those people who do not have choices. A woman has to work long hours and cannot breast feed, is she a bad Mother? If a male is raising a newborn & a young baby, he can't breast feed so is he a lousy parent?
She said "worldwide." That encompasses everyone. Gisele knows people read about her and that her words would be heard. She simply does not think before she speaks.
I believe that all of those answers many of us had to write out in school trained our mind to think before we write & speak. And when you have to listen to others, you learn how to speak well.
I have to state that many people are well educated outside of the traditional classroom. I guess this is once again a choice that a person has to make; do I want to speak my thoughts so that others understand what I am saying, and if so, how do I go about learning to do so. Thinking before speaking is necessary: school is one way to practice.
Hopefully, Gisele learns.
The people that keep saying "all studies show breast milk is the best thing possible" you are incorrect. A simple internet search can provide you with that information. Have "All experts" really ever agreed on anything? I've found that opinions range from breast milk being no better than formula to studies saying breast milk makes geniuses. Before you go making wild claims at least spend 5 min educating yourself. If you breast fed your kids, well good for you. That's great, but honestly it's a just another biologic function. Why do you feel people should be so impressed? Some of you clearly feel so superior. I'm completely unimpressed. What I find impressive is when parents raised their kids into adulthood to become decent people. That outcome won't be based on breast milk. I couldn't care less whether you feed your baby formula or breast milk. Honestly why are any of you so concerned with someone else's life that has no bearing on yours?
It wasn't a very well thought out thing for her to say, but in fairness to her, most first-time mothers I've listened to suddenly are experts on raising children - despite the obvious fact that this is something they are very new to. Whether they've adopted or given birth, first-time mothers are immediately experts on all facets of child-rearing; and they can sound as boring as people who've recently quit smoking, lost a lot of weight, found God, or any other sort of new epiphany. The lesson we can all learn is to take a deep breath, step back, and think before we shoot off our mouths.
I love boobies!
some people really should not be allowed to voice their opinion on these "comment-site's". its so sad to read how ignorant some of you are.
So why don't you share your vast knowledge?
Giselle, perhaps there should be a law forcing all overpaid supermodels to donate 50% of their income to charities that feed hungry children. But I am not here to judge.
Gisele may not be here to judge, but the commenters on this blog certainly are.
People that post saying "Well my kid getting get breastfeed and is a genius...blah blah blah." Well idiots statics isn't about just one person. I'm sure there are kids that were breastfeed for 3 years and are dumb as a rock. Statics are about the WHOLE population and averages across the board. All studies have show that breastmilk is the best thing possible. Of course that doesn't mean your child is going to be a genius, but it's a good start.
Let's check back in 20years and see how her kid turns out.
Breast feeding is a personal choice for the mother. AND THE MOTHER ALONE!
Personal choice, yes, but if you choose to not breastfeed you are simply not giving your baby the best. All reseach show this. Again, notice I said CHOOSE. I realize that not all mothers can't breastfeed, although that number is very small.
When Steve pushes out a baby then I will actually care what he thinks
I have no doubt having a child is a powerful life experience (life provides many of them) but why is bringing another life into this world the most important thing a person can do? If you don't have a child does this mean your life has less significance? Our eco-system (the only one we have) is on the brink of collapse due to over-population and unrestrained economic growth. We are running out of the natural resources needed to sustain a massive portion of the world population. Our consumer based lifestyle is unsustainable. Personal sacrifice for the betterment of our planet is what matters. Reducing your ecological footprint by curbing consumption and opposing soulless corporations and corrupt governments that ignore the immense suffering of others to turn a profit – this is the most important thing you can do – not having children.
Michael-It's an issue of once the child has already arrived in this world. As a good parent your children are your number 1 priority and it's most definitely the hardest job I've ever had. Trust me, society as a whole appreciates me taking it seriously. The goal is to raise a good person who is productive and contributes to society. We can't all defend the country or save the world but my contribution is hopefully raising a son who becomes a good man. If I've done my job right he will do any one of those things you mentioned. I certainly don't think someone who doesn't have children is worth less. We all have our place in this world.
Hee hee... I find Gisele's statement hilarious. She should talk. I read somewhere that she only breastfed her son for 3 weeks!!!
A pretty biased selection of quotes form Marquee...
And today, this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/science/03milk.html?src=me&ref=general
There is another side of this story that Ms. Bunchen may not have considered. There was a time, and not very long, when women with an excess of milk would sell it to women who wanted help, or to local hospitals. My mother in law did that. But then HIV came along. Purchased milk couldn't be trusted. And as millions of women in Africa and elsewhere can tragically attest, breast milk can transmit HIV to the babies and so become a death sentence for the children.
Breast feeding is wonderful when it works, but it doesn't always work.
I'm sure 'Giselle meant to be referring only to women who can breastfeed, but she didn't say that and so should weather the criticism for not articulating her thoughts properly. She did an interview with a high profile magazine, which she undoubtedly got paid alot for – she should have been more carfeul about what she said and how it came across. She's 'not here to judge', but that is exactly how it came across. Women who would like to breastfeed and can't already often feel judged by society, without also feeling judged by Giselle!
I could only wish to be wet nursed by Giselle. Leave her alone!
Thank you Elizabeth. I will take a look at the link. If she tells two different stories about her journey into motherhood I will be disapointed and lose even more respect for her because no one likes celebrities who lie. I am already on the fence with her honesty because when she said her baby was potty trained at 6 months while not impossible if she practices elimination communication with her child she always seems to say things that need further explanation which she hardly ever gives. She should just be honest and say I practice EC with my child and I have been able to determine when he needs to eliminate and put him on the infant potty chair and it doesn't work for every elimination because he is only 6 months old but I think it is a practice that has been around for thosands of years and it has a better environmental impacts than disposable diapers, and everyone knows I support eco-friendly practices and try to make them part of my life. Nope she says my 6 month old is potty trained, right after I feed him he poops like clockwork.
Everyone keeps stating that breast feeding is hands down the best way to go.The thing is there are other studies out there that I have read that state that there are other common factors that come into play that lead other experts to conclude that breast feeding may not make a difference. Personally I would never tell someone how to choose. Just because we've always been told breast feeding is best doesn't mean things haven't changed. First of all we are filled with toxins far more so then many yrs ago. So that alone would tell me that breast milk isn't what it used to be. My son is living proof that formula nourished him. He has no allergies, great immune system, highly intelligent, all around great healthy kid. And I think if I had breast fed him I'd have basically the same outcome. I'm the kind of person that doesn't just accept one side. I want to hear many expert opinions. And all you have to do is search the internet and you will find conflicting opinions. I understand some of you are firm believers that breast milk is far superior but others who may not know there are other studies are being mislead. But most definitely I would like to convey to the Moms who have been made to feel like bad parents for choosing formula that that is simply false. Formula is not poison it is nourishment and certainly won't ruin your child. One thing I read stated that genetics and parenting have far more to do with how your child turns out than breast milk. That made sense to me. Personally I think parents over think sometimes with good reason (Im guilty of it sometimes) but also we are bombarded with new "studies" constantly. Like the egg! It's good for us no it's bad for us no wait its good for us. Who knows anymore. It's very unfair for any of us to look down on someone else. Parents have a very hard job and we do the best we can. We listen to experts and doctors etc, but all of it is continuously changing. Remember when we were kids and the doctor would give penicillen for everything? Now they don't prescribe that unless they really have to. To say that breast milk is far better than formula really is just an opinion as is the other experts who say it doesn't make much difference. Same with the vaccine issue. There's 2 sides but who's right? I don't know. Alot of conflicting information. So we all are left with endless amounts of information to sort through. Doctors, experts, they are just human beings and they do not have all the answers.I just don't see why some people are so cruel about it. We all are fortunate enough to choose. What if breast feeding was suddenly said to be harmful and it was banned. That decision wouldn't affect me but I would still be outraged because our right to choose would be taken from us. We should all be very grateful that we live in a world filled with freedom and choices, grateful that there are people always searching for answers to better our lives. It just makes no sense to me for Mothers to attack each other over breast milk and formula.
Women who does breastfeed thier kids should be throw in jail forever.
Wow, what's your problem with breastfeeding? Sounds as if you missed out on the benefits of breastfeeding, proper grammer being one of them. "Women who does breastfeed thier kids should be throw in jail forever."
Women who DO breastfeed, you illiterate moron.
TW, grammer is actually spelled grammar.
I think people are overreacting to Gisele's comments. She's just one person and no one would care what she had to say if she wasn't famous, by flipping out like you all are, you're just affirming her position. Frankly, dear mothers, no one outside of your family and friends really cares if you breastfeed or not. The rest of us have more interesting things to do in our lives... and yes, this includes you too, Mrs. Tom Brady.
From her standpoint, she's absolutely correct. She birthed the child, and she was able to breastfeed, and so she did. And that's how it SHOULD be. If you do not birth a child/adopt a child, then OBVIOUSLY that comment was not for you. Stop getting your panties in a wad. If you CANNOT breastfeed for a certain medical reason, then OBVIOUSLY that comment was not for you. What she likely meant was anyone who has a child and consciously decides that breastfeeding is "not for them" then that's crap. Go out and get some information on what's good for your baby. Ignorance is annoying. So yea I agree with her. WAY TO GO GISELLE!
So you would be ok with a law that took away a choice to formula feed? If so than what laws would come next where would it stop. I don't think the majority of people are mad at the fact she decided breast feeding is best I think the fact that she said there should be a law that takes away that choice. NO ONE has the right to tell a parent if they should breast feed or formula feed unless and to judge someone on whatever choice they make WITHOUT knowing what went into that choice!!! To judge someone without knowing that makes that person just as ignorant as the person they are labeling!!!!
According to the other mainstream media website that shall remain nameless, Gisele only breastfed her son for 3 weeks. Therefore, she is a hypocrite.
oh let's just bash her face in already, its my choice to formula feed my baby becasue i am too fat and lazy to overcome any kind of obstacle in my way, and my babies health is really not that important to me because I am a child of the 80's and 90's and its my right to give my baby formula which has ingredients I cannot pronounce but i don't care cause nobody is gonna tell me what to do cause I am selfish and self righteous and pompous and who cares about my baby's health because its all about me. that's right, its all about me. And I feel really good about supporint big formula companies cause I know my baby's health is more important to them than it is it me. So there. So shut up...duh
Guess same question to you Brent....how do you know that mothers who formula feed are selfish, self-righteous and pompous. How do you know they have not done the research compairing the two methods and made the right choice FOR THEIR BABY AND THEMSELVES. Have you done any kind of research into it? Have you asked any mothers whom formula feed their reasons why? Well probally just like Ksk you have not and so every mother you see whom is bottle feeding their child ( mind you some of thoose bottles could have breast milk in them) you just ASSume they are thoose things you claim....HHHHMMMMMMM that sounds pretty self-righteous to me!
Kaitlin....I apologize that you just can not click on the link and it sends you to the news article but if you copy and paste the entire thing to your web address box and hit eneter it will take you there.
I learned early in life not to care about what others say unless I have respect for that person. Since I don't know her and don't respect her opinion why should I care what she says. People need to quit putting celebrities on a pedestal and listening to what they have to say whether political or personal. They have their opinions and unless you respect them as people don't give a moments time to their opinion. She's a model and that's all she is. Quit caring about the words coming out of her mouth. Follow your own heart and go you own way.
I just want to say I feel very OFFENDED as well as INSULTED by Gisele's statement, and here is why: I'm a Mother of 2 Daughter's 1 is 7 yrs. old the other is 6 months old. I tried incredibly hard to breast feed both Duahgters because I believe there are many benefits to beast feeding. However, I was unable to produce milk properly to my Daughters even though I tried for nearly 2 months after their births. I took the classes, bought all the pumps etc., even hired a nurse to assist me at home. And still no luck! So yes Formula had to be given to they wouldn't starve! So my point is this: You really need to watch what you say because not all Women are fortunate to breatfeed as they had hope to. And maybe Gisele might want to do her homework on the benefits that formula DOES have for Babies.
your a crummy mom then.
Kaitlin....here is the link to the news article where it states she only breast fed her child for three weeks and one of the reasons why.......http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.com%2Fx-61893-Boston-City-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m8d3-Baby-Brady-breastfed-and-supermodel-mom-says-make-it-a-law&h=49151
Hmmm everything I've read said she's breastfeed much longer.
Mothers who do not breastfeed their kids despite being able to are selfish and self-righteous women getting all riled up because someone dared to question them. Recent studies have shown that breast milk plays a big role in building up immunity and protecting a kid against various allergies. Conventional wisdom has always known this.
WOW.....thats a pretty big ASSumption you make about non breastfeeding mothers. Do you have any hard facts to prove that they are selfish and self-righteous? Have you questioned every mother who bottlefeeds their reasons for doing so. If not maybe you should hold back on the labels before the self-righteous label finds it's way to being attached to you!
How dare this empty-headed model stereotype all formula-feeding mothers!
The thing that irks me is she made this broad statement not as a mother who is currently breast feeding her child, not as a mother who for medical purposes could not, not as a mother who repeatedly tried but just couldn't get it to work BUT AS A MOTHER WHO STOPPED BREAST FEEDING AFTER THREE WEEKS BECAUSE SHE DIDN"T WANT PAPARRAZZI'S SNAPPING PICTURES OF HER WHILE SHE DID IT AT STARBUCKS!!!!!!!! If she was so gung ho on the hole breastfeeding position she should of had no problems with pictures being taken. I mean can you imagine the PR that could of come out of it for the PRO breastfeeding only position. All she is is a typical celebrity who opened their big mouth and made an unthought out statement and is now backpedeling because of the heat she's getting over it. Too bad her handlers didn't explain the difference between making a pro breastfeeding statement and saying it ought to be a "world wide law" to take a mothers choice away from what THEY feel is right for THEIR CHILD!!!!
Where did you read she only breastfeed for three weeks? I am pretty sure in her interview with American Vogue for their April shape issue she said that she didn't even leave the house for 2 months because it was cold out and she only left the house twice to visit friends but never walked outside. When the Vogue interviewer arrived she gives a detalied description of Gisele's sister answering the door and what Gisele was wearing when she arrived and states Gisele was breastfeeding which I assume was well after three weeks of her child's birth. If she now says she was harassed at Starbucks by the paparazzi and it forced her to stop breastfeeding after three weeks that is a very different story she originally told.
It's Obama's fault.
Not every mother is physically able to nurse. Some mothers never experience milk development at all no matter what is tried to instigate it. There are even situations where the baby is allergic to mom's milk. Other mothers may be too incapacitated after birthing due to pre-existing health problems. Ms. Bundchen is obviously operating off the pink cloud that some mother's experience post-partum, so cut her some slack and take all this with a grain of salt.
whoa.. chill out everyone, its her thoughts as you all rant about yours..
I just can't help but be amused. Those of you who think we formula feeders are bad parents I commend you on how much you care for our children. I mean clearly you must love our children more than we ever could. So please by all means call social services. It's your duty as a stellar parent and a decent citizen. First it starts with formula and before you know it they're eating lead paint chips. LOL Get real none of you crazy breast feeding pushers care about our kids. You're nothing more than a bully on the playground...you only feel good when you're beating others down. If you actually wanted to make a difference because you are genuinely passionate about breast feeding you would never treat people so terribly. But clearly that's not the goal of anyone posting here. When you start off by saying your way is the only way on any subject you immediately have no credibility. Gisele- If you're passionate about breast feeding just talk about why but don't tell people they should. People are receptive when it's their own choice and no one is making them feel bad about it. Moms need support.
Right on Angela!
Shoudln't you guys be doing something more important in life rather than criticising some model's opinion. Opinions are opinions and based on that. She could have been sarcastic for all you know. I don't understand why people take things that are posted on the internet so seriously.
I think the reporters should put their efforts to investigating why formulas are full of corn syrup and chemicals instead of judging someone who breastfeeds because it's the best for their child. I understand that there are reasons why mothers cannot breastfeed, but that's no excuse for giving formula (read the ingredients!) instead of a more organic alernative.
I am not trying to be snarky when I ask this, I really don't know where you find organic baby formula or are you referring to soy milk which scares me now that they are finding out soy products are treated with herbicides and look like they might not be as good for us as we orginally thought.
A law dictating control over a women's body. Didn't we put an end to that in 1973? Gisele is about as credible as Jenny McCarthy. It is scary that anyone gives either bimbo a mouthpiece on mothering. Stick to lipstick and push up bras, you empty headed bubble brains.
So you think I am a bad mother because I chose not to breastfeed? Or lazy or not willing to sacrifice for my child? You do not know me, my child, or the reasons I chose not to. Too say that I am not a good parent because of this choice is just wrong. My child is rarely sick and is very smart. How can one generalize and say all children not breastfed grow up stupid and fat? How do you know what adults were breastfed by looking at them or talking ot them? You can not. These people should be more tolerant of mothers who do not breastfeed. I do not judge women who do, so do not judge me because I did not.
very well said
mom97, if you simply choose not to breastfeed, then you may not be a bad mom, but you simply aren't giving your baby the best. ALL reseach shows this. I can't understand how any parent wouldn't want to give their child the best.
Sounds to me like you're a bad, lazy parent.
Don't listen to these other twits. You sounds like your a great Mom and judgmental people may say otherwise, but sadly their children will probably grow up to be hateful judgmental people just like them. With or without breast milk.
She should know that the government of this country has consistently defended women and their right to choose what to do with their child for a while now. If the US doesn't even legally force parents to immunize their child, they probably aren't going to legally force women to breastfeed their child. I haven't read the article so I don't want to pass judgment on her statements until I read the whole thing however if she specifically says “here” referring to the US I think it is an unnecessary pot shot on American women. I don't know everyone’s situation but I do know the Family Medical Leave Act allows women time off to spend with their newborn/s and it is usually unpaid time off so they have to go back to work after 12 weeks. It isn't always feasible for women to pump when the law says you get 12 weeks to be a mom and then you are expected to be a full time employee again. There is no law that says employers have to provide new mothers with pump time but Gisele's comment while a little on the extreme side, could open the door for legislation allowing breastfeeding mothers 15 or 20 minute increments throughout the day to pump up to a certain amount of months so new mothers do not have to sneak pump time in at their cubicles or have the awkward male colleague walking in on a pump moment. Women deserve better from their employers now a days so I would be all for legalizing pump time at work.
I was lucky enough to be one of these Mums who could breastfeed and I ended up breastfeeding for 9 months for one and at the other end of the spectrum for 20 months for my second – the comments I got about that!! This was one part a personal choice but two parts the ability to breastfeed and my children are very healthy but I can’t determine if it was the breastfeeding or the genetics of my husband and me. I saw family and friends of mine try but could not start or continue for one reason or another and I would never, ever think of making ridiculous, insensitive comments like Gisele just made, some mothers just do not want to breastfeed but for everyone of them, there is one who wants to and can’t. To add fuel to the fire, some mothers do need someone to get the baby out for them because c-sections are needed for medical reasons. Wow, the mother of one and she thinks she is the expert for all, although, I would be too if I had her and Tom’s money to pay for help….
I am sorry people gave you a hard time about breastfeeding one of your children for a longer time then they thought you should have. It really isn't anyone else's place to judge your parenting skills. I am sure you are a wonderful mother and love your children.
Life is short people. Why do some of you feel the need to belittle those of us who chose formula over breast feeding? Formula worked out great for my son. I know I'm a great parent so none of you could make me feel bad. It's shocking how some of you are just so judgmental and rude though. You act like we decided to feed our babies gasoline. Here's a reality check for ya...Whether your child was breast fed or formula fed, one day your child will be less than perfect, they will get in trouble, they will do stupid things and eventually they will blame you for everything during the teenage yrs. We will all have made mistakes with our children and I guarantee no one will be a able to spot the breast fed kid from the formula fed kids. So climb on out of that ivory tower and join us formula feeders down here in the dirt. And for god sakes lighten up, relax and quit worrying about what other Moms are doing and concentrate on your family.
I think mothers who choose formula are unncessarily judged for their choice. It isn't fair. I was formula fed I have never been really sick outside of a cold/flu once or twice and I have no allergies. I was up until recently overweight not morbidly overweight but more than I should be. I don't necessarily believe that is because I was breastfead as an infant. I think it was poor food choices made by my parents and their lack of motivation behind execercise when I was a child and I never had healthy habits with either. I was also a girly girl and didn't like to sweat or run around I preferred to sit and play with my dolls and play dress up more. I know my parents love me and I don't think they are bad parents for how they raised me. My brother who was also formula fed was never overweight but five years younger and they took to the sports he played as a middle schooler and high schooler and we were both fed the same things he is also the only person in my family who has allergies so....
Seriously, I rarely post on things like this, but who cares what this mother thinks. I understand she was quoted in a magazine because she is a famous mom, but get over it already. All you should care about is that you feel in your heart you are doing what is best for your child. I have 1 child, I did not breastfeed (you don't need to know why), she is healthy as as horse, no allergies, no non-breastfed health related issues, smart as a whip. I have a friend who's son was born 2 days before, she breastfed, he is allergic to several things, has many health problems, could they have been worse had she not breastfed? Possibly? Only God knows. My point is don't judge, its a personal decision, as many things are in life. It doesn't make you a bad mother if you don't, whether for health reasons or because you don't feel comfortable, or just don't want to. My mother didn't, I turned out just fine. Please stop referring to breastfeeding as a personal sacrifice, it isn't, having a child is a personal sacrifice, and feeding that child is part of being a parent. Breastfeeding doesn't make you a good parent. But you can keep telling yourself that, if it makes you feel good, whatever floats your boat.
here's my opinion: http://sarahs-view.blogspot.com/
I hate to say this, but when has been a mother for eight months make you an expert. She said "It should be a worldwide law that you should breastfeed your baby for the first six months" not "Any mother who can should breastfeed". I am been a mom to a six year old with Austim and a 9 month old. I think that those of us with older child know alot more then her. One more Gisele next time you talk don't forget to say "THIS IS IN MY OPINION".
"One more Gisele next time you talk don't forget to say "THIS IS IN MY OPINION"."
From the text of the article you responded to:
'"There should be a worldwide law, in my opinion, that mothers should breastfeed their babies for six months," she said.'
Let's see... my wife has two master's degrees, an IQ in the top 2 percent, has given birth to five kids who all appear to rank as geniuses despite not breastfeeding.
But all too many twits like this one try and make her feel like she's a failure because her body doesn't produce breast milk.
It doesn't. Period. Pumps. shots, everything and anything the self-proclaimed specialists shoved at her, then claim it was her fault because she wasn't trying hard enough.
Stuff it.
haha, your right there. Genetics produces smart babies not breastfeeding. My child wasn't breastfed and she is perfectly healthy, intelligent, and sings beautifully. Maybe people should stop ranting about a crazy supermodel and go take care of their kids 😉
I feel very fortunate to have been successful to have been able to bf each of my 3 girls for at least one year. (it was a tough start though eah time) It was a commitment I made to them and myself bc it was what my husband and I deemed a top priority for our children. Having said that though it was a choice. I think Gisele was way out of line to speak such a blanket statement – esp knowing she is in the public eye. I have many friends that were not able to nurse for one legit reason or another and their children are also very healthy. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another. This war on nursing really needs to end -how about supporting all mom's who do the best they can!! no guilt trips ever from me!!!
I am not going to venture into the breastfeeding issue with my comment, because I have a son, I have chosen to feed him one way or another, and I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to do so – to have a child is a truly amazing experience. What concerns me about so many of these comments, is the clear suggestion by many that this woman, who many would find attractive, is not permitted to state her opinion because she is a professional model/beautiful/financially well off. Comments such as, "she should go back to being pretty," are concerning to me. She was being interviewed. By a magazine. YOU ventured to read this article because you were interested to know what SHE SAID. Is she not welcome to have an opinion because she is physically attractive? And if you feel this way, please, please take a moment to contemplate how these sorts of judgments of women could impact societal perception of women and their value negatively.
Right on! Women are so catty, it gets so old.
This is certainly an area with zealotry and defensiveness on all sides. Without stating my personal position, I'd like to point out that the claim that breastfeeding is free is demonstrably false. All those calories that leave the mom and go to the child need to come from somewhere – the mom takes them in as additional food while lactating. Needless to say, formula costs much more than the additional calories a nursing mother needs to take in to produce the equivalent in breast milk, but the latter number is not zero.
I am a huge advocate of breastfeeding. My daughter is 18-months and I still nurse her at least once a day. She is healthy and beautiful and super-smart. To me, breastfeeding was my choice. But it was not an easy one. I had a very difficult time in the beginning with my baby not latching, she was constantly colic, and after a c-section, I was exhausted and in pain. I can understand why some women are not able to breastfeed or choose not to. It is difficult and requires a constant sacrifice of giving your body completely to this new life who is dependent on you. I would not change a thing, however I respect the right that every woman has to choose what is best for her baby. She gave up breastfeeding her child after 3 weeks. She would be in current violation of the mandatory law she so "righteously" speaks of. She has the right thought, but she's certainly in no place to comment about something she herself wasn't able to do.
First of all, she obviously was referring to women who are able to breastfeed. If someone has physical limitations on ability to breastfeed or simply cannot, that person should obviously not be held accountable.
Secondly, breast milk has been scientifically PROVEN to have many health benefits over bottled milk, namely improves baby's immune system from mother's antibodies and better nutritional value. Also, some studies show that babies that were breastfed are SMARTER as adults. Plus, mother's milk is FREE. Imagine how much money could be spent on other things if all lazy moms actually breastfed and did not buy (or receive for free) unnecessary bottles.
So, she is not as dumb as you all say she is.
the woman is an idiot...Just shut up Gisele...
I second that...
Giselle is right that breast feeding is the right thing to do. Shouldn't be a law, obviously. Moms who love their kids want to do the best for them, and the evidence is overwhelming that breast feeding is best for the kid. Unless there is some medical reason why it's impossible, whether a mom breast feeds or not is a good gauge of her maternal character.
really scott? and is your wife a stay-at-home mom? because a lot of people would argue that whether or not you stay at home with your kids is a gauge of maternal character. and do you co-sleep? because a lot of moms think attachment parenting is how to judge maternal character. and do you push chemical-laced vaccines in your kids? because a lot of moms think that shows bad maternal character. and do you put petroleum-based disposable diapers against your baby's skin? bad mommy! bad daddy! everyone has their opinions on what's best for baby. i used to be pretty judgemental too when it came to parenting. i exclusively breastfed my first two kids until they were both a year and a half (so suck it! gisele and your six months). after many many weeks of personal consultations with an amazing lactation consultant and many many hundreds of dollars in consultation fees, i had to give up breastfeeding my third child. she simply would not latch and i could not keep up my supply by pumping (after taking many herbal supplements and prescriptions to increase supply). after going through something like this and realizing that i was not a bad mommy, i stopped being so judgemental myself. many women can't breastfeed for whatever reason and they're not bad mommies. and many women simply don't want to breastfeed and they're not bad mommies either.
Dear Scott,
And your comment is diagnostic of your underlying malignant character pathology.
Love,
a child-led weaning, tandem nursing mom who thinks whether or not a mom breastfeeds tells you NOTHING about her mothering skills.
HOW DOES YOUR FOOT TASTE,MOUTH ????
Tastes great. Of course, back in 2007 it didn't taste so great.
I agree with Gisele.. MOST people who don't breastfeed don't "want to".. how stupid is that. If you're gonna give birth to a fragile baby, you can at least do all you can to give them the best head start that's possible. MOST non-breast feeding mother's are too selfish to do so..
Only small-minded, uneducated judgmental people call those who choose to not breastfeed selfish.
breastfeeding is one huge sacrifice a woman does for her baby.....at first it hurts a lot and after 12 feedings a day i it is a huge deal only a devoted, real mothers like me and giselle could do this great huge job to give your baby the best milk ,also our milk tastes great sweet and always fresh...i only want the best for my baby, organioc fruits an veggies,and i make her organic oatmeal cereal....
Oh yes, no one could be a devoted, REAL mother if they aren't able to breastfeed their child. Also, TIA please do not continue to feed her whole foods until you have breast fed your child non-stop until he or she is 5 yrs old. Anything less would make you a undevoted, UNREAL mother. Please sister....open your mind a bit and get off your high horse.
Real moms?? Really? So carrying a child for nine months, loving, holding, sheltering, feeding (however this is done), and playing with said child does not make one a mom? Does this mean that dads, who can't breastfeed, aren't real parents? I guess all those loving "fake" parents are just destroying their kids' lives by not breastfeeding and giving them *gasp* non-organic food products. Maybe we should all just start weeping for that lost generation now. Have fun living in your judgmental bubble.
Oh for God's sake shut up!!!!
Penelope, the "defensive and bitter state" were not caused by "Gisele's innocent comments expressing the sheer joy of breastfeeding" but over her comment that it should be manditory by a "world-wide law." Now, maybe you agree with Bill Maher that us stupid ignorant "middle-aged Americans" need laws to tell us what to do and how to do it, but you will find it hard to prove to us "middle-aged Americans" that Hollywood seems to have the wisdom to produce healthy lives, children, marriages, or future. They do put on a good act, but only the immature and naive will fall for it.
She said she's not here to judge. That exactly what she DID! You can make blanket statements like that and then try to backtrack when you get a little negative publicity. Just admit that you are a judgmental elitist naive new mom who thinks she knows what's best for the worlds children. She can raise her son however she wants, but putting down other mothers for being too lazy to breastfeed is incomprehensible.
Breast Nazis made us feel like failures when the reality was that my wife simply could not produce enough breast milk.
Our first child nearly starved before we figured out what was going on, yet the birthing community still insisted she could do it "if you really tried" and kept sending her on guilt trips.
By the third kid, we figured out they were more driven by ideology than by science; our last two, we didn't even bother – and they've been the healthiest infants of the bunch.
Breast Nazis can all go to hell.
Breastfeeding mothers can't help feeling good about what they are doing for their family. To call them nasty names because they are giving their little humans human milk is mean spirited. It doesn't surprise me that the people who have left nasty comments over this issue had trouble breastfeeding.
Breast Nazis are terrible, I agree. I've heard of them chastising complete strangers (in person, in broad daylight) for using bottles.
But it holds true on both sides. My mom heard it something fierce when, as an avowed feminist, she chose to breastfeed my brother and I in the late 70's-early 80's. For doing something that women have done since the dawn of time, she was told she was weak, she was holding back the movement, and so on.
The Breast Is Best movement has picked up a lot of steam in the past decade, but sadly, like just about any movement, it has its share of aggressive jerks who overwhelm their positive message with nasty rhetoric, like a preacher proclaiming the Good News by telling everybody that they're going to hell.
Really? People are THAT offended by her statement? Yeah, some moms can't breastfeed due to medical reasons, like needing to take medications or not being able to produce enough milk, but that is a small minority of moms. Even moms of adopted babies can breastfeed. As a mom, I can see where she is coming from. Breastmilk is amazing and should be given as first choice to babies.
What???? How in the world can you make ths comment "even some moms of adopted babies can breastfeed"? Really...because the last I knew you had to actually have been pregnant in order to have milk to breastfeed!
Gisele is right on!!! Anyone with common sense realizes she is refering to mothers that are able to breastfeed. Lighten up moms, you're are only angry because you feel guilty your child received a bunch of junk in a bottle.
Hahah. I couldn't have said it better myself.
"Anyone with common sense realizes she is refering to mothers that are able to breastfeed"
Really? I don't know if Gisele is smart enough to realize that there are women who can't breastfeed. Why is choosing not to breastfeed a bad choice? Some mothers do, some mothers don't. Just like some mothers choose to vaccinate their children and others don't. Get over it, it was just opinion, no one in their right mind would ever pass this as a "world-wide law". Let Gisele live her lala-land of high priced fashion and around-the-clock nannies.
Stop sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. You too, Giselle.
I agree Supportive Mom.
Why should such a simple statement on the importance of breastfeading be controversial? It is like saying "it should be a worldwide law" that people should be nice to their children. Of course she didn't mean there should literally be a law. Anyone who doesn't breastfeed her kid (if she is able) despite the overwhelming evidence of the health benefits is not a good parent and needs to find something else to do other than criticize Gisele.
No, she was wrong to make that comment. If my friend said that to me I would let them have it! I wish women would stop telling other women how to take care of their kids. It is tough enough to raise a child right and so many mothers would agree with me on that one.
For many, many reasons babies may not be able to receive breast milk after they're born because they were adopted or mom has become very ill and needs medical treatment which could possibly taint their breast milk. Giselle is an idiot!
So I'm not a good parent becuase I didn't breatfeed my daughter. Sarah you need to think before you talk. I am a wonderful mother and you can ask anyone and they will tell you the same. I didn't breastfeed because my body would not let me and my daughter would not take it. So making a statement that if you don't breastfeed your a bad parent is wrong on so many levels.
Really, I'm a bad parent because I chose not to breastfeed my kids? No matter that I love them unconditionally, would do anything for them and will be there for them no matter what? When my kids were babies, even though I didn't breast feed them, I still held them, rocked them, fed them, cherished every single moment I had with them. That makes me a bad parent? I realize Giselle probably didn't mean for her comments to be taken literally and unfortunately some people did. But to say that I'm a bad parent because I chose not to breastfeed, even though you have no idea who I am? It's unfortunate that people in this world can be so narrow-minded. That's the reason the world is the way it is.
How DARE you insinuate that I am a bad mother because I did not breastfeed my daughter? Do you even know what you're saying? You don't even know me, nor any of the other moms out there who bottlefed their babies. The bottom line here, people, is that it is the MOTHER's choice, not anyone else's. It is a personal decision and should never be up for debate. Yes, I felt some guilt that I did not breastfeed but my daughter thrived on her formula and here's a news flash – she is now nine-years-old, taller than average for her age group, and achieves top grades at school. She draws with talent, has a wickedly delightful sense of humour, is kind, caring, sensitive, and helpful. She loves to dance, donates her money and time to animal shelters, and seems to love her mom. Considering that she's the product of a bad parent, she seems to be turning out quite well, so obviously I must have done something right somewhere along the way. Curious, but isn't the bond established when the doctor first hands you your child right s/he's born? Why do those who champion breastfeeding insist that its the only way to bond with a baby? And finally, I'm not criticizing Gisele – I don't care enough about her or her "opinions" to do so, but I will defend my decision not to have breastfed upteem times, Sarah, especially up against people like you who seem to think that its a "my way or the highway" kind of world. Get over yourself – must be nice to be perfect.
Gisele is wrong for advocating this "law" and you are an idiot for judging millions of women based on one small detail involved in parenting.
I breastfed for six weeks. My baby cried every night for 2-3 hours. We learned she was bleeding internally and allergic to something in my milk. Elimination diets didn't work.I had to start her on a prescription formula that cost a fortune but the formula company gave it to me for free because we couldn't afford it (more than $20 per can). She got better and is a healthy 14-year-old today. So, Sarah, you don't know everything and neither does Giselle. Anyone who makes statements with absolutes in them is a fool.
I mostly agree with Sarah. You may not be a bad parent, but you truly aren't giving your bably the best. Again, this is going under the assumption that you CAN breastfeed, and simply choose not to. I really can't understand why one wouldn't want to give their baby the best of everything they can.
I think you're mistaken, Sarah. Bad parents are the ones who don't FEED their children, not the ones who don't BREASTFEED their children.
Right on Sarah.
Exactly, Sarah. And during my career assisting breastfeeding women, I can tell you... I have NEVER met a formula salesman that had a formula fed baby or a wife that fed their baby formula. Ever. Tells you something... THEY know whats in that stuff and don't want their babies having it... Donor milk is preferred over formula (and yes, donor milk IS safe, it's screened and pasturized.... and it's give to millions of preemies every day that have mothers that refuse to breastfeed them) If formula were so wonderful, they'd give that to the sick babies
The amount of women in a defensive and bitter state over Gisele's innocent comments expressing the sheer joy of breastfeeding – that most of us experienced – is unbelievable. The formula companies have made trillions of dollars over the last several decades, just look at middle-aged Americans to see the results.
Penelope, she didn't solely express the sheer joy of breast feeding; she said breast feeding should be a worldwide law meaning it would force all mothers to do it.
Penelope and Matt,
I agree breast milk is best, but these are not innocent comments. I breastfed for 4 months, but had to supplement with formula because I didn't produce enough milk. The lactation consultant and my pediatrician gave me help but also stated that supply meets demand, which basically meant that in my case I had to be pumping or breastfeeding every 2-3 hours. Umm, I had to go back to work after 2 months, to a 10 hour work day. After all, I worked hard to obtain my doctorate and get to where I got, so I didn't want to jeopardize my career. It was a personal choice and I went back after 2 months of maternity leave as my employer "preferred". So, when do you imagine that I had time to pump every 2-3 hours. I pumped and breastfeed as best I could for the additional 2 months, and I was getting so little milk out, it was enough for maybe a one-two feedings but not for the whole day. In the end I "dried up" and had to give it up before the 6 month mark. So, Penelope, it is not about the formula companies, and Matt, maybe you should think about that before flaunting "expertise".
I am a middle aged parent of two beautiful adopted children (adopted at birth) who were not breast fed.(By the way, I was breast fed and I have bunions and bad eyesight) They are happy, healthy, intellegent and productive young adults now. Breast feeding would have been less expensive but sorry, it was not possible. The fact that I did not breast feed my kids did not diminish my love for them, our close bond, the joy I found in parenting or our strong family unit. I think the bottom line here is, keep your opinion to yourself. Oh and by the way, I am a better parent than you, Right?
Gisele, sweetie, just stick to being pretty.
I totally agree!
She's not even that pretty...
She's not even pretty.
"explaining that she was simply sharing her thoughts and not imposing her views on anyone else." huh? wouldn't the inactment of one of these magical "world-wide laws" by definition be imposing the view on others. Or maybe she doesn't understand what a law is...
Exactly SJ...a law implies that everyone must abide by it. She's so stupid that even when she tried to clarify what she meant, it still came out just as ignorant.
I agree SJ. Her explanation is hilarious. She only retracted because so many disagreed. Now if only we could get the rest of the celebrities to NOT voice their idiotic opinions, we'd all be better off.
She's dumb...I mean what can you expect from someone who "claimed" the son of his bf's baby momma. You can just enumerate the stupid things this model says like they strut the catwalk at 100 mph. She is insensitive and should just shut up her mouth! That's why I like Adriana Lima better!
Totally agree!
Yes, it would be nice if all women could/would breastfeed. But let's be realistic. I tried for two days after my son was born...I had nurses come in and manhandle my breasts trying to shove them in his mouth to get him to feed. After over 36 hours of this and the guilt trip they laid on me, I was a wreck. Finally, we got a bottle and some formula (much to their dismay) and he took the bottle and gobbled down a whole bottle of formula.....so obviously it is not for everyone!
Nurses/Doctors are not experts about breastfeeding. And formula is not baby food. It's a product with great marketing.
What Mrs. Brady has so poorly tried to state is that their truly is no healthy alternative. My wife is an expert and has schooling and experience, the benefits for the baby AND mother cannot be reproduced.
Having expert help and a little background knowledge can help solve most breastfeeding problems. It's like trying to get your car fixed by a baker. I'm sure the baker is great at cooking but has no idea the difference between a sparkplug and a battery. Experts in one field are not in another simply put.
that is great that she thinks that and when my son was born i tried my hardest to breastfeed, but someone would not cooperate, so i did the next best thing, i manually to pump. since the body knows the difference the milk went away. i wanted to breastfeed that is what God made our body for to tend to the children we give birth to. but when things dont go the way that you hope you have to do what you have to do. my son is not a monster because he had to have formula. plus we dont have the money to spend on people to come over and teach us how to do things. she needs to keep her "laws" to herself.
LCherry, I had near the same experience you did when trying to breastfeed. I spent hours with two lactation experts, wore those little things that look like Lifesavers on my breasts, when finally even the lacation expert gave up and gave me some little bottles of pre-made formula to take home with me. I kept at it for two weeks after we got home and it just wasn't working. Like others, I pumped for awhile but eventually the milk dried up. I was not lazy, selfish, uneducated, or without expert help.....but the boobies just would not work. Sarah at 12:44, you can suck it.