Jennifer Lopez thinks breast feeding is no good

From The Juice* collective’s resident mommy member:

The mommy bloggers are tsk-tsking over People magazine’s slobbering piece with pictures of the palace that is the nursery for Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony’s twins.

It’s not the Dolce and Gabbana fur wraps that have them throwing down their sippy cups of chardonnay, it’s her shrug over the whole idea of breastfeeding: “My mom didn’t breast-feed, and I think that was the thing for me. You read and figure out what’s the best thing for them.”

Um, what exactly has she been reading? Because even the side of a bottle of formula bottle reads “Breast is best,” because breastfed infants have lower rates of hospital admissions, ear infections, diarrhea, rashes, allergies and other medical problems.

The People profile also talks about how she’s now training for a triathlon, working out a couple hours a day. “I want my babies to be proud of me,” she stated.  Whaaa? How are babies going to be proud of you for getting your body back in record time? They are still trying to find their toes at the moment. Just admit you have tremendous pressure to look good in show biz and be done with it.

[Photo: Getty Images]

Comments

[maria]

Instead of just following current advice on feeding my baby (remember last generation were told to bottle feed!!!) I did a lot of research into whether to breast feed or not also taking into consideration that I run my own business and would need to work part-time at least from very early on. Whilst Breast feeding is a very good option the benefits are blown out of all proportion (as much research proves this as dis-proves this) , and the benefits of bottle feeding rarely mentioned. I believe either or choice is perfectly healthy to bring a child into the 21st century, I just wish more money was spent on lowering our obesity levels in the Uk, what is the point in our generation of babies having fewer ear infections if 50% of children and 70% of adults are to be obese in 2050!!!!!!
One's breast milk is only as good as one's diet and own health......and we can't deny that there is a massive problem in the UK at the moment with bad eating habits!!!
I have bottle feed my daughter whom is 5 months old now and she has had no health issues at all, not even the odd snot!! however I would re examine the issue with my second child if I believed my circumstances were to be different. I also became obsessed with eating all the right food during my pregnancy, sticking to only food pumped with vitamins for my baby to be, this resulted in me only putting on the recommended amount during pregnancy, and losing it all within 3 months, without any excersise!! as I still now only eat healthy as now my body only craves the good stuff !!!

[CCC]

Breastfeeding is a very personal, sensitive issue. Those mother's that choose to breastfeed should be commended for their hardwork as it can be a lot of work. It is not possible to comprehend the entire process of breastfeeding until you have done it. (I have for three months so far.)However, breastfeeding mother's should not judge the mother's that choose not to do so. Just as well as bottle feeders should own their decision and not be so defensive about their choice to not breastfeed. Being a mother is difficult enough and us mom's should stick together.

[Annie]

What I find fascinating, is that so many women are defensive on this site. It is a personal choice and one that should be made carefully. If a new mother is choosing to smoke a drink after giving birth, that tells me they probably aren't the brightest bulbs to begin with. So I will refrain from attacking their erroneous statements about formula being better. The truth of the matter is--we live in a much more ME centered society now. People want their freedom at whatever cost. What most new mom's don't realize is that motherhood IS work. It's not supposed to be the carefree, problem free time in your life. Formula is the easy way out. You can pay someone to watch your children, why not have the ability to have someone else feed them too?! That much is true--and while I hope that every new mom would at least make the effort to try breastfeeding, I know that some will not. I will continue to be the silent observer who shakes her head in disbelief at the mass ignorance of people. We are a media driven society and you have fallen RIGHT into the traps that the formula companies have set for you. Good luck and bless all of your children.

[Annie]

What I find fascinating, is that so many women are defensive on this site. It is a personal choice and one that should be made carefully. If a new mother is choosing to smoke a drink after giving birth, that tells me they probably aren't the brightest bulbs to begin with. So I will refrain from attacking their erroneous statements about formula being better. The truth of the matter is--we live in a much more ME centered society now. People want their freedom at whatever cost. What most new mom's don't realize is that motherhood IS work. It's not supposed to be the carefree, problem free time in your life. Formula is the easy way out. You can pay someone to watch your children, why not have the ability to have someone else feed them too?! That much is true--and while I hope that every new mom would at least make the effort to try breastfeeding, I know that some will not. I will continue to be the silent observer who shakes her head in disbelief at the mass ignorance of people. We are a media driven society and you have fallen RIGHT into the traps that the formula companies have set for you. Good luck and bless all of your children.

[Kelly]

I agree that it is a personal choice and I would find it very hard to breastfeed twins. However, I myself worked very hard to nurse my beautiful little girl, pumping every 6 hours for almost 3 months before she latched on again and I am so glad that I was able to nurse her through her first year of life (and, although I had difficulty weaning her, a bit beyond until I got pregnant again). I am passionate about breastfeeding myself, but I don't care if J-Lo bottlefeeds her twins. If I had her money, I'd use it to get the help I needed so that I could breastfeed my babies, but she has her own life and circumstances to deal with-and I know nothing about her real life. I'm glad she has two healthy children and they'll likely have access to top-notch healthcare with such a financially successful mommy.

[Nadia]

Wow talk about vicious. I breastfeed my son but who would i be to judge anyone who wants to bottle feed their child?? When did this society ever turn into such a hateful and judgemental bunch? Especially mothers, that in itself isn't what we should be teaching our children, to put our fellow females down becuase of their choice? Let it be.

[Monica]

Funny that those who are in favor of breastfeeding only post links from sites in favor of it and not from neutral sources that look at both sides of an issue.

I cannot believe some of you have nothing better to do than slam Jennifer Lopez. She wants to bottle feed and suddenly you call her shallow and other nasty comments. Do you know her personally? Talk about judgemental. Get a life people!

[Carolina]

Posting your comment three times does not make you look like you know what you are talking about. Why not just leave the woman alone? She does not want to breastfeed. Big deal. Calling her names? And making fun of invitro? That makes her less of a mother? Oh real mature.

Some of you sound like you need a good bottle and a nap. Maybe you will be less cranky and judgmental when you wake up.

[Mandy]

Two things. When I think of this woman, I think of the South Park parodies of her, and I think they are right on about how shallow and poor of a role model for others she is. She had twins not naturally but by IVF. And, about bottle feeding...explain the safety of newborns, whose blood brain barrier has yet to form, digesting phthalates through bottles is to me again? Oh yeah, you cannot. Even though it is a known carcinogen, there are no studies on that. So, go ahead, run those bottles through the dishwasher, which heats the plastic and releases more of the toxin, then filler-up with milk that derives from an animal with four stomachs and one huge breast...and that's just for starters.

[Mandy]

Two things. When I think of this woman, I think of the South Park parodies of her, and I think they are right on about how shallow and poor of a role model for others she is. She had twins not naturally but by IVF. And, about bottle feeding...explain the safety of newborns, whose blood brain barrier has yet to form, digesting phthalates through bottles is to me again? Oh yeah, you cannot. Even though it is a known carcinogen, there are no studies on that. So, go ahead, run those bottles through the dishwasher, which heats the plastic and releases more of the toxin, then filler-up with milk that derives from an animal with four stomachs and one huge breast...and that's just for starters.

[Mandy]

Two things. When I think of this woman, I think of the South Park parodies of her, and I think they are right on about how shallow and poor of a role model for others she is. She had twins not naturally but by IVF. And, about bottle feeding...explain the safety of newborns, whose blood brain barrier has yet to form, digesting phthalates through bottles is to me again? Oh yeah, you cannot. Even though it is a known carcinogen, there are no studies on that. So, go ahead, run those bottles through the dishwasher, which heats the plastic and releases more of the toxin, then filler-up with milk that derives from an animal with four stomachs and one huge breast...and that's just for starters.

[Hallie]

Lindsey is right one! As well as the link from Kellymom. I believe every one has the right to feed their child as they choose, and should endure no harassment for it. However, there is no need arguing which is safer and the best food for baby. We know that it is breastmilk. It is after all, they ONLY food that truly contains all the best ingredients for babies, while being customized at each meal and growing with the nutritional needs of your baby all all growth stages While some infections can be spread through breastmilk, such as HIV, most infections a mother would get are not a problem. oh and for the poster using the argument of knowing how many oz etc your child takes at a sitting if nursing, well, that's just another perk of BFeeding, you don't have to worry about such things! And no testing is needed. It doesn't take much research to find those answers, in fact this link talks about HIV, west nile and the AAP's recommendations!

http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/breastfeeding/faq.htm

[sidney]

Sounds Like Lindsey needs a wake up call. They way you express your views to other mothers and try to degrade them is nothing to be proud of either!!

[Alesandra]

Sounds like there are some Breast feedind Nazi's in here!! Whatever your comfortablw with, do it. Thats why they make formula as a back up!

[Taylor]

I will still take the word of a doctor over someone who is obviously so biased. A single link to "prove" your point from a group against bottle feeding. That is like reading "research" saying smoking is not bad for you then finding out the research was sponsored by the cigarette manufacturers.

Want an example to counter? Ariel Glaser. There are also reports of West Nile virus being transmitted through breast milk. I could go on...but I will not. I also researched this as well.

The biggest problem I have is not with the debate but with those who insist that women who do not breast feed are somehow not as good mothers. I also have seen this happen at the mall when a woman is bottle feeding and has to endure harrassment from some do-gooder trying to force her views on everyone
else and make a scene.

Before this degenerates any further I am done posting (but I am sure you will want the last word so enjoy). I take joy in the fact that my bottle fed children are healthy and happy (and the older one is an honours student). Oh wait - you do not want to hear that bottle fed children are doing well. Nevermind then.

[Lindsey]

No taylor you are actually very misinformed yourself and your doctor is not the brightest either I would suggest you switch to someone who is more informed. I am actually a MSN that means I have a masters in nursing and I am a registered lactation consultant also. No woman should stop breastfeeding because they are sick although there are a couple of rare exceptions and it does help your child from becoming sick also!! Here is a very knowledgable link so you can find out for yourself you and your doctor have no clue what you are talking about http://kellymom.com/health/illness/mom-illness.html

[Taylor]

Oh Lindsey. There are so many comments I could make about you condoning willingly infecting your child but I will take the high road here.

Before taking Lindsey's viewpoints check with your doctor. When I showed my pediatrician her comments he was shocked and said that she was sadly misinformed and would put a baby at risk by doing the actions she spoke of.

[Lindsey]

Bottle feeding is so overrated and is mostly done by uneducated or selfish mothers. By the way if you are sick it is the best thing in the world for your baby to drink your breastmilk if your baby does not she is more likely to get sick and does not gain any immunities from you. Also if you can pass a breathalizer it is safe to feed your baby if not you only have to wait a few hours for yur milk to be safe again. Also milk from a smoker is a lesser evil than formula. It is a fact that breast is best. It is a shame that so many mothers are so selfish by not provinding the best nutrition for the babies that depend on them and at the same time are ignorantly proud of themselves for making a bad choice. Bottle feeding is nothing to be proud of!!

[Carrie]

Breast feeding is overrated. (If you are sick you can very easily pass it on to your kids. Or how about those who drink or smoke?) Good for her to bottle feed. I am sick of women who think breast feeding is the only way to go. If you do not agree then fine but stop trying to force your views on everyone else. I used a bottle for my kids and did so proudly. They are in perfect health. I met up with a couple of women who disagreed and tried to make an issue out of it in a food court. I told them to mind their own business. Just what Jennifer Lopez should be telling people now.

[heather]

i agree with crikey.. it's the fact that she's trying to justify her decision by attaching nonexistent information to it. if you really want to bottle feed then go for it but don't make excuses.

[Mel]

Jenniffer is totaly idiot, and their kids probably will be unshame of her delirious. Being a Mom is much more than have a palace to give to the children, and much more simple than this.

[Breast were specifically made to feed your babies!]

I would like to know who Lucia's pediatrician is. A doctor should never encourage formula feeding.

[adacrace]

Breastfeeding mothers feel repulsed that she is making a cognizant choice not to provide the CLINICALLY AND TIME PROVEN best food for her children and Mother's who chose not to breast feed for the same reason as Lopez (because they wanted to have a life, more time and freedom and better ) feel GUILTY that they are being included in the blasting. And Lynn, do you always choose to ignore information commonly accepted as true? Breast is and always has been best. Don't feel guilty, those of you who don't bfeed, and don't get defensive, just own your choice and stop trying to act like what you did was just as good.

[Rolando]

It figures. As a fellow Puerto Rican that was breast fed, I find her repugnant and shallow. It is all about show business! It is all about her mighty-than-the-rest-of-you mentality. Oh by the way, "keep on patronizing my lousy acting, singing and stuck-up persona"!!

[Kiva]

Most likely she cares more about her apperance than doing what is best for her babies. Only ignorant people do not know that breast is best. The mothers that know it is and are able but still choose not to are pathetic.

[Lucia]

As my pediatrician said, it's better to have a happy, rested mom than to be forced into breastfeeding just because militant moms are making you feel guilty. Do any of these lunkheads know what it's like to breastfeed twins and still have a life or raise other kids?

[Star]

So many people, so few brains. I for one think it's a decision she's entitled to make - for WHATEVER reason. My daughter was raised without breastfeeding and was / is perfectly healthy. Live and let live - and let her alone - now that we've become the "policemen" of the world, we've got to become everybody's mother, too?

[Michelle]

Just makes me like her even less. How can breastfeeding be no good when it is the most natural thing in the world? Our bodies are made to feed our children. I will never buy her albums or see her movies and neither will my family members. It's a shame a person in her public position makes sucha statement, too many impressionable girls will remember her words.

[mfarr33703]

I never breastfed any of my three children and they were "none the worse"! In fact my middle child was never sick!!!

[mfarr33703]

I never breastfed any of my three children and they were "none the worse"! In fact my middle child was never sick!!!

[Lynn]

Oh PLEASE !!!! Neither of my children were breastfed, neither ever suffered from ear infections, lower weight gain, digestive issues, they were and are just plain healthy. Please tell me how many ounces your breast fed baby gets w/o using a breast pump and a bottle. Please tell me how healthy your milk is, when was it tested and how? Please tell me your child will be brilliant too if you breastfeed as opposed to bottle feeding...no one will ever comvince me breast is best !!

[HH]

Good for her. I'm glad she's not afraid to tell everyone that she prefers to bottle feed. And if her decision sends you into hissy fits, GET A LIFE!

[Breast is best!]

Are you kidding me? EVERYTHING you read about feeding your baby says that the brest is the best! Not to mention, there's no bottles to clean, no formula to buy, and best of all you are forever benefiting your child/children. Btw, Rene, yes, there are some women who can't nurse, but that is rare. I wasn't able to fully nurse my son and it ABSOLUTELY BROKE MY HEART! I even had a lactation consultant come to my home and observe, and my body just wasn't producing the milk he needed. I did, however, exclusively breastfeed my daughter, and there is definitely a difference between how often my son gets sick and how resilient she is to germs. There doesn't seem to be anything physically wrong with JLO other than she's a spoiled diva.

[Lee]

Jennifer Lopez can read?

[Crikey]

But she didn't say anything about even trying or being unable to breastfeed. She said "You read and figure out what’s the best thing for them" as if there's literature out there that says this is not best for them. No such thing. Yes it's a personal decision but she should own it and not act like she did any research. There are a lot of things that parents do that are "personal decisions" but that doesn't mean they are in the kids' best interest.

[Homey D.]

yo, when yo momma is a ho like dat, it best that she don't brest feed, yo dat skanky ho mite kill dat baby if she brest feed it, you go ho...(down)...

[Rene]

Breastfeeding is a very personal decision and there are plenty of factors to consider. Some women are even physically unable to breastfeed so let's not be so quick to judge, mmkay?