I am not a mother, but I am not longer a little girl. I am the second oldest of four, 26, the youngest of which is now thirteen and second youngest, fourteen.
I know many mothers, I have cared for babies for many years. One thing I know for certain is that there are ups and downs for both decisions, and Mommy Knows Best.
If bottles were harmful to childern (beyond nutrition, we all know what they can do to forumla now) than there would be a group lobbying mothers against pacifiers. Make the baby happy, give the baby something to suck on. Breast feeding can be painful (and embarassing) but it's about choice, not morals.
I was nursed to about 3-4 months old and then bottle time, the sooner you ween the less traumatice it seems, for the baby of course. I know a mother now still nursing after one year. She can't leave home without it (the baby) because it is so dependant every few hours.
That's not my bag, baby. But I can understand both choices.
FunBrunette and Evil Chris, this is when you can stop listening to anyone other than yourselves. You make the rules and just give that baby all the love you can't help but give
The scope of it is just beautiful isn't it? Congrats again!
Much love,
Cyndalie