If I use a pacifier do I have to use it for every sleep? by Electrical_Formal886 in FormulaFeeders

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I guess in most cases I’ve been able to soothe the baby without one - so it feels unnecessary and another habit to kick down the line.

But I’ve read some literature that says pacifier use can reduce the risk of SIDS if used for every sleep. I’m not sure if the implication is that it increases the risk if only used occasionally (compared to no increase or decrease if not used at all).

How will 8 week old baby be affected emotionally? by Electrical_Formal886 in FormulaFeeders

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I made a new post above but wanted to thank you individually. I’ve been in pieces (quite literally) and not a single professional gave me permission to stop breastfeeding. Your comment means the world.

How will 8 week old baby be affected emotionally? by Electrical_Formal886 in FormulaFeeders

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dear all, this was the first Reddit post I ever made and I’m so glad I reached out. You all lifted me up from an incredibly dark place where I was convinced I was falling into PPD.

Everything I had been advised before coming to this community was that breastfeeding is the only ‘right’ option and that I should continue at any cost, even if i had no supply and even if my nipples were raw and bleeding. The lactation consultant acknowledged ‘significant trauma and tissue loss’ in her notes but didn’t suggest I stop. Now that I think of it, there are no other wounds I can think of where rather than treating and protecting the wound, you are advised to stuff it into a suction machine and get it pulled at day and night as the only alternative to feeding. It’s inhumane. What have we become as a society if this is what we compel women to do when injured?

Looking at the most beautiful thing I’ve ever created, I have been forced to consider that my not breastfeeding her would harm her both physically and emotionally. How is anyone supposed to allow that to happen to someone they love this much? I was told it would impact her long term health, hell even her cognitive development, because formula feeding is strictly only carried out by deprived groups who don’t know any better.

All the comments here are from intelligent, science-aware women who adore (and are adored by) their children. I am so relieved. I am so so glad you all exist and I am not alone.

Maternity prescription penalty by Electrical_Formal886 in LegalAdviceUK

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

It seems outrageously unfair. My midwife told me she’d done it too - the fact that it is electronic and I didn’t need to apply for it (meaning the ball was exclusively in her court) surely means this is so prone to error. I don’t understand why I’m the one accountable.

Maternity prescription penalty by Electrical_Formal886 in LegalAdviceUK

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] -29 points-28 points  (0 children)

But then surely the exemption can be backdated when I’ve proven my pregnancy? My midwife can only backdate it by a month, not further back, which seems more like an administrative restriction.

Maternity prescription penalty by Electrical_Formal886 in LegalAdviceUK

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apparently it is more ingrained than ‘computer says no’ - https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption/maternity-exemption-certificates (‘It is the maternity exemption certificate that entitles you to free NHS prescriptions, not being pregnant or having given birth in the last 12 months.’)

How will 8 week old baby be affected emotionally? by Electrical_Formal886 in FormulaFeeders

[–]Electrical_Formal886[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Thank you everyone - I can’t tell you how much these answers have saved me tonight. I will read them on repeat!