Kelly Ripa considers breastfeeding "a labor of love"

In light of the recent report by CDC that breastfeeding has reached a 20-year high, with 77% of new mothers choosing that option, Regis Philbin couldn’t help asking his co-host Kelly Ripa if she breastfed her three children — Michael, 10 ½, Lola, 6 ½, and Joaquin, 5.  After learning that she did, Regis next wanted to know, "How was it?", to which Kelly replied,

Um … they seemed happy.

Regis then noted that he assumed breastfeeding is very time consuming to the mother. Kelly, 37, agreed.

It is very time consuming, it really is a labor of love.  It depends on the child, too. Because Lola and Michael were great eaters. But Joaquin really took his time and was like ‘Mom I think we should see other people.’ And he still, like to this day, is a fussy eater.

Upon reading the report, Regis was also amazed to learn that not all women breastfeed.

Well, I thought all women did that, but I guess they don’t and they don’t have to. And now 77% of new mothers are breastfeeding.

Source: Live with Regis and Kelly

Comments

WOW! 77%! This is wonderful to hear! I wonder if they have tracked what the increase can be attributed to.

- Jenn on May 1st, 2008

I was just talking to a friend about the time it takes to breastfeed…that it’s so less time consuming than bottle feeding!

I nursed my first two children until they were 15 months old and am currently pregnant with my third. I just find the instant meal so much more handy than having to sterilize, mix, etc. Not to mention the health benefits to my children and me! Anything to lower my risk for breast cancer…my mom’s a surviver!

- UggaMugga.com on May 1st, 2008

I think breastfeeding is a choice. I know that pumping and bottlefeeding them with the breast milk is just as good as he the child is feeding from the breast. Some choose to go that way, but it just depends on the situation. I think that pumping and feeding them breastmilk in a bottle is another good choice. Personally it all depends on the person and their child. It’s nice to see that 77% of new mothers are.

- Nanny on May 1st, 2008

I’ll be honest, when my husband and I first got married and talks of having children entered our lives (we haven’t started yet) I was very put-off by the thought of breastfeeding. It just seemed odd to me that my child would attach itself to my breasts for food, but what really made me feel uncomfortable was when I saw a toddler that was still breastfeeding just reach under her mother’s shirt when she was hungry, that really threw me for a loop!

But I’m happy to say now that I am older, and at a place in my life to really consider how amazing a child is, it just seemed like the natural option to breastfeed! I couldn’t understand why I had thought it was so “strange”.

So when we do decide to have a baby (probably another 2-3 years from now), I am definitely going to breastfeed (if I am able)!

- Tracy on May 1st, 2008

It’s absolutely wonderful to hear about the increase in breastfeeding(I only wish I could be so lucky) but what about Mothers like myself who tried and tried to breastfeed but due to complications such as mastitis or a poor latch could no longer feed from the breast. I have been pumping exclusively for almost 5 months and my daughter receives my breast milk via bottle and you never hear any praise for women who exclusively pump…if anyone thinks breastfeeding is time consuming try pumping 4-6 times a day for 20-30 minutes a pop then proceeding to feed your baby 6 times a day for 20 minutes each feeding…Talk about a labor of love!

- Meghan on May 1st, 2008

Meghan,

I also exclusively pumped(my son was in the NICU for weeks) for 3 months, and it is certainly a labor of love! Either one of us could have easily given our babies forumla exclusively(especially since they were aready taking bottles exclusively), but we didnt!!

I am proud of myself and of you! Pumping is still giving your child breast milk!

Have a Great day!

Carrie

- Carrie on May 1st, 2008

Is Regis really that naive to think that all mothers breastfeed? That was the most surprising part of the story to me! Is he really that out of touch?

- Jen on May 1st, 2008

Meghan – you go girl! Now that is a labor of love. I went back into the hospital for a week following my son’s birth with a raging infection and kidney troubles, and had been SO intent on breastfeeding before his birth. Like most things, I realized that not everything in life goes the way we’d planned.

By the time I got back home, he was so used to the bottle that we couldn’t get latching down no matter how hard we tried. I could only hold out pumping for 3 months, with increasing frustration as my supply started to dry up. Pumping, for whatever reason, is an incredible, and underappreciated endeavor.

My hat’s off to you!

- Jenny on May 1st, 2008

I think pumping really is a labor of love. My girlfriend did it for a year and I was amazed. I pumped for a few months but it was so time consuming. I nursed my little one for 14 months (just weaned two weeks ago) and I am so sad!

- Megan on May 1st, 2008

For whatever reason, either I didn’t catch on or my boys didn’t, I didn’t breastfeed. That would have been my first choice. I pumped for a year with each of them, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Keep going, Meghan, you should feel proud of yourself!

- Miss on May 1st, 2008

Carrie,

Thanks for the your kind words and support you should be very proud of yourself!

I honestly think people need to start realizing that pumping(although extremely time consuming) is an option…I constantly get asked if I’m breastfeeding or bottle feeding (which to 99% of the people who ask means formula feeding)and sometimes I just want to scream NEITHER! I hate always feeling like I have to explain in detail that I “bottle feed” my baby my breast milk.
I also realize that not all mothers have the time to commit to breastfeeding or pumping and I fully support their decision to formula feed. As the old saying goes ” a happy mommy equals a happy baby”. We need to support all mommies whatever their decision may be.

- Meghan on May 1st, 2008

I think the decision to breastfeed or not is up to the mothers as it’s their choice/life.
Having said that, I didn’t want to breastfeed wben I was pregnant with my son, I thought it sounded painful and too much hassle- Goodness, nobody warned me about the AGONY labour really is- and so when my son was finally born, I knew he needed my milk- he was 6lbs 9oz- soo tiny and so I was advised to breastfeed him as he would get my colostrum which would help his immune system. Compared to labour, breastfeeding is nothing! It’s convienent and free and healthy for the baby- to this day, my son is in perfect health- but women shouldn’t have to breastfeed if they don’t want to. As long the baby is healthy and happy, that is all that matters.

- babyboopie on May 1st, 2008

Here, Here to pumping moms!!! My third child couldn’t latch well because of a short tounge and jaw. I did triple feeding (attempt to latch, pump, feed breastmilk in bottle) for four months. Another mom in my mommies group has been pumping for 7 months because her extreame premee son was never able to latch.

I think that pumping moms get put down from both sides. I have gotten comments from “Why arn’t you nursing?” (Because I can’t!) to “Why even bother if you have use a bottle anyway.” (Because I want to!)

- finnaryn on May 1st, 2008

My first had a terrible time latching, and it took weeks to get it going. Unfortunately I think this is why women say they “couldn’t” breastfeed. If you are committed to it, it can be done. She breastfed until 19 months.
My second, however, latched from minutes after birth, and still loves it at 2 years.

- molly on May 1st, 2008

I think that a lot of people assume all mothers breastfeed especially a newborn. I think we (anyone who reads a paper or watches TV)all hear “breast is best” so often and that since all mothers know the benefits of breastfeeding they must at least try it for awhile. My sister (who has no kids of her own)went to visit a friend and her newborn. Her friend said something about him taking a bottle right away. My sister didn’t say anything at the time but was honestly wondering “Why would you want him to do that?” it took a few minutes for it to register that her friend would be bottle feeding.

To the women that exclusively pump-WOW! I have nursed all 3 of my kids and I can’t imagine how much time it would take to pump and feed them a bottle. Good for you!

- Lisa on May 1st, 2008

Since I can’t go back and edit my last comment I want to make sure I thank EVERYONE for their kind words and Support!
We should all be proud of each other for being such kind,supportive and understanding women!

- Meghan on May 1st, 2008

Meghan,

I agree 1000%. Formula or breat feeding… Either is fine as long as you are a good mom who gives your baby the love they need. I wasnt breast fed, and I turned out ok. HA LOL

- Carrie on May 1st, 2008

Meghan, my cousin’s wife was in a similar situation. I believe she stopped breastfeeding her daughter when she was around four months, but she pumped and stored enough milk to last for six more (when I went to visit them two months ago, they were discussing how their supply was running out). So while my cousin’s daughter technically only breastfed for a few months, she drank breast milk for almost a year.

- Lauren on May 1st, 2008

I triple fed my twins (latch attempt, pump, then syringe/bottle feed the expressed milk) for 3 1/2 months. Talk about time consuming. They were so small and were premature so didn’t quite get the latch thing (premies have a tendency to put their tongues to the roof of their mouthes).
I am still breastfeeding my son. It was rough in the beginning and I can see why many give up. I am back at work so I pump during the day. We’ll continue as long as it works for us.

- TwinMamma on May 1st, 2008

Molly, I get what you are saying, but committment and will power alone does not always do it. Some babies are physically unable to latch. I tried to latch my son every time he was hungry and it rarely happened. On those rare occasions when he did get the latch, he couldn’t hold it for more than a few minutes. Even when he was using the bottle, he couldn’t get a proper latch on it and ended up gumming the nipples until he was 6 months.

I am happy though that you had a good outcome.

- finnaryn on May 1st, 2008

With my first I had to try to latch him on, then pump and then feed him a bottle (and he only slept for 45 minutes at a time through the night). I was like a P.O.W. But because I’m the most stubborn person on Earth, we made it through and he eventually took to the breast at about 2.5 months…and then we went until he was 15 months. My daughter was a breeze from her first latch just after birth. I hope my third takes after her!

To all you sole pumpers…bravo!!!

- UggaMugga.com on May 1st, 2008

I didn’t see the show but from the way Kelly’s reaction reads, it seems like she was (understandably) taken aback by the frankness of Regis’s question. She handled it well though!

I just wanted to point out that, according to the report, breastfeeding IS NOT defined exclusively as feeding from the breast; it includes receiving breast milk via pumping, syringes, etc. Anyway, the report is available by clicking the link on my name.

- Lenny on May 1st, 2008

I think it is agreed that generally breastfeeding from the breast is better for the baby than feeding breastmilk from the bottle (see below), but of course in cases where the mom can’t breastfeed, feeding breastmilk from the bottle is much better than formula. Kudos to all you pumping moms!!!! I had such a hard time breastfeeding but me and my baby finally got the hang of it after about 6 weeks. I luckily haven’t had to pump and I am grateful for that… it really is a lot of work.

From the FDA: “Sucking at the breast promotes good jaw development as well. It’s harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth.”

“Nursing may have psychological benefits for the infant as well, creating an early attachment between mother and child. At birth, infants see only 12 to 15 inches, the distance between a nursing baby and its mother’s face.”

“Many psychologists believe the nursing baby enjoys a sense of security from the warmth and presence of the mother, especially when there’s skin-to-skin contact during feeding.”

- Sami on May 1st, 2008

I always considered breastfeeding from the breast, and pumping and feeding from a bottle, to be the same thing (I did both for my daughter). It’s interesting to read the previous comments, it seems as if some may consider them to be different?

- JMom on May 1st, 2008

Sami,
I have friends who just adopted their first baby. They bottle feed him with a nipple specifically designed to slow down the feeding process and force an infant to work harder to get the formula.

They also hold him in a position as close as possible to that of breastfeeding.

While the things you point out are true, there are ways to make bottle feeding, even the process of it, as close to breastfeeding as possible.

- Kate on May 1st, 2008

It really is a labor of love. My nipples were swollen and bleeding within the first few days of nursing. I’d heard horror stories about nursing, but never had I heard of a baby spitting up her mother’s blood because of mommy’s scabbed over nipples (sorry to be so graphic). But I persevered because it was really important to me, and my lactation consultants told me that the blood couldn’t hurt her even though the thought of her taking in my blood totally grossed me out. Eventually my nips toughened up and I was able to nurse her without any problems, and I absolutely loved having her little body curl into mine while my body nourished her. I nursed her until she was seven months old when she cut her first tooth.

- AllAngela on May 1st, 2008

I definitely want to breastfeed when I have my kids. My mom bottle fed her first, exclusive breast on the 2nd, and bottle (formula) and breast (mostly breast) on her 3rd (me) and 4th.
She said it was much easier when she breast and formula fed.(b/c it was easier to go places and leave us w/ dad or g-ma). I asked her why she didn’t pump and she said when she had us (around 20 yrs ago) the pumps weren’t that good and she wasn’t able to get enough milk out.
I hope to breastfeed and then pump so that when I need to I can leave my baby with daddy, grandmother, babysitter etc.
I babysit a little boy (~7 months) and his mom breastfeeds and when I watch him he gets breast milk through the bottle.

- Crystal on May 1st, 2008

Regis’ comments make me wonder if he has kids? I think it’s funny how he asked Kelly “how was it?”!

AllAngela- I also had bleeding and scabs and my baby spitting up blood. It was scary and yucky, but bf-ing is pretty easy now at 4 months and not painful anymore. I’m glad you were able to hang in there too!

Babyboopie- I was actually thought breastfeeding in a way was worse than labor. At least labor is over in 48 hours or so maximum (luckily mine was only 16 hours). I was actually more proud of sticking with breastfeeding when it was painful than I was with how I did in labor…. after all, in labor you can’t quit even if you want to (and I would have quit if I could have!)

And Kate, ITA. I just wanted to point out that breastfeeding and feeding breastmilk by bottle aren’t exactly the same. Kudos to your friends for their efforts!

- Sami on May 1st, 2008

My dad is from the same generation as Regis, and grew up believing that breastfeeding is just what happens. I was formula fed (preemie with latch problems) and my mom was devastated that she couldn’t breastfeed – my dad was terrified that I’d die of starvation, as formula feeding hadn’t really occured to him as a possibility.
I’m always surprised by just how little some men over 50 know about moms and babies!

- beatrice on May 1st, 2008

While the number seems high, the standard is for moms who breastfed “even briefly.” If you look at the numbers of women who are breastfeeding at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year (and beyond) the numbers drop dramatically.

I’m still breastfeeding my daughter (she is 11 months) and for a time went back to work and pumped several times during the day so she did not have to supplement with formula. Pumping can be a pain but for me the benefits, not to mention cost savings, are definitely worth it.

I have had a very good experience with breastfeeding and I think one of the major reasons was that I took a 3 hour class with a lactation consultant. About an hour of that was just watching a movie showing how to latch the baby. At the time I thought “geez, a little repetitive isn’t it?” but by the time my baby arrived I knew what a good latch looked like and all the tricks to get it.

I think if you are planning to breastfeed – see the lactation consultant BEFORE the baby comes and don’t hesitate to call one after the baby if you are having issues. I’ve had several friends who had issues with latch or supply and the lactation consultant made the difference and they stuck with it.

- Suzanne on May 1st, 2008

Pumping is still breast feeding, as you’re feeding the baby breast milk. It really should be breast or formula, not breast or bottle. I admire any woman who pumps exclusively, it’s an amazing endeavor. I’m pregnant now and plan to breast feed while I’m on maternity leave and pump when I go back to work. But that’s a plan, I know life changes plans radically. I hate to read posts that say, “if she had only tried harder” or “if she had only had a lactation counselor” when someone says they weren’t able to breast feed. Give women a break, if they said they couldn’t, they couldn’t.

- Pencils on May 1st, 2008

That’s funny that Regis described it as taking so much time. Frankly, no matter what method you use to feed a baby, especially a newborn, it takes a lot of time; little babies have to eat so often (tiny tummies that need frequent refilling). If you think of it that way, then breastfeeding is the LEAST time-consuming of the options. Those women who can’t breastfeed directly and have to take the time to pump and THEN feed the baby–now that is double the time! I’m glad I was able to (directly) breastfeed my first child and intend to do the same for my second due soon, not least because it’s just so darn convenient (and requires no mixing, warming, dishwashing!).

- Carole on May 1st, 2008

I wish that lactation consultants were assigned to visit each new mom who wanted a free service to prevent a lot of the issues and pain that new moms experience. It did help me a lot (after 3 LCs & nipple shield reduced the damage).

Before anyone close to me had kids, I didn’t know that there were women who chose to formula feed their babies by choice – so I’m in that same boat as Regis. I am not ignorant or uneducated; it was not part of my world, and I was oblivious. Looking back, I can’t believe I was that clueless!

I have to say this about BF’ing; it really protected my daughter from having severe illnesses, & that alone is enough reason to try and pump even if you can’t nurse. She’d have a fever, we’d nurse, she’d be soothed & get the antibodies from the milk, and the virus would go away quickly without complications.

No sick visits to the doctor ever & it’s not like she was in isolation (though she didn’t go to daycare).

- Mimi on May 1st, 2008

I am glad this topic of pumping was brought up. I do not have children yet and not ready anytime soon however I’ve always been put off by breastfeeding. But I’ve always said I’d love to pump and still provide my child with my milk but via a bottle. But I’ve been told you can’t just do that bc you have to breastfeed a bit in order to keep up with your milk supply?

So maybe someone can enlighten me on how it all works before I take the leap into motherhood!

Can I just pump for the first few weeks or months without actually have to physically nurse my child? And not to sound childish but would pumping take a more physical toll on my breast then actual breastfeeding? And I was also told the best milk for the child is right before you actual milk comes in. Is that true as well? I wouldn’t be opposed to atleast trying for the first week to make sure I get my child the best milk but like I said I am almost certain I will never be up for the breastfeeding thing! Just thinking about it well it makes me cringe (sorry I have my reasons)

thanks.

- J.M. on May 1st, 2008

Hi Meghan,
I pumped for 18 months due to major problems that although trying everything couldn’t be fixed….so I know how your feeling!
It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done!!
So good for you and good luck! It is possible to long term pump…although entertaining a toddler while you pump is very interesting and hard!
I- village has a great EP group, you should check it out!

- Rhiannon on May 1st, 2008

I’ve been pumping and breastfeeding. Unfortunately the doctor has recently said that my daughter doesn’t weigh enough (barely 12 lbs at 6 months) and wants her exclusively on formula from now on. So breastfeeding until age 1 wasn’t in the cards for us…unless she continues to refuse a bottle as she has so far.

- Melissa on May 1st, 2008

I found breastfeeding the most amazing experience ever – here my body was providing all the nutrition by darling babies needed. What a miracle!

But, it was hard at first. I had a lot of trouble with the first one latching, and the nurse in the hospital was NOT helpful. I had to use a nipple shield and still had bloody nipples. What helped me was to have a goal of 3 months. Luckily, by the time I hit that mark, the problems had been resolved and it turned out I was able to nurse both for 9 months (you can teach them not to bite with those new little teeth!)
And, not to worry about looks – I’m 55, and the breasts are still looking pretty hot!!

- Lola on May 1st, 2008

Sami- Regis does have kids. In fact, from what I’ve heard, he’s even a grandpa! (there was a post on CBB a while back about the fact that he was about to became a grandfather for the second, third, or whatever time.)

- CelebBabyLover on May 2nd, 2008

LOL @ Regis’ question “How was it?” When my son was about 6mos old, a friend was surprised to hear that I was “still” breastfeeding, and I think she was a little speechless, because she said “Oh! Oh! Does…does he like that?” I just laughed and said that he hadn’t complained yet.

- Michelle on May 2nd, 2008

Not until after I had my daughter did I realize that not all women breastfeed. Especially SAHM. I was shocked when I met women online who CHOSE to formula feed from the beginning. I guess it still shocks me, 2 years later.

- Lindsay on May 2nd, 2008

I agree that mothers who pump should get some major love — when my son wouldn’t latch on, the lactation consultant recommended I try for 30 minutes to get him to nurse (15 on each side), pump for 15 and then give him a bottle if he didn’t nurse (he was losing weight and jaundiced). All this every TWO hours. Oh, and in between I had to sanitize the pumping equipment. I too look to mothers who pump in amazement — sadly my milk never came in so my foray was short-lived.

My cousin who had a baby with a cleft palate couldn’t nurse and she pumped for months. The first time I saw her after my experience I had to give her a hug!!! What a labor of love to give her daughter breast milk for as long as she could!!!

Amazingly though some of our family still looked down on both of us for not breastfeeding even though neither of us technically could. It was amazing how many people asked my mom why I wasn’t (CAUSE I HAVE NO MILK!!!!) Although I am to this day strongly pro-breastfeeding, I now know that “love” for your baby comes in all forms. =)

- shelley on May 2nd, 2008

J.M., exclusive pumping is very difficult and very time consuming. Pumping also doesn’t stimulate the breast in the same way that a nursing baby does, so yes, there can be supply issues. I cannot imagine someone taking all that on by choice. I’ll bet if you ask all these committed pumping mom’s if they’d have rather had the experience of just being able to nurse naturally, 99% of them would tell you, Hell, Yes! What they are doing is so commendable BECAUSE it’s so, so difficult. Having a new born is exhausting enough without doing things that aren’t necessary. I’d suggest researching breastfeeding thoroughly and seeing a lactation consultant before you deliver. If you have psychological reasons that breastfeeding seems frightening to you, perhaps right now, before you have children, is a good time to see a therapist who can help you work through your issues. Loads of formula feeding women regret not breastfeeding, but you don’t ever hear of a successfully breastfeeding woman who wishes she had formula fed.

- Linda on May 2nd, 2008

As a mother of two I honestly feel that it’s ENTIRELY up to each INDIVIDUAL mother as to whether they choose to breastfeed OR formula feed! FOR ME, when my first child was born I was VERY adamant about doing my VERY best to exclusively breastfeed! Initially the breastfeeding started out fine but for some reason my body started “betraying” me!

For the life of me I could NOT get my body to supply the necessary milk to sustain my baby sufficiently! We visited our lactation consultant MANY, MANY times & followed her advice to a “T” with no avail! I then had to make the VERY tough decision to switch to formula feeding so that MY baby could thrive properly!

When my second child was born I was bound & DETERMINED to breastfeed once again & I managed to do “okay” for MAYBE a month or so! We then noticed that our child was suddenly becoming slightly “jaundiced” so we consulted our pediatrician AND a lactation consultant! They did exams, testing, etc. on our baby and “health-wise” he was fine!

They couldn’t pinpoint a “medical” reason on my son’s side for the mild jaundice so they said that it could be caused by my milk supply! Since I had already once again started to dry up even though I WAS exclusively breastfeeding….the knowledge that my milk was not “healthy” for my child was enough for me to make the TOUGH decision to stop breastfeeding altogether! Once we had switched to formula feeding him well lo and behold our son’s mild jaundice QUICKLY cleared up!

I think that MOST mom’s DO want to breastfeed their babies BUT there ARE some instances when a mother’s body completely “betray’s” her! Even though they do WHATEVER they possibly can to make breastfeeding work they’re just NOT physically able to! So, with that said I firmly believe that WHICHEVER feeding method a Mommy chooses for HER baby is perfectly fine! A mommy should NOT be made to feel guilty if breastfeeding does NOT work for HER body….as in MY case! I wholeheartedly tried TWO TIMES but for some reason MY body could just NOT accomplish it successfully!

Has anyone else experienced my situation before? Anyhoo, that’s just a $.02 opinion from a mommy who TRIED everything she could to make breastfeeding work for BOTH her children & just couldn’t “physically”!

- Shay on May 3rd, 2008

My first one..oh, it was a labor of love all right! She nursed every 1 1/2 -2 hours and was a slow eater (30-40 minutes each feeding). This went on for 3 months..I got NOTHING accomplished aside from nursing her. (and it hurt like crazy at first..the first week felt like nails being driven into my nipples – letdown).

My second: fast nurser, stays fuller longer, and there has been NO pain (except when he nips!).

3 years first one, 23 months so far on the second! It’s a great choice for them (comfort, immunities, etc)…

- Kelly on May 4th, 2008