Why do so many parents blame formula feeding for gas, allergies or constipation in babies?!?

My son was formula fed as an infant and never had constipation, allergy problems or anything else because of formula. Do people just say this out of ignorance or is it because they are formula feeding haters that just like to run down us moms who either are or did formula feed our kids? It's not like breastfed children don't ever develop these things or have allergies or problems. My friend's little girl has severe allergies and asthma and she was breastfed. It's not like anyone is pointing at her and saying "oh, you breastfed so she has problems now" (and no, I don't think that is why she has those issues, I think it's just hereditary in her case). Why do people do it to formula feeding mom's? To me it is the stupidest thing I've ever heard- blaming formula feeding for things that happen to nearly EVERY baby on occassion.

The cat did it- THANK YOU! You actually answered my question. THANK YOU! I couldn't agree more!

My two older sons were formula fed and had severe constipation issues. I didn't attribute it to the formula itself, rather the high iron content in the formula. For my older two we used low iron formula, which thanks to some nazi formula people out there is now not made anymore. So... my third son is breast fed and has horrid horrid gas issues. But, doesn't have the stinky hard poops and does not projectile vomit like my other two did.
I don't personally think there is anything wrong with formula, you just have to find the right brand that works for your kid.
But I do hear ya... Everytime I have an issue with my son someone will say to me "oh, is he on formula" in which I promptly reply no to and then you are right, the attitude leaves and it is this 'mystery' as to my sons issues. But if I were to say he was formula fed they would have a hay day telling me that was the issue.
I think it is such crap when people say that bf babies are developmentally better off. My older two are in a private school with advanced curriculum and are on the honor roll... and... they were formula fed, lol. I could see a bf baby maybe not having the digestion problems that a formula baby may have, but again, I think you just have to find a brand that suits your baby.
:)
Edit: I had to add this because I find it ironic...
My two older sons are just that.. older pre teen... it amazes me when I hear moms just bury a mom who is formula feeding... all while they are holding their child's aspartame/saccharin/phermaldahyde filled sodas and treats. These moms hear the word sugar and run for the hills and give their kids literally poison in their drinks and treats... but will crucify a mom who formula feeds.

Because in many cases, if the baby was breastfed, their problems would not have been as severe. Not saying they wouldnt have had any problems, but a lot of times it lessens the severity of it if they are on breastmilk. I'm a big advocate of "human milk is for baby humans, and cows milk is better suited for baby cow's.

There are plenty of situations where moms cant breastfeed and I understand and don't blame them, but whenever possible breastmilk is best.

First off I also agree with you... totally. Lots of it is ingnorance. They just think that breast milk is the only way. Although breast is better then formula things come up and formula may be needed. My neice was formula feed until 3 1/2 months then switched to formula. She has had constipation pretty much from birth but has no allergies/asthma. I think its the last thing a new mothes needs when they have baby to have someone complaing to them about formula feeding.

9 times out of 10 it is members of the "Breastapo" who think that their way is the only way. My 7 month old has been on formula since he was 6 weeks old and he is a thriving, happy ,healthy little boy. I have strangers stopping me in the street daily to tell me what an alert happy little guy he is.

Research has shown that breastfeeding helps to prevent allergies because of antibodies etc. It's also easier to digest than formula so it would be less likely to cause constipation.

i don't know but i do know that in my daughters case the formula was what caused her problems and when we switched formulas she had no more problems

I think it's spread by breastfeeding nazis. It makes them feel better about their actions.

HUH??? Where are you getting that they are ignorant or "formula feeding haters"??

My DD was formula fed and DID have gas and a milk protein allergy.

Because it does. Some people can drink and smoke till they're 100 years old, doesn't mean it's good for you.

both my children got these problems from the formula it does happen just not to all children

Because LOTS of babies get gas and constipation because of formula, it's harder for their stomachs to break down, and it tends to make them gassy. Just because you were lucky enough to have a baby that didn't doesn't mean the studies aren't true. There are expections to every rule. Just like not everyone gets the same side effects with medications. People do it to formula feeding moms because lots of people view formula as the last resort to use, some do go overboard, but what they say is true, if you feel you made the right choice no one should be able to make you feel bad about it, or overly defensive.

Well said. I know I'll get some thumb downs for saying that.

I formula fed my daughter and there was never a gas, constipation, allergy or weight problem. My breastfed son, however, had horrible gas. Still does at 3 years old. :)

You're right, we can't blame everything on formula. It's not a poison that we're feeding our babies. While we can't deny that breast milk does contain many nutrients that can't be reproduced in formula, it's still not a "bad" source of nutrition for infants.

Well...you seem angry and more angry about formula vs. breast - which is a super super old topic...And may I add, exceptionally annoying. I breast and formula feed...and people on BOTH sides don't want lectures, anger blah blah blah...and breastfeeding women aren't the only ones guilty of being super rude/defensive about their decisions.

I'll ANSWER though your question about why parents blame gas etc for crying....

Parents want an explanation for why their child is crying....gas (especially) is a good way to explain it...even if it isn't the cause...it usually isn't. This happens with both breast AND formula feeding. I do both...I blamed the bottles for my son's gas (hence, crying) and things in my diet - thus in my breast milk causing my son's gas (hence, crying). I never found out what was the cause (my guess is - he was just a young baby) ... but he outgrew it ... and the bottles/formula/what I eat don't really matter.

I know with my daughter that she did get gas really bad from a few different formulas. When I switched to my final choice she stopped getting gassy...Babies have delicate digestive systems and not every formula out there is created equal in terms of what is in them. Some will make some babies gassy while other babies won't get gassy. It's like people and food. You could take a group of people and feed them the same thing for a week, some will get gassy or constipated while others won't.

it's basically very rare for breast fed babies to get constipated. bottle fed babies (being fed breast milk AND formula) are likely to get gas because they swallow more air. there's no air bubbles in breast milk straight from the breast. allergies are reduced in breast fed babies because mothers pass along immunities through the breast milk making the baby's immune system stronger.

those are facts, don't get upset about facts. no one is saying all bf's babies are gas and allergy free and formula fed babies are not. but the likelihood of those problems is reduced with breast milk. simple as that.