A love letter to all my formula feeding moms..

Happy fall, lovely mommas! I trust the ‘er’ months are treating you far better than the rollercoaster that was 2020. Today, I want to delve into a topic often shrouded in stigma – the choice between formula feeding and breastfeeding.

Breaking the Silence: Formula Feeding Realities

A few days ago, a mom I deeply admire shared her decision to stop breastfeeding after just 6 weeks. She faced criticism from others who believed she should have persisted because “it’s best for the baby.“

While my blog prominently features ‘milk’ in the title, I want to make it crystal clear – I do not endorse the notion that breastfeeding is the sole path, nor do I look down upon formula feeding.

My Love for Formula: A Personal Journey

I genuinely adore formula! My daughter has been exclusively on formula since the age of 6 months. In fact, at 4 months, I devoted an entire week to giving her formula only. Why? Because, let’s be honest, breastfeeding can be challenging!

Breastfeeding, to me, felt exhausting, tedious, and added stress to an already overwhelmed new mom. The truth is, I wouldn’t have persevered as long as I did if I hadn’t been a milk donor.

The Unspoken Reality: Breastfeeding Isn’t Universally Blissful

Contrary to the idyllic experiences shared by some moms, breastfeeding was never a source of a special bond for me. It wasn’t a serene, cherished experience but rather a daily chore. I used to grapple with guilt over not loving it as much as others seemed to. While they cherished the closeness it brought, I was eagerly anticipating the day my little one turned 6 months so I could put an end to it.

Shared Experiences: Normalizing the Struggles

The truth is, I was not alone in feeling this way. Many moms share similar sentiments but often feel restricted in expressing them openly. While blogs touch on the general challenges of breastfeeding, the harsh reality – that it just plain sucks sometimes – is rarely acknowledged.

And maybe there are some breastfeeding moms out there who miraculously have zero struggles with breastfeeding. Odds are, those moms don’t read breastfeeding blogs, because the advice is irrelevant to them. However the rest of us mortals are left reading blog after blog, desperately trying to find the encouragement to keep going another day.

A Gentle Reminder: Happy Moms Make Happy Babies

If someone ever insists that breast milk is the only way for a healthy baby, remember this: a mentally stable, joyous momma is genuinely what’s best for the baby. After all, if formula wasn’t sufficient for promoting healthy growth, it wouldn’t be on the shelves.

In addition to that, we have to remember that not all moms have a choice. Some cannot breastfeed, and that’s okay. Some don’t want to, that’s totally okay. Some tried it, disliked it, and decided to switch to formula, and that is perfectly okay moms!

Wishing You All a Wonderful Weekend!

I hope each and every one of you has an incredible weekend! Feel free to share in the comments if you’ve ever encountered unsolicited comments about your parenting choices. Let’s support each other in this journey called motherhood!

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Top Image: raisingchildren.net.au