DAY 1516... Why It Takes a Strong Mom To Formula Feed

Breast feeding is NOT for me.

After trying twice,

I can honestly say that if a third comes along,

I am not even going to attempt breast feeding.

My kids just weren't into it,

and the weeks that I spent trying

and trying

and trying

were not worth it.

I will stand up and be the woman that says,

Breast feeding was not worth it for me!

The pain, tears, depression and anxiety were not worth it.

With my first,

it got to the point where when my daughter would cry,

and I knew it was her hungry cry,

I would cry because I knew what an awful experience it would be.

I would still try and do what I could do,

but it was horrifying.

I saw a lactation specialist many times,

with both children,

and we tried every tip and trick.

Still, we had no luck.

The emotional,

physical,

and mental pain that breastfeeding caused me,

is still damaging.

I truly feel scarred from my breast feeding experience.

I cannot even think of breastfeeding without feeling pain,

depression

and anxiety.

I have no problem with people who breastfeed.

More power to you.

I do think covering up is a good option,

especially at church,

because 12 year old boys didn't come to church to see a fully exposed breast,

that's why they have a mother' lounge,

but it is what it is and I cannot control others.

I just wish people would be more accepting and supportive of formula feeding.

Sometimes it is the only option.

It takes a strong woman to bottle feed,

to put up with the judgement from nurses, doctors, other mothers, etc.

It takes a strong woman to bottle feed,

to put up with the endless stream of nasty comments,

and that "I'm better than you attitude" that mothers who breastfeed give you.

I don't think it's always intentional but it happens.

All.

The.

Time.

Constantly.

My second night in the hospital after Aniston was born,

I was really struggling.

She wasn't eating,

she was screaming,

and I felt so hopeless.

Everything was new to me and I was 100% positive that I was doing it all wrong.

I woke up Spencer and asked him to get some formula to supplement so that she could at least have food in her stomach.

When Spencer went and asked the nurse for formula and explained the situation,

she immediately told him that I was a horrible new mother.

She said that I was not doing everything I could for my baby,

and that supplementing was not good and that I was failing as a mother by doing so.

That was probably one of the most scarring and hurtful moments as a mom.

I had been a mom for only 28 hours

and already I was being judged and accused of being a bad mom.

Spencer didn't hold back with that nurse,

and we received a new nurse who was incredibly helpful and sweet

and who supported my decision for my child.

Every woman is so different.

Our bodies work differently

and our children are different.

So why do we spend so much time judging each other when we don't even know each other's stories?

Formula feeding has blessed my life in so many ways!

Spencer and I alternated nights, so I got a little more sleep during those first 9 months.

I didn't have to worry about being gone too long or pumping.

I knew exactly how much my baby was eating.

My wish is that we, as mothers, try to be more supportive and understanding of every mom and their different situations.
How hard is that really?

It takes a strong woman to formula feed and to push pass all the judgement and comments you may receive.
Push on mommas!
You are doing what you know is best for your child and there's nothing more that anyone can expect or ask from you!

Formula feeding does not make you weak!
It makes you strong!
Strong, because you can recognize what you need to do to keep your child healthy and strong.

I am thankful for formula feeding!