Sincerely, Proud Formula Feeder

Breastfeeding

I am formula feeding my 4-month-old, have been since his third day of life, and you know what? Not only do I not feel guilty about it; I’m glad about it.

I don’t have a documented medical reason for not breastfeeding.

My son doesn’t have a documented medical reason for not being able to breastfeed.

My husband and I made the choice to formula feed our son.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and my son’s formula container all tell me that breastfeeding is best for my baby. Nutritionally, I don’t dispute that—it’s a fact.

Nutritionally, breastmilk has more advantages than formula, but in every other area, the “best” in “breast is best” is subjective.

Breastfeeding was NOT best for my family and I, and here’s why:

  • After two days in the hospital, trying to get my son to latch correctly, with no success, even with multiple lactation consults, I was getting weary, and my son was hungry. Holding a screaming newborn, the shade of a bottle of Frank’s Red Hot, in the wee hours of the morning, on no sleep, is not pleasant. Breaking the latch and simply re-adjusting is not so simple when your child is writhing around like a hungry lunatic.
  • Breastfeeding made me feel incredibly anxious, like impairing my ability to mother the way I wanted to, anxious. See above.
  • I have a two-and-a-half year-old who is incredibly sensitive, labor intensive, and did not take kindly to my husband and I bringing her brother home. To add to the fun, she decided it was time to begin potty training immediately after her brother was born.
  • I had to start looking for full-time work right away. For those of you who don’t know me, my family and I relocated while I was pregnant, without me having a job lined up. Financially, it was imperative that I get back to work as soon as possible. So, while caring for a newborn and a potty training tot, I was searching for work, filling out applications and sending out resumes, and going to interviews.
  • I like to sleep. My hat is off to all of you breastfeeding moms. How you run on so little sleep, I will never know. With everything going on in my life after giving birth to my son, I needed sleep. Formula feeding allows my husband and I to take turns staying up with our little boy.

Yes, I’m fully aware that I could have tried harder, or for longer. I know there are mothers who put themselves through hell to breastfeed, but I didn’t want to. I don’t feel that pressure, or guilt to do so.

I guess I could have tried to pump, but again, with everything going on in my life, it was a stressor I didn’t need.

I’m aware of studies that supposedly illustrate how breastfeeding leads to higher scores on cognitive measures, better academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, etc. Many of these studies are dated and don’t account for extraneous variables. In fact, a recent study conducted at Ohio State University, and published in Social Science & Medicine, found no statistically significant differences on 11 measures of health and intellectual competency between siblings who were breast and bottle fed.

I also think the public is unaware, or forgets about the deleterious effects maternal stress and anxiety have on young children. In my case, my husband and I agreed that formula feeding would be much better for our son (and daughter) than having a mother who was consistently stressed.

In a picture perfect world, all mothers would want to breastfeed, all babies would take to it like pros, and breastfeeding, from day to day, would be feasible.

It just doesn’t work that way, and we need to stop acting like it does.

I know mothers who feel ashamed to leave home with their infants, terrified they’ll have to endure the criticism of others, should they need to formula feed while out.

I know mothers who beat themselves up about not being able to, or not wanting to breastfeed. Probably because of BS like this:

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I know mothers who put themselves on extremely restrictive diets, or pumping schedules because they feel like they have to.

If a mother is set on breastfeeding, and chooses to persist in spite of many obstacles, that is her business. I would never try to persuade her to “just give formula a try.”

BUT..

Mothers need to know that it is PERFECTLY OKAY to formula feed. The reason a mother turns to formula doesn’t matter, and it’s really no one else’s business.

This pressure to breastfeed, in my opinion, has gotten out of hand.

At the end of the day, it’s about nourishing your child.

No woman should feel guilty about feeding HER child.

Before the haters start hating, please know: this post is not meant to deter mothers from breastfeeding.

This post is meant to normalize formula feeding.

To my fellow formula feeding mamas, please know that not breastfeeding does NOT make you selfish, lazy, or uneducated. And, if you’ve tried to breastfeed with little/no success, and turned to formula, know that YOU DID NOT FAIL. In many cases, it is the pragmatic thing to do.

Failing would be making no effort to feed your child.

I own my decision to formula feed, and I would love to see more mothers do the same.

Sincerely,

Proud Formula Feeder

And a picture of my bright, happy, healthy son, my little ray of sunshine. Full disclosure: he LOVES his bottle.

E 4 mos

 

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43 thoughts on “Sincerely, Proud Formula Feeder

  1. Bravo. I breastfed exclusively until six months with both my kids, then slowly supplemented before eventually going to all formula.

    The crazy thing is: When I was breastfeeding in public, I always got uncomfortable because I felt self-conscious pulling out my boob. Then when I was formula feeding in public, I got uncomfortable because I felt judged for not breastfeeding. I think we as a society need to ask ourselves: What are we doing to women when they are made to feel uncomfortable either way they choose to NOURISH THEIR BABIES?

    1. Cristin, thank you so much for reading, and for your comment! Six months is a fantastic accomplishment-congrats! Had I stuck to breastfeeding, I think I would have felt self conscious about feeding in public as well. You’re totally right, though- we shouldn’t feel guilty about feeding our precious babes, no matter what form we do it.

  2. I wish I would have seen this almost 2 yrs ago when my son was first born. I couldn’t breastfeed and I felt like a failure. After a couple months I finally realized I wasn’t but it’s so ingrained to women that if you don’t breastfeed no matter the reason you have failed as a mother. It’s sad.

    1. Jeni, thanks for reading! It really is ingrained in us mothers. I’m so glad to hear you were able to most past your guilt, and make peace with your decision.

  3. Thank you SO much! I run a facebook group for formula feeding women, and it’s tough to hear the stories of how they are treated and the struggles of shaming. I’m so deliciously refreshed to hear that you made this choice, and you are happy with it, and feel no guilt about it. The truth is, you shouldn’t! Life isn’t always conducive to the original “best” option in all things. You did what is best for YOUR family and YOUR lives. I hope you find success and happiness and that the comments here don’t get filled with nasty hateful comments.. You deserve respect, as do all mothers no matter their individual choices. Mothering is important and tough work no matter how you do it!

    1. Lisa, thank you for reading, and for your comment! I need to find your Facebook group- I would love to check it out! The stories I hear from women, like you mentioned, are sad. We’re all just doing our best!

  4. Thanks for the great post. I really enjoyed reading it. No one should ever feel guilty for any decision they make as a mother.

    1. Agree, Irene! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂

  5. I tried so hard to breastfeed my son but even when he did latch on and feed his blood sugar kept dropping. I wasn’t allowed to leave hospital until he had formula and I wasn’t even allowed to give him his first bottle myself. I was devastated. At home I carried on trying to breastfeed for 3 weeks (with formula feeds in between). Eventually I had to give up for my own sanity. There is very little support from the NHS when it comes to formula feeding, no advice on which formula to try or which bottles to use. I appreciate that they can’t endorse particular brands but some advice would have been welcome. I still get upset that I didn’t breastfeed and the excessive campaigning has definitely contributed to that. Thank you for writing this. There need to be more articles like this.

    1. Rachel, I’m sorry to hear that you had such a tough go if it, and that the guilt still lingers. While we’ve never met, you sound like a pretty fantastic mother! I agree that good information and resources for formula feeding mothers is scant- something that needs to be addressed.

  6. Wow! Our stories are so similar. I kept reading this wondering if we share the same mind. With my 2nd, I didn’t even try breastfeeding. After careful reflection, real education and careful consideration, I decided that breastfeeding wasn’t best for my family this time. With my first, I bought into all the breastfeeding hype and bs, but it did not go as planned. After switching to formula with him, I was able to be that mom I dreamed I would be – bonding with him and happy – not a walking talking empty shell of myself like i was while breastfeeding. This time around, I knew better. I knew breast milk wasn’t magic like “they” claim, I knew formula was perfectly fine and not “poison” like “they” claim and I knew to follow my mommy gut and not to listen to a bunch of strangers on the internet. I don’t for a second regret my choice to formula feed, I know without a doubt I gave my baby, my 2 year old, my husband and myself the best.

    1. Pam, our stories certainly do sound similar! I attempted to BF with my first, who ended up requiring a hypoallergenic formula (I was also unexpectedly denied maternity leave with her, so BF would have been really tough). I gave it the good old college try a second time, but it was jut too much for me. Four months ago, I had a lot going on in my life- BF just wasn’t worth it considering. BF is not for everyone, that is a fact.

  7. Kristi, this is a great post and a good reminder for mamas who are feeling down on themselves for using formula. I think this topic has so many different sides and gray areas. I breastfed my son and I sincerely think donor milk should be a bigger part of our world, but I completely trust that a mom like you chose what was best for her family. The the thing, not every mom is a mom like you. Not every mom has a supportive spouse, the correct knowledge about breastfeeding, and the willpower to make the decision for herself. For those moms, the breastfeeding campaigns and statements are needed. Anything with mothering can put salt in someone’s wound and cause hurt feelings – it’s such a fragile, fragile thing, but mamas like you and me can always work to bridge the gap and fight for what’s best for every mama. And what’s best may not always be the same. From a breastfeeder, I’m sorry if you’ve ever felt less-than for choosing to formula feed. You made an educated decision (and a tough decision!) that was best for your family. Anyone who questions that should promptly be shown the exit door from your life!

    1. Thank you for your thoughtful response, Jaclyn! I agree that breastfeeding education needs to be offered to every expectant mother, so that she can make an informed choice. I have experienced my share of hurtful comments about my choice, but I try not to let them bother me. What really gets me is the mothers who cry for weeks and months about turning to formula after a rough go at breastfeeding- hose who legitimately feel like they “failed.” My heart aches for them, and they are a big reason I wrote this piece.

  8. Kristi, wonderfully written blog, yet again. It is a shame about all the attention that breastfeeding vs. Formula fed gets. It is a private matter for the parents to decide. Breastfeeding for me and my kids wax best at night. Both of us were relaxed! Glad you made your decision early.

    1. Thank you, Barbara! I agree that t is a private matter, and something that strangers have ml right to inquire about!

  9. sandy smith says:

    Thanks Kristi for the article. I never even tried to breastfeed either of my children. I was the working parent, my husband the stay at home caregiver. I wanted to enjoy my children and my husband when I was home not stress about pumping, bottling, and feedings. Both my children are very bright, articulate, and thrive. They missed nothing from formula feeding.

    1. You’re very welcome, Sandy, and thank you for your kind words! Unfortunately, breastfeeding is difficult to coordinate for many. Is it the most natural way to feed an infant, yes, but definitely not the most feasible, or best considering people’s life circumstances. I agree that formula fed babes are bright, articulate children, just like their BF counterparts. Not to toot my own horn, but I was a formula baby. I’m 30 credits and a dissertation away from earning a PH.D. I think I’m doing ok for myself! 😉

  10. I’m so glad you wrote this. I had a lactation consultant hours after had my twins tell me that if I wanted to succeed I was going to have to “try harder” and told me that if I didn’t hold them in a certain way and tandem feed, which was very uncomfortable for me, that THEY wouldn’t bond as well to each other. I less than politely told her not to come back. With my oldest and the twins, I did a combo of breast and bottle. Like others mentioned, it’s hard to BF in public! Especially 2. Thanks for writing this to help encourage other moms who may be struggling with their choice to formula feed.

  11. Thanks so much for this post! The pressure and reminders that breasts is best is everywhere! I tried to breastfeed but had alot of trouble and was so stressed, I went to the hospital to work with the lactation consultant and when my son was 8 weeks old I ended up having surgery for an abcess in one breast, I have never endured so much pain before! I was so glad to have an excuse to formula feed despite what Dr’s and everyone else says. I felt like my baby enjoyed it more too. I want to formula feed future babies if we have them but it is hard with the pressure. I needed to read this post!

  12. I was one of those people who really struggled at the beginning and went through SO much in order to be able to breastfeed because to me it was something I really wanted to do for many reasons. I got CONSTANT criticism from people over it. That I should just “throw in the towel” and “what am I trying to prove” and I was “selfish and starving my baby to death.” Etc etc etc. I think some women just like to be hurtful. On both sides. If they aren’t finding fault with one topic they will pick another. EVERY single negative comment I have ever received while nursing in public have been from WOMEN. Horrible. Then there were the comments about pumping at work (“that must suck to be a cow” or “why go back to work if you care more about milking yourself than your job?) or nursing past one year old (“let’s hope your insurance covers therepy for when your kid is so attached to you they can’t function.” or “wow…I guess you are the kind of mom who refuses to let your kid grow up.) I joined a nursing support group and it was heartbreaking to hear the stories of moms like me who had so little support, terrible comments made to them, etc. I fear that too often the focus of these conversations focus on the actual topic (Csections, nursing, CIO, introducing solids, etc) and not enough on the “mind your business and don’t be a jerk to fellow moms!!!” Anyways, sorry for this rambling post. I have just gone through so much pain from comments regarding my (emergency) csection, struggles to successfully breastfeed, going back to work, crazy efforts to pump at work, extended nursing, etc. I get frustrated about all these posts on mommy war topics because I feel like they never address the real issue of why are we not treating each other with kindness? Why do people feel they have the right to even comment or have an opinion? Etc. I understand the post is intended to make formula choosing moms feel empowered and confident in their choices – maybe knowing that breastfeeding moms experience very similar painful comments can help them not feel as alone or hurt. I feel like knowing it truly has NOTHING to do with what you feed your child, but rather has to do with moms just being assholes to each other might help. I know it helps me 🙂 Having experienced it on so many different subjects I have grown to realize that it isn’t about my actual choices and that has been liberating in a weird way. Ok, end of rambling 🙂 thanks for reading…

  13. I breastfed my eldest for a year, then my twins also for a year with half of it being formula because I just couldn’t produce enough. It’s unfortunate when stigmas plague our personal decisions. I never felt that I was failing my kids because I had to give them formula (what was my option—starve them? lol). We are fortunate that formula exists not just for extreme cases, but to cater to the modern lifestyle we are now entrenched in. We don’t have wet nurses nowadays!

    Like you said, if everyone could breastfeed just fine, then great, of course it’s better. But since it’s not always the case, using formula is a much better alternative than going crazy with stress or starving your kids!

  14. A very well written post on a super sensitive subject. I am thankful that I never felt pressured to breast feed either of my sons…of course it was encouraged, especially in the hospital, but once I said we would be formula feeding, the subject wasn’t pushed any further. For many reasons I just knew that breast feeding wouldn’t be the best choice for our family, and I have no regrets. I wanted my husband to be able to share in all aspects of parenting…the bond of feeding your child, not to mention taking turns with night feelings! It also gave the grandmas and aunties the opportunity to feed our boys. And it was one less hurdle for us to cross once it was time to return to work. All that being said, I admire and support the mothers who can and want to breast feed and I would never judge a mom, one way or the other. At the end of the day, we all just want to do the best we can for our kids, right?

  15. What a great read. This is exactly how i felt when i decided to bottle feed. Im sorry but i just dont feel like adding on stress by trying to feed a baby who only wants to scream once she is latched…and special diets and pumping around the clock. Sorry but not for me.

    Whats worst is when i hear a breastfeeding mom tell another who wants to suppliment formula because baby is underweight or still hungry, they tell them not too and too keep at it. Yeah because im gonna starve my baby.

  16. Thank you so much for this. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant with my very first baby an dam so excited to be a momma! I have always known I would formula feed. It’s what my mom did with me and all three younger siblings and we are intelligent (well, there’s one in every bunch! LOL), all VERY bonded to my mother, and have no significant health problems. Once I got pregnant, I considered breastfeeding briefly, because it seemed like I just HAD to. But the more I thought about it and thought about myself, the more I knew I would only be doing it because other people thought I should and that is not a lesson I want to teach my daughter. I have many reasons for choosing formula as my first option, some may sound selfish, most people may not get them, but they are MY reasons. I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you said about no mom being made to feel guilty for feeding her child. That is beautiful. Thank you for being a bright voice in such a judgement filled issue.

  17. I am so glad I found this article and so glad to know that I am not alone. I made the choice to breastfeed my son and wanted to do so until he was 1 yrs old. Unfortunately, I ran into some hurdles that made breastfeeding difficult. My son is now 3 and a half months old and I am mostly formula feeding. My milk supply started to decrease at 3 months and I tried everything to keep my supply going. I cried many times because I felt that I had failed my son and I was not nourishing him properly by introducing formula. I still struggle with the fact that I am mostly feeding him formula and put my self through the stress of pumping to give him what I can of breastmilk. It makes it very difficult to deal with because you do get the constant criticism when you formula feed or you read articles about breastmilk being the best nourishment for your child or how breastfed babies are smarter, etc. Reading this made me feel a sense of relief and empowered to stand up to the choice to formula feed. Thanks for the great article!

  18. Excellent. Article. Good for you!! I formula fed my first child 5 years ago and am happily formula feeding my beautiful new little girl. I’ve been judged, questioned et cetera and I honestly no longer care.

  19. I am so sorry to read about the opposition mothers who formula feed have felt and experienced. It’s definitely unfair how mothers are treated based on their feeding choices for their children. You can’t seem to win. If you choose to breastfeed then you are shunned in public and told breastfeeding is “disgusting” and strangers debate over how long is too long for YOU to breastfeed your baby. If you choose to formula feed then people say you are stunting your child’s future and lazy. It’s ridiculous! I am an OB nurse and my hospital is baby friendly. We educate on the potential side effects of formula, but we teach and help a mother feed her baby regardless of her choice. I believe some nurses I work with overstep their bounds and almost coerce some mothers into breastfeeding which is extremely upsetting to me. They believe they are doing the right thing because breastfeeding is “free” in comparison to formula feeding and has many benefits; however, I feel like they hurt their patient’s confidence in her capabilities as a mother and perpetuates that feeling of guilt you’ve mentioned when it comes to formula feeding. I support the mothers and families I take care of in whatever feeding choice they make and I really appreciate your article. If a mother would like to attempt breastfeeding, I’m in that room as often as physically possible to help her and teach her. If she decides she wants to formula feed, I educate her on paced feeding, the appropriate amounts to feed a newborn, etc. Thanks again for the article and keep doing what’s best for you and your family! Your son looks like a happy and healthy little boy!

  20. It’s interesting that you felt pressured to breastfeed. I feel pressured to formula feed by my pediatrician and even family. Mothers just need to support each other no matter what their choices are.

  21. Dr. Rachel B. says:

    I’m glad you mentioned research. So many people quote research they’ve actually never read, posting on formula’s link to low grades, ADHD & Autism–when there is no causation, plain and simple. The research that supports those claims has been found to be biased–conducted on wealthy, educated, breastfeeding moms & babies that have access to food, healthcare, schooling, etc that tip the scales in favor of better outcomes for kids. The U.S. Surgeon General has even been called upon to recall her report on breastfeeding. As a nursing mom, I support breastfeeding, but I am FED UP with the attack-on- formula culture.

  22. That was great to read!!!! I have two kids and never had the desire to breastfeed or the desire to endure the stress of trying. As the main breadwinner at home, I felt that it would add so much more stress when I tried to go back to work. Formula feeding allowed my husband and I to both bond with our babies and share the responsibilities of no sleep. We are fully aware of the benefits of breastmilk-I am a nurse. However, it is not best for everyone. You did a great job expressing what many of us are thinking with this article!

  23. Hi.thank you for your post! My LO is 4 months old now and I have decided to formula feed her. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and are taking meds. Even though my doctor said its
    perfectly fine to breastfeed while on medicate
    but it is stressing me out and I want to get
    better for my LO. I have also been feeling guilty about stopping breastfeeding but reading your article supported so my decision to formula
    feed. Thank you.

  24. Thanks for saying this out loud! I felt exactly the same way with my first son, whom is now 6, and a few weeks away from another boy. I made it clear with my first I would not breastfeed, and I sort of felt looked down upon. I still stand by my choice! I got more sleep, and my husband was able to have more bonding time as well. Being a working mom I felt less stressed too! With my next on the way, I’m feeling pressures once again for breastfeeding. I’m just not comfortable with it. I suppose it sound horrible to not want to breastfeed, but that’s how I feel.

  25. I’m happy to see this article and all of your comments…I gave birth on January 5th this year to a healthy baby boy,and we are formula feeding since hospital…we tryed breastfeeding,but that doesn’t work for me,I have some hormonal inbalances for years(hipothyreosis,insuline resistance,pcos) and he is my fifth child and non of them were breastfed and they turned out healthy and strong like every one else…I’m sorry that I can’t breastfeed but I can’t force something that doesn’t work…thank God that we have second choice today 🙂

  26. Thank you so much for this! I love breastfeeding my baby but I don’t produce enough to pump and even going to the lactation doctors and talking to others I get the “how do you know you’re not producing” but when pumping can’t fill a bottle in a day… And my baby constantly hungry every day after every feed.. Tells me I’m not producing. I’ve been very discouraged and stressed about not having a supply for my nanny when I go back to work. Not having a supply for dad to feed in the middle of the night… And constantly being told to “do this and do that” to build my supply… And spending more money on pills and teas just to build my supply has become more of a hassle. In all thank you. I know my baby will be fine on formula but it’s nice to hear it from someone who didn’t have a medical reason to not breastfeed.

  27. Thank you!!! I tried breastfeeding my daughter and unfortunately I had no supply. I was pumping around the clock for a month and the best day I had I was able to pump a tablespoon the whole day. The nurses that would come by to check on my progress with breastfeeding wanted me to go on this medication called Donperidon (sp) but my doctors (OB, Lactation, and GP) all agreed that they did not want me on it as it increases the chance of a heart attack (I have a history of heart failure). Yet the nurses wanted me to find a doctor who would prescribe it to me eventhough I told them I was not comfortable taking the drug. They kept calling until finally my husband had to intervene and tell them that we have decided to formula feed. But the nurses really made me feel like I was not doing enough to make breastfeeding work. That experience in the early weeks after giving birth made me feel so conscious about formula feeding in public that I would refuse to go anywhere where I felt I would be judged. This made me feel isolated. I came to terms with it with the help of my family and friends. Do I feel guilty about formula feeding? No. Because it’s what was best for my child. Without formula, she would have starved and now she is a thriving, healthy, happy 3 year old. I will still definitely try to breastfeed my next child, and if I succeed, great! If not, I will proudly formula feed and will not let the “rah rah I breastfeed and I am awesome” movement get me down (can you believe there is actually a national breastfeeding day?).

  28. Thank you for saying what needs to be said! Breastfeeding is a good choice, but it is not the only good choice. It is time to say no to the bullying and support women so that we can all be more productive and successful, making us better moms! As a nontraditional premed student, I especially appreciate articles like this. I hope to share this type of information with my patients one day.

  29. Totally needed this. It’s been three weeks since I’ve been doing everything I possible can to boost up my milk supply, until a week ago when we noticed our little one was losing weight. I was heartbroken because I felt I had failed her. I then decided to start supplementing with formula and I must admit, she’s as happy as can be. She’s not constantly crying of hunger, I’m slowly becoming less stressed, and today I found an awesome deal on formula lol. I’ll admit I was bummed out I had to start supplementing with formula, but At the end of the day my baby girl is happy, healthy, and has a full tummy.

  30. Thank you so much for posting this. I breastfed my son for about the first two months of his life. He was born a month and a half early therefore had to spend a little time in the nicu. While there i was able to breastfeed any chance i got and pumped for him when i had to leave. Breastfeeding was a challenge because i have inverted nipples, so it was difficult but not impossible. Not long after being home with our newborn my husband went back to work leaving me alone to do with what felt like everything. My sons pediatrician said that i should give him more formula to boost his weight because he was a premie. At first i was fortifying my breast milk with formula, but then i jut couldnt keep up with the demand. I would have to pump and then fortify and then feed and do everything else at the same time. I wasnt sleeping at all. My husband rarely (almost never) got up during the night to take care of the baby and one night i ran out of breastmilk to fortify and was just too exhausted to pump. So i made a bottle of formula and gave it to my son. It was my first opportunity to actually get decent sleep and i took it. I felt really guilty for a while but my son is now 10 months and 25 pounds and is in the 100 percentile on the growth chart. Hes happy and healthy and i dont care what anyone thinks anymore. Weather you breastfeed or formula feed, a fed baby is better than not!

  31. Thank you so much I have been breastfeeding for 3 months but I get anxiety is she getting enough I feel so much pressure to help going to I would really like to start formula feeding her it would make me less stressed and happy I keep going back and forward should I stop is it bad to stop I but I want to I feel like I have done my best my son was on formula only and he is now 2 I just need a push to stop breastfeeding and not feel so darn guilty what will ppl think what do I do to love what u wrote so spot on thank u so much I am going to start today xxx

  32. I have a little one due in September. I have never had the desire to breastfeed at all. It’s definitely not ingrained in me to breastfeed my child and I am thankful that I read what you wrote because it makes me even more confident in formula feeding!!

  33. Thank you for this post. I killed myself for ten weeks pumping 8x a day for at least 25 minutes a session until I made the choice to spend more time with my baby than the pump and use formula. This decision has been the hardest I’ve made because of this culture we have with formula feeding. Thank you for posting this!! It’s posts like this that make me feel like I’m not alone ❤️

  34. Thank you for this post. I’ve been considering transitioning my 4-week old out of breastfeeding and to formula. I have a good supply and don’t have issues with him latching but I feel like I’m alone and always tied to the couch constantly feeding him and being the only one who can. I have so much anxiety about leaving the house and the possibility that he’ll get hungry and I’ll have to feed him in public. Even if I pump, it’s still something I have to plan for every three hours.

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