I don't know if I've mentioned this before but I'm talking about breastfeeding vs formula. I don't even like writing that because I am of the mindset that whatever works for your baby GO WITH IT! But I got to thinking today after a gym class with some of the Mums from my Mother's Group. We had been talking about our night on the town and I wasn't sure if I would go because Logan is still having a feed (boob) during the night if not two. Now I know it can be argued that he doesn't need that but that's a whole other kettle of fish and I don't want to get off track.
So out of about 14 mums only 4 of us are still sans formula and all boob and I believe a couple are combining the two (formula and boob). The rest stopped for various reasons supply issues seems to be the common one. None of us are judgmental it's always been whatever you believe is best goes but I felt terrible saying I wouldn't mind giving him a bottle of formula that night but my gut says I shouldn't if it's only so I can enjoy myself for such a short period of time. But what annoyed me was that I felt guilty saying this to a formula Mum - I never really know how to voice my desire just to keep Logan on the boob without offending people who use formula. I don't intend to come across as breast is best and you are terrible for using formula but sometimes I think I do unintentionally and I hate it. I came home and realised I shouldn't feel guilty, as long as I say what I want to do for my son and don't judge others then there is nothing wrong. If it offends anyone then of course I would apologise but I find it hard to figure out if I have offended them or not!
This is just a post to say to any Mums (new or old) you rock and are doing a damn fine job with your babies no matter what/how you choose to feed them! Don't feel guilty about saying what you want to do/don't want to do. Motherhood is full of murky waters and it's that much easier to navigate if you have open and honest discussions.
It's a hard discussion to navigate for sure. Eve has both as I supplemented when I tried to go to Uni and unfortunately my supply dropped off because of that. We are getting close to the point of no breast as she prefers the bottle, I'm thinking of switching the formula to cup only to see if that makes a difference. It's always a complicated journey no matter which way you decide to go.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing a great job!
Can anything be easy in this crazy journey?! Logan seems to drink more water out of a cup but I'm trying to find the best sippy cup at the moment, handles seem to be the way to go with him doing it for himself.
DeleteI really can't wrap my head around what I should do for him, I'm starting to lean towards trying a bottle of formula before bed and seeing if that helps but then I feel terrible for wanting to do that - which is stupid because it's only 1 drink and I'd still be giving him the boob all the other times! Who knows I guess only time will tell and if I get to the year mark I can bypass and go straight to milk apparently - so much conflicting evidence!!!
I know how you feel! I don't mind what other mums feed their babies but deep down feel very strongly that breast is best for MY baby. So of course then felt really torn/guilty when time came to introduce some formula (going back to work) I ummed and ahhed and beat myself before finally taking the plunge. And guess what it was heaps less of a big deal than I was imagining it would be. I went on to combine feed for another 6 months (till she 15mo) You've done an amazing job so far and if you feel like adding in a bottle of formula into the mix, give it a try. If it doesn't feel right then cut it out later, of it makes your life a tiny bit easier then keep going with it. Whatever you decide go easy on yourself xx
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