*pause for shocked gasps*
'My people' are now running for the hills. I hope they took some granola with them so they don't starve to death.
Now, let me start by saying I have nothing against anyone else breastfeeding. On the contrary, I think everyone should breastfeed...even the ones who hate it. Which is probably another factor that is making me hate the effort I have to put into it even more. Is this making any sense? Didn't think so.
Moving on!
I know it's most likely because I'm dealing with supply issues again and supplementing with formula, but I keep noticing articles and studies on breastfeeding that go something along these lines: If you don't breastfeed your baby, you are a bad mother and your child will most likely die a horrible, horrible death. By the way, you're to blame.
Maybe I'm projecting a bit.
I'm not going to argue that there's a better option than breastfeeding, just that it might not be feasible for some women to breastfeed and function in modern society at the same time. If it were several thousand years ago and I had the same issues with breastfeeding, I would have no problem living with my little village of neanderthal peeps, spending the day doing nothing but nursing my baby. Actually, if I could get away with it now, I would have no qualms playing that card either:
- "Hey, babe. Sorry I didn't have time to shower, brush my teeth, shop for groceries or make dinner because I had a baby attached to my chest all day. How was your day banging rocks together? Should we ask Thor next door if we can have some of his baked lizard for dinner?"
Unnecessary, self-inflicted guilt aside, I realize that most people who are trying to educate the masses on this topic likely have impoverished, uneducated people in mind. But it is really humiliating to be a crunchy mom lumped in with the 'poor, stupid crowd' because I use formula.
Being a mom is hard work and sometimes you have to weigh your options (and then weigh them again...and again...and again) before coming up with a solution that is best for you and your kids. And then try really really hard not to let anyone else make you believe you're wrong.
On that note, anyone have a spare set of unused, lactating breasts laying around that I could borrow?
Thanks!
4 comments:
You are a wonderful Mother!
How your babies receive their nourishment has no bearing on that! Thank God that there is Formula to nourish babies whose mother's don't produce enough milk. Bottom line: healthy well fed babies should be every parents goal and no one should criticize how that goal is accomplished! (I could really get on a soap box here!)
I love you,
Your Mama
I only hope I can be as great as a mother as you are :-). I'm sorry "your people" are running for the hills, but I'll be standing next to you, formula in hand if it's needed ;-).
I could so get on a soap box here too! While I would probably lump myself in there with "your people" in "most" cases, I can not stand it when the mommy wars get started, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. I've seen it happen so often, and it's just sad. Moms second-guess their own decisions over and over, they don't need other moms doing for them. Only you know what is best for you and your child given the circumstances. Gillian, you are an awesome mom. You gave breastfeeding your all, pushing through the struggles, and in reality, you did succeed! You did breastfeed them. It may not have been the way you had hoped or as long as you had hoped, but you kept trying when many woment would have given up. In my eyes, you totally rock! And anyone who has made you feel like a failure is a loser!
Gillian,
As a mommy that breast fed three little alligators. I understand your plight. You have to make a choice that works for you and if people judge you...are they really worth your time? Your kiddos are happy healthy and loved. That's what matters.
Love ya!
Angela
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