Breastmilk vs. Formula
I almost didn’t want to use the term “vs.” in the title of this post because it could be taken the wrong way. So, let me clear it up for you. It doesn’t matter whether you favor one or the other, I believe as long as your baby is being fed, that is what matters.
I wanted to talk about this topic for several reasons. One, before I had Brooklynn, I thought I would never want to breastfeed. Second, this topic can & has caused so much stress for every mom. Third, I hope this post can make all you mommas out there feel better about yourself 🙂
Before Brooklynn arrived I remember saying I didn’t know if I wanted to breastfeed. It just sounded weird, uncomfortable, & too time consuming (which I got lots of judgment for, too). My husband and I still went to all the classes so we could at least be informed and prepared. I wasn’t closed to the idea, I just wasn’t one of those women who REALLY wanted to. That all changed once I laid eyes on our little babe. I didn’t even hesitate to breast feed her in the hospital, and luckily was blessed with a baby who also latched on well. We were a good team you could say.
Now, I want to pause. I know people whom have wanted to breastfeed and couldn’t for whatever the reasons may be, and if you are one of those moms, I sincerely extend a hug to you. I also want to tell you that you are AMAZING and your baby loves you all the same.
Breastfeeding is HARD work. Be patient with yourself and your baby. For every mom that at least “tries” should get a pat on the back. Trying is half the battle. With breastfeeding, comes pumping, and pumping SUCKS (at least I thought so). I breastfed and pumped exclusively for 6 months. It was hard at times, and easy at others. Going back to work made it more tricky for sure. It was hard to keep up with a good pumping schedule at work. I was never someone who could pump endless amounts of breastmilk. I had enough just for the next day. I’m shocked and proud that I made it 6 months. Whether you pumped for a day, a week, a month, or a year, you should be PROUD!
I had to stop breastfeeding for several reasons. One, because my supply was slowly going down & I wasn’t able to keep up with my growing babe. Second, pumping got to be too hard at work, but the biggest reason was that my personal & emotional sanity was being affected. I was struggling to eat enough to maintain a healthy weight for myself. I remember endless nights of coming home late and just falling apart crying because I was so exhausted. I finally decided that it was “ok” to start supplementing with formula.
If I have learned anything it’s this: don’t guilt yourself into anything if it compromises your mental and physical health. My baby was healthy, but I wasn’t. This leads to the next thing I want to talk about: formula.
Formula is made for a reason and it is TOTALLY GREAT! I remember feeling a huge sense of guilt for giving my baby formula (which is almost laughable considering I didn’t even want to breastfeed in the beginning, but everything changes once you see that sweet baby). Heck, there were nights I made my husband drive down to my work with Brooke to pick up breastmilk I had pumped because I didn’t want her to have formula. Why? Because I was stubborn and dumb. But, you live and learn. I have learned that I am mentally happy again, my physical health is getting back on track, and my baby is happy and healthy. That’s right: HEALTHY. Formula is not bad. Don’t let others (and why is it always other moms?) make you feel bad if you decide/can’t breastfeed. It shouldn’t be breastmilk vs. formula. A fed baby is what matters!
So, whether you’re a new mom or a third-time mom, remember: you are doing a great job. If your baby is being fed, you are doing a GREAT job. Take care of your baby, but don’t forget to take care of yourself!
Much love, Kiersten