Dear Mindy,
I am a tired, lactating mom of three and my youngest, whom I breastfeed, is a few months old . Due to food allergy’s, returning to work, and the fact that I am just plain tired, I’m considering switching to formula. For some reason I feel a bit guilty and the need to explain myself. Is this selfish of me and why do I care what other people think?
From,
Tired Lactating Mom
Dear Tired Lactating Mom,
I did not have a desire to breast feed my first baby but was much older and wiser with my second. So, I gave it a real shot with Ivy. I pumped every two hours only extracting 2 ounces each time and bottle fed every two hours. After a month of little to no milk and pure exhaustion, I succumbed to my inadequate supply and switched to formula. The reality of being a mom is different each day, have you read my other post, What Working Mom’s Really Think About SAHM?
Your Decision May Be to Fire the Bottle Shamers
When we make a decision for ourselves or our children, it is our decision alone and is not the business of anyone else. Every family has their set of norms and each body has different strengths and limitations. With this being said, opinions will vary. Some peoples’ advice genuinely comes from a loving and concerned perspective and some advice doesn’t. The key is to know the difference and as a tired lactating mom, fire the bottle shamers, or any shamers for that matter.
Consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns then make the decision that fits best for the health and sanity of your home. Once you’ve determined what decision you want to make, ensure you have made it with sound mind. That way, when an opinionated person offers advice, you won’t feel compelled to justify.
Remember
Years ago it wasn’t uncommon for a newborn to drink canned carnation milk from a bottle so I’d say your current options are pretty good. (wink)
*You are a terrific mom through bottles or the breast.
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