I love breastfeeding my babies, and think it’s a beautiful thing. Not really the actual act of it – most of the time my babe is rooting around even though it’s right there, milk is spraying out, and I’m covered in a combination of milk and spit-up. I think it’s a beautiful thing because I can keep my baby alive, with my milk, and that’s an incredible thing. I’ve also been blessed with babies that latch quickly and milk that’s abundant. These are all gifts I’m thankful for.
I realize not everyone shares my sentiment or my experience. Some moms can’t breastfeed, some moms don’t want to breastfeed, and some moms don’t produce enough milk to satisfy their baby. So, they use formula. And aren’t you thankful that these options are available to people?
It’s World Breastfeeding Week. To all of the moms out there that breastfeed – I celebrate you. I high-five you. You are doing what’s best for your baby. I breastfeed because I think it’s best for my babies – and what I love to do. That’s why I celebrate the accomplishments of feeding Mr. President for 15 months, and Coco for 11 weeks (and counting).
But in light of something that should be celebrated (!!), let’s not forget those who choose to feed their babies in other ways. Or those that don’t have any other options when breastmilk isn’t working. And if you need further conviction, I dare you to read this article. It will touch your heart.
Because really, aren’t we all just trying to keep our babies alive?! Each of us, we do the best we can, and doing the best we can means making choices that work for us and our babies. It’s really that simple.
Breastfeeding moms, you rock!
But so do formula moms.
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photo credit: Betsey Darley Photography
I totally agree with your thoughts on breastfeeding. Being able to breastfeed both of my sons has been/is such a wonderful blessing and it creates such a bond! As beautiful as it is, I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggles with milk spraying everywhere! At times it can be downright awkward (leaking through shirts…. woops, happened once already after baby #2!) but it’s worth it 110%!
Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding or a combo of both, we’re all trying to do what’s best for our babies. That article you shared broke my heart! The argument of breast or bottle is so petty when in the end, we just want to keep our babies alive and well.
My little Sterling is only 8 days old and we’re still working on some latch issues, but I’m pumping like crazy and I’ve already built up a 1 day surplus of milk. I have no idea how long this will last, but I’m trying to chunk up this little dude.