Everyone's favorite subject, right? But here's what happened. This girl right here? The one with the messy hair and the cute, confused look on her face?
She was sad the other day and came and snuggled in my lap. She turned as if she was going to ask to nurse, but then seemed confused, like she didn't quite remember what she was going to ask for. We've been done nursing for about a month and a half now and it had been awhile since she had even asked. After she looked confused for a moment, she accepted a hug and went on her way, and I was a little sad. How is it that something that was so special for so long (yes, 18 months long, get over it) could be forgotten so fast?
And here is where I am going to get up on my soapbox.
I loved nursing my babies. I loved it so much that I lugged my stupid pump to work and back for over a year so I could keep nursing Sweetheart. I loved it so much that since I work at home now, Princess just simply never had a bottle ever. I also loved that I never had to pay for formula, because hot dang that's pricey! I would obviously encourage anyone to try to nurse their babies. You can read all about the benefits of breastfeeding all over the internet and in all the books. I think that nursing is nothing short of a miracle, the perfect baby food, etc.
But here's the thing. That formula stuff? That's pretty much a miracle, too. I know a lot of people who tried to breastfeed and just couldn't produce enough. I also know people who couldn't for many different reasons. They were still able to provide their babies the nourishment they needed all because we have this miracle stuff called formula. I know many kids that had nothing but formula and have grown into sweet, kind, very smart, very good, perfect kids. And those bottle feeding moms still love their babies just as much.
I've been on a lot of online forums for moms where people give the bottle feeding moms a hard time, and I think it's horrible. Why can't we all just respect each other's decisions? Why can't we just accept the miracle of feeding our babies, no matter how we chose to do it? Why can't we just support other mothers because, wow is it ever a hard job, and don't we need all the love and support we can get?
And with that, I'm getting off my soapbox.
5 comments:
I also loved breastfeeding my babies and it was always such a bittersweet experience when it came to an end. I even dragged it out for 2 years for my babies although my boy took a little longer to let go...sigh.
That said, I agree with you whole heartedly about not judging anyone who doesn't breastfeed, whether they could or not. To each their own experience. As for me, I do feel blessed to have been able to do it. I found it very bonding for me and my babies not to mention financially rewarding as well because "hot dang" that formula is "pricey" as you so eloquently said:)
btw, stay on your soapbox...love hearing what you have to say!
Hi Emily. Saw this on your FB stream. First off, thank you. I wasn't able to breastfeed. It was devastating. I can't even describe how much worse the heartbreak is when you read / hear nasty comments. And I had to laugh at formula being pricey - it TOTALLY is, but so are lactation consultants, hospital grade pumps, herbs, pills, etc. I'm glad you had a wonderful bf experience and that you can be so supportive of mothers who have a different feeding experience.
Thanks guys! Hannah, I'm glad you found me! I've seen how mean people can be, it's pretty unbelievable, and so very sad! Especially where I know so many people who, like you, were so heartbroken when it didn't work. Good point about the other being expensive, too, though, I did shell out a bunch the first time for my pump and a lactation consultant. But as long as the baby is fed and loved, that's what I think is important!
I totally agree. Why can't we all be supportive and understanding.
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