Breastfeeding & Formula Feeding: Why Must We Normalize Only One? by Jordan Carter

Motherhood
6 years ago

Breastfeeding & Formula Feeding: Why Must We Normalize Only One?

Throughout my pregnancy I was told ”breast is best.” Out of fear of being a failure I was determined to breastfeed. Flash forward a week after giving birth and I was miserable. I hated breastfeeding. My son wouldn’t latch. I had to use a nipple shield. He only fed from one breast leaving me to pump the other, and not to mention the pain that came along with every feeding! I could feel my baby blues worsen with each feeding.

I cried to my husband about how much I hated the process. I brought up formula to my husband when my little one was 8 days old. He supported it, but I had to come to terms with not breastfeeding. I kept fearing the judgment from others and feeling like a terrible mother.

We started formula a few days later, and everything changed. My baby was happier during feedings, I was happier, my husband was happier – it was a new family.

We are going on four weeks of full formula and I don’t regret my decision at all. I realize now that I had to be happy and healthy for myself and my baby, and formula feeding did just that. I hope that new moms and veteran moms not only work to normalize breastfeeding, but normalize all feeding.

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Renee
I can’t love this enough! Congratulations on your little one and thank you for sharing! Moms have so much pressure from others (intentional or not) and feeding your baby should not have to be a stressful thing. As long as baby is fed and loved- that is what matters!
Kimberly Johnson
I’m so glad you figured out what works best for you and your baby, Jordan Carter . A happy and healthy mama and baby are far more important than worrying about breast vs. bottle. Congratulations again on your baby boy and welcome to 30Seconds!
Katie Sloan
I found a balance between both but every mom should do what feels right.
Heather Murphy-Fritz
I cannot agree more. I supplemented with both of my children and was a happier, more rested mother. We do the best we can.
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you for this great post, Jordan Carter . Moms need to do what works best for them and their families without fear of guilt or shame. Welcome to our 30Seconds tribe. Can't wait to learn and grow with you. Congrats on your new baby! :-)
Mike Prochaska
Oh man I remember these days!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for this, Jordan Carter ! I think it's so important for us to support all moms and what THEY feel is best for them and their babies. Congrats on your little one. The 30Seconds tribe is here to support you. We are so glad to welcome you to our community of writers!

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