Breastfeeding was something that was very important to me. Even if I was only able to breastfeed for a few short days or weeks I was determined to try and get it right. I'm even seriously considering becoming a lactation consultant to help others on their breastfeeding journey. But I know that not everyone is as lucky as I have been in breastfeeding their babies. And for a myriad of reasons, some women cannot breastfeed.
Now I'm sure some reading are very passionate lactivists who think that women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed weren't "trying hard enough" or didn't try this or that solution. But what they don't know is that sometimes these women DID try everything under the sun to breastfeed. Others may have turned to formula feeding for other reasons, medication being a primary reason.
So I want to make sure that readers know that while breastfeeding has been a great decision for my family, it might NOT be for everyone. And you know what? That's OK. We as mothers should not judge other mothers for the decisions they've made (as I've said in the past) and we shouldn't force our beliefs on those around us simply because we feel like we're right.
And with all of this rambling I do have a point to this post! I wanted to introduce my readers to a blog I follow and a person I respect and love, The Fearless Formula Feeder. I think the description in the title of her blog says it all, "Standing up for formula feeders, without being a boob about it." So if you have turned to formula as a way to feed your child and need a little support I think this blog is a great resource.
There is also a weekly segment called FFF Fridays where formula feeding moms share their stories about formula feeding. Recently the FFF posted that she was running low on FFF Friday entries so I'm posting to ask if you have a story to share, please send it along to formulafeeders@gmail.com. I am sure that she, and other moms, will appreciate it!
7 comment(s) with love:
I really wish she had been around 16 years ago. I couldn't breast feed( long, long, long story of try try try again and nada) and i felt so alone as some are almost fanatical about breastfeeding. I'm sure many will appreciate her blog!
I've breastfed all of my boys (4 of them) with some bumps here and there. (I've considered seeking lactation consultancy, but am not sure hubby wants me going back to school for some of the classes right now.)
BUT, my sister could NOT fully sustain her children through breastfeeding as she just didn't have a supply to speak about. Mothers need support regardless of their situation.
Laura O in AK
http://daybydayinourworld.com
I understand that some women (only 2%) can not actually breastfeed, but I feel like breastfeeding mothers are the ones lacking in the support area. I feel like there is no shortage of support for bottle feeding mothers in our society. It is accepted as the norm and breastfeeding mothers are looked down upon. I honestly don't understand why women feeding their children with formula need to gather together and swap stories and support each other. I am a supporter of milk sharing, because I believe that breast milk should be available to all babies.
Kelsie - I guess where I live there is such a push to breastfeed and there's almost a never-ending supply of support and acceptance. I just wanted other mamas to know that there is support for BOTH sides. We shouldn't be pro-breastfeeding or pro-formula feeding, we should be pro-mom. Supporting one another no matter what personal choices we make for our families.
Thank you for your comments!
And BTW, I was able to donate over 100oz of breastmilk that I could not use (my daughter refused a bottle... long story) and the woman who used it used formula, milk sharing AND pumped milk (what little she could produce) to give her baby what she thought was best. There are soo many different situations and stories.
I was one of those 2% that was unable to breastfeed and it really killed me. I was planning on breastfeeding but I never produced milk! :( I was so looking forward to that bonding experience with my daughter but looking at it now, I don't think we could be any closer than we are now. She doesn't want me out of her site!
I had no idea you wrote this until today... you are the sweetest! For whatever it's worth, I have so much admiration for you and the way you approach breastfeeding (and breastfeeding advocacy); I think you would make a STELLAR lactation consultant.
Thanks again for the shout-out - it means a great deal, coming from you.
Aww :) Not a problem. I have many friends IRL who I've sent your way so I figured why not put it on the blog too.
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