No one can tell you what to do when it comes to breastfeeding. You are the one who decides how to feed your baby and whatever decision you make, it must be respected by all the people around you. There are women who breastfeed because they can and want to and other women who do not because they cannot or because they do not want to, and it must be respected!
Do not blame yourself
Whether you can’t or don’t want to breastfeed, you shouldn’t feel bad about it. Enjoy how wonderful motherhood is. If you want to but you can’t, you don’t have to get frustrated or force your baby to starve at a breast that does not get the milk it needs to be well fed, you are not to blame for that and you have to be calm.
It is true that breastfeeding allows you to feel an almost mystical connection with your baby … But not breastfeeding does not mean that you will lose that connection, far from it! Your connection began from the moment your baby was an embryo inside your uterus that began to form thanks to you, who was her home for 9 months and your arms will continue to be so throughout life.
Although they tell you that breast milk has great properties (which is true) and that it can prevent allergies, disorders and diseases in babies … It is also true that today’s formula milk is very complete and babies also grow healthy and powerful. They will not diagnose anything bad just because you do not breastfeed, especially if you give him a good quality formula.
If you force yourself to breastfeed your baby when you cannot or do not want to but feel pressured by society, you will not be able to enjoy the wonderful motherhood that you can live together with your baby. Your baby can grow up healthy, strong and happy even if he doesn’t breastfeed from you.
Follow your instinct
If your child’s pediatrician and others tell you it’s better than breastfeeding but you feel bad every time they tell you, find another professional who respects your decision. Because yes, it is true that breastfeeding is the best option for the baby, but it is not the only option and you are free to decide how you want to feed your child.
Remember that the size of the breasts has nothing to do with milk production, there are times that this simply does not happen, or it is difficult for various reasons such as poor nipple latch , rejection of the breast by the baby, mastitis or cracks in the nipples … and you don’t want to go through that. Not breastfeeding your baby does not make you a bad mother, not at all! Being a good mother is much more than breastfeeding.
You have to make sure that your baby is in good health and that the formula you give him is adequate for your little one to grow. But you do not have to force yourself to suffer stress or anxiety, much less frustration for not breastfeeding your baby … Because these negative emotions can be harmful to your baby and his development.
Choose the way
While you understand that breastfeeding has many benefits (for both children and mothers), it is also true that the health of formula-fed babies is not meant to compete with the health of breastfed babies. Babies can grow strong and healthy in both ways, and one mother is no better or worse than another for deciding one type or another of feeding for her baby.
Think about your circumstances and your wishes and do not allow anyone to make you do something you do not want. You will always make the best decision for both you and your baby. No matter the reason, it is your decision and what you should do first of all is not to stress and enjoy how wonderful motherhood is together with your baby, because everything will pass too quickly. The important thing is that you are calm and happy together with your little treasure of love.
