My social media has been covered in pictures and articles this week. Articles about how breastfeeding is what is best for your babies. Pictures of mamas in their most natural state nursing their babies. This week is National Breastfeeding Week.
Breastfeeding is great. I nursed my first three kids and can honestly say without doubt, that I loved it. I had no problems, no hard moments. It came naturally to me. My son was born and went through some scary health moments. Due to stress, I lost any milk supply. I pumped until I bled and cried. I tried to get him to nurse, only to have him fight me because I had nothing. Oh guys, it was the most devastating thing.
I only had the option of formula feeding. I received messages from friends telling me to breastfeed just a bit longer. I mean with his health problems breast milk just had to be better, right? Wrong! Keeping my child nourished and well fed is what is best. I look back and think about how sad I was I couldn’t nurse my little boy…only to now think about how silly that is. I caused myself so much anguish. And you know what? Formula was a great choice and he’s just fine.
Before I strike a chord with any of you awesome breastfeeding mamas, know that I truly think you are amazing. I also think mamas who formula feed, mamas who have to tube feed their child, and mamas who can only pump are equally amazing. This whole parenting thing is pretty tough. Some days I am satisfied that we got through the day with no broken bones.
Why worry about how another person feeds their child? Any parent who is feeding their child to help them thrive gets an A+ in my book.
On National Breastfeeding Week, to the mamas who are feeling down because they don’t get their own National week, know that I’ve been there and you are doing a fantastic job! Your child will never remember how they were fed as a baby. They will remember growing up with a happy mom. Keep doing what’s best for you and your baby, you won’t regret it!