Ok, shit's about to get real. This gets my dander up because it's an issue that really divides moms. Breastfeeding vs. formula feeding. Recently, the medical world has taken a sharp turn towards the former, promoting breastfeeding (sometimes unhelpfully) to new and prospective moms to the point that if they are simply unable to physically produce, they feel (and are often TOLD) they aren't doing something right.
While some problems can be straightened out with helpful lactation advice, other issues are far more than reason for mothers to choose a different way to feed their child. I breastfed (well- pumped) exclusively for little guy's first 5 months of life. I battled issue after issue and in the end totalled up 5 hours a DAY when I was hooked up to a machine instead of actually focusing on being a MOM. In the end, it wasn't worth it. My supply was constantly infected because of other health issues I was battling and I wasn't about to get better and exclusively breastfeed at the same time.
I know other moms whose stories are different. Some feel awkward about it, or maybe they have a past of sexual abuse. It's perfectly reasonable for them to avoid the issue of breastfeeding entirely- their body is their own, for some it can be triggering. Some just don't want to. That's okay too. In my opinion, it really doesn't matter as much as some think. Formula is not the devil. Exclusive breastfeeding moms aren't to be looked down upon.
My 'REALLY?!' moment comes up whenever I see gratuitous photos of women breastfeeding their children on my newsfeed. A lot of the admirers and supporters comment compliments- claiming the only thing that matters is 'the child is fed with love'. My ass! These same people would never comment on a bottle-feeding picture with the same love and fervor. What about the moms who CAN'T?! Seriously. If love is all that matters, why isn't it equal? Why isn't formula feeding just as 'brave'? If love is all that matters you wouldn't be showing favoritism and outrage when Facebook bans a showy breastfeeding photo and not commenting or liking another photo of a baby being fed with love (and formula).
Let's get real. Love isn't ALL that matters, is it?
