Why can't we all just get along?
Why can't we all just support each other?
Why can't we just all be informed of the pros and cons and get on with it?
Short answer is obviously a resounding "no".
I would never suggest a mum go feed her babe via breast in a bathroom. Ew! I know what i do in there and it aint that hygienic! I'm so glad that that crap (excuse the pun?) doesn't happen here. I'm glad to see mums in our library feeding their babes at the computers and in the children's area and outside on the benches. I don't understand why people [in other countries] get upset at seeing a woman breastfeed.
BUT the same goes on the flip side. I don't understand why breast feeding advocates attack me for formula feeding. Why do they have a go at me over the counter at work? (No, I wont let that go because it honestly was hideous). Why do pro breast feeders go on formula feeding support posts and write nasty comments or just go on and on about the benefits of breast feeding and harp on about 'breast being best'.
Seriously? Like we don't know that?
Breast is best has been shoved down my throat since the second i conceived. There are posters everywhere. When i try to look up information on the formula i'm planning on giving my child all it says is that 'breast is best" and "consult your doctor", who then shrugs and doesn't give me any advice. My plunket nurse all but attacked me when I told her there was formula in the bottle I was feeding ZJ. I'm bullied at work about it by patrons who imply that I'm a bad mother.
How am I not supposed to get a little sensitive and feel upset about that all that? How am I supposed to feel confident as a mama? How do I NOT feel guilty when all i get is the spiel? Don't try and tell me that any guilt i feel is just because I know I'm doing the wrong thing. Its because of people like you who wont stop telling me I'm a terrible person.
Ergh. Im angry.
4 comments:
Dont feel guilty and dont take on their guilt - you are a wonderful mother and Simon is an awesome dad - I have seen with my own eyes that Zander is such a great, happy, healthy bright eyed baby - you are doing superbly!!!! Breast is not always best, as it depends on each individual situation - my own milk was crap and wasnt best.
You probably don't want a comment from me (but your going to get one anyway), all i'm going to say is if god intended everybody to breastfeed then he would never have invented formula, you do whats best for you and bubs.
For some weird reason I didn't see this post before! Lililly... would you ever want to guest post on Fearless Formula Feeder? I really think it would be great to get perspective from someone in another country.
Also- you obviously know where I stand on this and could not agree more. I love what Kim said - it reminds me of what the LC at my pediatrician told me when I was in there for the 3rd time that week - "God made formula too." I'm not religious in the least, but something about a lactation consultant telling me that made it so much better.
Hey FFF!
I've had other rants (on the Tales of a Noob Parent blog) but to be honest they are exactly what I said - rants - Nothing important to miss!
Although I'm not religious either that one hit a chord for me too... My doctor had said it as well and I'm grateful to those that do.
And sure I will be a guest blogger, Any time you want :)
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