I wrote this post as a member of the Playtex Mom Trust Program in which I receive products and compensation, all opinions are my own.
As a new mom you are suddenly overwhelmed with choices. Which diapers to use, what products are safe for baby, how to feed baby, and so much more. The last thing you need is too add guilt to the list of your worries.
I think the thing that brings the most guilt upon a mom is choosing to bottle feed instead of breast feed. With all the campaigns saying breast is best (and I am not arguing that, I think it is) it can be hard when you end up not being able to breast feed or need to stop. Whether you have done it for months, years or weeks it seems we always feel bad when we stop breast feeding. I say we should all quit with the guilt! Well meaning friends relatives (and even strangers) can put this guilt on us without realizing they are doing it. “You really should keep breastfeeding” or even the looks as you whip out that bottle during the play date at the park.
With my first child I had a very hard time breastfeeding. I only ended up doing it for a few months and had to quit for personal reasons (mainly my sanity). With my second child it was much easier and I was able to do it longer. But I did have people telling me I shouldn’t quit with my son and I felt really bad when I had to make the choice. It is crazy because I was making the best choice for us, so I shouldn’t have cared what others thought.
So here is my advice to both sides on this issue:
Innocent (or not so innocent bystanders): GIVE SUPPORT NOT CRITICISM
Remember that you don’t know what is best for someone else. So it is probably best to keep your opinions to yourself even if you think your way is better. You can end up making a new mom feel horrible and that is the last thing she needs. What she needs is support, love and comfort. If what you say to her isn’t one of those then just don’t say anything.
Moms: STOP FEELING BAD
You are doing what is best for you and for your baby. Only you know your circumstances and what you both need. So don’t think twice about what others think and ignore the comments you get from people who disagree with what you choose.
One the flip side, make sure if you are a bottle feeding mom that you are supporting the moms who breastfeed as well. It goes both ways.
Say goodbye to the guilt and embrace the fact that you are doing exactly what you need for you and baby. You rock mama!
Visit the Playtex Mom Trust page for more parenting tips and reviews!
