In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, I'm putting myself out
there with this picture of me feeding my third-born shortly after his birth.
I experienced difficulty breastfeeding my twins, with
frustration of not producing enough for both, difficulty and pain getting one
of them to latch properly, and lack of time and help with completing other
tasks. I was breastfeeding one, bottle feeding the other, and pumping between
feedings in an attempt to increase my supply. But after four weeks, my mother
and mother-in-law had to leave and I gave up ... buried in frustration and
household chores. I made it five weeks with them until I gave into formula and
a better life for my family. I knew it was the right decision for us, but
couldn't help feel guilty when I would see a mother of 9-month-old twins
breastfeeding with the ease of chewing gum. My twins are healthy kids, rarely
sick, and intelligent. I had many opportunities to snuggle them and find
intimacy and closeness. I don't regret what I had to do--nor should anyone else
who chooses formula.
With my third, it was much easier. I produced enough--even
for the little piggy that he was. I enjoyed the intimacy with him. And, I had
peace of mind that I was doing the best thing for him that I possibly could. I
was also very fortunate to never feel judged for breastfeeding in public. It's
quite possible I just never paid attention to it. Or, maybe it's possible
people are beginning to accept this act as exactly what it is ... nourishing a
child ... period.
There are many reasons why a mother would choose formula
over breastfeeding, or have no choice in the matter at all. No matter what
mothers choose for themselves and their babies, I think all mothers would agree
that everyone should support a breastfeeding mother just as breastfeeding
mothers should support a formula-feeding mother. Happy World Feeding Week ...
breast milk or formula, we feed with love.
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