After a recent vlog, I was emotional about wether or not to stop breastfeeding and so many of you commented on it. I know breastfeeding is a highly emotional topic but I didn't expect people's comments to get to me as much as they did.
Don't get me wrong, 90% of the comments were lovely and advised to do what I thought was best for MY family. And that's exactly what I did.
Since then, I've done a few videos and I've tried to drop hints that we are now formula feeding.. saying I 'have to do the bottles', 'Aria's just having a bottle' and made I a video with tubs and bottles of aptamil formula powder the background. But still I am being asked if I have 'given up' breastfeeding.
My answer is no.
I have not 'given up'.
I have made a decision to stop.
I have made a decision to switch from breastfeeding to formula for the sake of my family.
I wasn't going to do this post because I feel like I shouldn't have to explain myself, but then I thought I shouldn't have to hide the fact I have switch to formula and I most definitely shouldn't be ashamed of it, or feel like a failure.
I breastfed Aria exclusively for just over 4 months and in my eyes, that is a massive, massive achievement. I would have been over the moon if I managed 4 months with Sienna instead than 2 weeks so why should I feel differently this time?
Formula has worked out better for us all. For several reasons.
I am more relaxed.
I feel I can enjoy Aria rather than just being her source of food.
I feel I can enjoy Aria rather than just being her source of food.
Warren can feed her if I am busy or just want a break.
I am better rested. Aria is better rested.
Aria is not starving all the time.
Warren can spend quality time with Aria and not be worried she will start screaming and he'll have to pass her back to me for the 1057th time that day.
I'm not anxious to go out.
Sienna is getting more quality time from me, not me just telling her she needs to wait every 2 seconds because 'Mummy's feeding the baby..again'.
I feel happier because I don't have a baby hanging off my boob 24/7.
Everyone is generally in a better place.
I'm not saying one is better than the other.
There's no doubt that breastfeeding is better for baby nutritionally, but sometimes you need to think about yourself and your other child you popped out first and that man you're going to spend the rest of your life with...
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