If I had a dollar for every time I heard “breast is best” and whatever reason for why it’s best – I would be RICH AF. All of us would and especially the moms who are in mom groups. Scientifically, maybe – maybe – but see, that’s the thing. There are SO MANY FACTORS and everyone’s version of best is different. At least that’s how I feel. Who is to say what’s best for any of us and the pressure put on new moms on simply what and how they’re feeding their babies is insane. When do we step back and look at momma’s well being and sanity as a factor in determining what’s best? I remember having to supplement my son with Formula on top of breastfeeding, and the first time I went out and prepared a bottle of formula in public, I felt the extreme urge to grab everyone who was watching me (as if they were judging me for using formula and not breast, but no one wants to see your breasts feeding your baby in public) – and scream all of my reasons for formula feeding – as if I had to justify my reasoning.
Stacy and her hubby Andrew feed their son Brayden and you know what? Formula is best. It’s best because Stacy is HAPPY and a happy momma can help make a happy baby. And seriously, look at how damn cute he is with his yummy bottle! You’ll read below about her journey of feeding her son and the decisions and extreme thoughtfulness behind her choice. I resonate so much with what she says in regards to being mindful of your own mental health and anxiety. <3
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT HOW YOU FEED YOUR BABY
My husband (Andrew) and I have chosen to formula feed our son Brayden.
IS THIS THE WAY YOU HAD IMAGINED FEEDING YOUR BABY? TELL ME WHAT THAT LOOKED LIKE
This is the way I imagined feeding my baby.
HOW DID YOU HAPPEN TO SETTLE ON THIS METHOD OF FEEDING
I made the decision before we were even pregnant that I wanted to formula feed. My two older sisters and I were all formula fed so I think that also played a part into “normalizing” formula feeding and not really second guessing my decision. I also saw someone who struggled with breastfeeding and watched how painful and draining it was for her. I didn’t like the aspect of not knowing how much my child was eating and making sure they were getting enough. (I tend to have a control issue)
WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON INFANT FEEDING BEFORE YOU BECAME A MOTHER?
I’m not sure I had many thoughts on it or even thought about too much just because I knew how I wanted to feed my child before I even became a Mom.
HOW HAS FEEDING YOUR BABY THIS WAY MADE YOU A BETTER PERSON?
I have struggled with postpartum anxiety and I think making the decision to formula feed has been great so I can focus on myself and not always feel like I am the only one that can feed my child and that it’s solely my responsibility. I think it has made me more relaxed and one less thing to stress about even though I still get stressed that he’s eating enough!
WHAT TYPES OF COMMENTS (GOOD AND BAD) HAVE LEFT AN IMPRESSION ON YOU?
I don’t think anyone has ever made a bad comment directly to me. There was one Instagram story of someone I follow who had recently had a baby and is breastfeeding and went on to say the best thing for babies to be fed is breastmilk. I wanted to respond with “thanks for the Mommy Guilt” but I didn’t :)
WHAT KIND OF ROLE HAS YOUR PARTNER PLAYED IN FEEDING YOUR BABY?
Andrew has played a huge role in feeding Brayden. During the first couple of weeks while I was healing and needing to rest Andrew volunteered to take the night shifts of feeding. Andrew definitely woke up more times in the middle of the night to feed than I did. (I know that’s not common and that I am SO lucky!)
ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE MOMMAS?
Do what works best for you and your family. Just because one way works for someone else doesn’t mean you have to do it that way, or that it will work for you. You and baby will still bond no matter how you choose to feed your baby! If you choose to formula feed, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty of your decision. When we are out in public I have learned to shake my formula bottle with pride! :)
