Reply to Please tell me it’s ok to switch to formula

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[quote=Anonymous]Like the PP above, I was also 100% formula-fed and went to an Ivy, as well as a top 10 grad school in a traditionally prestigious field, if that is important to you.

In my DC’s case, we had AMA, IVF, emergency C-section, and premature birth as complicating factors, but when the milk didn’t come in, I didn’t want to accept how stacked the cards were against me. My recovery was very difficult and forcing myself to stay tethered to the hospital-grade rental pump for 3.5 months didn’t help. One absolute shining maximum peak production day, I pumped a 90ml bottle in a day. Yes, I pumped around the clock, optimized my diet, hired LCs, hand expressed before and after, etc etc etc. After finally throwing in the towel, I grieved losing that very special bonding time w my DC (we had latching issues too, but when it worked, it was golden and wonderful), but quitting with breastfeeding completely was so freeing and restorative. I found a European formula that is right for my preferences. My warrior NICU graduate is an awesome sleeper and has been in the 97th percentile for height and hitting most “milestones” early since about 7 or 8 months, if that is important to you. Formula (as well as basically being incapacitated during the first few weeks at home) turned out to be an unexpected blessing, as it has organically created an equal partner of my DH as far as childcare goes. I fit back into most of my clothes.

I understand how you feel - I’ve felt subtle judgment from and/or a patronizing tone from the outside world about not breastfeeding. But every situation is different, and it’s not all black-and-white BF=good & FF=bad. I’m not saying there aren’t benefits to breastfeeding, but there are different benefits to formula-feeding that are just as valuable, if not more, especially if you’re struggling as much as you are. If you make the switch, I hope you’ll feel *less* guilty and downright proud of the fact that you made the choice to be better rested (relatively-speaking!), healthier, stronger, and more mentally present than maybe you feel right now. The fact that you’ve been grappling with this so much that you’re asking for support on this forum (knowing you’re opening yourself up to mean, anonymous criticism) shows that however you decide to feed, you’re a great Mom who will put your kid’s needs first.[/quote]

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