My friend Haley posted this the other day, and I loved it so much, that I think it’s worth the re-share:
“We have decided to have Eleanor do a combo of supplement and breast milk.
I thought long and hard about this. I had a ton of supply that could last 2 months. Then last week. I look in the freezer and there was about 1 week worth of milk left. How? I am only able to pump 4 oz every 4 hours. And Eleanor needs 8 oz per feeding.
This does not mean I am quitting breastfeeding altogether. I will still feed her when I am home. But while I’m away she will supplement as needed. If I have no milk supply? We will supplement. If she needs more? We will supplement. If for some reason my milk stops? We will supplement.
There is no shame in supplementing and honestly I don’t know why so many moms shame it. A fed baby is a fed baby. NO MATTER HOW, YOUR BABY GETS FED.
Some moms physically can’t breastfed. THAT’S OKAY.
Some moms emotionally cannot breastfeed. THAT’S OKAY.
Some moms are able to breastfeed. THAT’S OKAY.
Some moms have to do both. THAT’S OKAY.
And honestly I’ve done both breastfeeding and supplementing with ALL 3 of my children. Each experience was different. Each experience was beautiful. Each child is happy and healthy. And in the end? It’s what’s BEST for you and baby!
So ignore the others and follow your gut. Because mama, you know your baby better than anyone else.”
THANK YOU for sharing this message Haley! I know I needed to hear this when I went through this with my second baby. My mom guilt was oh, SO real. Momma, if this resonated with you, know you’re not alone. Spread this message far and wide. The mean girl in our head LOVES to point out all the flaws in our mothering. You are a perfect mom just for loving your kid(s). A fed baby, is a healthy, happy, growing baby. And you momma, are amazing! No matter how that beautiful baby gets fed.
