Friday, May 20, 2011

The Joys of Formula Feeding

For quite some time I have wanted to write about why formula feeding will not sentence your child to a life of obesity or stupidity along with the other myriad of things you hear when breastfeeding is touted over bottle feeding.

I have held off because I did not want to put up with hearing how wrong I was and how "breast was best".  I get it.  Breast feeding is natural, difficult, and great for some people, but it's not for everyone.  Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed.  And whether you do or don't breastfeed for whatever reason, mothers should not have to overcome some guilt trip about it.  I know the benefits of breastfeeding and always planned on breastfeeding my baby.  But then again, I used to always want to get pregnant and have a natural birth as well.

There are all sorts of issues that occur with breastfeeding that can make it difficult and reasons why mothers don't breastfeed--supply issues, anatomy issues,  and medical issues of both mom and baby just to name a few.  And then there is just a woman's situation and personal preference that needs to be taken into account when she is determining whether to breast or bottle feed, or to do both.

When I found out we would be adopting our little boy I didn't have much time to get ready.  One thing I did was research a bit more to decide what formula I would to give my little guy.  And as I read websites and information, some of them start to talk about how bottle feeding is not as good as breastfeeding and I began to feel guilty that I would be formula feeding my baby.  Crazy, huh?  Well, I got over it.

So my little guy has bottle fed and done fabulous.  And frankly, I cannot imagine breastfeeding.  Bottle feeding is easy, convenient, and nutritious.  My baby is smart, healthy, and amazing.  I am proud to say that  my baby has formula fed.  If you decide to formula feed for whatever reason, don't feel guilty about it.  It is a great way to feed your baby.

4 comments:

  1. "formula feeding will not sentence your child to a life of obesity or stupidity" Bahahaha! You are awesome.

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  2. I don't know why this is such a controversial issue that it can't even be spoken of politely, but it sure is! Formula has saved the lives of so many babies whose mothers couldn't breastfeed. My own sister couldn't be breastfed and actually died because my mother didn't give her formula - only goat's milk because it's more "natural". So I say hooray for formula, though I hope to breastfeed for the selfish reason that it puts my endo into remission!

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  3. So well stated and so true. It simply depends on each child and each mother.

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  4. I've done both - breastfed my first, breastfed my second for a while, but couldn't keep up my supply, so I switched to formula.

    As much as I do love and believe in breastfeeding, there was NOTHING that made me happier than NOT having to be the only one who could feed my son. With formula I could do a feeding, my husband could do a feeding, my mom could do a feeding, or heck, my 2 year old daughter could hold the bottle if I needed her too. I loved the convenience of formula, and will use it again if I have too!

    Also, my dad was exclusively formula fed because back in the 50s researched showed it was better for babies then breast milk. He is not obese and he has a Masters and a PhD, so he's not stupid either. :)

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