Because it’s national breastfeeding week…I felt encouraged to make this post.
As beautiful it is seeing all the pictures of all the beautiful Mamas breastfeeding their littles. It can be a big trigger for those who can’t or couldn’t. So I want to remind the Mamas that weren’t able to, such as myself, that if you’re not breastfeeding…YOU ARE STILL A GOOD MOM!!
This is a picture of myself attempting to breastfeed my second. (I’ll get back to that in a sec) When I was pregnant with my first, my body didn’t produce the milk needed to feed, and as much as I tried and tried. Nothing was happening and my daughter was declining in weight. I remember while pregnant though, I always told myself to prepare for anything that may not go the way I’d like it to. So personally I was okay. I didn’t beat myself up nor thought I was a “bad mom”, but there are mothers out there that may have felt that way or currently do. So I just want to tell you to shake those thoughts off, because Mama boob or bottle, You are still AMAZING!
Honestly, though, it’s so sad how people look down or make mothers feel bad if they aren’t able to breastfeed or may even just choose not to. I encountered such disgust firsthand with my first and let me tell you, “I’m the sweetest person you’ll ever meet,” but this lady I wanted to sucker punch right in the face! The dehumanization she made me feel as a FIRST TIME MOTHER, I was baffled! If it wasn’t for the second lactation specialist we’d seen and my daughters pediatrician reassuring me that IT IS OKAY. I probably would have mentally backtracked.
But anyways, back to my second. Although, I knew I couldn’t breastfeed. I still wanted to try again. It was a different pregnancy and a total opposite one from my first at that. So I said, “Why not try and see” and although once again nothing was there. I knew that my baby would be okay because as long as she was feeding, boob or not. She was still going to be healthy no matter what and HEY bottle feeding is a bonding experience too!
So for all my past, current, and any future bottle-feeding Mamas. Don’t be ashamed. Don’t feel guilty. You’re still AMAZING and always remember fed is best!
Much love,
Mama K. XO
Blissful Burgos 