Last week, I made a choice. I made a choice to be done with breastfeeding. I made a choice to use formula and baby food. I made a choice that feeding my baby my milk for the first seven months of his life was long enough for me. I made the choice. Furthermore, I had the right to make the choice. However, I felt bad about that choice. And, that caused me to wonder. WHY? It is my belief that to formula feed and to breast feed are both valid and equal options. Additionally, I have never had a disparaging thought towards mothers who exclusively formula feed. So, WHY?…Why did I feel bad about giving up the breast? The answer lies in the way that our society values one choice over the other. The prevailing thought that “breast is best” radiates in most mainline social media. The though of being judged, the idea that other mother’s would view my choice as “lesser,” caused me to feel poorly. (for the record, I’m over it.)
The parallels between breastfeeding choices and birthing choices are undeniable. It is no secret that the information out there glorifies vaginal “natural” birth as well as breastfeeding as the ideal standards of baby care. I’ve said it once, and I will say it again, the idea of a choice as lesser is detrimental to women who will be making these choices. There is a plethora of information out there that suggests pros and cons to vaginal birth, c-section, breastfeeding, formula feeding…however, the information is often difficult to locate in a non-judgmental forum. Nonetheless it does exist and it is up to us, as mothers, to research the pros and cons to these choices in order to make the best choice for us and our baby. It is also up to us, as mothers, to not judge the choices that others make in regards to birth and feeding. Breastfeeding, Formula-feeding, Vaginal, C-section,….ALL EQUAL….ALL PERSONAL CHOICES….ALL A MOTHER’S CHOICE.
Thanks for reading,
Lauren
