It's hard being a new mom (or even an experienced mom to a new baby) and sometimes we do things we know we shouldn't, despite what all the experts say. But this is a safe place to share your secrets (PM me)—we'll never tell.
This Week's Secret:
My son is 2 months old now and he has been on formula since Day 1. It isn't because I can't breastfeed (as far as I know, everything worked just fine) and it isn't because I tried and failed. I never wanted to in the first place. Everything about feeding a baby from my boobs grossed me out, so I skipped it. I dried up my milk and I formula fed. Now everyone makes me feel so bad that I rarely tell anyone, and when I do tell people, I lie about why. Is this really SO bad? -- Anonymous
Is your baby gaining weight? Thriving? If so, then fine.
Truth be told, there is going to be a contingent of moms who don't get why breastfeeding "grossed you out." That does sound slightly juvenile and it makes me sad that no one helped you overcome those fears. On the other hand, it's your prerogative to feed your baby however you want and, personally, I don't really care what your reason is. Is your baby healthy? Yes? Then it's none of my business in public.
Since you did ASK, though, I will say: I breastfed both my babies and I don't find it bad, so much as sad. It's just the total opposite of what I felt about the act that made me feel so close to my babies. That said, your baby is fine and anyone with judgement should clam it up. In the end, it's nobody's business but yours. You have the right to feel whatever you want and feed your baby however you want so long as he is healthy.
Do you have any advice for this mom?
Image via nerissa's ring/Flickr