As a mother, it’s natural to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when it comes to feeding your baby. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or use a combination of both, every mother’s journey is unique and deserves to be celebrated. Because Motherhood is the toughest hood you’ll walk through and every day you get through should be celebrated!
However, there seems to be a pervasive narrative in society that breastfeeding mothers are judgmental towards formula feeding mothers. This stereotype is not only unfair, but it’s also simply not true despite what the internet tells you. The reality is that breastfeeding mothers are actually the minority in Western culture, and many feel judged for their decision to breastfeed in public or simply answering “Yes” that they are still breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding past 6 months is not widely done in Western culture, and yet, it seems that breastfeeding mothers are always on the receiving end of narky backhanded comments or judgment. If a breastfeeding mother is asked if she is still breastfeeding she is 9/10 times immediately responded back with why another mother couldn’t breastfeed and put in to a uncomfortable position to offer emapthy and sympothy instead of congratulated for making it through, the cracked and bleeding nipples where she felt dread every time her baby was due for a feed, but she kept going, where she made it through the mastitis, low supply, tongie ties, elimination diets, because in reality, many breastfeeding mothers just want to be able to celebrate their accomplishments and share their experiences with others without feeling like they are being accused of judging or shaming formula feeding mothers.
The truth is, every mother is different, and every mother’s feeding journey is unique. Formula feeding can be a lifesaver for mothers who struggle with breastfeeding, or who have medical conditions that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible so no mother should be feeling any shame for her choice to formula feed, was it the right choice for them and their baby at the time? Yes then whats the shame in that? Nothing! Great job Mama! And, while breastfeeding can be a beautiful and rewarding experience, it can also be incredibly tough, and not every mother is able to do it. Great job Mama to those that made it!
It’s time for society to recognize that every mother is doing the best she can for her baby, regardless of how she chooses to feed them. Let’s celebrate all mothers for their hard work and dedication, rather than pitting them against each other in a false narrative of judgment and shame. Whether you’re a breastfeeding mother, a formula feeding mother, or a combination of both, you are doing an amazing job, and you deserve to be proud of your accomplishments! If you loved this blog share it to your page and tag @babymamathelabel
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Head to our shop and do some guilt free shopping because Mama, what have you got yourself since becoming a mother? You deserve to look and feel comfortable during this season of life. Remember how much effort you put into before you were a mum? Baby Mama The Label is designed to give you that little spark back to make you feel like you again x